Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders are officially live. After months of anticipation, you can now secure your copy for Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5. The launch marks the end of delays, but it also brings a critical decision: do you stick with the $80 Standard Edition, or pay the extra $20 for the Ultimate Edition?
Below, we break down where to buy, what you actually get in each version, and whether physical copies are worth the hassle.
Where to pre-order GTA 6
Digital storefronts like the Xbox Store and PlayStation Store are already accepting orders. Physical retailers are updating their systems overnight, so availability may vary slightly depending on your region. Here are the primary places to secure a copy:
- US Retailers: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, GameStop, and the Xbox Store.
- UK Retailers: Xbox Store, Amazon, Currys, Argos, EE, ShopTo, The Game Collection, Very, and John Lewis. Note that UK pricing is £69.99 for Standard and £89.99 for Ultimate.
- PS5 Specific: PlayStation Store, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and GameStop in the US; plus the same major UK retailers listed above.
Standard vs. Ultimate Edition: What’s the difference?
The price gap between the two editions is $20 ($80 vs. $100). However, Rockstar has confirmed that this isn’t just about cosmetics. The Ultimate Edition unlocks five specific shops in-game that are otherwise locked for Standard Edition players. If you want full access to every customization option from day one, the higher tier is required.
Here is what the Ultimate Edition unlocks:
- Rideout Customs: Access to detailed interior mods, exquisite rims, and donk stylings for vehicles.
- Sara’s Unisex Salon: Signature hairstyles for Jason and Lucia, including facial hair options for Jason and makeup/nail services for Lucia.
- Stock 305: Exclusive elevated streetwear looks for both protagonists.
- Electric Fang Tattoo: Over 50 signature tattoos designed by the artist collective FAILE.
- One-Eyed Willie’s: Off-road modifications and hand-painted automotive artistry in Lake Leonida.
Beyond these shops, the Ultimate Edition includes an exclusive collection of premium vehicles, weapons, and apparel threaded throughout the story. If you prefer to earn or unlock content gradually, the Standard Edition is sufficient. If you want immediate access to all customization tools, the Ultimate Edition is the only way.
Physical vs. Digital: Is there a disc?
If you are planning to buy a physical copy for your collection, note that Rockstar has confirmed there is no game disc included in the box. Instead, physical orders come with a code to download the game digitally. The only tangible difference is the packaging itself.
For most users, this means the choice between physical and digital comes down to whether you value owning the box art or prefer the convenience of instant digital delivery. Functionally, the game experience is identical regardless of how you purchase it.
Pre-order bonuses
If you pre-order before November 20, you will receive the Vintage Vice City pack. This bonus includes vehicles and outfits inspired by the original 2002 Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, harkening back to the ‘80s Miami Vice aesthetic. This is available for both Standard and Ultimate editions.
How to save money on your purchase
While there are no direct discounts on the game itself at launch, you can reduce the effective cost by using discounted gift cards. Third-party retailers like Loaded (formerly CDKeys) often offer Xbox and PlayStation gift cards at a slight discount.
- For the Standard Edition ($80): You can purchase a $50 gift card and three $10 gift cards. Due to current discounts, this combination costs less than $80, leaving you with extra store credit.
- For the Ultimate Edition ($100): Buying four $25 Xbox gift cards at a discount (currently around $23.49 each) totals approximately $93.96 for $100 in value. This saves you over $6 on day one.
What this means for you
If you are still playing on Xbox One or PS4, you will need to upgrade to current-gen hardware (Xbox Series X|S or PS5) to play GTA 6. There is no backward compatibility option for this title. Additionally, ensure your console has enough storage space, as next-gen games like GTA 6 require significant capacity. Consider expanding your storage with an official Seagate or WD_BLACK expansion card if you are running low on space.
Source: Windows Central
Over to you: Are you picking up the Standard Edition to save cash, or is the Ultimate Edition’s unlocked customization shops worth the extra $20?
