The lack of a physical disc for GTA 6 has sparked anger, as Rockstar stays silent on the whereabouts of GTA Online.
Earlier today, Rockstar announced GTA 6 will be released with standard and ultimate editions priced at $79.99 and $99.99, respectively, when it launches on November 19, 2026. Althouhg there’s no official UK price yet.
The ultimate edition comes with a large amount of in-game DLC, ranging from cosmetic items to unique stores. However, the biggest shock is the lack of a Blu-ray disc in both versions, with physical copies merely containing a download code in the box.
While this might not be a big deal for some, for physical boffins who like to share games between friends (or resell them later), the lack of a physical disc has proven to be a real sticking point.
‘I am devasted,’ one user wrote on X. ‘GTA 6 physical copy won’t have a disc, but just a code to download the game. Waited years for this [heartbreak emoji] wtf @rockstargames.’
‘Rockstar has gone full anti-consumer with GTA 6,’ another added. ‘Charging $79.99 for a game that ships as nothing more than a fancy empty box with a download code.
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‘At this point it’s straight up disrespectful. They’re jacking the price up from the already inflated $70 standard, yet delivering way less than what ‘physical’ used to mean.’
Over on Reddit, there are various threads about the no-disc announcement. In one post on the GTA subreddit, one commenter wrote: ‘If I’m forced into digital, I might as well just wait for the PC version.’
While the lack of disc is annoying, there’s a strong chance this is to prevent leaks ahead of launch. Rockstar has been affected by leaks in the past, and with retail copies often finding their way into the wild ahead of time, the digital-only approach means they can block access until release day.
This raises the question of whether Rockstar could release a physical copy with a disc after launch, but at the moment, there are no confirmed plans.
This isn’t the only concern among fans. The sheer amount of extras bundled in the Ultimate Edition, and the fact it includes mission content in the Ptt Youngin$ Illegal Goods Store raid, has irked some potential buyers.
In a post from p4tterng4ng4L on the GTA6unmoderated subreddit, titled ‘The most egregious ultimate edition in histroy[sic]’, it reads: ‘I can’t quite believe how much content is being locked behind this ultimate edition, never seen anything like it.’
A user on X, meanwhile, wrote: ‘A Hair Salon, Tattoo Shop, Clothing Store, and Mod Shop locked behind the GTA 6 Ultimate Edition? Rockstar, please.’
It’s important to note that these ultimate edition extras are specific shops in the game – so there will (presumably, at least) be other character and car customisation options – but it’s still going to be odd if these stores are blocked off, or boarded up, if you buy the standard version.
When does online multiplayer start for GTA 6?
Rockstar has confirmed GTA 6 will be a ‘single-player experience’ at launch, which implies any online component will not be available on November 19, 2026.
This isn’t too surprising as GTA 5 launched on September 17, 2013 but the online component, GTA Online, only came out a few weeks later on October 1, 2013.
However, it’s unclear when the online portion will arrive for GTA 6. Considering you get a free month of GTA+ if you pre-order GTA 6, it seems like Rockstar is prioritising the current incarnation of GTA Online over what’s coming next. GTA+ gives players monthly in-game cash for use within GTA Online, along with other benefits.
The big question is whether the next GTA Online will be a free addition to GTA 6, or a separate standalone download you have to pay for. Based on how much money the current version of GTA Online generates for Rockstar though, the latter doesn’t feel out of the question.
Are there any PS5 specific features for GTA 6?
According to the PlayStation blog, GTA 6 will ‘play best’ on PlayStation 5. The actual improvements, however, are very minor.
As outlined on the blog post, it will support the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller via haptic feedback and its adaptive triggers. The controller’s speaker will also be used, although that’ll be optional.
GTA 6 will also take advantage of the console’s Tempest 3D Audiotech, and utilise the SSD so you can experience the open world with ‘near instant load times’.
As noted on the PlayStation Store, the game will be PS5 Pro Enhanced. It’s unclear what kind of improvements GTA 6 will get on the PS5 Pro, but hopefully it’ll try and hit 4K resolution with a stable 60fps.
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