With the announcement of Grand Theft Auto VI coming to consoles in late 2026, the PC gaming community is left with one massive question: What hardware do I need to run this game? Historically, Rockstar Games pushes the boundaries of graphical fidelity, and GTA 6 is set to be the most demanding title yet.
In this guide, we analyze the expected GTA VI PC system requirements, focusing on the hardware you’ll need for a smooth 1080p, 1440p, and 4K experience in the state of Leonida.
Is GTA VI Coming to PC at Launch?
Based on Rockstar’s official statements in early 2026, GTA VI will debut on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S first. However, rumors from industry insiders suggest that the PC version is being developed in parallel to avoid the long delays we saw with GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2. We anticipate a PC release window in early 2028.
Predicted Minimum System Requirements
To simply “run” GTA VI at 1080p with low-to-medium settings, your PC will still need a decent amount of power. Rockstar’s new version of the RAGE Engine utilizes heavy global illumination and complex NPC AI.
| Component | Estimated Minimum Spec |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 (64-bit) |
| CPU | Intel Core i5-11600K / AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 (8GB VRAM) |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 150GB SSD (NVMe Recommended) |
Recommended System Requirements (1440p High Settings)
For the true “Vice City” experience with high-density crowds and realistic reflections, you should aim for the following specs. By 2026 standards, this will be the “sweet spot” for most core gamers.
- CPU: Intel Core i7-13700K or AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti / AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT
- RAM: 32GB DDR5
- DirectX: Version 12 Ultimate
4K Ultra & Ray Tracing: The Enthusiast Tier
If you want to play GTA VI in 4K at 60+ FPS with full Ray Tracing enabled, you are looking at the top-tier hardware available in 2026. This game is expected to utilize advanced technologies like DLSS 4.0 (Frame Generation) and FSR 4.
To handle the dense lighting of Vice City’s nightlife, an NVIDIA RTX 5080 or 5090 (expected to be the flagship in 2026) will likely be required for native 4K performance without heavy upscaling.
Why VRAM Matters for GTA VI
Early leaks suggest that GTA VI uses a new asset streaming system. This means VRAM (Video RAM) will be more important than ever. Graphics cards with only 8GB of VRAM may struggle with “Texture Pop-in” in high-speed car chases. Aim for at least 12GB or 16GB of VRAM for a future-proof build.
The Importance of SSD Speed
Forget HDDs. GTA VI will likely require an NVMe SSD as a minimum requirement for storage. The game uses “DirectStorage” technology to load the massive map of Leonida seamlessly. If you are still running an old SATA SSD, 2026 is the perfect time to upgrade to a PCIe Gen4 or Gen5 drive.
Final Thoughts: Should You Upgrade Now?
If you are planning to build a PC specifically for GTA VI, we recommend waiting until mid-2026. By then, newer GPU architectures from NVIDIA and AMD will be available, and prices for current 32GB RAM kits will likely drop further. Leonida is a beautiful but demanding beast—make sure your rig is ready.
