Grand Theft Auto 6 is so close that you can now preload the game onto your console before it officially releases on November 19. After years of anticipation and multiple delays, there’s no doubt this game will be one of the biggest titles in gaming history. But when can you actually start playing? We’re about a week out from the official release date, but the exact time varies by time zone.
If you just can’t wait until it unlocks in your region, there’s a trick to access the game sooner, depending on which console you’re playing on. Here’s when Grand Theft Auto 6 will unlock on your console, and how to potentially get it nearly one day sooner.
What Time Does Grand Theft Auto 6 Unlock By Time Zone?
When GTA 6 releases, it likely won’t be unlocked for everyone simultaneously. Instead, the game is expected to be released at midnight local time in your timezone, according to a November 3 post from Rockstar.
That means the release will begin in New Zealand, where the game will launch on November 18 at 11:00 a.m. UTC (12 a.m. NZDT), before unlocking in Australia, then across Asia and the Middle East. By 22:00 UTC, the game will become available in Eastern European countries, before reaching the rest of Europe an hour later. GTA 6 will unlock in the UK by November 19 at 00:00 UTC (12:00 a.m. GMT). South American countries will gain access before North America.
If you’re playing in the US, you’ll also see the game unlock at midnight local time. That means those on the East Coast will be able to play before gamers on the West Coast. Previously, we were expecting GTA 6 to release in the United States at 12 a.m. ET for all time zones.
These release times are still subject to change.
How to Play Grand Theft Auto 6 Early in the US
Don’t want to wait for your copy of the game to unlock? You may be able to get early access by updating your gaming console’s time zone—but it all comes down to which platform you chose for playing GTA 6.
Since New Zealand gets the game first, Xbox owners can change their console’s region to New Zealand to try to access the game once it hits 12 a.m. NZDT (8 a.m. ET).
To change your Xbox region settings to New Zealand, follow these steps:
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On your Xbox dashboard, go to Settings
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Scroll to System
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On the right side, select Language & Location
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Change your region to New Zealand
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Hit Restart Now to save your changes
If you’re playing on PlayStation 5, this process may be possible, but it’s a bit more complicated since your account is region-locked. To make this work, you’d have to create a separate PSN account, likely using a virtual private network (VPN) that is set to New Zealand. You’d then have to purchase a copy of the game through the New Zealand PlayStation Store. This may require a payment method compatible with the region and might also cost you more after converting currencies. Even after all of this, there’s no guarantee it will actually work.
We Got a GTA 6 PC Before We Got GTA 6
Is The Timezone Trick Worth the Effort?
Changing your time zone could get you early access to GTA 6, as it’s worked for other games like Call of Duty. But it’s not a guarantee. “It’s likely that Rockstar would find a way to stop this,” said Jordan Minor, PCMag’s gaming expert.
If you want to change your time zone on your Xbox, it’s a minimal-effort step that may let you play the game roughly 18 to 19 hours earlier. The PlayStation workaround, however, is much trickier and may not be worth your time.
How to Preorder Grand Theft Auto 6
Haven’t preordered your copy of GTA 6 yet? Here’s how to make sure you’re ready to go when the game drops in your time zone.
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Amazon:
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PlayStation Store:
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Walmart:
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Xbox Store:
About Our Expert
Jason Cohen
Senior Editor
Experience
As PCMag’s editor of how to content, I have to cover a wide variety of topics and also make our stories accessible to everyday users. Considering my history as a technical writer, copywriter, and all-around freelancer covering baseball, comics, and more at various outlets, I am used to making myself into an expert.
I believe tech corporations are bad, but you might as well know how to use technology in everyday life. Want more how to content delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the tips and tricks newsletter that I curate three times a week.
My job as how-to guru means I use just about every gadget under the sun, so I can figure out how everything works. I work from a Lenovo ThinkPad running Windows 11, but also have a very large Dell Inspiron 17 3000 and Apple silicon MacBook. I have a Google Pixel 6a for personal use and use a Galaxy Z Flip 4 for additional Samsung-related testing. For iOS coverage, an iPhone 13 mini works like a charm, though it’s already becoming a little long in the tooth.
My desktop situation includes a dual monitor setup with a modest Acer monitor. I also use a Logitech vertical mouse (who can use these ThinkPad trackpads) and a Havit keyboard (my first mechanical keyboard; I love it but my wife hates it!). I’m a recent convert from wired headphones; I have Anker Soundcore Liberty Air wireless earbuds for personal use and have taken to the Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones for work.
Whenever I have a second to myself, I’m probably gaming on my Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck, or Xbox Series S. I also still have a bunch of classic consoles lying around as well.
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