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How Many GB is Call of Duty on PC? A Deep Dive into Storage Requirements

The question of how many GB Call of Duty takes up on PC is a complex one, with no single definitive answer. The storage requirements vary significantly depending on which Call of Duty title you’re referring to, whether you’re including add-ons like Warzone, and whether updates have been applied. Generally, you’re looking at a range of 70GB to 250GB or even more, depending on the game and additional content. This article will break down the storage requirements for various Call of Duty titles on PC, address some frequently asked questions, and shed light on why these games tend to have such large file sizes.

Breaking Down Call of Duty Storage by Game

Let’s get specific. Here’s a look at some of the most popular Call of Duty titles and their approximate storage footprints:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019): This title is known for its hefty size, often ranging from 175GB to over 200GB especially with Warzone integrated. It’s a big contributor to the overall storage demands of the franchise.
Call of Duty: Warzone: As a standalone entity (when not integrated with Modern Warfare), Warzone requires around 175GB of hard drive space on PC.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022): The base download for this game is approximately 151.4 GB, but with co-op and multiplayer packs, it can easily exceed that.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War: This title also requires a substantial amount of space, often reaching around 175GB. The size can fluctuate based on installed content.
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare: A somewhat older title, Infinite Warfare requires about 70 GB of storage space.
Older Call of Duty Titles: Earlier games in the series generally require less storage, typically ranging from 10 GB to 50GB.

It’s crucial to understand that these are approximate figures. The actual storage required on your system might be higher due to factors like:

Game Updates: Frequent updates for Call of Duty games often add new content, requiring additional storage space.
Installed Content Packs: Games such as Modern Warfare and Black Ops Cold War allow you to selectively install different parts of the game (campaign, multiplayer, zombies), affecting the overall file size.
High-Resolution Textures: If your settings prioritize the best possible graphics, this can increase the amount of space needed.

Why Are Call of Duty Games So Large?

The question of why these games are so massive is understandable. Here are some of the primary reasons:

High-Resolution Assets: Call of Duty games boast incredibly detailed environments, character models, and weapons. These high-resolution textures and assets contribute significantly to the file size.
Uncompressed Audio: Audio files, especially uncompressed ones, can take up a substantial amount of space, especially in a game with a multitude of sound effects and dialogue.
Vast Maps and Environments: The sprawling maps in titles like Warzone are extremely detailed, contributing to the substantial storage footprint.
Multiple Game Modes: Including multiplayer, single-player campaigns, co-op modes (like zombies), and Warzone itself, all pack additional data into the game.
Cosmetics and Microtransactions: Many Call of Duty titles include a wide array of cosmetics, which also add to the overall game size. Some theorize that storing all of these within the game even if they’re not being used contributes to the large sizes.
Lack of Aggressive Compression: Some believe that the game developers could be more aggressive with compression techniques, which would reduce the size, but this also comes with the risk of slowing down game performance or reducing the quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much free space do I need for Call of Duty: Warzone on PC?

You need at least 175GB of free hard drive space for Warzone on PC. This can increase with updates and installed content packs.

2. Is it true that Call of Duty games can take up over 200GB?

Yes, absolutely. Games like Modern Warfare (2019) and combinations of Warzone and other modes can easily surpass 200GB.

3. Why is Call of Duty so much bigger than other games?

Call of Duty games are large because of their high-resolution textures, uncompressed audio, vast environments, multiple game modes, and large amount of cosmetic content.

4. Can I play Call of Duty on PC with only 100GB of free space?

It depends on which Call of Duty game you want to play. Some older titles may fit, but most modern Call of Duty games require much more than 100GB.

5. How large is the download for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II?

The base download is around 151.4 GB, but this can increase if you choose to install additional content packs.

6. Does the Call of Duty file size get smaller with updates?

Typically, no. Game updates usually add new content and features, increasing the overall file size rather than decreasing it.

7. Is there any way to reduce the storage space used by Call of Duty?

You can manage the installed content packs, uninstall unwanted game modes (like campaign), and sometimes change graphics settings to use slightly less space. However, there’s no dramatic reduction available through official in-game settings.

8. What is the highest GB Call of Duty title?

The highest GB titles are generally those with Warzone included, such as Modern Warfare (2019) or Modern Warfare II (2022) when fully loaded, often reaching up to 250GB or higher with all modes installed.

9. Why does Warzone seem to take up so much space?

Warzone features a large map, many players at once, and high-fidelity graphics, which together contribute to its substantial file size.

10. Is there a free Call of Duty game on PC?

Yes, Call of Duty: Warzone is a free-to-play battle royale experience available on PC and other platforms.

11. How much RAM do I need to play Call of Duty on PC?

While the minimum is typically 8GB of RAM, for a smoother experience, having 12GB or 16GB of RAM is recommended.

12. Why is Call of Duty losing popularity?

While still a successful franchise, some have attributed a perceived decline in popularity to factors such as boring seasonal updates, disruptive balancing problems, and game-breaking bugs.

13. Why do PC players have an advantage in Call of Duty?

PC players sometimes have a smoother gaming experience due to higher frame rates, better refresh rates and more control options.

14. Is Call of Duty crossplay available on PC?

Yes, Call of Duty games on PC support crossplay, allowing you to play with friends on PlayStation and Xbox.

15. What happens to Call of Duty: Warzone Caldera?

Warzone Caldera was shut down on September 21, 2023, with all gameplay and online services ceasing at that time.

Conclusion

The storage requirements for Call of Duty on PC are significant and vary based on the specific title and associated content, ranging from 70GB to over 250GB. Understanding the reasons behind these large file sizes—such as high-resolution assets, uncompressed audio, and vast game modes—can help you manage your expectations and plan your storage accordingly. By paying close attention to the specific requirements of each title and managing your installed content packs, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience, even with the franchise’s large file sizes.

How many GB is Call of Duty PC?