Rockstar Teases GTA 6 Release Date Window—Everything We Know So Far

Rockstar Games has finally put an end to months of speculation, confirming that Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on 26 May 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The announcement pushes the blockbuster sequel out of its previously targeted “fall 2025” window and marks the longest gap between mainline GTA releases in the franchise’s history. Why the extra year? According to Rockstar’s statement, the team needs “additional time to achieve the level of quality players expect and deserve,” echoing Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick’s recent comments about giving developers the runway to hit their creative vision. Internally, sources point to polishing the new dual-protagonist system, next-gen physics, and the ambitious recreation of a modern-day Vice City as key factors in the delay. Key details players need to know • Platforms at launch: PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC version is “in consideration,” but Rockstar has not committed to a date. • Pre-orders: Not yet live. Retail listings are expected to appear after Trailer 2, which industry insiders predict could drop during The Game Awards in December. • Multiplayer: GTA Online’s successor is being built alongside the single-player campaign, promising cross-gen account migration and day-one live-ops events. • Map size: Leaks and patent filings hint at a game world larger than GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 combined, with interior streaming tech that radically reduces loading times. What happens next? With an 11-month runway, marketing is set to ramp up quickly. Expect a new trailer, character profiles, and influencer hands-on previews throughout 2025. Retailers typically open pre-orders six to nine months before launch, so fans should watch for listings by late summer 2025. Should you worry about another delay? Take-Two’s fiscal guidance now aligns with a May 2026 launch, reducing the financial pressure that previously drove the “2025” target. Barring unforeseen technical setbacks, analysts view the new date as realistic, especially with next-gen console inventories stabilizing. Bottom line GTA 6 will miss the 2025 holiday season, but Rockstar’s track record suggests that the extra polish will pay off. Circle 26 May 2026 on your calendar, keep an eye out for Trailer 2, and prepare for what could be the most ambitious open-world game ever shipped.