GTA 6 tips: what to know before you start playing

These GTA 6 tips cover what you can prepare before launch, based on what Rockstar has shown. From November 19, 2026, we will add beginner tips tested in the released game.

Before launch: get set up

1. Pre-load early. Digital pre-orders can download from November 10, and the game needs up to 212 GB. Here is how to pre-load.
2. Check your unlock time. The game unlocks at midnight local time on November 19; see the time in your region.
3. Pick your edition. Not sure about Ultimate? Read our editions guide.

GTA 6 tips from what Rockstar has shown

• Your car is your armoury. You carry two primary weapons and two sidearms, and the rest stay in your vehicle. So park close before a fight.
• Heat builds fast. The wanted level now goes up to six stars, one more than recent games.
• Your choices are tracked. A Criminal Profile records your reputation over time, much like Red Dead Redemption 2’s honour system.
• Switch leads smartly. Swapping between Jason and Lucia is instant when they are together, and takes a few seconds when they are apart.
• Use the water. Boats, jet skis and airboats look like the best way around the Keys and the Grassrivers swamps.
• Slow things down. A slow-motion aiming mode, similar to Red Dead’s Dead Eye, helps in tough gunfights.

Coming at launch

From November 19, we will add tested tips on early money, the best first cars, losing the police and the settings worth changing first. Also, we will link each tip to its full guide.

Bookmark this page, because new GTA 6 tips land here every day of launch week.

Sources

• GameSpot: GTA 6’s Netflix Extended Look, all the things we learned
• Rockstar Newswire: GTA VI pre-load begins on November 10
• Rockstar Support: GTA VI regional pre-load and release times