GTA 6 Pre-Order Bonuses and Editions: Is Ultimate Worth It?

Pre-orders for GTA 6 opened at midnight on June 25, 2026. This article breaks down the pre-order bonuses, the available editions, and the differences between the digital and physical editions to help you decide which one to choose.

Digital Edition vs. Physical Edition

GTA 6 is available as a digital edition from the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, and other digital storefronts, as well as a physical edition from retailers such as GEO and Amazon.

However, unlike traditional physical releases, the GTA 6 physical edition does not include a disc. Instead, the case contains a download code, so even if you buy the physical edition, you will still download the game before playing.

With GTA 5, one of the biggest advantages of the digital edition was being able to play immediately at midnight on release day. Physical-edition buyers, by contrast, had to wait for the disc to arrive and could not start playing at midnight. The physical edition did offer collectible extras, however, including the disc itself and the included map.

With GTA 6, the physical edition also uses a download code, allowing players to start at midnight on release day. That makes the practical difference between the digital and physical editions much smaller.

Pre-Order Bonuses

Players who pre-order GTA 6 or purchase it on release day will receive the “Vintage Vice City Pack” as a bonus.

This bonus is included with both the digital and physical editions.

The digital edition also includes one free month of GTA+. Because GTA+ automatically renews after the free period ends, you will need to turn off automatic renewal after claiming the bonus if you only want to use the free month.

If you already have a GTA+ subscription, claiming this bonus will extend your current subscription by one month.

What Is Included in the Vintage Vice City Pack?

As its name suggests, the Vintage Vice City Pack includes bonus content inspired by the atmosphere of old-school Miami and Vice City.

Vapid Stanier (1955)

The 1955 Vapid Stanier also appears in GTA Online, although the GTA Online model is based on a newer model year. The 1955 Vapid Stanier features meticulous detailing and a distinctly vintage appearance.

Private Garage at Shore Court

This bonus grants access to a garage near the world-famous Ocean Beach. The private garage at Shore Court includes an armory and a stolen-goods storage room. GTA 6 may introduce more detailed systems for the number of weapons you can carry, vehicle-trunk storage, and managing stolen goods, so this garage could tie into those new features.

Vintage Pastel Linen Suit (Jason)

Jason receives a Vintage Pastel Linen Suit. Its bright, Vice City-inspired color palette evokes the classic style of old Miami.

Red Sequin Minidress (Lucia)

Lucia receives a Red Sequin Minidress. Its bold color and texture make it a perfect match for a vintage nightlife aesthetic.

Decadent-Era Cut (Jason)

Jason receives a hairstyle inspired by the decadent era. Although it has a vintage influence, it still looks natural enough for a modern setting.

Curly Hair (Lucia)

Lucia receives a curly hairstyle. Paired with the bonus outfit, it creates an even stronger Vice City look.

Tropical Pattern Weapon Finish

The Tropical Pattern weapon finish is inspired by the palm-tree print on the shirt worn by Tommy Vercetti, the protagonist of the earlier title Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

Available Editions

GTA 6 is available in two editions: the Standard Edition and the Ultimate Edition.

The physical release is only available as the Standard Edition. However, after purchasing it, you can buy the “Ultimate Edition Upgrade” to add the Ultimate Edition content later.

The difference is ¥2,480, so there is generally no price difference between buying the Ultimate Edition from the start and upgrading from the Standard Edition later.

What Is Included in the Ultimate Edition?

The Ultimate Edition includes a substantial selection of extra content, including vehicles, weapon finishes, outfits, watercraft, exclusive stores, a gang hideout, and classic-car-related content.

■Stores Exclusive to the Ultimate Edition

[Vehicle] Grotti Cheetah (1995)

The 1995 Grotti Cheetah has a similar feel to the Cheetah Classic featured in GTA Online. It should strongly appeal to players familiar with earlier GTA titles and GTA Online.

[Vehicle] Dinka Enduro

A military-style Enduro is included among the vehicles at Jason’s safehouse. The Enduro also appears in GTA Online, but the GTA 6 version seems to feature even more detailed modeling.

[Vehicle] Vapid Dominator Buggy (1967)

A Mud Club monster machine. The 1967 Dominator Buggy is built for powerful off-road driving from the backcountry of Mount Kalaga and beyond.

[Watercraft] Crest Kayak

[Watercraft] Shitzu Squalo

The Squalo is included as a boat. Although the Squalo itself may also be obtainable through regular gameplay, its pink-to-blue gradient color scheme may be exclusive to the Ultimate Edition.

[Tuning Kit] Ganado Retro Build

The Ganado Retro Build is a tuning kit for Jason’s personal vehicle, the Vapid Ganado. It may include body paint, hood, turbo, and other customization options.

[Garage] Paradise Garage

Paradise Garage, apparently used to store the ’67 Dominator Buggy, is included. Because Paradise Garage also comes with an armory and a stolen-goods lockup, garages and properties may play a more important role than ever in GTA 6.

[Weapons] Hawk & Little Morgan Revolvers

The Hawk & Little Morgan Revolvers are a powerful matching set designed for a male-and-female duo. Jason and Lucia each have a different design, suggesting that weapons in GTA 6 may look or handle differently depending on the character.

The weapons also feature engraved numbers that reference earlier Vice City titles. Jason’s “311006” represents the North American release date of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, while Lucia’s “291002” represents the North American release date of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

[Weapon Finish] Giraldi ES9 Pistol (Jason)

Jason gets an engraved Giraldi ES9 pistol.

This bonus appears to be an exclusive finish rather than the weapon itself. The standard version of the weapon may therefore also be obtainable in the Standard Edition.

[Weapon Finish] Klose K17 Pistol (Lucia)

Lucia gets an exclusive engraved finish for the Klose K17 pistol.

This bonus appears to be an exclusive finish rather than the weapon itself. The standard version of the weapon may therefore also be obtainable in the Standard Edition.

[Appearance] Vice City Style (Exclusive Outfits and Tattoos)

Vice City Style includes exclusive outfits and tattoos. Judging by the images, GTA 6 may offer a particularly wide range of hairstyles and appearance customization options.

[Appearance] Goodtime Gear (Exclusive Outfits and Tattoos)

Goodtime Gear includes apparel and accessories featuring Macca the Gator, a popular character from an in-universe Leonida TV show. The collection is expected to focus on clothing and accessories inspired by the alligator character.

[Gang Hideout] PTT YOUNGIN$ Contraband Warehouse

The PTT YOUNGIN$ Contraband Warehouse is additional gang-hideout content. It may provide access to special items and contraband that cannot be obtained through normal gameplay.

Classic Car Collection

The Classic Car Collection appears to be a collectible activity in which mechanic Wyman sends you to find abandoned classic cars and unfinished vehicles. The Ultimate Edition may include special jobs that are not available in the Standard Edition.

[Tuning Shop] Rideout Customs

Rideout Customs appears to be a tuning shop similar to Benny’s in GTA Online. The Ultimate Edition is said to provide access to this shop.

[Tuning Shop] One-Eyed Willie

One-Eyed Willie is a tuning shop specializing in off-road vehicles. It looks set to be an especially appealing facility for players who care about off-road vehicles and modifications.

[Salon] Sara’s Unisex Salon

Sara’s Unisex Salon is a beauty salon where players can change details such as Jason’s and Lucia’s facial hair, makeup, and nails.

[Clothing Store] Stock 305

Stock 305 is a clothing store. It is presented as an exclusive shop for the Ultimate Edition and may carry a selection different from regular clothing stores.

[Tattoo Shop] Electric Fang Tattoo

Electric Fang Tattoo is a shop offering special tattoos for Jason and Lucia. It is said to include more than 50 exclusive tattoo designs.

Standard Edition or Ultimate Edition: Which Is Better?

In short, if you plan to spend a lot of time with GTA 6, the Ultimate Edition is the better choice.

It includes a substantial number of bonuses, with exclusive shops, vehicles, appearance customization, and garage-related features standing out in particular. Longtime GTA players are likely to find the Ultimate Edition especially appealing.

If you are not very interested in story mode and only plan to play it as a bridge until the online mode launches, the Standard Edition should be enough.

On the other hand, players who want to fully explore the world of GTA 6, enjoy character and vehicle customization, or appreciate the Vice City references to earlier games will probably be more satisfied with the Ultimate Edition.

Physical Edition or Digital Edition: Which Is Better?

Both the physical edition and digital edition are effectively download-based, and now that both can be pre-loaded, most of the traditional differences between them have disappeared. A few advantages and disadvantages remain, however, so we will cover them below.

Advantages of the Physical Edition

• Includes a game case
• May be available at a discounted price depending on the retailer
• Can be purchased without a credit card
• Offers collectible value if any physical extras are included

The biggest advantage is that some retailers may sell it at a discount. The digital edition is generally sold at full price, while the physical edition may be discounted by individual stores.

Disadvantages of the Physical Edition

• You cannot begin pre-loading until you receive the download code
• Not ideal for players who want to start downloading immediately at midnight one week before release
• Does not include one free month of GTA+

The physical edition can also be pre-loaded, but only after you receive the code. The digital edition is therefore better for anyone who wants to start pre-loading as early as possible.

Advantages of the Digital Edition

• Can be pre-loaded immediately from midnight one week before release
• Includes one free month of GTA+

Disadvantages of the Digital Edition

• Generally sold at full price
• Does not include a case or physical extras
• Requires a credit card

Even if you use the download code from the physical edition, the game will be added to the library of the account that redeemed it. If you replace your console, you can download it again using the same account. You will not need to buy the physical edition again.

Should You Pre-Order?

If you already plan to buy GTA 6, it is worth pre-ordering.

The reason is simple: if you are going to buy it anyway, you may as well receive the Vintage Vice City Pack pre-order bonus.

Because this physical edition uses a download code, used copies are unlikely to become widely available at low prices. If you plan to buy the game, pre-ordering and claiming the bonus is probably the better option.

Summary

GTA 6 is available in two versions: the Standard Edition and the Ultimate Edition.

The Standard Edition includes only the base game, while the Ultimate Edition is a premium package containing numerous vehicles, weapon finishes, appearance customization options, shops, properties, and additional content.

The digital edition and physical edition also differ in areas such as the free month of GTA+, ease of pre-loading, and the possibility of retailer discounts.