What time does GTA 6 unlock in the US?
| Time zone | Local unlock |
|---|---|
| Eastern (ET) | 12:00 a.m., Thu Nov 19 |
| Central (CT) | 11:00 p.m., Wed Nov 18 |
| Mountain (MT) and Arizona | 10:00 p.m., Wed Nov 18 |
| Pacific (PT) | 9:00 p.m., Wed Nov 18 |
| Alaska (AKT) | 8:00 p.m., Wed Nov 18 |
| Hawaii (HT) | 7:00 p.m., Wed Nov 18 |
The US PlayStation Store lists the release as November 19, 2026 at 05:00 UTC.
That is midnight Eastern, or 9 p.m. Pacific on November 18.
PlayStation Store (US), Grand Theft Auto VIchecked Nov 12, 2026
Why does GTA 6 come out earlier in other countries?
Sony is unlocking the game at midnight in each country, so the start time moves around the world. New Zealand goes first: midnight on November 19 there is 11:00 UTC on November 18, eighteen hours before the US store.
Sony is using a rolling midnight launch by country. It starts at 12:00 a.m. NZDT in New Zealand and moves around the world as each country reaches midnight on November 19.
PlayStation Blog, "Pre-load Grand Theft Auto VI on PS5 starting today"published Nov 10, 2026checked Nov 12, 2026
Do you need to download anything at midnight?
Not if you pre-loaded. The game is already installed and simply becomes playable. Leave the console in rest mode with downloads turned on so any update lands before you sit down. The settings are in the pre-load guide.
Sony strongly advises anyone who wants to play on launch day to pre-load as soon as possible.
PlayStation Blog, "Pre-load Grand Theft Auto VI on PS5 starting today"published Nov 10, 2026checked Nov 12, 2026
When do GTA 6 reviews come out?
Reviews are reported for November 18, the day before launch. Rockstar hasn't announced a date.
Reviews are reported to go live on November 18.
Insider Gaming credits leaker NateTheHate and says it verified the date itself. Rockstar has not announced it.
Insider Gamingpublished Oct 26, 2026checked Nov 12, 2026
