This timeline collects major official GTA 6 updates published by Rockstar, beginning with the February 2022 development confirmation. It is a source-linked reference, not a rumour feed or a prediction calendar.
Current status
- Scheduled release: November 19, 2026.
- Launch platforms: PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
- Preorders: open.
- Preload: scheduled for November 12, 2026.
- Official long-form media: Trailer 1, Trailer 2 and An Extended Look in the gallery checked September 19, 2026.
- Latest GTA VI Newswire item: September 17 announcement of a 34-track soundtrack album, scheduled for November 19.
Major announcement timeline
September 17, 2026 — GTA VI: The Album is announced
Rockstar announced a 34-track album created with Atlantic Records and scheduled for November 19 alongside the game. Six debut singles were available at the announcement; Rockstar’s music page provides listening and purchase paths. This is a soundtrack release, not a new GTA VI game edition or a change to the game’s release date.
August 27, 2026 — An Extended Look
Rockstar released a 26-minute, 48-second presentation captured entirely from in-game footage on PlayStation 5. It became the third long-form video on the official GTA VI media page. Our dated report explains what that release establishes without treating every visible detail as a final specification.
June 24–25, 2026 — Preorders open
Rockstar announced global preorders, Standard and Ultimate editions, prices in supported storefronts, bonuses and a November 12 preload date. Orders opened June 25 at local midnight. Our preorder announcement report records the event; the preorder guide maintains the current terms.
November 6, 2025 — Schedule moves to November 2026
Rockstar changed the scheduled release date to November 19, 2026. The current GTA VI and preorder pages still showed that date at our September 19, 2026 check.
May 6, 2025 — Trailer 2
Rockstar published Trailer 2, expanding the Jason-and-Lucia story premise and the official view of Leonida. Rockstar also added character, location and media material to the GTA VI site.
May 2, 2025 — Schedule moves to May 2026
Rockstar announced May 26, 2026 as the release date. The later November 2025 announcement replaced it, so May 26 is historical rather than current.
December 4, 2023 — Trailer 1
Rockstar published Trailer 1 and presented a 2025 release window for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The video introduced Lucia, Vice City and the wider Leonida setting.
February 4, 2022 — Development is officially confirmed
In a Grand Theft Auto Community Update, Rockstar said active development for the next entry in the series was well underway. It did not reveal the GTA VI title, date, setting or platforms at that point. Those details came later.
How to verify a GTA 6 announcement
Seen a new GTA 6 claim? First, look for the same announcement on Rockstar’s official GTA VI website or Rockstar Newswire. For dates and platforms, check whether Take-Two and the official console stores agree. A screenshot, repost or video without a direct first-party link is not enough to confirm it.
For the latest confirmed release date, price, supported consoles or official videos, open our release date, price, platforms or trailers pages. Each page gives you the current answer and the original sources used to verify it.
What is not on this timeline
The timeline does not include retailer placeholders, fan reconstructions, anonymous claims or the September security investigations by Malwarebytes. Those are different kinds of evidence. For dated independent reporting, use the news feed; for a claim-by-claim status, use Rumour Check. This keeps “Rockstar announced” distinct from “a researcher reported” or “fans inferred.”