GTA 6 breaks records: Why millions of gamers are buying most expensive edition
Experts explain why you shouldn’t rush to buy the Ultimate Edition (screenshot: Rockstar Games)
GTA 6 could set a record before its release: The number of digital pre-orders has already approached 5 million, according to Engadget.
Interestingly, most buyers are choosing not the base version for $79.99, but the expanded Ultimate Edition for $99.99 — it accounts for around 90 percent of all pre-orders.
Ultimate Edition contents: What buyers get
By purchasing the expanded edition, which is available exclusively in digital format without a physical disc, players get access to a range of exclusive in-game elements:
Exclusive locations and services: Five unique locations on the map, including Rideout Customs and One-Eyed Willie's auto shops, Sara's Unisex Salon, Stock 305 clothing store, and Electric Fang Tattoo Parlor with more than 50 designs from the FAILE art collective.
Additional story missions: Clearing the PTT Youngin$ Compound gang’s base and a series of missions to restore classic cars from the Classic Car Collection by fixer Wyman.
Unique vehicles: The classic '95 Grotti Cheetah sports car, the booby-trapped Shitzu Squalo jet ski, and the '67 Vapid Dominator buggy.
Weapons and cosmetic packs: Hawk & Little Morgan revolvers, weapon skin packs, and themed clothing sets, Vice City Styles and Goodtime Gear.
Rockstar emphasizes that the bonus content is not available from the very beginning of the game. It is “woven” into the storyline and will gradually unlock as players progress through new chapters.
Unusual demand: Is it worth paying extra?
The share of Ultimate Edition pre-orders turned out to be unusually high.
According to Sensor Tower vice president of analytics Karl Kontus, expanded editions usually account for only 10–20 percent of total sales, making the 90 percent figure unprecedented.
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick also confirmed that demand has shifted toward the premium version.
No early access. Unlike other major releases, such as Starfield or Diablo IV, the Ultimate Edition does not give players the right to start the game several days early — all players will get access at the same time.
Upgrade option. Buyers of the base version will be able to pay the $20 difference and add the Ultimate Edition content at any time after the official launch.
Given that most in-game cars, clothing, and weapons can be unlocked or purchased directly while playing, there is no need to rush to pay extra for the expanded edition before release.
