GTA 6 Needs 212GB on PS5: How to Make Room Before Preload
GTA 6 needs 212GB of free space on PS5, and preload opens November 10. How much room your console really has, what to delete, and the right SSD to add.
Grand Theft Auto VI launches on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The PlayStation Blog lists the storage requirement as 212GB, and preload opens November 10 at midnight local time if you pre-ordered digitally.
That's a big chunk of any PS5. Here's how to get ready.
How much space do you actually have?
Your PS5 never gives you the full number on the box, because the system takes its share. Roughly:
- Original PS5 (825GB): about 667GB usable
- PS5 Slim and Pro (1TB / 2TB): more, but still well short of the label
Check yours: Settings → Storage → Console Storage. You need at least 212GB free, and a bit extra for the day-one patch is smart.
The fastest ways to free space
1. Delete games you're not playing
Settings → Storage → Console Storage → Games and Apps. Sort by size. Big online shooters and sports games are often 100GB+ each. You can re-download them later, and your saves are kept on the console (and in the cloud with PS Plus).
2. Clear old screenshots and videos
Media Gallery fills up fast, especially with auto-captured trophy videos. Move the ones you want to a USB drive first.
3. Move PS4 games to a USB drive
PS4 games can be stored and played from an external USB drive. Move them off the internal SSD to make room.
4. Park PS5 games on USB
PS5 games can be stored on a USB drive (but not played from it). Moving them back is much faster than re-downloading.
Should you add an SSD?
If you're constantly juggling space, yes. The PS5 has an M.2 expansion slot:
- Get an M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD
- Sony recommends 5,500MB/s read speed or faster
- Use one with a heatsink, or add one
- 2TB is the sweet spot for price per GB
It takes about 15 minutes with a screwdriver. Prices on SSDs are high this year (see why tech prices are rising), so watch for Black Friday deals.
Preload tips
- Preload from November 10. It doesn't unlock the game early, it just saves you from downloading on launch night.
- Leave the PS5 in Rest Mode with Stay connected to the internet on so it finishes overnight.
- Settings → System → Power Saving → Features Available in Rest Mode.
Wondering what time it unlocks? See what time GTA 6 unlocks.
