GTA 6 Update 1.002: Day One Patch Size and Rollout
Last updated: November 13, 2026
The GTA 6 update 1.002 (version 01.002.000) started rolling out on PS5 on November 13, 2026, six days before the game unlocks. It is a small download of roughly 1 GB, it is reported as mandatory, and it is reaching players in stages, so if you do not see it yet, it should arrive within the day.
This is the first patch Rockstar has pushed to the pre-loaded game files, and many players are already calling it the day one patch. Below is everything confirmed so far, what is still unknown, and exactly how to make sure your console is fully ready for launch on November 19.
GTA 6 Update 1.002 at a Glance
| Detail | What we know |
|---|---|
| Version number | 01.002.000 |
| Release date | November 13, 2026 (before launch) |
| Download size | About 1 GB on PS5 |
| Required to play? | Reported as mandatory |
| Rollout | Staged: about half of players first, the rest roughly 11 hours later |
| Official patch notes | None published yet |
| Xbox Series X|S | Not clearly confirmed; reports differ |
What Is GTA 6 Update 1.002?
Update 1.002 is the first patch added on top of the GTA 6 files that players have been pre-loading since pre-load opened. According to reporting from ComicBook and VICE, the patch landed on PS5 on November 13 with a download of about 1 GB, which is tiny compared with the full game install.
ComicBook notes that the update is flagged as mandatory. In practice, that means anyone who wants to start playing at unlock will need this patch installed first. The good news is that because Rockstar released it a week early, almost nobody should have to wait for it on launch night.
Dataminers tracking the files, cited by ComicBook, say the biggest changes are to story and level data, while the large audio, video and texture archives are unchanged. That fits a small fix-up patch rather than a big content drop.
Why the Patch Is Rolling Out in Stages
One unusual detail is that the update is not reaching everyone at the same time. The PlayStation Game Size tracker, as reported by VICE and ComicBook, says version 01.002.000 first went out to about 50% of users, with the remaining 50% scheduled to get it roughly 11 hours later.
Rockstar has not explained the staggered release, but the most likely reason is server load. With GTA 6 already reported as the most pre-ordered game ever on PlayStation and Xbox, pushing even a 1 GB file to every console at once would create a huge traffic spike. Spreading it out keeps download servers stable, the same logic internet providers are using as they prepare for launch week. You can read more about that in our piece on GTA 6 download traffic.
Are There Patch Notes for GTA 6 1.002?
No. As of November 13, Rockstar has not published any patch notes for update 1.002, and neither ComicBook nor VICE could say exactly what it changes. Anything you see claiming specific fixes, new features or performance changes is speculation.
It is also worth being clear about what this patch is not. There is no evidence that a 1 GB update changes the game’s frame rate targets or adds new graphics modes. If you are wondering about performance, see our guide to GTA 6 at 60 FPS, which covers what Rockstar has actually confirmed.
Rockstar has also not said whether 1.002 is the final day one patch. Both outlets expect at least one more update could arrive before or on November 19, so keep automatic updates switched on.
How to Check You Have the Latest GTA 6 Update
Your console should download the patch automatically if it is in Rest Mode or standby with automatic updates turned on. If you want to check manually, follow the steps below.
On PS5
- Highlight Grand Theft Auto VI on the home screen or in your Game Library.
- Press the Options button on your controller.
- Select Check for Update. If the patch is available for your account, it will start downloading.
- To confirm your version, press Options again, choose Information and look for 01.002.000.
On Xbox Series X|S
- Open My games & apps.
- Go to Manage, then Updates.
- If an update for Grand Theft Auto VI is listed, start it from there.
If nothing shows up on PS5, you are most likely in the second wave of the staged rollout. Wait a few hours and check again rather than deleting and re-downloading the game, which would cost you the full pre-load.
Launch Readiness Checklist
Use this quick checklist so you can start playing the moment GTA 6 unlocks:
- Pre-load finished: make sure the main download shows as complete. Our GTA 6 pre-load guide covers sizes and start times.
- Update 1.002 installed: check the version number using the steps above.
- Free space left over: keep a buffer for future patches. See how much storage GTA 6 needs.
- Automatic updates on: leave Rest Mode or standby enabled so any further patch installs overnight.
- Know your unlock time: check the GTA 6 release time in your time zone.
Will There Be More Patches Before Launch?
Probably. Large open-world games almost always receive a launch-day update, and ComicBook suggests another patch could still land before November 19. Rockstar has not confirmed a patch schedule, so the safest plan is simply to leave your console connected and set to update automatically.
If your download speeds are slow, our guide on how to download GTA 6 faster on PS5 and Xbox has practical tips, from wired connections to DNS settings.
FAQ
How big is the GTA 6 day one patch?
Update 1.002 is about 1 GB on PS5, according to reports from ComicBook and VICE. That is very small compared with the full game install.
Do I need update 1.002 to play GTA 6?
Yes, it is reported as mandatory. Because it released six days early, most players will have it installed well before unlock.
Why can’t I see the GTA 6 update on my PS5?
The patch is rolling out in stages. Roughly half of players got it first and the rest were scheduled to receive it about 11 hours later, so it may simply not have reached your account yet.
What does GTA 6 update 1.002 change?
Nobody knows for sure. Rockstar has not released patch notes, and dataminers only see small changes to story and level files.
Is GTA 6 update 1.002 on Xbox?
Reports mainly mention PS5. Xbox Series X|S owners should check for updates manually and keep automatic updates on in case the patch arrives there separately.
Sources: ComicBook, VICE, PlayStation Game Size tracker (as reported). For all key launch facts in one place, see our GTA 6 FAQ.