Updated October 16, 2026 · 5 min read
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GTA 6 pre-loading starts on November 10. If your PS5 or Xbox is full, you will waste time deleting games at the worst moment. Here is how much space the game should take, how much free space each console has and which SSDs to buy if you need more.
Quick summary
- Official size: up to 212 GB (Rockstar)
- Pre-load starts November 10
- Our advice: keep at least 250 GB free before November 10
- PS5: takes an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD with a heatsink
- Xbox: uses its own expansion card (Seagate or WD)
How many GB will GTA 6 take?
Rockstar confirmed the pre-load needs up to 212 GB of free space, depending on the device. It makes sense: the map is about twice the size of GTA 5’s, which already takes over 100 GB on current consoles.
To avoid surprises, set aside at least 250 GB. Day-one patches and GTA Online, when it arrives, may push that higher.
Free space on each console
| Console | SSD | Approx. free space | Does GTA 6 fit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS5 (original) | 825 GB | 667 GB | Yes, but little room for other games |
| PS5 Slim | 1 TB or 825 GB | 848 GB or 667 GB | Yes |
| PS5 Pro | 2 TB | Much more headroom | Yes, comfortably |
| Xbox Series X | 1 TB | 802 GB | Yes |
| Xbox Series S (512 GB) | 512 GB | 364 GB | Tight: you may need to expand |
How to free up space before pre-loading
- Go to Settings → Storage on your PS5 or Xbox
- Delete games you have not played in months (they stay in your library)
- Delete old video captures
- Install your extra SSD before November 10 if you are buying one
The right SSD for PS5
Every PS5 model has an M.2 SSD slot. Sony recommends:
- M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 SSD
- Read speed of 5,500 MB/s or more
- A heatsink, built in or added separately
- 1 TB or 2 TB capacity (the PS5 supports up to 8 TB)
WD_BLACK SN850X with heatsink (1 TB or 2 TB)
One of the most popular SSDs for PS5. Fast, reliable and ships with a heatsink.
- PCIe Gen4, up to 7,300 MB/s
- Heatsink included on the “heatsink” version
- Installs in a few minutes
Prices change often. Check today’s price on Amazon.
Samsung 990 PRO with heatsink
Another benchmark for speed and durability, also with its own heatsink.
- PCIe Gen4, up to 7,450 MB/s
- Heatsink included
- PS5 compatible
Prices change often. Check today’s price on Amazon.
Samsung 990 EVO Plus (1 TB)
Cheaper than heatsink models and more than fast enough for PS5. It just needs a simple heatsink, sold separately.
- PCIe Gen4, up to 7,150 MB/s
- No heatsink: buy one separately for PS5
- Good pick if you want to spend less
Prices change often. Check today’s price on Amazon.
The right storage for Xbox
On Xbox Series X|S, current-gen games only run from the internal SSD or an official expansion card. A regular external hard drive can store games, but cannot run GTA 6.
SanDisk Optimus GX C50 Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S
Slots into the back of the console and works just like the internal SSD. Ideal for Series S owners.
- 1 TB or 2 TB
- Plug and play
- Same speed as the internal SSD
Prices change often. Check today’s price on Amazon.
SanDisk Optimus GX C50 (2 TB)
An officially licensed alternative to the Seagate card, often cheaper.
- 512 GB or 1 TB
- Licensed by Xbox
- Plug and play
Prices change often. Check today’s price on Amazon.
Pre-order GTA 6
The PS5 Standard Edition on Amazon includes the Vintage Vice City Pack when pre-ordered. Compare every edition and store.
$79.99 on Amazon, October 13, 2026. Prices can change.
FAQ
How big is GTA 6?
Rockstar confirmed up to 212 GB of free space for the pre-load. We recommend keeping 250 GB free.
When does GTA 6 pre-loading start?
November 10, 2026, for digital copies.
Can I play GTA 6 from an external hard drive?
No. On PS5 and Xbox Series, current-gen games must run from the internal SSD, an M.2 SSD (PS5) or an official expansion card (Xbox).
Does the physical edition avoid the download?
No. The GTA 6 box has no disc, just a code to download the full game.
Sources: Game Over Drive, Gfinity Esports, Sony and Microsoft specifications.
Read also
Images: Rockstar Games.
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