Microsoft has begun preparing for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI. A 328.76 MB file related to the game has appeared on Xbox Series X|S. This isn’t the full game, but rather a technical placeholder that doesn’t allow gameplay — it simply marks the next phase in the lead-up to the game’s launch.

What’s Actually Being Installed?

The file currently available on the Microsoft Store doesn’t contain any gameplay data. When launched, it simply displays the GTA 6 cover art and immediately closes. This is a typical placeholder — a file used to prepare the Xbox system with the correct structure and storage space for the full installation later on.

In an official post on X (formerly Twitter), the Xbox account confirmed that GTA 6 can now be added to the wishlist and the preparatory file can be downloaded. This means the game already has a full product page on the Xbox store, although pre-orders are not yet available.

What Does This Mean for Players?

Once the final version of GTA 6 becomes available, the Xbox system will automatically replace the downloaded placeholder with the full game. This move indicates that Rockstar is entering the next stage of its release preparations. The game is scheduled to launch on May 26, 2026, and technical steps like these are standard practice for major releases.

Later in the coming months, the community can anticipate new trailers, pre-order release and potentially larger versions of the game on other platforms. Replacement file installation is the first step in making players download and play the game right away on release day without having to wait for any period of time.

GTA 6 has not been released yet, but Xbox is already allowing users to install a preparatory file. While it does not state that the game is here, it is a good sign that the release is closer than ever.