Microsoft has confirmed the launch plan for Grand Theft Auto VI on its platform: the game arrives on November 19 and, on top of the native console versions, it will also be playable on day one through Xbox Cloud Gaming. According to Microsoft, it is the most pre-ordered title of all time on the Microsoft Store, and the company is urging everyone to start pre-loading as soon as possible so you’re ready when the servers flip over.
Cloud streaming from the very first minute
Streaming of Grand Theft Auto VI through Xbox Cloud Gaming starts at 1am ET on November 19, and it works on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. That means older consoles aren’t left out – if you still have an Xbox One under the TV, you can get into Leonida without buying new hardware. One technical detail worth knowing: when streamed through Xbox Cloud Gaming, the game runs with Xbox Series S graphics settings.
Every way to play
- Xbox Series X: native play and the best experience on an Xbox console, with pre-install available now.
- Xbox Series S: the most affordable way to play GTA VI natively on Xbox, with pre-install available now.
- Xbox One: streaming Grand Theft Auto VI through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Cloud playtime without a subscription
Starting November 11, players in supported markets can buy cloud playtime and stream supported games without a Game Pass subscription – so the cloud is no longer locked solely behind a Game Pass subscription. Microsoft also notes that Grand Theft Auto VI must be purchased separately, and that cloud gaming availability, purchasing options, supported devices, account eligibility and features may vary by market and device. If you’re weighing up whether a subscription still makes sense for you, we’ve covered switching Game Pass plans in a separate guide.
More Rockstar games heading to the cloud
Microsoft isn’t stopping at Grand Theft Auto VI. In the coming months it plans to add more Rockstar Games titles to Xbox Cloud Gaming, specifically naming Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2, with more to follow.
Where to go next
If you’re planning to play mostly by streaming, take a look at our article on Xbox Cloud Gaming controller options, and you’ll find everything else around Microsoft’s platform in our Xbox news hub.
Unlock times and file size are in GTA 6 release time, more in our GTA 6 guides.
FAQ
The game launches on November 19. Streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming begins at 1am ET that same day.
Yes, but only by streaming. On Xbox One, Grand Theft Auto VI is played through Xbox Cloud Gaming; native play is available on Xbox Series X and Series S.
When streamed through Xbox Cloud Gaming, the game uses Xbox Series S graphics settings.
Not necessarily. From November 11, players in supported markets can buy cloud playtime and stream supported games without a Game Pass subscription. Grand Theft Auto VI itself must be purchased separately.
Microsoft has announced Grand Theft Auto V, Red Dead Redemption 2 and more titles in the coming months.