If you’ve been refreshing Rockstar’s social media pages every other day for updates on the next Grand Theft Auto entry, you’re far from alone. GTA 6 is easily the most anticipated video game of the decade, and one of the top questions on every fan’s mind right now is when is GTA 6 available for pre order. We’ve pulled together every official clue, industry pattern, and insider leak to break down exactly what you can expect, no unfounded rumors or clickbait included. Whether you’re holding out for a collector’s edition or just want to lock in a standard copy as soon as possible, this guide has all the details you need to plan ahead.
When Is GTA 6 Available for Pre Order, Based on Rockstar’s Past Patterns?
Rockstar has a very consistent track record when it comes to opening pre orders for its flagship titles, so we can make a very educated guess without official confirmation. There’s no way to know for sure exactly when is GTA 6 available for pre order until Rockstar makes the official announcement, but these past patterns give us a very reliable window. For GTA 5, pre orders opened roughly 8 months before the game’s initial launch on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. For Red Dead Redemption 2, pre orders went live 7 months ahead of its release date, after the first full gameplay trailer dropped.
Rockstar has already confirmed that GTA 6 is set to launch for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in 2025, so if that timeline holds, pre orders will likely open sometime between late 2024 and early 2025. Pre orders almost always go live immediately after the release date is officially announced with a specific day and month, so that’s the milestone you want to watch for first. It’s worth noting that PC pre orders will probably open much later, as Rockstar typically waits 1 to 2 years after console launch to release GTA entries on PC, and pre orders for that version only go live a few months before its PC-specific release date. Don’t fall for fake pre order listings on third-party retailer sites right now, either—any listing you see before Rockstar makes the official announcement is just a placeholder to capture email sign-ups, and you won’t be locked into a price or guaranteed a copy by putting your name down early.
What Pre Order Bonuses Can You Expect for GTA 6?
Rockstar doesn’t skimp on pre order perks for its biggest releases, so you can expect multiple tiers of bonuses depending on which edition you pick up. For past titles, the standard edition pre order bonus usually included in-game currency, exclusive cosmetic items, and early access to certain gameplay content. For GTA 6, we’re predicting even more generous perks, given how high demand is for the game. All pre orders, regardless of edition, will almost certainly include a bonus amount of in-game GTA 6 cash for both single-player and GTA Online mode, as that’s been a staple of Rockstar pre orders for over a decade.
Higher-tier special editions will likely add extra content like story missions, exclusive vehicles and weapons, digital art books, and soundtrack access. The collector’s edition, which will probably be produced in very limited quantities, will almost certainly include physical merch too, like a vinyl record of the soundtrack, a map of Vice City, figurines, and exclusive in-game items you can’t get any other way. If you’re a casual fan who just wants to play the base game, the standard edition pre order will be more than enough, but if you’re a long-time GTA superfan, you’ll want to act fast when collector’s edition pre orders go live—they sold out in less than 24 hours for both GTA 5 and Red Dead Redemption 2.
Should You Pre Order GTA 6, Or Wait For Post-Launch Updates?
There’s no one right answer here, as it depends on your play style, budget, and how badly you want to play the game on launch day. Pre ordering comes with clear benefits, but there are also a few downsides to consider before you drop your cash. To help you decide, we’ve broken down the biggest pros and cons of pre ordering GTA 6:
- Pros: Secure your copy before stock sells out, get exclusive pre order only bonuses, lock in the lowest possible price if retailers run pre order discounts, and get access to pre load so you can play the second the game launches.
- Cons: You won’t be able to see critical reviews of the game before you buy, you may miss out on bigger discounts that pop up in the first few months after launch, and PC players will have to wait far longer for their version to release even if they pre order early.
- Middle ground: Sign up for email alerts from Rockstar and your preferred retailer so you get notified the second pre orders go live, then take 24 hours to weigh your options before you buy—most pre order stock lasts at least a few days for standard editions, so you won’t miss out if you don’t buy immediately.
So, pre ordering makes sense if you know you’re going to play the game day one, and you want the exclusive bonuses that won’t be available later. If you’re on the fence, or you care more about getting the best possible price than playing on launch day, waiting a few months post-launch is a totally valid call. A lot of players also wait to see if there are major game-breaking bugs at launch, though Rockstar’s flagship titles usually have far fewer launch issues than most other AAA games these days.
How To Prepare For GTA 6 Pre Orders Going Live?
If you’ve decided you want to pre order GTA 6 as soon as it’s available, there are a few simple steps you can take right now to make the process as smooth as possible. First, make a decision about which edition you want ahead of time, so you don’t waste time weighing options when stock is selling out fast. Think about whether you care about extra in-game content or physical merch, and set a budget for yourself so you don’t overspend in the excitement of the pre order launch. Save your payment and shipping details on your preferred retailer’s website ahead of time, so you can check out in seconds instead of fumbling to enter your card details while stock runs low.
It’s also a good idea to follow Rockstar’s official social media accounts, and turn on post notifications so you get an alert the second they announce the pre order launch date. Avoid buying from untrusted third-party sellers on resale sites, especially for collector’s editions—there are already hundreds of fake listings up, and you’re almost guaranteed to get scammed if you buy from someone who isn’t an official retailer. If you want to get the best possible deal, compare prices across major retailers before you buy, as many stores will offer extra perks like free shipping, gift cards, or exclusive in-game items to encourage people to pre order with them instead of competitors. You don’t have to pre order the second it goes live, but if you’re after a limited collector’s edition, you’ll want to be ready to check out within the first hour of pre orders opening to avoid missing out.
At the end of the day, we’re all just as excited for GTA 6 as you are, and we’ll update this guide the second Rockstar makes any official announcement about when is GTA 6 available for pre order. For now, don’t fall for fake rumors or overpriced placeholder listings, and focus on getting ready so you can get the edition you want as soon as pre orders officially go live. Whether you pre order day one or wait for a sale a few months after launch, GTA 6 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious games Rockstar has ever made, and it’s well worth the wait for long-time fans of the series.
