Launch week checklist

1Before launch day

Do this now. It takes about 15 minutes.

• Check your free storagePS5: Settings > Storage. Xbox: Settings > System > Storage devices. Big open-world games and day-one patches need a lot of room, so clear old games you are not playing.
• Update your consolePS5: Settings > System > System Software. Xbox: Settings > System > Updates. Turn on automatic updates so the game patch installs overnight.
• Back up saves you care aboutMake sure cloud saves are on for other games before deleting anything to make space.
• Sort out your account and payment detailsCheck you can sign in, and that your payment method works if you are buying digitally. Write down any two-step login backup codes somewhere safe.
• Confirm your edition and consoleA PS5 copy will not run on Xbox, and the other way round. If you ordered a disc, check the delivery date.

2Preload and launch night

In the days before November 19.

• Start the preload as soon as it opensIf you bought digitally, check the game's store page on your console for the preload date, and leave the console in rest mode so it can download.
• Check the unlock time where you liveUnlock times can vary by platform and region. Check the official store page or announcements rather than social media rumours.
• Expect a download even with a discDisc copies usually still need an install and a day-one patch. Put the disc in as soon as it arrives.
• Plan your first sessionCharge controllers, clear the evening, and have water and snacks ready.

3Settings to change before you start

Five minutes that make the whole game look and sound better.

• Turn on your TV's game modeIt cuts input lag. It is usually in the TV's picture settings.
• Use the right HDMI port and enable 120 Hz / VRR if your TV supports itOn many TVs only some ports are HDMI 2.1. PS5: Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output. Xbox: Settings > General > TV & display options.
• Calibrate HDRPS5: Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > Adjust HDR. Xbox: Settings > General > TV & display options > Calibrate HDR for games.
• Check the in-game options before playingLook at display mode (if offered), subtitles, audio output (headphones or TV), and camera and aim sensitivity.
• Set up capture so you never miss a momentPS5: Settings > Captures and Broadcasts. Xbox: Settings > Preferences > Capture & share. Pick the length of recent gameplay to keep and learn the save-clip shortcut.

4If servers or downloads are slow

Launch days are busy. Check the official status pages before changing anything.

• Check the status pagesIf one shows a problem, wait it out rather than reinstalling.

  PlayStation Network (opens in new tab) · Xbox status (opens in new tab) · Rockstar service status (opens in new tab)

• Use a wired connection if you canAn Ethernet cable is usually faster and steadier than Wi-Fi for big downloads.
• Pause and resume a stuck downloadIf it stalls, pause it, wait a minute and resume. Restart the console if that does not help.
• Stop other downloads and streamsOther devices streaming video or downloading updates share the same connection.

Never download "fixes", mods or "free keys" from links sent to you. Real fixes come through your console's own updates. Anyone selling cheap keys or asking for your login is a scam.

5Spoiler shield

The story gets posted everywhere within hours. Set this up before launch.

• Mute words on XSettings > Privacy and safety > Mute and block > Muted words. Add the game's name, main character names and "ending".
• Tame YouTube recommendationsYouTube has no keyword mute. In the app, turn off autoplay previews (Settings > General > Playback in feeds), and use "Don't recommend channel" on channels that post spoilers.
• Use Hidden Words on InstagramIt filters comments and message requests, not your feed, so also mute accounts that post spoilers.
• Mute group chats and Discord channels for a few daysOr ask friends to keep spoilers in a separate channel.
• Search guides carefullySearch for the exact mission or problem, not the story, and avoid video thumbnails when you are stuck.

6Your first 48 hours

Enjoy it, and keep it sustainable.

• Do the opening missions before free-roamingThey usually unlock the map, abilities and menus you will want later.
• Save your best moments as you goUse the save-clip shortcut you set up in section 3. It is much easier than finding them later.
• Take breaksStand up, drink water and rest your eyes every hour or so. Long sessions on launch night add up.
• Note where you left offA one-line note on your phone saves time when you come back after a busy day.
• Do not spoil it for othersPut a clear spoiler warning on anything story-related you share.