If you still play on an Xbox One, GTA VI has a catch and a workaround. The game is not coming to Xbox One as a native install, but Microsoft says you will be able to stream it from day one through Xbox Cloud Gaming. With launch set for Thursday, November 19, here is what that means in practice and what to sort out before then.
How each Xbox plays it
Microsoft laid out the plan in an Xbox Wire post on November 10. It splits the audience three ways:
- Xbox Series X: plays the game natively and is described as the best Xbox console experience. Pre-install is available now.
- Xbox Series S: also plays it natively, and Microsoft calls it the most affordable way to do so. Pre-install is available now.
- Xbox One: streams the game through Xbox Cloud Gaming.
What streaming gets you, and what it does not
The headline detail is easy to miss: Microsoft says the game uses Xbox Series S graphics settings when it is streamed. So the cloud version is not a way to get the Series X picture on an old console. It is a way to play at all. Streaming begins at 1am ET on November 19, according to Microsoft, and Microsoft adds that availability, purchasing options, supported devices and features can vary by market and device.
The game itself still has to be bought separately. Microsoft Store listings on the Xbox Wire page show the standard edition at $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $99.99. The same listing describes the game as a single-player experience, which is good news for streaming, since you are not trying to out-click anyone online. Your connection will still decide how smooth it feels, and neither company has published figures we can quote for the minimum speed you need.
There is also a subscription angle. Microsoft says that from November 11, players in supported markets can buy cloud playtime to stream supported games without a Game Pass subscription. Cloud gaming has had monthly hour limits, so check what your plan includes. We broke down the monthly cloud hour caps by Game Pass tier earlier.
Before launch day
If you are on a Series X or S, pre-load now. Microsoft says the game is the most pre-ordered title in Microsoft Store history, and it urges players to start pre-loading as early as possible. Our earlier piece covers the 212 GB download and storage rules, which is worth reading before you clear space. If you are on an Xbox One, there is nothing to download. Test your Wi-Fi in the room where you play, ideally with a wired connection, and decide whether a cloud playtime purchase makes sense for you.
Bottom Line
Xbox One owners are not locked out, but they are getting a streamed, Series S-quality version rather than a native one. For a single-player game that is a fair compromise if your internet is solid. If your connection is shaky or you want the best picture, the real answer is a Series S or X, or another platform entirely.
FAQ
Can I play GTA VI on Xbox One?
Yes, but only by streaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming. There is no native Xbox One version. Microsoft says streaming starts at 1am ET on November 19.
Do I need Game Pass to stream it?
Not necessarily. Microsoft says that from November 11, players in supported markets can buy cloud playtime to stream supported games without a Game Pass subscription. You still need to buy the game itself.
Will the streamed version look as good as Xbox Series X?
No. Microsoft says the game uses Xbox Series S graphics settings when cloud-streamed, and the Series X is described as the best Xbox way to play it.
Featured image: Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash.
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