# GTA 6 reviews: when the review embargo lifts and what we know

Source: https://gta.kuber.studio/release/gta-6-reviews-and-review-embargo
Status: mixed
Updated: 2026-11-15

> GTA 6 reviews are reported to go live Nov 18, 2026, the day before launch. Rockstar has not confirmed it. Embargo time claims, Metacritic, and spoiler warnings.

**Quick answer:** GTA 6 reviews are **reported** to go live on **Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026**, the day before launch. NateTheHate and Insider Gaming say codes went out in late October, but **Rockstar has not confirmed** the embargo. A claimed **6–7 AM EST** time is unverified. There is no Metacritic score yet.

| Key fact | |
| --- | --- |
| Reported embargo | Wed Nov 18, 2026 |
| Confirmed by Rockstar | No |
| Claimed time | 6-7 AM EST (unverified) |
| Review codes | Reportedly sent late Oct |
| Metacritic score | None yet (Nov 15) |

GTA 6 reviews are **reported to go live on Wednesday, November 18, 2026**, one day before launch. <span class="tag-reported">reported</span> **Rockstar has not confirmed the embargo**, so treat the date as strong but unofficial. As of Nov 15, there are **no reviews and no Metacritic score**. <span class="tag-confirmed">confirmed</span> (absence)

## Where does the Nov 18 date come from?

| Source | Claim | Grade |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **NateTheHate** (X, Oct 26, 2026) | Review codes are out, with an embargo on Nov 18 | <span class="tag-rumour">rumour</span> |
| **Insider Gaming** | Independently verified the date; codes went out at the end of October | <span class="tag-reported">reported</span> |
| **tbreak** (Oct 27) | Relays both | <span class="tag-reported">reported</span> |
| **Rockstar** | Has said nothing | — |

Two separate sources landing on the same date, one of them saying it checked independently, makes Nov 18 credible. But neither is Rockstar. Timing can still move.

## What time does the GTA 6 review embargo lift?

**Unknown.** One claim, from a source called BlackBate and relayed by Gizbot, says **6–7 AM EST**, which it gives as 12:01–1:01 PM CET. <span class="tag-rumour">rumour</span> If accurate, that would be about 11:00–12:00 UTC on Nov 18, or 11 AM to noon in London.

Note that this would land almost exactly when New Zealand players start playing: NZ unlocks at **11:00 UTC on Nov 18**. See [[release/gta-6-release-time-by-country|release time by country]].

## Did every outlet get a review code?

Reportedly not. tbreak says **some outlets and YouTubers may have to wait until launch**. YouTuber **Shirrako** may have a review code. <span class="tag-rumour">rumour</span> Expect a mix of full reviews on Nov 18 and "review in progress" pieces through launch week.

## What will reviews tell us that Rockstar has not?

A lot of open questions should be answered once reviews land:

- **Story length.** Rockstar North's Rob Nelson reportedly said his playthrough took about 80 hours, but outlets disagree on whether that includes side content. See [[guides/gta-6-how-long-to-beat|how long to beat]].
- **Real-world performance**: how stable the [[release/gta-6-ps5-pro-performance|30 fps target]] is, and console resolutions.
- **How the new systems feel**, such as the [[gameplay/gta-6-wanted-system-and-heat|wanted and heat system]] and character switching.
- **Radio**: Edge reported 23 stations; Rockstar has revealed six. See [[music/gta-6-radio-stations|radio stations]].

## How to avoid GTA 6 spoilers before launch

Nov 18 is the risky day. Reviews may land, New Zealand players will be streaming, and earlier leaks are still around:

- The **CyberLeek** leaks included about 25 minutes of spoiler-heavy footage, possibly from an older build, which Engadget warned about on Oct 8. Rockstar's legal team has been removing clips. <span class="tag-reported">reported</span> See [[leaks/gta-6-cyberleek-2026-leaks|the CyberLeek leaks]].
- New Zealand unlocks about **18 hours before** the US store.
- Mute keywords like "GTA 6 ending" and character names on social media.
- Read reviews that promise to be spoiler-free, and skip video thumbnails.

## What we're watching

- Whether Rockstar or any outlet confirms the embargo time.
- The Metacritic and OpenCritic scores once reviews land. We will add them here.

Back to the [[release/index|release hub]], or get ready with the [[guides/gta-6-day-one-checklist|day-one checklist]].

## FAQ

**When do GTA 6 reviews come out?**

Reportedly on Wednesday, Nov 18, 2026, the day before launch. NateTheHate said so on Oct 26 and Insider Gaming says it verified the date, but Rockstar has not confirmed it.

**What time does the GTA 6 review embargo lift?**

Unconfirmed. A claim relayed by Gizbot says 6-7 AM EST (12:01-1:01 PM CET), but it comes from a single unverified source.

**What is GTA 6's Metacritic score?**

There isn't one yet. As of Nov 15, 2026, no reviews have been published. Scores should appear once the embargo lifts.

**Have reviewers got GTA 6 early?**

Reportedly yes. Insider Gaming says review codes went out at the end of October, though some outlets and YouTubers may have to wait until launch.


## Sources

- [GTA 6 Review Codes Reportedly Out, Embargo 18 November](https://tbreak.com/gta-6-review-codes-embargo-november-18/) (tbreak, Oct 27, 2026)
- [When Do GTA 6 Reviews Come Out?](https://expertgamereviews.com/gta-6-reviews-embargo-date-time/) (expertgamereviews.com)
- [Careful out there: latest GTA 6 leak has major story spoilers](https://www.engadget.com/2281188/careful-out-there-latest-gta-6-leak-has-major-story-spoilers/) (Engadget, Oct 8, 2026)
- [Grand Theft Auto VI regional pre-load and release times on PlayStation 5 and XBOX Series X|S](https://support.rockstargames.com/articles/29jV3Cv2cCgvwM1XgtMO5o/grand-theft-auto-vi-regional-pre-load-and-release-times-on-playstation-5-and-xbox-series-x-or-s) (Rockstar Games Support)