GTA 6 Could Have Exceeded 400GB Without Rockstar Compression

Dataminer Tex2 says GTA 6 could have exceeded 400 gigabytes without Rockstar Games' proprietary compression, while Rockstar confirms console pre-downloads may require up to 212 gigabytes of free space.

Rockstar's compression and the RPF format

Tex2, a known dataminer in the Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption communities, explained that Rockstar uses proprietary compression inside RPF files, the RAGE Package File format. RPF packages allow developers to bundle models, textures, scripts and other resources in compressed archives, which Tex2 identifies as a primary factor in reducing the on-disk size of Rockstar projects.

As an example of that process, Tex2 pointed to GTA V Enhanced and said that Rockstar moved audio files to MP3 in that release. According to Tex2, that change reduced the audio package from about 16 gigabytes to 8 gigabytes and decreased the downloadable content package from about 66 gigabytes to 51 gigabytes. Tex2 added that, without those and other compressions, GTA 6 could have easily passed 400 gigabytes.

Size estimates, confirmations and release schedule

Published figures and dataminer estimates differ, and some numbers remain hypothetical. Key reported and claimed figures include:

• Rockstar confirmation that players may need up to 212 gigabytes of free space for pre-downloads, depending on console.
• Dataminer PlayStation Game Size previously estimated the PlayStation 5 build at roughly 210 gigabytes.
• Tex2's hypothetical, uncompressed estimate that GTA 6 could have exceeded 400 gigabytes without Rockstar's compression technologies.

Tex2 has also previously claimed that the Legacy edition of GTA V, including all GTA Online content, could have exceeded 250 gigabytes without compression, while Rockstar's tools reduced that downloadable footprint to about 120 gigabytes. Rockstar has not confirmed the hypothetical >400 gigabyte figure, and it remains unclear how a potential PC release size will compare with console builds.

Rockstar has set the release date for GTA 6 as November 19, 2026 (28 Aban 1405) for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S. Digital pre-downloads begin on November 10, 2026 (19 Aban 1405).

The Grand Theft Auto series carries a mature age rating; families should supervise access for children and teenagers.