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GTA 6 Timeline: Every Official Rockstar Announcement From Reveal to Release
Grand Theft Auto VI has been one of the longest waits in video game history. More than a decade passed between the launch of GTA V in September 2013 and the arrival of its successor, and the road included a confirmation statement, a major leak, a first trailer that arrived early, two delays and a carefully staged pre-order campaign. This guide brings every official step together in one place.
To keep it reliable, this timeline only lists what Rockstar Games or its parent company Take-Two Interactive actually announced. Rumours, leaks presented as news and fan theories are left out. Where something was not officially confirmed, we say so clearly.
Key takeaways
- Rockstar first confirmed that the next Grand Theft Auto was in active development on February 4, 2022.
- The first official trailer arrived on December 4, 2023, about 15 hours early after it leaked online. It confirmed Vice City, the state of Leonida and a 2025 target.
- On May 2, 2025, Rockstar moved the game to May 26, 2026. Trailer 2 followed on May 6, 2025.
- On November 6, 2025, Rockstar announced a second delay, to Thursday, November 19, 2026.
- Pre-orders opened on June 25, 2026, with a Standard Edition at US$79.99 and an Ultimate Edition at US$99.99.
- The launch trailer released on October 15, 2026, pre-loading starts on November 12, 2026, and the game launches on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19, 2026.
GTA 6 official timeline at a glance
| Date | Official milestone |
|---|---|
| September 2013 | GTA V launches, starting the long wait for a sequel |
| February 4, 2022 | Rockstar confirms the next Grand Theft Auto is in active development |
| September 2022 | Rockstar confirms a network intrusion after early development footage leaks |
| November 8, 2023 | Rockstar announces the first trailer for early December |
| December 4, 2023 | Trailer 1 released early; 2025 window, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S confirmed |
| May 2, 2025 | First delay: new date set for May 26, 2026 |
| May 6, 2025 | Trailer 2 released, introducing Jason Duval in depth |
| November 6, 2025 | Second delay: new date set for November 19, 2026 |
| June 2026 | Pre-orders and edition prices announced; pre-orders open June 25 |
| October 15, 2026 | Official launch trailer released |
| November 12, 2026 | Pre-loading begins for eligible copies |
| November 19, 2026 | Launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S |
2013 to 2021: the long silence
GTA V launched in September 2013 and became one of the most successful entertainment products ever released. Rockstar kept it alive for years through new console versions and the constant growth of GTA Online, while also releasing Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018. During this period, Rockstar did not officially announce a new numbered Grand Theft Auto game, even as fan speculation grew every year. If you want to see where GTA 6 fits in the full series, our guide to every GTA game in order covers the complete history.
2022: confirmation and the leak
February 4, 2022: development confirmed
In a message published on the Rockstar Newswire, the studio confirmed that development of the next entry in the Grand Theft Auto series was well underway. The statement gave no name, setting, platform or date, but it was the first official acknowledgement that a new GTA was coming.
September 2022: the leak
In September 2022, a large amount of early development footage appeared online. Rockstar confirmed on September 19, 2022 that it had suffered a network intrusion in which confidential information, including early footage of the next Grand Theft Auto, was taken. The studio said it was extremely disappointed, that work would continue as planned and that it did not expect any long-term effect on development. Because this footage was unfinished, it should not be treated as a reliable picture of the final game.
2023: the reveal
November 8, 2023: the trailer is announced
Rockstar co-founder Sam Houser confirmed that the first trailer for the next Grand Theft Auto would be released in early December 2023, timed with the studio’s 25th anniversary.
December 4, 2023: Trailer 1
The trailer was scheduled for the morning of December 5, 2023, but it leaked online, so Rockstar released it on the evening of December 4 (US time), roughly 15 hours early. It officially confirmed:
- The title: Grand Theft Auto VI
- The setting: Vice City and the wider state of Leonida, Rockstar’s take on Florida
- Lucia, one of the game’s lead characters
- A 2025 release window
- Platforms: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
For a deeper look at the world shown in the trailers, read our GTA 6 map guide to Vice City and Leonida and our profile of Lucia Caminos.
2025: two delays and Trailer 2
May 2, 2025: the first delay
Rockstar announced that GTA 6 would not make its 2025 window and set a specific release date: May 26, 2026. The studio explained that it needed more time to deliver the game at the level of quality players expect.
May 6, 2025: Trailer 2
Just days after the delay, Rockstar released the second trailer, which focused heavily on Jason Duval and his relationship with Lucia. It was accompanied by new screenshots and official character and location information on Rockstar’s website. You can find Jason’s full profile on our Jason Duval page, and a summary of every official video in our GTA 6 trailers list.
November 6, 2025: the second delay
Rockstar announced a second delay, moving the game from May 26, 2026 to Thursday, November 19, 2026. In its statement, the studio apologised for adding more time to what it recognised had been a long wait, and said the extra months would allow it to finish the game with the level of polish players have come to expect and deserve.
2026: pre-orders, the launch trailer and release
June 2026: pre-orders and prices
In June 2026, Rockstar confirmed that pre-orders would open on June 25, 2026, revealed the official cover art and reaffirmed the November 19 date. The launch editions were confirmed as:
| Edition | US price |
|---|---|
| Standard Edition | $79.99 |
| Ultimate Edition | $99.99 |
The Ultimate Edition adds a collection of extra in-game content. The physical version contains a download code in the box rather than a game disc. For full details by region and what each edition includes, see our GTA 6 price and editions guide.
October 15, 2026: the launch trailer
Five weeks before release, Rockstar published the official launch trailer, featuring a new song from Justice, the duo behind the game’s original score. Our breakdown of the GTA 6 launch trailer covers what it shows.
November 12, 2026: pre-loading
Rockstar confirmed that pre-loading begins on November 12, 2026, one week before launch, so players can install the game before it unlocks. Our GTA 6 pre-load guide explains how to prepare.
November 19, 2026: launch
Grand Theft Auto VI launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on November 19, 2026. Check our GTA 6 release date page for the latest confirmed details.
What Rockstar has not confirmed
Some questions still have no official answer at the time of writing. We will update this timeline only when Rockstar or Take-Two confirms them:
- A PC version: none has been announced. See our page on the GTA 6 PC release.
- Versions for PS4 or Xbox One: not announced; the confirmed platforms are PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
- The exact plans for online multiplayer at launch: see our explainer on GTA 6 Online for what has and has not been said.
Why the timeline matters
Following official milestones is the best way to avoid misinformation. Over the years, many fake release dates, invented trailers and “insider” claims circulated online. Every date in this guide comes from a Rockstar or Take-Two announcement, which makes it a safe reference when you see a new rumour. If a claim does not appear in an official statement, treat it with caution.
FAQ
When was GTA 6 first announced?
Rockstar confirmed that the next Grand Theft Auto was in active development on February 4, 2022. The game’s name, setting and window were officially revealed with Trailer 1 on December 4, 2023.
How many times has GTA 6 been delayed?
Twice. It moved from its original 2025 window to May 26, 2026 (announced May 2, 2025), then to November 19, 2026 (announced November 6, 2025).
How many official trailers has Rockstar released?
Three main trailers: Trailer 1 in December 2023, Trailer 2 in May 2025 and the launch trailer on October 15, 2026.
When did GTA 6 pre-orders open?
Pre-orders opened on June 25, 2026.
How much does GTA 6 cost?
The Standard Edition is US$79.99 and the Ultimate Edition is US$99.99.
Is GTA 6 coming to PC at launch?
No PC version has been announced. GTA 6 launches on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Conclusion
From a short confirmation in February 2022 to a November 2026 launch, GTA 6 followed one of the most closely watched development journeys in gaming. The official record is clear: two trailers before release, a launch trailer, two delays, pre-orders in June 2026 and a launch on November 19, 2026 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Bookmark this page and our release date tracker for verified updates, and remember that only Rockstar’s own announcements make it into this timeline.