Rockstar Games has initiated the early download phase for its highly anticipated GTA Online winter update, Agents of Sabotage, continuing its platform-specific pre-load strategy. PlayStation users can now begin downloading the update ahead of its official launch on December 10th, though the content remains locked until the official release time.
The strategic pre-loading window, which began on Sunday, December 8th at 10 AM UK time, gives PlayStation users a 48-hour head start in downloading the substantial update. The latest installment weighs in at approximately 6GB for PS5 users and 2.83GB for PS4 owners, marking a notable size increase compared to previous updates on the newer console while maintaining a more modest footprint on the older hardware.
This pre-load opportunity, however, remains exclusive to PlayStation platforms, with Xbox and PC users required to wait until the official release time of 10 AM UK time on Tuesday, December 10th, to begin their downloads. There’s a silver lining for Xbox users, though, as Microsoft is currently testing a patch pre-load feature that could enable similar early access opportunities for future GTA Online updates.
The Agents of Sabotage update represents Rockstar’s fourth consecutive major release to feature PlayStation pre-loading capabilities, following the pattern established with San Andreas Mercenaries last summer and continued through The Chop Shop and Bottom Dollar Bounties updates. This consistent approach suggests Rockstar’s commitment to streamlining the update process for PlayStation users, allowing them to dive into new content immediately upon release.
The significant download size hints at substantial new content additions, with Rockstar promising new robbery missions, vehicle additions and upgrades, expanded weaponry, and enhanced Job Creator options. The update has generated additional buzz within the GTA community due to an apparent reference to GTA 6 and Vice City, fueling speculation about connections to the highly anticipated next installment in the franchise.
For PC players, the update will roll out simultaneously across multiple platforms, including Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the Rockstar Games Launcher, shortly after the console release time. This coordinated release strategy ensures that the entire GTA Online community can access the new content within a relatively short window, minimizing platform-specific delays.
The update’s launch also coincides with the transition to a new GTA+ membership period, adding another layer of significance for subscribers to Rockstar’s premium service. Current members have a limited window to claim existing perks and maximize their earnings before the new content and benefits cycle begins with the update’s release.
Rockstar’s decision to continue its platform-specific pre-load strategy highlights the ongoing evolution of game update distribution methods. While PlayStation users currently enjoy exclusive early download access, the potential expansion of similar features to Xbox platforms could signal a broader industry shift toward more user-friendly update deployment practices.
The Agents of Sabotage update represents another significant expansion to GTA online‘s already vast content library, demonstrating Rockstar’s continued commitment to supporting and evolving their online platform even as anticipation builds for future releases. With the update poised to introduce new gameplay mechanics and content, the early download option ensures that PlayStation players can jump into the action the moment the content goes live, while other platform users prepare for a slightly delayed but equally anticipated launch.
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