Rockstar has not published the install size of Grand Theft Auto VI yet. What we do know is that it is a large open-world game built only for current consoles, and that digital pre-loading opens on November 12, 2026. The worst time to discover you are out of space is the night the pre-load starts. This guide shows you how to make room now.
Step 1: check how much space you have
On PS5
Go to Settings → Storage → Console Storage. You will see used and free space, broken down by games and apps, media gallery and other data. The original PS5 has an 825 GB drive, of which roughly 667 GB is available for games after the system software. Newer models ship with larger drives.
On Xbox Series X|S
Press the Xbox button, go to Profile & system → Settings → System → Storage devices. The Series X has a 1 TB drive and the original Series S has 512 GB, with less than that available for games in both cases. Series S owners in particular should plan ahead.
Step 2: delete or move what you do not need
- Sort by size. Both consoles let you sort installed games by size. Big multiplayer games you rarely play are the easiest wins.
- Move older games instead of deleting them. Both consoles can play last-generation games (PS4 on PS5, Xbox One on Series X|S) straight from a USB hard drive. Move those across to free internal space without losing them.
- Clear your capture gallery. Long video clips add up quickly. Back up the ones you want and delete the rest.
- Remove leftover data. Uninstall add-ons and language packs for games you have finished.
Step 3: understand what external storage can and cannot do
This is where most people get caught out. Current-generation games such as GTA 6 are designed to run from fast internal storage.
| Storage type | Store PS5 / Series X|S games | Play PS5 / Series X|S games |
|---|---|---|
| USB hard drive or SSD | Yes | No |
| PS5: compatible M.2 NVMe SSD in the expansion slot | Yes | Yes |
| Xbox: official Storage Expansion Card | Yes | Yes |
So a USB drive is great for parking games you are not playing, but GTA 6 itself will need to sit on internal storage or a supported expansion.
Step 4: consider a storage upgrade
PS5: M.2 SSD
The PS5 has an expansion slot for an M.2 NVMe SSD. Sony's guidance is to use a PCIe Gen4 drive between 250 GB and 8 TB with a heatsink or other cooling. Fitting one takes a few minutes and a screwdriver, and the console formats the drive for you. Check Sony's official compatibility page for the exact requirements of your model before buying.
Xbox Series X|S: expansion card
Xbox consoles use a proprietary Storage Expansion Card that plugs into the back of the console. It works exactly like the internal drive, so games run from it at full speed. Ordinary M.2 drives cannot be fitted to an Xbox.
Step 5: set up the pre-load
Once you have space, make sure automatic downloads are switched on so the pre-load can run overnight. Our launch checklist walks you through it, and the countdown shows when the pre-load and the unlock happen in your time zone.
How big is GTA 6?
The official install size has not been announced. It will be listed on the PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store closer to launch.
Can I play GTA 6 from a USB hard drive?
No. You can store it there, but it must be moved to internal storage or a supported expansion drive to play.
Does the boxed copy save space or download time?
No. Rockstar has said boxed copies contain a download code rather than a disc, so the game still downloads in full.