GTA 6 could take more than a day to download on slower internet connections

With pre-orders for Grand Theft Auto 6 now live, many players are preparing for the game’s release on 19 November. Rockstar Games has confirmed that customers who pre-order the title will be able to pre-load it from 12 November, giving players a week to download the game before launch.

The early download period could prove particularly important for those with slower broadband connections. According to new research from broadband comparison website Uswitch, downloading GTA 6 may take more than 24 hours for some households, depending on their internet speed.

Slower broadband could mean lengthy download times

Uswitch estimates that GTA 6 will be around 120GB. While Rockstar Games has not confirmed the final size, estimates suggest that players with older internet connections may face significant wait times before they can begin playing.

The research indicates that households still using copper ADSL broadband with download speeds of around 10Mbps could spend more than a full day downloading the game. By comparison, users with the UK’s average download speed of 170.2 Mbps would need approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes to complete the download under normal conditions.

The company notes that these figures are based on estimated file sizes and typical broadband performance. Actual download times could vary depending on network congestion, server demand and other real-world factors, particularly during the busy launch period when millions of players are expected to download the game simultaneously.

The availability of pre-loading from 12 November is therefore expected to help reduce launch-day delays, allowing players to install most of the game before it officially becomes available.

Network setup can improve download performance

Uswitch also shared several suggestions to help players achieve faster, more stable download speeds. Max Beckett, the company’s in-house broadband expert, recommends connecting a gaming console directly to the router via an Ethernet cable rather than relying solely on Wi-Fi.

According to Beckett, a wired connection can provide more consistent performance during large downloads by reducing interference that can affect wireless networks. This could be particularly beneficial when downloading a game as large as GTA 6.

He also advises placing a Wi-Fi router in a central, open location within the home to improve wireless coverage. Better router positioning can help maximise signal strength and reduce areas with weak connectivity, especially in larger properties where walls and other obstacles may affect wireless performance.

For homes with inconsistent Wi-Fi coverage, Beckett recommends using Wi-Fi extenders to extend the Wi-Fi signal range. These devices can help ensure that consoles farther from the main router receive a stronger, more reliable connection throughout the download.

Players may benefit from reviewing broadband plans

Beyond adjusting home network setups, Uswitch suggests that some players could benefit from reviewing their current broadband package. Internet services have become faster and more widely available in recent years, allowing households to upgrade to significantly higher speeds without paying substantially more.

Beckett encourages consumers to compare available broadband offers before the launch of GTA 6 if they regularly download large games or stream high-quality content. Faster fibre connections could reduce download times dramatically compared with older ADSL services.

He said: “You may find that you can get a much faster speed for very similar prices these days.”

With GTA 6 expected to be one of the biggest game releases of the year, download performance is likely to be an important consideration for players hoping to begin playing as soon as the title becomes available. While Rockstar Games has yet to confirm the game’s final storage requirements, taking advantage of the pre-load period and ensuring a reliable home network could help avoid lengthy delays on release day.