With just days to go until GTA 6 launches on November 19, excitement is at a fever pitch. Preloads for the game begin on November 10, giving fans a full week to download the massive files before launch. But industry experts are now warning that your launch day experience could be ruined by something entirely outside of Rockstar’s control: your internet service provider.
The Hidden Threat: ISP Throttling
Many internet providers have policies in place to reduce speeds for certain activities, including gaming. Some may throttle connections as part of a “fair use policy” or during peak hours. For gamers, this can mean lag, slow character response times, and a generally frustrating experience—especially in fast-paced online games where every millisecond counts. Even in a single-player game like GTA VI, a throttled connection could disrupt downloads, updates, or online features.
The solution, according to experts at Proton, is to use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, preventing your ISP from seeing what you’re doing. This can restore normal speeds and bypass throttling entirely.
How a VPN Can Help
Proton’s VPN service offers unlimited bandwidth and no throttling, connecting users to one of 20,798 high-speed servers across 149 countries. Beyond just speed, a VPN also provides protection against DDoS attacks, which can be used to target players in competitive online games. If your ISP routes your connection through a poorly optimised path to a game server, connecting via a VPN with a more direct route can even stabilise or lower your ping.
For those looking to play with friends in other countries, a VPN can also allow you to join foreign servers and lobbies—though it’s always wise to check the game’s terms of service before doing so.
Proton has launched its Black Friday sale, offering its cheapest ever subscription for the VPN service. There is also a free option available.
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A Word of Caution
While a VPN can solve many connection issues, it’s not a magic bullet. Some games may have restrictions on VPN use, and using one to bypass regional restrictions could violate terms of service. Always check before you connect.
For most players, though, the biggest benefit is simply ensuring that your ISP isn’t slowing you down on the biggest launch day of the year. With preloads starting November 10, now is the time to make sure your connection is ready.
Grand Theft Auto VI launches on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.