Will GTA 6 for PC Release in 2027?

Will GTA 6 for PC Release in 2027? What Rockstar’s Past Tells Us About the Wait

Grand Theft Auto fans on PC are used to waiting, but GTA 6 is shaping up to test their patience like never before. With Rockstar Games officially confirming GTA 6’s console launch (for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S) in 2025 – now delayed into 2026 – the big question is how long after that the PC release will arrive. Some optimistic signs point to late 2026, but history (and some insider chatter) suggest that 2027 might be the more realistic window for GTA 6 on PC. Let’s dig into Rockstar’s past release timelines, official announcements, and credible leaks to speculate on when PC gamers might finally get their hands on Grand Theft Auto VI.

Rockstar Games’ Console-First Pattern and PC Release Gaps

Rockstar has a well-established history of staggering its PC releases behind console launches. For decades, Rockstar Games has prioritized consoles first – something even Take-Two’s CEO Strauss Zelnick hints is a deliberate pattern. From the early 2000s GTA titles to the HD era, the trend has been clear: launch on console, then port to PC later.

  • GTA 3 (2001) and Vice City (2002) hit PlayStation 2 first, with their PC versions following roughly 7–8 months later. This was one of Rockstar’s shortest gaps between console and PC.

 

  • Grand Theft Auto IV debuted on Xbox 360/PS3 in April 2008, then arrived on PC in December 2008 – about 8 months after the console launch.

 

  • Grand Theft Auto V launched in September 2013 on PS3/Xbox 360, but wouldn’t come to PC until April 2015 – a wait of over 1.5 years for PC players. (Notably, GTA V was re-released on newer consoles in late 2014 before the PC version dropped, meaning Rockstar took its time to deliver a polished, enhanced PC edition.)

 

  • Red Dead Redemption 2 followed suit: consoles in October 2018, PC in November 2019 – roughly 13 months later. Rockstar used that extra year to add graphical enhancements and new content to the PC port, but it was still a long year of waiting for PC fans.

This console-first approach was so routine that many PC gamers simply expect it. As PC Gamer dryly noted, “Rockstar has always released its games on console first, then brought them to PC later”. Historically, the shortest gap was about seven months, and the longest (GTA V) nearly nineteen months. In one unusual case, Rockstar never released Red Dead Redemption 1 on PC at all – a decision that still stings the PC community and underscores that, in the past, PC wasn’t always guaranteed.

Why does Rockstar do this? Part of it has been market-driven. A veteran Rockstar developer, Obbe Vermeij, explained that in earlier eras “consoles were a much bigger market for a game like GTA”, so Rockstar “got into the habit of doing consoles first… There used to be way more money in the console versions”. In the 2000s, AAA games sold primarily on consoles, so it made business sense to focus on those platforms initially. By staggering releases, Rockstar could optimize for each platform and encourage the most eager fans to double-dip (many hardcore players bought the console version first, then the PC version later for the better graphics or mods).

The Current Official GTA 6 Timeline (Console vs PC)

Officially, Rockstar Games has only announced GTA 6 for consoles so far. In a December 2023 press release, Rockstar confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI is coming to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in 2025. Notably, that announcement made no mention of a PC version, which was a major clue – Rockstar doesn’t typically hide a PC release if it’s planned for day one. The omission strongly implied that PC will come later, as per Rockstar’s usual playbook.

Fast-forward to 2025, and it appears Rockstar’s plans have shifted slightly. Following months of speculation, Rockstar released a second trailer in early May 2025 and, along with it, news of a delay: GTA 6’s console launch was pushed to May 26, 2026. The developer apologized for the longer wait, stating it needed extra time to ensure the level of quality fans expect. Take-Two Interactive’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, publicly backed Rockstar’s decision to take more time for polish. This delay of about half a year from the original “late 2025” target left some fans inconsolable and even startled Take-Two’s investors (who have been counting on a huge revenue boost from GTA 6).

Crucially, even as Rockstar confirmed the new May 2026 date for consoles, it still hasn’t confirmed any GTA 6 PC release date. In fact, Rockstar’s PR clarified that the announced date was for consoles only, reinforcing the expectation that PC will launch afterward. According to PCGamesN, Rockstar is likely to release the PC version later that same year (2026), following the console debut. However, until Rockstar makes an official statement, the PC timeline remains an educated guess.

Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar, has dropped some hints without giving a date. Strauss Zelnick was asked directly about a GTA 6 PC release during a May 2024 investors conference. His response was cagey but telling: “Rockstar has an approach to platforms which we’ve seen before, and they will make more announcements in due time.” In other words, look at Rockstar’s track record. Zelnick emphasized that Take-Two’s strategy is to be on all platforms that make sense and noted how much more important PC has become in recent years. He hinted that while nothing is announced yet, of course Rockstar will eventually bring GTA 6 to PC – just on their own timeline. The lack of a PC announcement now essentially means “wait for it.” As Zelnick wryly put it, “the only thing that happens after the lack of an announcement is… an announcement.”

What Leaks and Rumors Say About GTA 6’s PC Release

In the absence of official details, the internet has been ablaze with leaks and rumors about GTA 6 – including when we might see it on PC. One of the most high-profile leaks occurred in September 2022, when an unprecedented trove of 90 early-development videos of GTA 6 surfaced online. Rockstar confirmed the leak was real and the result of a network intrusion. Those clips (which quickly spread across forums and YouTube) showed a build of GTA 6 set in a modern Vice City with two protagonists, long before any official trailer. While Rockstar stated the leak wouldn’t impact development timelines, it gave fans a sense that the game was well into production by 2022 – fueling hopes that a 2024 or 2025 release was plausible. Indeed, early predictions after the leak optimistically pegged GTA 6’s release around 2024 or 2025. We now know the first official timeframe was 2025 (announced by Rockstar) and has shifted to 2026.

Beyond that big leak, various insider reports and hints have tried to narrow down the timeline:

  • Industry insiders and analysts have closely watched Take-Two’s financial guidance. Take-Two projected an “over $8 billion” net bookings target for fiscal 2025/2026, which analysts almost universally interpreted as anticipation of GTA 6’s launch driving unprecedented sales. This suggested Rockstar intended a 2024/2025 release originally. The delay to 2026 means that windfall will come slightly later, but Take-Two’s confidence implies GTA 6 (console) is firmly on the horizon. And notably, PC sales (and microtransactions from GTA Online on PC) would be a part of reaching those numbers, even if they come a bit after the console sales spike.

 

  • A credible insider report in late 2024 indicated Rockstar was aiming for a holiday 2025 launch. As per one report, Take-Two reiterated as late as November 2024 that GTA 6 would arrive in the “calendar year 2025”. Around the same time, an actor who worked on GTA 5 and RDR2 (Johnny Ray Gill) coyly hinted in an interview that something was coming “in 2025, 2026” that he was really excited about. This fueled speculation that GTA 6 might slip into 2026, even before it was confirmed. Indeed, his hint turned out prophetic – by May 2025 the release had officially moved to 2026.

 

  • Take-Two Earnings Call clues: Fans and journalists have kept a close eye on Take-Two’s quarterly earnings calls for hints. For instance, a Take-Two call in May 2025 was widely expected to clarify GTA 6’s status. In an April 2025 report, industry insiders suggested Rockstar had tentatively planned a September 17, 2025 console release, with a PC edition to follow in 2026, continuing the traditional staggered release pattern. We now know that if September 2025 was a target, it’s been bumped to May 2026 – but that insight still aligns with PC coming roughly a year after consoles.

 

  • The Corsair leak/gaffe: One of the more surprising “leaks” came from an unlikely place – a PC hardware company. In early 2024, Corsair’s VP of finance, Ronald van Ween, casually mentioned during an investor call that GTA 6 was expected on console in late 2025 “and then early ’26 for PC.” This comment caused a stir because it was an unusually concrete timeframe for the PC version, coming from outside Rockstar. Early 2026 for PC sounded almost too good to be true (only a few months gap if console was late 2025). Corsair immediately walked back the statement, telling press that van Ween was merely speculating and that they had no official info from Rockstar or Take-Two. Whether it was a slip of insider knowledge or just a guess, we’ll never know – but it reinforced the notion that a PC release was expected not simultaneously, but not too far behind the console launch. If console had hit fall 2025, “early 2026” (say, spring 2026) would have been about a 6–7 month gap – essentially tying Rockstar’s all-time speed record for PC ports. Many doubted it would be that quick, and indeed with the console delay, that timeline is moot. Still, the Corsair incident is a reminder that even industry folks anticipate a significant wait for PC, albeit hopefully shorter than last time.

 

  • Other rumor mill tidbits: There have been countless smaller leaks and rumors – from purported insider posts on GTA forums to “leaked” retailer listings (often fake) – but most either echo the above information or lack credibility. One recurring theme in rumors is that Rockstar might target a shorter gap this time because of the growth of PC. Some former Rockstar developers and insiders have suggested that since PC gaming now represents a much larger share of the market, Rockstar could close the gap so as not to leave that money on the table for too long. On the flip side, others speculate Rockstar will still prioritize the polish and stability of the PC port over speed, meaning they won’t rush it out at the expense of quality – especially given the complexities of a massive open world game that needs to run on a myriad of PC configurations.

Lessons from GTA V and RDR2: How Long Did PC Players Wait?

To predict whether GTA 6 for PC could release in 2027, it’s instructive to look back at how Rockstar handled the last two flagship releases, Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2. These are the closest analogues in terms of scale and importance.

Grand Theft Auto V (2013) offers a cautionary tale (or a nightmare, if you were a PC gamer back then). GTA V launched to universal acclaim on consoles in 2013, and PC gamers were left in limbo. Rockstar remained silent for a long time about a PC version. It wasn’t until mid-2014 that they even confirmed GTA V was coming to PC, and that too was scheduled after the new PS4/Xbox One versions. Finally, in April 2015, GTA V hit PC – a full 19 months after the initial console release. The upside? The PC version was highly optimized and even introduced new features (like first-person mode and custom radio tracks) that made the wait somewhat worth it. The game has since become a juggernaut on PC, with GTA Online and the modding community keeping it in Steam’s top-played list years later. Rockstar undoubtedly noticed that despite the delay, GTA V’s PC launch added tens of millions of sales on top of the console base. It proved that PC was an essential part of the long-tail success of GTA V – but the long delay also frustrated fans and became a sore point.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) showed Rockstar inching in a better direction for PC players. The western epic came out on consoles in late 2018 and was a blockbuster. This time, PC gamers had hope – Rockstar had begun hiring more PC-focused engineers and had released GTA V’s PC port, so surely RDR2 would come. It did: Rockstar announced RDR2 for PC in October 2019 and launched it just a couple weeks later in November 2019. The gap was ~13 months, significantly shorter than GTA V’s. RDR2 on PC brought even more enhancements (higher graphics settings, new bounty missions, etc.) and it reaffirmed that Rockstar’s new strategy was to eventually deliver their big titles to PC, even if with a delay. Red Dead 2’s PC version had some technical hiccups at launch, but it sold well and proved again that there’s a huge audience ready to buy these games twice.

So, what do GTA V and RDR2 tell us about GTA VI? They suggest that a year or more delay for PC is “normal” for Rockstar’s biggest games – but the trend was improving slightly. GTA V was nearly 1.5+ years; RDR2 trimmed it to about 1 year. If this trend continued linearly (which it may not), one might dream that GTA 6’s PC gap could shrink to, say, half a year. However, GTA 6 is even bigger than those titles in terms of hype and presumably complexity. It wouldn’t be shocking if the gap ends up around a year again – which from a May 2026 console launch would place a PC release around mid-2027. In fact, when the 2026 delay news hit, one commentator quipped that “we won’t be playing this thing on PC until 2027 at the earliest.” That sentiment resonates with a lot of cautious fans.

There is one reason to think Rockstar might tighten the gap: the PC market is far more important now than in 2013. The install base of gaming PCs is enormous (well over 900 million users globally by some estimates), and PC gamers contribute greatly to ongoing revenue through things like GTA Online. Even Strauss Zelnick acknowledged in 2023 that PC has become “a much more important part” of the business, whereas in the past GTA was primarily a console-focused franchise. With GTA 6, Rockstar could plan the PC version more in parallel, rather than as an afterthought. There are rumors that Rockstar’s internal teams or outsourcing partners have been working on the PC port alongside console development to shorten the turnaround. If true, we could see something closer to a 6–8 month gap rather than a full year or more.

Why 2027 Could Be the PC Release Window for GTA 6

Considering all the evidence – Rockstar’s historical approach, the official delay to 2026, and the current industry climate – 2027 is emerging as a very plausible release window for GTA 6 on PC. Here’s why:

  • Console release in 2026 pushes everything back: With GTA 6 now slated for May 2026 on PS5/Xbox, the clock for a PC version realistically starts then. Even a best-case scenario of a 6-month gap would mean late 2026 (holiday season) for PC. But if the gap is more akin to RDR2 (~1 year), we land in mid-2027. And if it were closer to GTA V’s gap, it could even be late 2027. It’s unlikely Rockstar will wait that long given trends, but mid-to-late 2027 is certainly on the table. Remember, Rockstar will also want to maximize console sales first without immediately cannibalizing them by offering a PC option too soon.

 

  • Rockstar’s polish and perfectionism: The company is known for not rushing releases. If the PC version needs extra optimization (and GTA games usually do, to scale across various hardware and incorporate advanced graphics options), Rockstar will take that time. They will also be busy post-console-launch with patching any issues and launching GTA Online components. It might treat the PC edition as the “ultimate version” that deserves its own development cycle for enhancements. This could easily mean many additional months after the console launch. Indeed, Rockstar’s official stance after the leak incident was that they wouldn’t compromise their development timeline and are “as committed as ever to delivering a top-quality” game – that philosophy will extend to the PC port quality as well.

 

  • Market strategy – two bites at the apple: Staggered releases allow two marketing cycles and two sales surges. Take-Two knows that many die-hard fans (especially streamers and content creators) won’t wait for PC – they’ll buy the console version to play GTA 6 as early as possible. Then when the PC version arrives with enhanced features or just the allure of mods and better performance, many will buy it again. It’s a profitable strategy that they executed masterfully with GTA V. By 2027, a second wave of hype for GTA 6 on PC could reignite sales and keep the game in the headlines years after initial launch. From an SEO perspective, queries like “GTA 6 PC release date” will spike all over again when Rockstar finally confirms the PC launch – likely driving another marketing push.

 

  • Potential for a shorter gap (late 2026): It’s worth noting that some credible voices think the wait might be a bit shorter this time. For example, the Corsair exec’s “early ’26 for PC” remark, while retracted, suggested some optimism that Rockstar could surprise us. Additionally, the growing importance of PC and the revenue from PC players could incentivize Rockstar to not leave PC gamers hanging too long. If by some miracle GTA 6’s development on PC is mostly complete by the console release, Rockstar could target a late 2026 launch for PC – perhaps to coincide with a Game of the Year edition or a major update. This scenario would put the PC gap at maybe 6–8 months post-console, similar to the fastest turnaround Rockstar has ever done historically. It’s not impossible, but for now, it’s safer to expect a longer wait until 2027, given the lack of any official PC info.

 

  • No news is… not good news (for a quick release): The fact that Rockstar has “refused to announce or even confirm a PC version” of GTA 6 so far, focusing all communications on the console versions, is telling. When Rockstar planned a PC version close to a console launch in the past, they usually said so early (e.g., Max Payne 3 was announced for PC at the same time as consoles). Here, their silence suggests that the PC edition is being held back as a separate thing, likely because it’s not intended to launch alongside. Zelnick’s comments basically telling us to be patient confirm this. So until we hear that announcement – which might only come after the console version is out or nearly out – the safe bet is a long wait.

Considering all these factors, a consensus is forming that PC gamers might not be playing GTA 6 until 2027. Even some gaming journalists have resigned themselves to this timeline, half-jokingly speculating about “GTA 7 in 2040” while predicting GTA 6’s PC edition won’t arrive before 2027. It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek, but it underscores the expectation of a lengthy gap.

The (Long) Wait Ahead for GTA 6 PC Players

If you’re a PC gamer and a die-hard GTA fan, this situation may feel like déjà vu. We’ve been here with GTA V and RDR2 – watching our console friends enjoy a new Rockstar masterpiece while we twiddle our thumbs (or grudgingly buy a console copy) and count the days. The difference now is that the stakes are even higher: GTA VI is poised to be the biggest game of the decade, and PC players desperately want to be part of the excitement from day one. Unfortunately, all signs indicate that day one will belong to consoles, and PC’s day will come later – quite possibly in 2027.

On the bright side, a later GTA 6 PC release could mean a more polished experience. By 2027, any launch bugs from the console version will likely be ironed out. PC gamers might receive the benefit of all post-launch content up to that point, maybe even the GTA Online component ready to go with cross-play (wishful thinking, perhaps). Plus, hardware by 2027 will be even more capable, so PCs of that time might truly make GTA 6 shine in 4K at high FPS. The wait could also build up even more hype – not that GTA 6 needs more hype, but a second launch keeps the game in the spotlight.

Ultimately, Rockstar’s past tells us that patience will be required. Every major Rockstar title in the 3D era has made its way to PC eventually (except the original Red Dead Redemption), and GTA 6 will be no exception. Take-Two Interactive will ensure it happens because the financial incentive is massive – GTA V’s ongoing PC success is proof enough. The only uncertainty is when. Right now, the most reasonable speculation is that GTA 6 will hit PC in late 2026 at the earliest, and very possibly in 2027 once the initial console wave has crested.

For GTA fans, the next couple of years will be filled with excitement and agony in equal measure. We’ll likely see console players exploring the new Vice City in 2026 while PC gamers watch longingly (and avoid spoiler videos). But take solace in knowing Rockstar hasn’t forgotten the PC audience – they’re just following a familiar script. So, will GTA 6 for PC release in 2027? Don’t be surprised if it does. And if by some stroke of luck it arrives sooner, we’ll happily eat our words. Until then, keep your gaming rig warm, replay some GTA 5 or GTA Online, and maybe start saving up for that inevitable upgrade – by the time GTA VI finally launches on PC, you’ll want to experience Rockstar’s next masterpiece at its absolute best.

In the end, whether it’s late 2026 or 2027, Grand Theft Auto 6 on PC is coming – it’s just a matter of how long Rockstar makes us wait. And if history is any guide, that wait, while painful, will be rewarded with one of the most phenomenal open-world experiences ever made, running gloriously on our PCs. Patience, fellow gamers… Los Santos took its sweet time to arrive on PC, and the neon nights of Vice City will too. After all, “the only thing that happens after the lack of an announcement is… an announcement.” Hang tight for that announcement – even if it’s a year or two away.

Back to blog