Grand Theft Auto VI players can start downloading the game tomorrow, Tuesday 10 November, but may need to clear serious space on their consoles first.
Rockstar Games says the pre-load requires up to 212GB of available storage, depending on the device. Downloads open for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with different starting times for each platform.
When downloads open in South Africa
According to Rockstar’s support page, PS5 pre-loading begins at midnight local time on 10 November.
Xbox Series X|S downloads open simultaneously worldwide at midnight GMT. That translates to 2am on Tuesday for South African players.
Local PS5 owners can therefore begin downloading two hours before the global Xbox pre-load window opens. Players should check their console settings ahead of the scheduled start if they want the download to begin automatically.
Downloading does not mean playing
The early download gives players time to prepare before release day. PlayStation lists GTA 6’s PS5 launch for midnight local time on 19 November.
That leaves nine days between the start of pre-loading and the game unlocking. Downloading the files tomorrow does not provide early access to play.
PlayStation specifically tells PS5 owners to have 212GB available. Players can check their remaining space under Settings, then Storage, before deciding what to remove or move.
Get your console ready
For automatic downloads on PS5, Rockstar says auto-download must be enabled and the console must be switched on or in Rest Mode.
Xbox owners need automatic updates enabled, with their console switched on or in Sleep mode.
PlayStation also advises players to confirm their pre-order was successful and ensure their console stays connected to the internet while in Rest Mode.
Once pre-loading opens, PS5 owners can check the game in their library to see whether the download has started. If it has not, PlayStation provides an option to start it manually.
For South African fans preparing for launch, the immediate checklist is straightforward: confirm the purchase, check storage and get the console ready for Tuesday’s download window.