GTA 6 Release Date Update: Rockstar Confirms May 2026 Launch but Rumors Suggest Another Delay

After years of anticipation, Rockstar Games has finally confirmed that GTA 6 will be released on May 26, 2026. The announcement, made through Rockstar’s official newswire and reiterated in a Take-Two Interactive shareholder meeting, has sent waves of excitement and frustration across the gaming community. While fans can now mark a date on their calendars, reports from industry insiders hint at the possibility of another delay pushing the release to October 2026. Here’s everything we know so far about the GTA 6 release date update, platforms, pricing speculation, and what to expect in the coming months.

GTA 6 Release Date Confirmed for May 2026

Rockstar’s confirmation ends years of silence and speculation. Originally targeted for fall 2025, the game was delayed in May 2025 to give developers more time for polishing and expanding the experience. The new official release date is May 26, 2026, with Rockstar emphasizing the importance of delivering the level of quality that fans expect from the Grand Theft Auto series.

Platforms: Where Will GTA 6 Launch First?

GTA 6 will launch first on:

• PlayStation 5

• Xbox Series X|S

At this stage, Rockstar has not provided a PC release date. Historically, Rockstar has released PC versions of its major titles months after the console launch, and industry reports suggest the same approach will be followed with GTA 6.

Why Was GTA 6 Delayed?

The delay from 2025 to 2026 comes down to Rockstar’s commitment to quality and scale. The studio explained that the game’s world, systems, and graphics demand more development time to meet player expectations. Past Rockstar titles like GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 also experienced delays before launch, showing a consistent pattern of prioritizing polish over deadlines.

Key Reasons for the Delay

• Expanding the game’s map and world-building.

• Higher fidelity visuals for next-generation consoles.

• Ensuring stability and gameplay balance.

• Meeting the high bar set by GTA V’s long-term success.

Rumors of a Further Delay to October 2026

While Rockstar insists on the May 2026 launch, respected insider Tom Henderson has claimed that GTA 6 could face another delay, with a new target of October 2026. This rumor is fueled by Rockstar’s ambition shown in recent trailers and the company’s track record of pushing back releases to achieve perfection.

As of now, no official confirmation has been given regarding this rumored October launch. The only confirmed date remains May 26, 2026.

Community and Industry Reactions

The announcement has sparked mixed emotions among fans. Many are excited to finally have a release date after waiting since GTA V’s debut in 2013, while others express frustration over yet another long wait.

Industry analysts predict that GTA 6 will become one of the most significant launches in video game history, potentially surpassing all previous records for sales and cultural impact.

GTA 6: What We Know So Far

What’s Next for GTA 6?

Looking ahead, Rockstar is expected to release more information about GTA 6 in the coming months. This could include:

• Gameplay previews showcasing the scale of the game world.

• Pricing announcements, which remain unconfirmed.

• PC version updates, potentially after the console release.

The GTA 6 release date update has provided fans with a clear timeline: May 26, 2026, on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. While rumors suggest a possible shift to October 2026, Rockstar’s official stance remains firm. With expectations at an all-time high, GTA 6 is set to be the biggest video game launch in history, and fans worldwide are eagerly waiting for the next round of announcements from Rockstar Games.