GTA 6 Standard vs Ultimate: Why You Probably Shouldn't Pay the Extra $20

Overview

What this guide is for

The quick version: buy the $79.99 Standard Edition. Grand Theft Auto VI's $99.99 Ultimate Edition adds a bundle of extra vehicles, weapon variants, shops and two side missions, but Rockstar has confirmed you can upgrade to Ultimate for $20 at any point after launch — so there's no reason to pay the premium now, before you know whether the extras matter to you. Here's exactly what separates the two, and the one detail most edition guides bury.

Quick answer: Standard vs Ultimate at a glance

Both editions include the full Grand Theft Auto VI single-player game and the same Vintage Vice City Pack pre-order bonus. The only difference is a package of extra in-game content on the Ultimate Edition — content that is cosmetic and convenience-focused, not a different or larger game.

Because Rockstar lets you buy the Ultimate upgrade separately for $20 after launch, the decision isn't really "$80 or $100." It's "pay $20 now, sight unseen, or pay the same $20 later once you know if you want it."

• Standard Edition — $79.99: the full game + Vintage Vice City Pack.
• Ultimate Edition — $99.99: everything in Standard, plus the exclusive content below.
• Upgrade path — $20 after launch: turns Standard into Ultimate whenever you decide.

What the $99.99 Ultimate Edition adds

Rockstar has confirmed the Ultimate Edition threads its exclusive content across Jason and Lucia's story rather than dropping it all at the start. It centers on a set of premium vehicles, weapon variants, and businesses — think of it as a head start on money-making and customization rather than extra story.

One caveat worth knowing: at least one of the Ultimate side missions is flagged as arriving after launch rather than day one, so even Ultimate buyers won't have every extra immediately.

• Exclusive vehicles (including the Grotti Cheetah and a Squalo boat) and weapon variants.
• In-game businesses and shops: Rideout Customs, Sara's Unisex Salon, Stock 305, Electric Fang Tattoo, and One-Eyed Willie's.
• A dedicated garage plus two Ultimate-only side missions.

The Vintage Vice City Pack is NOT a reason to buy Ultimate

This trips a lot of buyers up. The Vintage Vice City Pack — the '55 Vapid Stanier, the retro outfits, the Tommy Vercetti weapon pattern — is a pre-order bonus that comes with every pre-order, on both editions. It is not exclusive to Ultimate.

So if you're eyeing Ultimate purely so you don't "miss" the Vice City nostalgia bonus: you won't. Standard gets the exact same pack as long as you pre-order before launch.

Which edition should you buy?

For almost everyone, the rational move is: pre-order Standard now, play the game, and upgrade to Ultimate for $20 only if the vehicles and businesses turn out to matter to how you play. You lose nothing by waiting — the upgrade price is the same, and you keep your progress.

The exception is if you already know you want the head start on cars and cash from day one and don't want to think about it again — then Ultimate at $99.99 buys you that convenience up front. Just don't pay it for the Vintage Vice City Pack or out of fear of missing out. For more launch-day prep, see our beginner guide and FAQ.

• Story-first players: buy Standard, upgrade later only if you want the extras.
• Want the head start locked in day one: Ultimate is a fair $20 convenience premium.
• Buying Ultimate only for the pre-order bonus: don't — it's included with Standard too.