Can You Install Black Ops Cold War Without Warzone?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is no, not entirely. While you can’t completely separate the two, you can effectively minimize the footprint of Warzone when you’re primarily interested in playing Black Ops Cold War. This is a common point of confusion for many players, so let’s break down exactly what that means and how to navigate the installation process.
The crux of the issue lies in how Call of Duty games are structured. Modern Call of Duty titles, especially those released since Modern Warfare (2019), utilize a unified launcher and game client. This means that Black Ops Cold War and Warzone often share core files, even if they are separate game experiences. Think of it as a shared platform where different modes operate, some freely accessible like Warzone and others only accessible with a purchased game, like Black Ops Cold War.
Therefore, when you install Black Ops Cold War, you will inevitably download some elements of Warzone. However, you do not need to explicitly install the “Warzone” packs or engage with the Warzone section of the menu. You can, therefore, primarily focus on installing only the components necessary for Black Ops Cold War’s campaign, multiplayer, or Zombies modes, without actively initiating the full Warzone install.
The key takeaway is: While Warzone files might reside on your storage, you control how much of that shared content is actually enabled and whether you interact with it. You can successfully ignore Warzone altogether and play only Black Ops Cold War if you so choose.
Understanding Game Installation Packs
The way Call of Duty titles manage their installations is through the use of install “packs.” These are essentially groupings of content that allow players to pick and choose what they wish to have actively installed. This structure was implemented to allow players to free up disk space.
How to Manage Install Packs
Here’s a general guide on how to manage the install packs and minimize the Warzone footprint on your system when playing Black Ops Cold War:
- Launch the Game: Start Black Ops Cold War.
- Navigate to Options: Access the game’s options menu.
- Find Game Installs: Look for a “General” tab or a section related to “Game Installs”. This location will vary slightly depending on the platform (PC, PlayStation, or Xbox).
- Uninstall Warzone Packs: Within the game installs menu, you should see a list of install packs. Identify any packs specifically related to Warzone and highlight them, then select uninstall. By avoiding selecting Warzone packs, you won’t install its full content.
- Focus on Cold War Packs: Ensure you have the necessary packs installed for the Black Ops Cold War content you intend to play (Campaign, Multiplayer, Zombies).
This approach ensures that only the files necessary for Black Ops Cold War are actively consuming space on your hard drive while the remaining space for shared files is minimized. It’s not a perfect separation, but it is the closest you’ll get.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion surrounding Warzone and Black Ops Cold War installations stems from the fact that:
- They Share a Client: Both games operate within the same application, leading to shared files and core game assets.
- Warzone is Free-to-Play: The free-to-play nature of Warzone means Activision wants to expose as many people as possible to the mode. This means it’s included as part of the base download even if you do not intend to play it.
- “Packs” Can Be Confusing: The terminology around “install packs” and what each one contains can be somewhat ambiguous.
By understanding the underlying architecture, players can make better-informed decisions about what they download and how to manage their storage space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the relationship between Black Ops Cold War and Warzone, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Do I need to download Warzone to play Black Ops Cold War?
Yes, partially. The basic client, including shared files, for Warzone will download with Black Ops Cold War. However, you don’t need to explicitly install the full Warzone content packs.
2. Can I play Black Ops Cold War offline without any Warzone files?
No, not entirely. While the core files for Warzone may be present, the core functionality for offline play in Black Ops Cold War (like the campaign) will still be available.
3. How much space does Warzone take up compared to Black Ops Cold War?
The space requirement varies. The fully installed Warzone with Cold War is large. The exact size fluctuates with updates. Managing installation packs will minimize storage usage, while only keeping Black Ops Cold War content.
4. Can I delete Warzone from the Cold War game if I don’t play it?
Yes, you can uninstall specific Warzone content packs through the game’s menu, thus minimizing its footprint.
5. Is Warzone free on all platforms?
Yes, Warzone is a free-to-play game available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
6. If I uninstall Black Ops Cold War, will it remove Warzone?
No, uninstalling Black Ops Cold War will not necessarily remove Warzone. If both are installed, you must uninstall them individually using your platform’s game management system.
7. Does Warzone use the same multiplayer as Black Ops Cold War?
No, Warzone is a separate multiplayer experience from Black Ops Cold War multiplayer. However, the games are integrated.
8. What are “install packs” in Black Ops Cold War?
Install packs are groupings of in-game content that players can choose to install or uninstall. This gives players greater control over what’s stored on their systems.
9. Can I install just the campaign from Black Ops Cold War without other game modes?
Yes, you can select to install the campaign content through the install packs, and leave the other modes uninstalled.
10. If I have Modern Warfare, do I also have Warzone?
Yes, Warzone is part of the same launcher and client as Modern Warfare (2019), but operates as a separate mode.
11. Will uninstalling Warzone delete my progress in Black Ops Cold War?
No, uninstalling Warzone will not delete your progress in Black Ops Cold War or vice versa. The games keep separate save files and progress data.
12. How do I uninstall Warzone on PlayStation 5?
Go to the PS5 Game Library, find Call of Duty, select the options button, and then choose to delete the game. Alternatively, go into game installs and uninstall the Warzone packs there.
13. What happens when Call of Duty gets an update?
Game updates can often be large and may require reinstalling files that have been removed, including Warzone files. This means that you may have to re-manage install packs after each update.
14. Can I play Warzone without owning Black Ops Cold War or Modern Warfare?
Yes, Warzone is a free-to-play experience and can be played without owning either of those games. You still need to download the necessary game files, however.
15. Is there a way to play a Call of Duty without any downloads?
Yes, you can play Call of Duty Mobile through web browser platforms like now.gg, which stream the game directly without requiring a local download. However, this does not include Black Ops Cold War or Warzone.
Conclusion
While the architecture of Call of Duty games makes it impossible to completely separate Black Ops Cold War from Warzone, you can effectively manage your installations. By paying attention to the “install packs” within the game’s options, you can minimize the storage space used by Warzone when focusing solely on Black Ops Cold War. This way, you can fully enjoy the Black Ops Cold War experience without the distractions of the free-to-play battle royale mode. Understanding how these two games interact allows players to manage their installations efficiently and play the way they prefer.