Can You Play GTA 6 on PS4? Everything You Need to Know
No, you cannot play GTA 6 on PS4.
Rockstar Games has announced that Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) will not be available for PlayStation 4. The game will be a next-gen exclusive available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S when it launches in Fall 2025.
If you are a PS4 owner who is hoping to see Vice City in GTA 6, the PS4 hardware simply won’t suffice for this title. Rockstar has made it clear that developing GTA 6 for older systems such as the PS4 would result in limitations on performance, graphics, and overall scale of endeavors.
But don’t worry. This article will break down everything you need to know — why Rockstar is skipping PS4, whether there’s any chance for a workaround or release later on, and what your options are if you’re sticking with PS4 for now.
Why GTA 6 Isn’t Coming to PS4
Rockstar Games made a strategic and technical decision. The PlayStation 4 was released in 2013, and while it has served greatly for over a decade, GTA 6 is being designed for much more advanced hardware.
Here are the main reasons why GTA 6 is skipping PS4:
- Technical Limitations: GTA 6 is reportedly one of Rockstar’s most ambitious games ever, featuring a massive open-world map, enhanced physics, better AI systems, real-time weather, and near-photorealistic graphics. PS4 simply doesn’t have the processing power, RAM, or storage speed to handle this.
- Development Focus: Rockstar is focusing its budget and development resources on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S platforms to deliver a next-gen AAA experience. Building versions of the game for PS4 would require compromises in graphics, frame rate, AI, and gameplay mechanics.
- Longevity & Relevance: GTA games have a long life cycle. GTA 5 lasted over a decade. Rockstar likely expects GTA 6 to dominate the market for years to come, and starting exclusively on next-gen ensures that longevity.
GTA 6 Release Date and Platform Details (Confirmed)
Rockstar Games officially announced:
- GTA 6 Release Window: Fall 2025
- Confirmed Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X
- Xbox Series S
Not Available On:
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- PC (yet… PC may arrive later, as was the case with GTA 5)
This means PS4 users are left out, at least for now.
Is There Any Chance GTA 6 Will Come to PS4 Later?
As it stands, the chances are extremely slim.
Rockstar has not shared any plans to backport the game to older consoles. Developing a PS4 version would require:
- Major downgrades in graphics and performance
- Restructuring game physics
- Reducing object density, traffic, and environmental complexity
And even then, the final product wouldn’t meet the standards Rockstar is aiming for.
Past Rockstar titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA 5 already pushed last-gen consoles to their limits. GTA 6 goes far beyond that, making a PS4 port nearly impossible without sacrificing too much.
So, to answer the question honestly: no, don’t expect GTA 6 to ever run on PS4.
Will Any Version of GTA 6 Be Streamed or Downgraded for PS4?
Some fans have wondered: Could Rockstar release a cloud or streaming version for PS4?
As of now:
- No streaming version has been confirmed.
- PlayStation does offer cloud gaming through PlayStation Plus Premium, but GTA 6 is not listed, and this service doesn’t typically support brand-new AAA releases there at launch.
- Rockstar is not known for launch-day streaming support.
While cloud gaming might become more viable in the future, don’t expect it to save PS4 owners from missing out on GTA 6 — at least not when it first launches.
What Are Your Options as a PS4 Gamer?
Upgrade to a PS5
If you want to play GTA 6:
- Buying a PlayStation 5 is the easiest and most future-proof option.
- Rockstar has confirmed the game will be optimized for PS5, taking full advantage of the SSD, advanced GPU power, and higher frame rates.
Tip: Keep your PSN account. Your PS4 profile will work seamlessly on PS5.
Wait and Watch PC Announcements
Rockstar has a long tradition of delayed PC releases. GTA 5 released on console in 2013, but didn’t hit PC until 2015.
So, if you don’t want a console, consider:
- Building or buying a gaming PC
- Waiting for GTA 6 to possibly release on PC a year or so after the console launch
This could cost more, but many players prefer it for mods, customization, and freedom.
Stick With GTA 5 for Now
GTA 5 still has a strong player base. Even in 2025, it will:
- Keep its online servers active
- Receive some updates
- Be compatible across PS4 and PS5 (via Online Crossplay in some servers)
While it’s not GTA 6, GTA 5 is still one of the most fun and open-ended games ever made — and probably will stay that way for a few more years until GTA 6 takes over completely.
PS4 vs. PS5: What’s the Technical Gap?
Here’s a snapshot of why GTA 6 won’t work on PS4:
| Feature | PS4 | PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2013 | 2020 |
| Storage | HDD (slow loading speeds) | Ultra-fast SSD |
| RAM | 8GB GDDR5 | 16GB GDDR6 |
| GPU Power | 1.84 TFLOPs | 10.28 TFLOPs |
| Resolution Support | Up to 1080p | Up to 4K / 60+ FPS |
Conclusion: GTA 6 was built for next-gen systems. PS4 simply can’t compete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I play GTA 6 on PS4 using remote play or other tricks?
A: No. Remote play mirrors another device. Since PS4 can’t natively run GTA 6, remote play doesn’t help unless you’re playing it off a PS5 or PC (when/if PC version arrives).
Q2. Will Rockstar change their mind later?
Highly unlikely. There’s no financial incentive or technical ease to launch such a massive game on outdated consoles now.
Q3. Will GTA Online still work on PS4 after GTA 6 release?
Yes. GTA Online will stay available for GTA 5 players. But don’t expect new GTA 6 content on PS4.
Q4. Will PC get GTA 6?
Probably — but not at launch. Rockstar traditionally delays PC releases. Expect it 1–2 years after console release.
What Should PS4 Players Do?
If you’re still on a PS4, here’s the honest truth: GTA 6 is not coming to your console. It’s a moment of change in gaming — a firm shift to next-gen. But this isn’t the end of the road.
You still have:
- GTA 5 and GTA Online
- Time to upgrade to a PS5
- The opportunity to wait for a PC version down the line
GTA 6 is shaping up to be one of the greatest open-world games ever made, and while PS4 users may not get to play it immediately (or ever), there are solid paths forward for those ready to take the next step.