If you’re planning to buy the physical edition of GTA 6 on PlayStation 5, there’s one important detail you should know before placing your order.

Unlike previous GTA games, the boxed version of GTA 6 doesn’t include a game disc.

Instead, you get a download code inside the box.

While that may already disappoint some collectors, Rockstar has confirmed that the code comes with extra restrictions for PS5 users.

According to Rockstar’s official support page, PS5 download codes are region-locked.

This means the region of the code must match the region of your PlayStation Network (PSN) account.

For example, if your PSN account is registered in the UK but you buy a cheaper copy from another country, the code may not work.

To avoid any problems, Rockstar recommends buying the game from a retailer in the same region as your PlayStation account.

Xbox players don’t have this issue.

Rockstar says that Xbox Series X|S download codes are not region-locked, meaning players can redeem them regardless of where the code was purchased.

This makes importing a physical copy much easier for Xbox users.

There’s another restriction that only affects one country.

Rockstar has confirmed that Japanese PS5 copies of GTA 6 come with an expiry date.

Because of local regulations, the download code included in the Japanese version will expire 170 days after the game’s launch on 19 November 2026.

After that, the code can no longer be redeemed.

The company also clarified that this rule only applies to Japan.

Players in other regions won’t have to worry about their codes expiring.

The update has started another debate among GTA fans.

Many players were already unhappy that GTA 6’s “physical edition” doesn’t include an actual disc.

Now, some PlayStation users are also concerned about region-locked codes, especially those who often import games to get a better price.

Others see it as another sign that the gaming industry is moving further towards digital-only releases, where game ownership depends more on online accounts than physical copies.

If you’re buying GTA 6 for PS5, it’s worth checking that the game’s region matches your PSN account before you order.

It could save you from finding out on launch day that your code won’t work.

For Xbox players, the process is much simpler, as Rockstar says the platform’s download codes aren’t limited by region.

That makes importing a retail copy far less of a risk.