Rockstar Games has confirmed Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on November 19, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The date marks the first time the studio has provided a specific calendar day for the game.
The November 19 date replaces the previous May 2026 window Rockstar had communicated earlier this year. Before that, the game was slated for a general 2025 release when the first trailer dropped in December 2023. This is the second major shift in the release timeline.
No PC version has been announced. Rockstar historically releases its major titles on consoles first, with PC versions following months or years later. Grand Theft Auto V launched on PC roughly 18 months after its initial console release. Red Dead Redemption 2 followed a similar pattern with a one-year gap between console and PC launches.
The Thursday release date positions GTA VI squarely in the peak holiday shopping period. The timing is designed to capture end-of-year sales across both digital and retail channels. GTA V has sold over 200 million copies globally, making any GTA VI launch one of the biggest entertainment events of the decade.
Trailer one revealed the game is set in Leonida, a fictional state based on Florida, featuring a modern-day Vice City. The trailer prominently featured a protagonist named Lucia. Rockstar has not yet detailed the online component, though GTA Online‘s massive commercial success virtually guarantees a live service element.
The announcement comes with significant market implications. Major publishers typically avoid releasing flagship titles in the same window as a GTA launch. The game will likely dominate late 2026 sales charts and shape retail planning across the industry.
If Rockstar follows its established pattern, PC players are looking at a late 2027 or early 2028 release at best. The company has consistently prioritized console launches, then brought enhanced PC versions to market after the initial wave. This approach has proven commercially successful despite frustrating PC-focused players.
