GTA 6 Physical Copy Explained: No Disc, a Code, and What That Means for Resale

Confirmed GTA 6's boxed edition doesn't contain a game disc. It contains a download code, which you redeem through the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store.

How it works

1. Buy the box. Kotaku reports codes for boxed pre-orders become available on November 12.
2. Redeem the code on the console's store.
3. Download the game, up to 212 GB, the same as a digital buyer. Pre-load steps.

Digital pre-orders can start pre-loading earlier, on November 10. Boxed buyers get a shorter window, though still a full week before launch.

What you lose compared with a disc

• Resale: you can resell an unopened, unredeemed copy, but a redeemed code normally can't be reused. tbreak notes the packaging can still be sold, though without the resale value a disc would have.
• Lending: once redeemed, the game sits on your account. You can't hand it to a friend.
• Offline install: the entire game comes from the internet, so a slow or capped connection gets no help from the box.

Why buy the box at all?

• You can pay with cash, or use store credit at a retailer.
• You keep the case on your shelf.
• Your retailer may offer a price or bonus that the console store doesn't.

Check whether the Vintage Vice City Pack is included, since it's reported to be while stock lasts on boxed pre-orders.

Is a disc version coming later?

Rumour T3 relayed a leaker's suggestion that a disc edition could follow after launch.

Reported Later reporting, relayed by MP1st, says that reading was mistaken and no disc version is planned. Rockstar hasn't announced one.

If you want a disc specifically, don't wait on this. Nothing official says one is coming.