Shotgun CompanionWhen can I preload?
Preload means downloading the game early so it's ready the moment it unlocks. Times below are in your time zone.
PlayStation 5
Opens at midnight in your local time.
Xbox Series X|S
Opens at the same moment worldwide (midnight in London). In Sydney that's 11am.
Bought a code-in-box copy? Those reach stores from Thu 12 Nov; redeem the code, then preload.
How long will 212 GB take?
Pick your NBN speed tier (it's on your bill or your provider's app). If you know your provider's "typical evening speed", type that instead: it's more realistic.
| Plan speed | 212 GB takes about |
|---|
On home wireless (5G or 4G), satellite or a phone hotspot? Check your data allowance first: this one download could use most of it.
Have I got room?
You need at least 212 GB free, plus some spare for updates.
- Check free space: PS5: Settings → Storage. Xbox: Settings → System → Storage devices.
- Xbox Series S (512 GB): only about 364 GB is usable, so this game takes more than half. Clear space early.
- Delete what you can re-download: games you've finished, old captures, demos. Your saves are usually kept in the cloud (check first).
- Expansion storage: an M.2 SSD (PS5) or an Xbox expansion card adds space. Install it before preload, not on launch night.
- The night before: controller charged, console updated, and leave booked if that's your plan.
Review day: your mute list
Reviews are reported to drop on Wed 18 Nov. Story spoilers will follow fast. Copy this list into the mute settings on X, Threads, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube (where it lets you), and leave game subreddits until you're done.
Launch scams to ignore
Scammers love a big launch. If you see any of these, it's a scam.
- "Early access" or "beta" downloads. There isn't one. Real copies only come from the PlayStation Store, the Microsoft Store or a retailer.
- A PC or phone version. At launch it's PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only. A "mobile" or "PC" download is malware.
- Free money or in-game currency generators. Always fake. Never type your login into one.
- Pay with crypto or gift cards. No real store asks for this.
- Messages asking for your PlayStation or Xbox password or a code. Nobody genuine will ever ask.
Already clicked or paid? Change your password, turn on two-step verification, call your bank, and report it at scamwatch.gov.au.
The leave note writer
A very formal request for "personal development time". For laughs. Use at your own risk.
Shotgun Companion: a spoiler-safe notebook for you and your crew
We're building Shotgun Companion, an iPhone and Android app for playing at your own pace. Snap a screenshot and it's logged in seconds. Ask "where did I leave the boat?" Share finds with your mates, and anything from later in the story stays hidden until they get there.
Paid early access is open on Android now (Plus, Crew Pass or Founders). Not ready, or on iPhone? Join the list below and we'll tell you when it drops on Google Play and the App Store.
What would you use first? (tap any)