When will Grand Theft Auto VI make its debut? This question has been on the minds of game developers, enthusiasts, industry analysts, and publishers alike. Although we currently lack an official release date beyond fall 2025, recent developments have brought us closer to a probable launch timeframe.

The excitement surrounding GTA 6 is palpable, considering that it marks the next significant installment in the beloved franchise, set to be released on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. The anticipation isn’t limited to die-hard fans who have waited for over a decade; industry leaders, including studio heads and smaller game developers, are also keeping a close watch. No one wants their game to launch too close to GTA 6, fearing they’ll be overshadowed. Thus, many studios are hesitating to announce fall release dates for their own titles. Investors and analysts are eager to see if Rockstar’s highly-anticipated game will land in 2025 or be delayed until the following year—a scenario that could shake up the industry considerably.

With a clear desire from many to pinpoint the exact launch date of GTA 6, I’m here to share the most likely date. Drumroll, please!

Grand Theft Auto VI is poised for release on October 28.

Well, that’s likely, barring any delays into 2026—something Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick does not anticipate.

If that holds true, GTA 6 should arrive sometime in late October. Notably, October 28 falls on the last Tuesday of the month—a period during which Rockstar has historically launched many of its major games. However, this prediction is not merely a shot in the dark; it’s based on industry patterns and Rockstar’s previous release strategies.

Borderlands 4 and Take-Two’s Leadership

A recent announcement from 2K Games and Gearbox revealed the launch date for Borderlands 4. This cooperative sci-fi looter shooter is set to hit the market on September 23. Why is this significant? Because Take-Two Interactive oversees both Rockstar and 2K Games, suggesting they are likely aware of GTA 6’s launch timeline, which would impact their release strategy for Borderlands 4.

Stephen Totilo’s report mentioned that excitement at the DICE event was high due to the Borderlands 4 announcement. An insider suggested that the industry is eagerly awaiting Take-Two and Rockstar to finalize their decision on GTA 6’s launch date, with Borderlands 4 indicating that the period surrounding September 23 is likely clear of major competition.

This implies that GTA 6 will not be released in September since it coincides with the launch of Borderlands 4 the following day, September 22, marking the beginning of fall. Consequently, this narrows it down to October and November. Given the historical timing of Call of Duty releases often in November, it seems unlikely Take-Two and Rockstar would want to launch so close to that blockbuster.

Considering this context and Zelnick’s firm stance on a fall launch, it suggests an October release—potentially late October—while Call of Duty is slated for mid-November. Remember, Xbox has a vested interest in GTA 6 as it’s expected to drive significant sales for the Xbox Series S console.

Thus, the anticipated release window for GTA 6 is October 28. Alternatively, Take-Two could opt for early access, allowing a launch three days prior on October 25 while maintaining the 28th as the official release date. Regardless, expect this Halloween to see many players immersed in the chaotic world of Vice City rather than attending traditional spooky celebrations.