After years of speculation, Rockstar confirmed what everyone was waiting for: Grand Theft Auto VI launches worldwide on November 19, 2026. That's the date circled on every gamer's calendar, and barring any last-minute surprises, it's locked in. Here's the full timeline of how we got here -- and what's still coming before launch day.
The Official Release Date
November 19, 2026 -- a Thursday, which breaks from the traditional Tuesday launch window that the industry used to follow. PS5 and Xbox Series X|S get it simultaneously. No staggered rollout, no timed exclusivity for either platform. Both consoles, same day, worldwide.
Beta Testing Timeline
The beta opened in early 2026 to selected testers. The current testing phase runs through June 30, 2026, giving Rockstar roughly five months of real-world player data before the final build gets locked. New builds drop approximately every two weeks, with patch notes and updates tracked on the news page. If you haven't signed up yet, the registration guide walks you through the process.
The Delay History
Rockstar originally targeted a late 2025 release window. That slipped to 2026 after the team decided the game needed more polish -- specifically around the open world's AI systems and the multiplayer infrastructure. It was the right call. The beta builds we've seen suggest a level of quality that justifies the extra time.
What About PC?
No PC version has been announced. If history is any guide -- and with Rockstar, it usually is -- a PC port will arrive 12 to 18 months after the console launch, putting it somewhere in late 2027 or early 2028. GTA V followed the same pattern, launching on PS3 and Xbox 360 in September 2013 before hitting PC in April 2015.
Pre-Order Information
Pre-orders haven't opened yet as of April 2026, but Rockstar typically announces them 3-4 months ahead of launch. Expect Standard and Collector's editions, likely with some GTA Online bonus content bundled in. We'll update this page the moment pre-order details drop.