GTA 6 Physical Release May Be Delayed as Rockstar Looks to Avoid Launch-Day Spoilers

The launch-day experience for Grand Theft Auto 6 could be very different for players hoping to buy a physical copy. A new report suggests that GTA 6 may not receive a boxed edition at release, with Rockstar and Take-Two instead planning a digital-first launch.

The claim comes from Polish outlet PPE.pl, citing insider Graczdari, who has a strong track record with physical release leaks. He has previously predicted the PS5 port of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the boxed release of Oblivion: Remastered, and the Nintendo Switch 2 launch window for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.

GTA 6 is one of the most hyped-up console games of this generation, and the excitement has only gotten bigger after it was delayed twice. A lot of fans were looking forward to heading back to Vice City with a physical copy in hand, but that might not happen right when the game launches.

GTA 6 Could Launch Digitally Before Physical Copies Arrive

The report suggests that while a physical version of GTA 6 is still expected, it may arrive after the digital release rather than alongside it. Some sources claim the boxed edition could launch three to four weeks later, while others believe it may not arrive until early 2027.

“We’re hearing more and more that the physical version won’t be released simultaneously with the digital version to prevent leaks,” the source claims.

More information regarding the release strategy is reportedly expected by mid-February.

Rockstar’s Long History With Major Leaks

Rockstar Games has faced multiple high-profile leaks over the years, making spoiler prevention a serious concern.

• In September 2022, over an hour of GTA 6 development footage leaked online, offering an early look at the game.

• In December 2023, GTA 6 first trailer leaked a full day before its official release.

• Back in 2021, footage from GTA: The Trilogy – Definitive Edition surfaced online ahead of launch.

  
  

These incidents may explain why Take-Two is considering stricter control over GTA 6 release strategy.

Why Physical Copies Are a Risk

Physical game copies are often shipped to retailers well before launch, and there have been many cases of players obtaining them early and streaming gameplay online. Delaying the physical release could help Rockstar avoid early story spoilers and gameplay leaks for one of the most anticipated games of all time.

As of now, GTA 6 is officially scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026. Rockstar has not commented on whether the physical version will be delayed.