Grand Theft Auto VI is finally available for pre-order, and Rockstar Games has officially confirmed the game’s launch editions. As expected, players can choose between the Standard Edition and the Ultimate Edition. While both versions include the complete base game, there are several important differences that may influence your buying decision.
If you are wondering whether paying extra for the Ultimate Edition is worth it, this guide explains everything you need to know. From pricing and exclusive content to gameplay bonuses and value for money, here is a complete comparison between the two editions.
Grand Theft Auto VI Standard Edition
The Standard Edition is the base version of Grand Theft Auto VI. It gives players access to the full single-player experience, allowing them to explore Leonida, visit Vice City, and follow the story of protagonists Jason and Lucia from beginning to end.
For most players, this edition delivers the complete game without requiring any additional purchases.
The Standard Edition includes:
- Full Grand Theft Auto VI base game
- Complete single-player campaign
- Access to the entire open world
- All future gameplay updates available to every player
- Pre-order bonuses, if purchased before launch
This edition is priced at $79.99 USD, making it the most affordable way to experience Rockstar’s latest blockbuster.
Grand Theft Auto VI Ultimate Edition
The Ultimate Edition costs $99.99 USD and includes everything found in the Standard Edition along with several exclusive gameplay bonuses.
Unlike many premium editions that mainly offer cosmetic items, Rockstar has bundled exclusive locations, vehicles, customization options, and additional gameplay content into the Ultimate Edition.
Players purchasing this version receive exclusive access to:
- Premium vehicles
- Exclusive weapons
- Special weapon variants
- Unique clothing collections
- Character-themed apparel
- Exclusive customization locations
- Classic vehicle collection
- Additional gameplay activities
- Story-related bonus content
These additions are integrated into Jason and Lucia’s journey rather than existing as separate downloadable content.
Standard Vs Ultimate Edition Comparison
Here is a quick overview of the differences.
| Feature | Standard Edition | Ultimate Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Base game | Yes | Yes |
| Single-player story | Yes | Yes |
| Open world access | Yes | Yes |
| Premium vehicles | No | Yes |
| Exclusive weapons | No | Yes |
| Special outfits | No | Yes |
| Weapon customization | Limited | Expanded |
| Exclusive businesses | No | Yes |
| Classic vehicle collection | No | Yes |
| Bonus gameplay content | No | Yes |
| Price | $79.99 | $99.99 |
As you can see, the core game remains the same in both editions. The Ultimate Edition mainly focuses on adding extra content and customization opportunities.
Exclusive Content In The Ultimate Edition
One of the biggest reasons players may consider the Ultimate Edition is the number of exclusive in-game locations.
These include several businesses and facilities that are unavailable in the Standard Edition.
Some of the confirmed exclusive locations include:
- Rideout Customs Mod Shop
- Sara’s Unisex Salon
- Stock 305 Clothing Store
- Electric Fang Tattoo Parlor
- One-Eyed Willie’s Mod Shop
- PTT Youngin$ Illegal Goods Store
These locations expand customization options and provide additional activities throughout the game.
Players also receive access to exclusive vehicles such as:
- 1995 Grotti Cheetah
- 1967 Vapid Dominator Buggy
- Shitzu Squalo boat
- Jason’s Safehouse Vehicles
- Classic Car Collection
These vehicles become part of your collection and offer more variety during gameplay.
Exclusive Weapons And Cosmetics
The Ultimate Edition also introduces several exclusive weapons and appearance options.
These include:
- Hawk & Little Morgan Revolvers
- Personalized weapon variants
- Vice City-themed outfits
- Premium clothing
- Additional cosmetic customization
These bonuses do not change the main storyline, but they provide players with more ways to personalize their experience.
Pre-Order Bonuses
Regardless of which edition you purchase, Rockstar is offering pre-order rewards.
Players who pre-order either version receive:
- Vintage Vice City Pack
- Free one-month GTA+ membership
The Vintage Vice City Pack includes themed cosmetic items inspired by the classic Vice City era, making it a nice bonus for longtime fans of the franchise.
Importantly, these bonuses are available with both the Standard and Ultimate Editions, meaning you do not need the premium version to claim them.
Does The Ultimate Edition Include Early Access?
No.
Many premium editions of modern games include several days of early access before launch, but Rockstar has confirmed that this is not the case for Grand Theft Auto VI.
Both Standard and Ultimate Edition owners will begin playing on the same official release date.
This means paying extra does not allow you to start your adventure earlier than everyone else.
Is The Ultimate Edition Worth Buying?
The answer depends entirely on the type of player you are.
The Ultimate Edition makes sense if you:
- Want every available piece of launch content
- Enjoy collecting exclusive vehicles
- Love character customization
- Want additional businesses and gameplay features
- Plan to spend hundreds of hours exploring Leonida
The Standard Edition is the better choice if you:
- Mainly care about the story
- Want the complete gameplay experience without extras
- Prefer saving money
- Are not interested in cosmetic items or exclusive vehicles
Since both editions contain the full campaign, casual players are unlikely to miss any major story content by purchasing the Standard Edition.
Can You Upgrade Later?
Rockstar has introduced an upgrade path for players who initially purchase the Standard Edition.
Instead of buying the Ultimate Edition immediately, players can later purchase the Ultimate Edition Upgrade to unlock the premium content.
This gives buyers more flexibility if they decide they want the additional features after spending time with the base game.
Physical And Digital Editions
One surprising change this generation is that physical copies no longer include a game disc.
Instead, retail boxes contain a digital download code that must be redeemed online. Whether you buy the Standard Edition or Ultimate Edition, the game itself is downloaded digitally.
For collectors, the physical box still provides shelf appeal, but it no longer contains traditional installation media.
