We are rapidly approaching the release of the most anticipated video game of all time. We are, of course, talking about the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, which is slated to drop at the end of 2026 worldwide.
Rest assured, we are not overstating the interest in GTA VI. The hype for Rockstar North’s signature game is unlike anything ever seen before.
The evidence is everywhere. Rockstar’s first official trailer for the game has racked up more than 260 million views at this writing. And it’s still climbing. Pre-orders for GTA VI are also expected to soar above $1 billion. That is “billion” with a “b,” folks. Heck, you can even wager on GTA VI’s first-week sales over at one of the top Canada betting sites, as compiled by the folks over at MyTopSportsbooks.
Oh, and this says nothing of the teaser analysis we are seeing. Gaming creators have received early looks and are dropping reviews. Screenshots from the game are going viral across basically every social media platform. Go look at any related GTA VI hashtags to boot. You will find millions of posts on it.
The anticipation makes sense. Grand Theft Auto has always been a hugely popular gaming property. And this next iteration comes 13 years after the release of Grand Theft Auto V, which dropped all the way back in 2013. The sheer passage of time foments momentum beyond measure.
Of course, all the build-up raises a question. Many questions, in fact. The most important of them all: When does Grand Theft Auto VI release? And also: What else do you need to know about the drop and game itself?
Strap in, folks. We are here to answer as many questions as possible.
When Will Grand Theft Auto VI Be Released?
Rockstar will release Grand Theft Auto VI on November 19, 2026. It will be available at midnight eastern standard time for those in the United States.
However, other countries will have their hands on the game first. New Zealand will be the first to get a crack at it before any other country, according to Vice.
Because of the time difference, this means that New Zealand will have GTA VI available to them a full 18 hours before gamers in the United States. Residents of the U.S. should plan their travel abroad accordingly, obviously. (We’re kidding. Mostly.)
Finally, Rockstar reports that digital pre-loads of GTA VI will begin rolling out the week before the game’s official release, on November 12, 2026.
Which Consoles will Grand Theft Auto VI Be Released On?
As of this writing, GTA VI is slated for release on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. And that is it.
Many have wondered whether there would be a PC version. To date, however, this iteration has not been announced.
On top of that, scores of industry insiders have confirmed that there will be no compatible version released for PS4 or Xbox One. Not surprisingly, sales of GTA VI-compatible consoles have skyrocketed by 14 percent in the United States since the release date of Rockstar’s hallmark property was announced.
How Much Will GTA VI Cost?
The price point for Grand Theft Auto VI will vary depending on which version you purchase.
Standard editions will run you around $80 USD. The Ultimate Edition will cost just over $100 before taxes.
Naturally, this leads us into a major follow-up question…
What is Included in the GTA VI Ultimate Edition?
Here is a rundown of all the extras included in the Grand Theft Auto VI Ultimate Edition:
- Special Vehicles: Options like a 1995 Grotti Cheetah, 1967 Vapid Dominator Buggy, and Shitzu Squalo boat will all be available in the Ultimate Edition, according to Rockstar’s official breakdown.
- Exclusive Scenery and Shops: Rockstar says the Ultimate edition includes unique mod shops such as Rideout Customs and One-Eye Willie’s. It will also feature locations like Sara’s Unisex Salon and the Stock 305 Clothing Store.
- Custom Weapons and Modifications: GTA VI Ultimate users will be able to use weapons like the Hawk and Little Morgan revolvers, according to Rockstar. They will also have the ability to more thoroughly customize their character’s outfits, hairstyles and tattoos.
- Bonus Side Quests: If you purchase the Ultimate edition, you will unlock ancillary activities like the Classic Car Collection Mission.
- Pre-Order Bonuses: Anyone who reserves a copy of the Ultimate Edition can also expect access to the 1955 Vapid Stanier Sedan and garage. Rockstar also says that early birds will be given a free one-month membership to GTA+ if they purchased a digital copy of the game.
What’s the Most Overlooked Gameplay Upgrade in Grand Theft Auto VI?
This question is a doozy. There are so many more nuanced details from which to choose.
In our estimation, though, there has not been nearly enough attention paid to the shift in GTA VI gunplay. Previously, the auto-aim function was the default. That is apparently no longer the case.
Not only that, but the aiming in general is supposed to be more customizable. Gamers can tailor what they see and how they aim depending on their own preferences. Early leaks suggest this takes a while to get used to, but inevitably makes for a more engaged experience.
Changes to the aiming system were reportedly made in service of facilitating another shift: a revamped combat system. As Phil Briel writes over at Red Bull’s official site:
“This also ties into the new Criminal Profile system. Rockstar emphasises that this isn’t a simple good-versus-evil system like the Honour system in Red Dead Redemption 2. Instead, it assesses how you commit crimes. A carefully planned heist without unnecessary casualties will be judged differently from a robbery that descends into chaos. The familiar tiers range from ‘Professional’ through ‘Aggressive’ and ‘Violent’ to ‘Psycho’, although there is apparently another tier beyond these. Reaching that level can make the resulting changes irreversible for the rest of your playthrough. Jason and Lucia have separate profiles, meaning your choices can shape them into very different types of criminals – one a calculated professional, the other a violent loose cannon.”
We know what you’re thinking: What in the bleepity bleep has to happen for you to be classified as a “Psycho” criminal? Unfortunately, we can’t tell you for sure. But you’ll be able to find out on November 19.
