How Big is Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War on Xbox Series S?
The short answer to the question is: Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War typically requires 136GB of storage space on the Xbox Series X|S, including the Xbox Series S. While this is the standard, it’s important to remember that game sizes can fluctuate, especially with updates and downloadable content. However, if you’re looking at the initial, baseline install for the Xbox Series S, expect it to be around 136 GB. This figure reflects the game’s enhanced textures and assets tailored for the newer console generation.
Understanding the File Size of Cold War
The 136GB figure might seem large, and it’s a valid point. Modern games, especially AAA titles like Call of Duty, are becoming increasingly demanding in terms of storage space. This stems from several factors, including:
- High-Resolution Textures: The Xbox Series S and X boast enhanced graphical capabilities, allowing for much sharper and detailed visuals. These high-resolution textures require significant storage space.
- Audio Assets: High-quality audio, including complex soundscapes and character dialogue, contributes considerably to the game’s overall file size.
- Multiple Game Modes: Black Ops Cold War features a robust multiplayer mode, a single-player campaign, and the popular Zombies mode. Each of these modes adds to the total install size.
- Updates and DLC: Post-launch updates, bug fixes, and downloadable content (DLC) packages can further increase the game’s size over time.
It’s also crucial to understand that the listed 136GB is the install size. The download size could be slightly different, and you’ll need additional space temporarily for the installation process itself. Also, while 136GB is the standard for the Xbox Series X|S, you’ll find that the game is smaller on older consoles, such as the Xbox One with 93GB.
Managing Cold War’s File Size on Xbox Series S
Despite its considerable size, there are ways to manage the Black Ops Cold War storage footprint on your Xbox Series S. One of the key features is the ability to uninstall specific game mode packs. This is particularly beneficial if you primarily play one mode, such as multiplayer, but never touch the campaign or Zombies. This feature allows you to remove unnecessary files and free up valuable storage space.
Here’s how to manage game installs on your Xbox Series S:
- Go to the Options menu in the game.
- Navigate to the General tab.
- Select Game Installs.
- Highlight the content you wish to remove (e.g., Campaign, Zombies).
- Select Uninstall, then Confirm.
By taking advantage of this feature, you can keep the game at a more manageable size without sacrificing the modes you enjoy the most.
Why is Cold War so Large?
It’s understandable to question why Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is so large, especially when compared to some other titles. The primary reason is the inclusion of high-resolution assets designed to take full advantage of newer console hardware. 4K-ready textures and features like ray-tracing take up a considerable amount of space. In addition, the game’s large file size can also be attributed to:
- Repetitive Assets: Some have suggested that the game’s large size is due to repetitive assets which increases the overall footprint.
- Content Updates: Regular additions of new maps, modes, and weapons through game updates and DLCs contribute significantly to increasing the overall file size.
The Impact of Game Size
The large file size of Cold War impacts players in several ways:
- Storage Limitations: The Xbox Series S has a relatively limited amount of internal storage. A game like Cold War takes up a significant chunk of that space, potentially requiring players to manage their game library carefully.
- Download Times: Larger games mean longer download times, especially for users with slower internet connections.
- Management Required: Players are often required to make choices about which content to keep installed, adding another layer of management to the gaming experience.
Is Cold War Worth It Given Its Size?
Despite the large storage commitment, many still find Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War to be a worthwhile title. Its solid gameplay mechanics, engaging campaign, popular Zombies mode, and extensive multiplayer options offer a complete gaming experience. If you’re a Call of Duty fan, you’ll likely enjoy the game despite its storage requirements, especially given that you can customize which mode packs to keep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Cold War file size the same on Xbox Series X and S?
Yes, the file size for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is typically the same on both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, coming in around 136 GB.
2. Can I play Cold War on Xbox Series S without Xbox Game Pass?
You need either Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass Core to play online multiplayer on an Xbox Series S.
3. Why is Cold War so much bigger on the newer consoles than older ones?
The primary reason is the use of enhanced 4K textures, high fidelity audio, and other visual enhancements that are not present on older consoles like the Xbox One.
4. Can I uninstall the Cold War campaign to save space?
Yes, you can uninstall specific game mode packs, such as the Campaign, Zombies, and Dead Ops Arcade to reduce the game’s overall file size.
5. How big is Cold War on PS5?
The game size is similar, with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War taking up roughly 133GB on the PlayStation 5.
6. Is Cold War bigger than other Call of Duty games?
Yes, Cold War is among the larger Call of Duty titles, though others like Modern Warfare have also been known to reach large file sizes due to similar content and texture quality.
7. Does Cold War’s file size increase over time?
Yes, with each new update, DLC, or content pack, the file size of Black Ops Cold War can increase over time.
8. What is the smallest version of Cold War?
The smallest version is on PC, where the base game is around 125 GB, with further options to customize down by removing modes.
9. Can an external hard drive help with the size of Cold War on my Series S?
Yes, you can install Cold War on an external hard drive to help manage the size of your games.
10. Does the size of Cold War impact its performance?
The size itself doesn’t directly impact performance, but a full hard drive can lead to slower load times and other performance issues.
11. Why does Cold War run poorly sometimes?
Poor performance can stem from running the game on an underpowered or outdated system, server-side issues, or display settings that don’t match with TV or monitor FPS capabilities.
12. Do I need to download Warzone if I have Cold War?
No, you don’t need to download Warzone if you only want to play Black Ops Cold War and vice-versa.
13. How long is the Cold War campaign?
The Black Ops Cold War campaign is relatively short, typically lasting around 5 hours depending on your play style.
14. Can I customize the graphics of Cold War on my Series S?
While you cannot adjust graphics settings as much as on PC, the Xbox Series S automatically adjusts the display to optimal performance for the game.
15. Is it worth playing Cold War in 2024 given its size?
Despite its size, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War still offers a worthwhile gaming experience, with a good campaign, Zombies mode, and multiplayer, so it is worth it if you enjoy the Call of Duty franchise, especially when picked up at a discount.