published: 29th September 2026
The countdown is on, and gamers worldwide are already prepping their setups for the most anticipated release of the decade: GTA 6. But while you might have the right console and a clear schedule, there’s a hidden boss you need to defeat before you can step foot in Vice City: the download.
With better graphics, a bigger open world and more immersive gameplay, GTA 6 is expected to be a sizeable download, so a fast and reliable internet connection will be crucial to getting you into the game sooner. And once GTA 6 Online arrives, it’ll matter just as much as your hardware – helping you stay responsive, keep up and stay in the game.
how big will GTA 6 be?
The official file size for GTA 6 hasn’t been released by Rockstar yet but it’s expected to be the big one. GTA 5 already takes up around 120 GB, so GTA 6 could demand even more space on your console or PC.
And storage isn’t the only thing to think about. A game this size could take a while to download, especially on a slower connection.
If you don’t pre-download GTA 6 ahead of launch, you could find yourself staring at the progress bar while everyone else is already playing. You’ve already waited forever for this release; plan ahead and avoid having the ultimate FOMO!
how long does GTA 6 take to download?
In a deleted post from GTA 6 Intel on X, there were rumours that the file size could be closer to 200 GB. While that hasn’t been confirmed by Rockstar, it gives us a useful figure to work with.
So, if GTA 6 does come in at ~200 GB, how long could it take to download?
| download speed | estimated time for 200 GB download |
|---|---|
| 100 Mbps | 4 hours 26 minutes 40 seconds |
| 500 Mbps | 53 minutes 20 seconds |
| 900 Mbps | 29 minutes 37 seconds |
| 2300 Mbps | 11 minutes 35 seconds |
download times taken from Uswitch download time calculator
All times have been calculated using the Uswitch download time calculator. Your actual download time may vary depending on your connection, server demand and congestion during peak times.
Slow speeds are a major pain point for households and in a recent survey carried out by toob broadband, we found that 62% of people had experienced download speeds so slow that they switched providers, while 65% said slow upload speeds had left them frustrated enough to do the samea.
Don’t let a sluggish connection leave you waiting to play. If your current speeds mean you’re looking at hours of downloading, it might be time to level up your setup.
We got 2300 Mbps before GTA 6! Check your postcode to see if you can upgrade to toob’s fastest full-fibre broadband with equal download and upload speeds to help keep your gaming experience running smoothly.
how to download GTA faster
If you’re busted (a.k.a stuck in a contract) and want to squeeze as much performance out of your current connection as possible, there are two things you should definitely try.
- switch to ethernet: an ethernet cable plugged directly from your router into your console can give you a far more stable connection than wi-fi. Wi-fi is highly susceptible to interference, physical barriers, and packet loss which can all impact your broadband speeds. A wired ethernet connection gives you maximum speed without the interference!
- improve your router placement: if hardwiring isn’t an option then make sure your router is in the best possible location. Keep it off the floor, away from thick walls, microwaves and other large metal appliances, and if you can, place it somewhere central. This will all help to maintain a stronger wireless connection to your console.
read more tips from our experts for the best gaming experience
do you need wi-fi for GTA 6?
GTA 6 is the first GTA game to be digital only, and whilst you can still buy a boxed copy it won’t come with a disc inside. Instead, you’ll get a download code, which means however you buy GTA 6 you’re still going to need to download the game before you get started.
The good news? Rockstar is giving players plenty of head start. GTA 6 can be pre-loaded from 12th November 2026, a whole week before its full release on 19th November.
Once the game is downloaded, GTA 6 will initially be available only as a single-player experience, so your broadband speed won’t necessarily dictate how smoothly the story itself runs. But your connection will still come into play when downloading updates, patches and any additional content that gets released after launch.
And then there’s what comes next. Rockstar hasn’t yet confirmed a GTA 6 multiplayer release, but if the next generation of GTA Online follows, outright download speed won’t be the only thing that matters. A fast connection gets the game and its updates onto your console quickly, while a stable connection and low ping will keep your gameplay as responsive as possible. In fast-paced, reaction-heavy environments like GTA Online, low ping is essential to prevent lag spikes and delayed inputs during high-speed chases and shootouts.
In other words, your console might be ready for GTA 6, but is your broadband?
level up your setup
Preparing for GTA 6 isn’t just about making sure you have the hardware; it’s about making sure your home network can handle the sheer scale of modern gaming in general too.
Make upgrading your broadband part of your launch day prep with toob’s reliable full-fibre broadband. Switch to toob for ultrafast full-fibre with 900 Mbps or 2300 Mbps symmetrical speeds and incredibly low ping of between 3 and 7 ms. Because when Vice City opens its doors, slow broadband shouldn’t be part of the mission.
a about the research: An online survey of 550 UK adults, conducted by toob on 11th August 2026. The data for this survey was collected using SurveyMonkey Audience. Information on how respondents are recruited to SurveyMonkey is available here: www.surveymonkey.com/mp/audience Respondents were aged 18+ and were required to be the household decision maker. Results are unweighted. Percentages are rounded, and bases vary by question. Findings relating to particular groups are based on those respondents only.