[Last Updated: February 2026]
[This article is updated regularly as new info drops. Bookmark it.]
After over a decade of waiting, Grand Theft Auto VI finally has a locked-in release date. Rockstar Games has confirmed that GTA 6 launches on November 19, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. No PC date yet — but we’ll get to that.
This article compiles every confirmed detail about the GTA 6 release: the date, the delay history, editions, pricing expectations, pre-order info, and what comes next. We separate fact from speculation so you know exactly what’s real.
GTA 6 Release Date: November 19, 2026
✅ CONFIRMED: Grand Theft Auto VI will release on Thursday, November 19, 2026 exclusively on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
This date was officially confirmed by Rockstar Games on their Newswire and corroborated by Take-Two Interactive during their quarterly earnings call. The November date positions GTA 6 perfectly for the holiday gaming season — the same window that saw massive launches like Red Dead Redemption 2 (October 2018) and GTA V’s original release (September 2013).
The Delay Timeline
GTA 6’s road to release hasn’t been entirely smooth. Here’s the full timeline:
- December 2023: Rockstar drops the first official trailer, confirming the game’s existence and a 2025 release window
- May 2025: Trailer 2 debuts (475+ million views in 24 hours), confirming a May 26, 2026 release date
- November 2025: Take-Two’s earnings call reveals a six-month delay. New date: November 19, 2026
- February 2026: Take-Two reconfirms the November 19 date remains on track
Rockstar explained the delay by stating it was needed to deliver “the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve.” Given Rockstar’s track record of releasing extremely polished games (and their history of delays — GTA V was delayed three times), this isn’t surprising.
What Platforms Is GTA 6 Releasing On?
✅ CONFIRMED: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S at launch.
GTA 6 is a current-gen exclusive. There will be no PS4 or Xbox One version. This is a significant departure from GTA V, which launched on PS3/Xbox 360 before getting enhanced versions for newer consoles.
By going current-gen only, Rockstar can push hardware to its limits. The trailer footage already showcases ray-traced reflections, massive draw distances, incredibly dense pedestrian crowds, and environmental detail that simply wouldn’t be possible on last-gen hardware.
What About PC?
🔮 EXPECTED: A PC release is widely anticipated for Fall 2027, approximately 12 months after the console launch.
Rockstar has not officially confirmed a PC version, but there’s zero chance it doesn’t happen. GTA V’s PC version came 18 months after consoles. Red Dead Redemption 2’s PC version arrived 13 months later. Industry analysts expect a similar 12-month gap for GTA 6.
For the full breakdown, check out our GTA 6 PC Release Date article.
GTA 6 Editions and Pricing
🔮 EXPECTED: Rockstar has not yet announced official editions or pricing for GTA 6.
Based on industry trends and Rockstar’s history, here’s what we expect:
| Edition | Expected Price | Expected Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $69.99 – $79.99 | Base game |
| Special/Deluxe Edition | $89.99 – $109.99 | Base game + in-game bonuses, GTA Online starter pack |
| Collector’s Edition | $149.99 – $249.99 | Physical collectibles, art book, in-game content |
The $69.99 standard price point is now the industry norm for AAA titles on current-gen consoles. However, given GTA 6’s unprecedented hype and development cost (reportedly over $1 billion), some analysts speculate Rockstar could push toward $79.99 for the standard edition.
For a deeper look at whether GTA 6 is worth the investment, see our Is GTA 6 Worth $70? breakdown.
Pre-Order Information
❓ NOT YET AVAILABLE: As of February 2026, GTA 6 pre-orders have not opened.
Pre-orders are expected to go live between July and September 2026, roughly 2-4 months before launch. When they do open, expect them on:
- PlayStation Store (PS5 digital)
- Microsoft Store / Xbox Store (Xbox digital)
- Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, GameStop (physical copies)
- Rockstar Warehouse (likely for collector’s editions)
We’ll update this section the moment pre-orders go live.
GTA 6 Setting: Vice City and Leonida
✅ CONFIRMED: GTA 6 is set in Vice City, located within the fictional state of Leonida — Rockstar’s version of Florida.
Both trailers have revealed a vibrant, neon-soaked reimagining of Vice City that goes far beyond the 2002 original. The map extends beyond the city into the wider Leonida countryside, swamps, beaches, and smaller towns. Early estimates from community analysis suggest the map could be 2-3 times larger than GTA V’s Los Santos and Blaine County combined.
For detailed map analysis, check out our GTA 6 Map: Vice City & Leonida deep dive.
Main Characters: Lucia and Jason
✅ CONFIRMED: GTA 6 features two playable protagonists — Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval.
Lucia is GTA’s first female protagonist, and the dual-protagonist system appears to function as both a gameplay and narrative mechanic. Lucia and Jason are partners in crime and romance, with the story following their criminal journey through Leonida’s underworld.
Trailer 2 revealed their full names and showcased individual character moments — Jason working out at an outdoor gym, Lucia in what appears to be an underground fighting ring. The trailers suggest players will switch between both characters during missions, similar to GTA V’s three-character system but more intimate.
For the full character breakdown, see GTA 6 Characters: Lucia, Jason & More.
What Trailer 2 Revealed
Rockstar’s second trailer dropped on May 6, 2025, and broke viewing records with over 475 million views in 24 hours across all platforms. Here’s what it confirmed:
- Full character names: Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval
- Character customization: Jason seen working out, suggesting the return of the body/fitness system from GTA San Andreas
- Fighting mechanics: Lucia participating in underground fights, hinting at a melee combat system
- Home customization: The same safehouse shown in different states of renovation throughout the trailer
- Hacking mechanics: A character using a smartphone to hack a security system
- Ray-tracing: Extensive use of real-time ray-traced reflections across Vice City
- Actual gameplay footage: Rockstar confirmed the trailer features real in-game footage, not pre-rendered cinematics
See our complete GTA 6 Gameplay Features guide for a full breakdown of every confirmed mechanic.
Development History and Cost
GTA 6 has been in development since at least 2014, making it one of the longest development cycles in gaming history. Reports indicate the game’s budget has exceeded $1 billion, with monthly development costs reportedly reaching $10 million during peak production.
The massive leak in September 2022 — where a hacker obtained and released early development footage — was a major blow to Rockstar’s secrecy. However, the company confirmed the leak did not impact development. The footage actually gave fans their first real look at gameplay mechanics and confirmed Vice City as the setting before the official reveal.
Rockstar’s team at Rockstar North (Edinburgh), along with support from all Rockstar studios worldwide, has been working on GTA 6. This is the most ambitious collaboration across Rockstar’s global network of studios.
GTA Online 2: What Happens to GTA V Online?
🔮 EXPECTED: GTA 6 will feature its own online mode, separate from GTA V Online.
Rockstar hasn’t detailed the online component yet, but GTA Online generated billions in revenue for Take-Two through microtransactions. A successor is guaranteed. The big question is whether GTA V Online will continue alongside GTA 6’s online mode, or be gradually phased out.
Read more in our GTA 6 Online article.
What’s Next: Key Dates to Watch
| Date | Expected Event |
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Possible Trailer 3 or gameplay reveal |
| June 2026 | E3/Summer Game Fest — likely Rockstar showcase |
| July-Sept 2026 | Pre-orders expected to open |
| Oct-Nov 2026 | Review embargo lifts, pre-load begins |
| November 19, 2026 | LAUNCH DAY |
| Fall 2027 | Expected PC release |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does GTA 6 come out?
GTA 6 releases on November 19, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This date was confirmed by Rockstar Games after a six-month delay from the original May 26, 2026 target.
Is GTA 6 coming to PC?
A PC version has not been officially announced, but it’s widely expected to arrive approximately 12 months after the console launch, likely in Fall 2027. Rockstar has historically delayed PC releases to maximize console sales first.
How much will GTA 6 cost?
Official pricing hasn’t been announced yet. Industry expectations place the standard edition at $69.99-$79.99, with special and collector’s editions available at higher price points. Pre-orders are expected to open mid-2026.
Is GTA 6 on PS4 or Xbox One?
No. GTA 6 is a current-gen exclusive, launching only on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. There are no plans for PS4 or Xbox One versions.
Will GTA 6 have single-player DLC?
Nothing has been confirmed. Rockstar famously canceled planned single-player DLC for GTA V in favor of GTA Online content. Most analysts expect a similar focus on online content for GTA 6. See our GTA 6 DLC analysis.
Where is GTA 6 set?
GTA 6 is set in Vice City within the fictional state of Leonida, Rockstar’s version of Florida. The map includes the city itself plus surrounding areas like swamps, beaches, and rural towns.
Who are the main characters in GTA 6?
The two playable protagonists are Lucia Caminos and Jason Duval, a criminal couple whose story drives the narrative. This marks the series’ first female protagonist.
Was GTA 6 delayed?
Yes. GTA 6 was originally announced with a 2025 release window, then set for May 26, 2026, before being delayed to November 19, 2026. Rockstar cited the need for additional polish.
