GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026 — but not on PC. Rockstar confirmed the game for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S only. No PC release date has been announced. If you’re a PC gamer waiting for GTA 6, here’s what we know, what history tells us, and when you can realistically expect to play it.
Last updated: February 23, 2026
The Short Answer
GTA 6 on PC will likely arrive in Fall 2027, approximately 12 months after the console launch. This is an educated estimate based on Rockstar’s consistent pattern with every major release. No official PC date has been confirmed.
What Rockstar Has Said About the PC Version
Almost nothing. Rockstar’s official communications mention only PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Their announcement posts, earnings call transcripts, and marketing materials don’t reference a PC version at all.
This silence is deliberate. Rockstar never announces PC versions of their games early. They wait until the console launch hype cycle is complete, then announce the PC version as a separate event — often with an “Enhanced Edition” label and additional features.
The closest thing to an official acknowledgment came from a Take-Two Interactive earnings call where Strauss Zelnick mentioned “additional platforms” without specifying which ones or when. Industry analysts universally interpret this as a PC release in 2027.
Rockstar’s Historical PC Release Pattern
Rockstar has followed the same console-first, PC-later strategy for every major title. The pattern is remarkably consistent:
| Game | Console Release | PC Release | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTA IV | April 2008 | December 2008 | 8 months |
| GTA V | September 2013 | April 2015 | 19 months |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | October 2018 | November 2019 | 13 months |
| GTA 6 (estimated) | November 2026 | Fall 2027 | ~12 months |
The average gap is about 13 months. GTA V was the outlier at 19 months, but that’s because Rockstar released a PS4/Xbox One remaster between the original console and PC versions. Red Dead Redemption 2, the most recent comparable release, had a 13-month gap.
For GTA 6, most industry analysts — including Jason Schreier and Tom Henderson — predict a 12-month gap, putting the PC release window around October-November 2027.
Why Does Rockstar Delay the PC Release?
There are several strategic reasons Rockstar delays PC versions:
1. Double-Dipping Revenue
The staggered release encourages enthusiastic fans to buy the game twice — first on console, then again on PC. This strategy worked spectacularly for GTA V, which sold over 200 million copies across multiple platforms and generations.
2. Console Exclusivity Deals
Sony and Microsoft pay significant sums for timed exclusivity or marketing rights. A console-only launch window maximizes the value of these deals. Sony reportedly invested heavily in GTA 6 marketing rights for the PlayStation platform.
3. Anti-Piracy Strategy
Console games are much harder to pirate than PC games. By launching on consoles first, Rockstar captures the highest-revenue launch window without piracy concerns. By the time the PC version arrives, initial demand has been satisfied on consoles, and the PC release generates a second wave of sales.
4. Technical Optimization
PC has infinitely more hardware configurations than consoles. Developing and testing for thousands of CPU/GPU/RAM/driver combinations takes time. Rockstar’s PC ports are typically well-optimized at launch (Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC was solid after patches), and they use the extra months to ensure quality.
5. GTA Online PC Economy
Launching GTA 6’s new online mode on consoles first lets Rockstar stabilize the economy and fix exploits before PC release. PC is historically more vulnerable to cheating and modding, which can destabilize online economies.
Predicted PC System Requirements
Rockstar hasn’t released official PC specs, but based on the PS5/Xbox Series X hardware and GTA 6’s visual fidelity, here are educated estimates:
Minimum (1080p, 30 FPS, Low Settings)
| Component | Estimated Requirement |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-8600K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| GPU | NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super / AMD RX 5600 XT |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Storage | 150 GB SSD (SSD likely mandatory) |
| VRAM | 6 GB |
Recommended (1080p, 60 FPS, High Settings)
| Component | Estimated Requirement |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-10700K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 3070 / AMD RX 6800 XT |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| Storage | 150 GB NVMe SSD |
| VRAM | 8 GB |
Ideal (1440p/4K, 60+ FPS, Ultra Settings)
| Component | Estimated Requirement |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-13700K / AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 4070 Ti / AMD RX 7900 XT |
| RAM | 32 GB |
| Storage | 200 GB NVMe SSD |
| VRAM | 12 GB |
These are speculative based on comparable open-world games released in 2025-2026. Official requirements will be confirmed when Rockstar announces the PC version.
Key prediction: GTA 6 will almost certainly require an SSD. Loading the massive open world with 700+ enterable buildings from an HDD would create unacceptable streaming hitches. Both PS5 and Xbox Series X use NVMe SSDs, and the game is being designed around that storage speed.
Should You Wait or Buy on Console?
This depends on your setup and patience:
Buy on console if:
- You already own a PS5 or Xbox Series X
- You don’t want to wait 12+ months
- You want the guaranteed “it just works” console experience
- You plan to play GTA Online at launch (the online community will be most active on consoles first)
Wait for PC if:
- You want higher frame rates (likely 100+ FPS on a good PC vs. 30-60 on console)
- You want mod support (GTA modding is a PC-only phenomenon)
- You prefer mouse and keyboard for shooting
- You’re confident the PC version will be well-optimized (Rockstar’s track record suggests it will be after initial patches)
- You don’t want to pay for a console just for one game
Buy both if:
- You’re a GTA enthusiast who will play single-player on console and then replay with mods on PC
- You want to experience GTA Online from day one on console and then transition to PC for the better performance
What About the Steam Deck / Handheld PC?
GTA 6 on Steam Deck or similar handhelds (ROG Ally, Legion Go) is theoretically possible if the PC system requirements aren’t too demanding. GTA V runs well on Steam Deck at 30-40 FPS. However, GTA 6’s dramatically higher visual fidelity and system requirements will likely put it beyond what current handhelds can handle at playable frame rates.
Next-gen handheld PCs with AMD’s Z2 Extreme chip (expected in late 2027) might manage 30 FPS at Low settings. But don’t buy a Steam Deck specifically for GTA 6 — wait for benchmarks after the PC release.
How to Prepare Your PC for GTA 6
If you’re planning to play on PC when it arrives in 2027, here’s what to consider now:
GPU: An RTX 3060 or RX 6700 XT is the likely minimum for a comfortable 1080p/60 FPS experience. If you’re buying a new GPU in 2026-2027, an RTX 4060 Ti or AMD equivalent should handle GTA 6 well. If you already have an RTX 3070 or better, you’re probably fine.
CPU: Ryzen 5 5600X or Intel 12th gen i5 should meet recommended specs. Open-world games are CPU-intensive, so don’t pair a powerful GPU with a weak CPU.
RAM: 16 GB is the bare minimum. 32 GB gives you headroom for GTA 6 plus background apps. Make sure it’s running in dual-channel at rated speed (XMP/EXPO enabled in BIOS).
Storage: An NVMe SSD with at least 200 GB free. GTA 6 will likely be 150-180 GB installed, and you want buffer space for updates and shader caches. Do not plan to install it on an HDD.
Timeline: What to Expect and When
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Now (Feb 2026) | No PC announcement yet. Focus on console marketing. |
| August-September 2026 | Console preorders open. Marketing ramps up. |
| November 19, 2026 | Console launch. |
| December 2026 – January 2027 | Possible PC announcement (if Rockstar follows the RDR2 pattern) |
| March-June 2027 | PC preorders likely open |
| October-November 2027 | Expected PC release (if 12-month gap holds) |
| 2028 | Possible if delays occur (worst case based on GTA V’s 19-month gap) |
FAQ
Has Rockstar confirmed GTA 6 is coming to PC?
Not explicitly. Rockstar has only confirmed PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. However, every mainline GTA game since GTA III has been released on PC. A PC version is virtually certain — the only question is when.
Will GTA 6 PC be on Steam or Epic Games Store?
Most likely both, plus the Rockstar Games Launcher. Red Dead Redemption 2 launched first on Rockstar’s own launcher and Epic, then came to Steam one month later. GTA 6 will likely follow a similar approach.
Can I preorder GTA 6 for PC?
No. There’s no way to preorder a PC version because Rockstar hasn’t announced one. Be cautious of any site claiming to sell PC preorders — they’re either selling console versions or running a scam.
Will GTA 6 PC support DLSS and FSR?
Almost certainly. Both NVIDIA DLSS (currently at version 4.5) and AMD FSR are standard in major PC releases in 2026. Rockstar would be leaving significant performance on the table by not supporting them. Ray tracing support is also highly likely.
What if I can’t wait — should I buy a console?
If you have the budget and the patience to wait isn’t an option, a PS5 or Xbox Series X is the only way to play GTA 6 in 2026. Used PS5 consoles are available for $350-400 in 2026. That said, buying a console for a single game is a significant expense — especially when the PC version will likely offer a better experience.
