How Big Is COD Modern Warfare 2? A Deep Dive into Storage Requirements
The question of how big Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (MW2) actually is doesn’t have a simple, single answer. It’s a complex issue that depends on the platform you’re playing on, whether you include Warzone 2, and what specific components you have installed. The base game download size is substantial, and when you factor in additional packs and the ever-evolving nature of updates, it’s easy to see why storage space is a common concern for MW2 players. The initial base download for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is around 151.4 GB, as reported by PushSquare. However, this is just the starting point. Co-op and multiplayer packs can add extra gigabytes to the overall size. Even those who purchase the game on disc aren’t spared; they’ll still need to download this substantial base file before they can begin playing. On PlayStation 5 specifically, the full installation size, including Warzone 2, can fluctuate around 146.3 GB, according to some players. It’s important to note, that this size can vary, but is a good average.
Factors Contributing to the Size of Modern Warfare 2
The Complexity of Assets and Textures
One of the primary reasons behind MW2’s large footprint is the sheer volume of high-resolution assets included in the game. Many players attribute the hefty file size to uncompressed textures for maps and the vast number of cosmetics available in the in-game store. These elements, while enhancing the visual experience, significantly contribute to the overall storage demands. The game features incredibly detailed environments, character models, and weapon textures, all of which take up a considerable amount of disk space.
Compression Issues
Another significant argument is that Infinity Ward, the game’s developer, may not have adequately compressed the game files. While modern games are known for being large, efficient compression techniques are typically implemented to mitigate this. However, players suggest that perhaps, this wasn’t enough, leading to the game requiring so much storage. This means there could be space to be saved, but for now the game needs what it needs.
The Addition of Warzone 2 and Additional Content Packs
The integration of Warzone 2 into the Modern Warfare 2 ecosystem also contributes heavily to the size. While Warzone 2 itself is said to be between 55 and 70 GB on consoles, it’s worth noting that this is an addition to the MW2 base game. There are also additional campaign, multiplayer and co-op packs that can significantly add to the total required space. For example, the campaign comes in two packs, taking up a combined total of over 16GB on the PS5, and much more on PS4. This modular approach does allow users to delete files for modes they aren’t using, but the initial download can be significant.
Platform Specific Sizes and Differences
PlayStation 5 (PS5) vs. PlayStation 4 (PS4)
There are noticeable differences in file sizes across different PlayStation platforms. On the PS5, the complete installation with all packs and Warzone 2 typically lands around 146.3 GB. However, the base file size on PS4 is surprisingly smaller, at around 35.49 GB. However, the individual packs take up significantly more space on the PS4 than on the PS5. For instance, the first campaign pack is approximately 7 GB on PS4, while the second is a massive 11.598 GB. These differences are likely due to how the two consoles manage game assets and textures.
PC Storage Requirements
The minimum system requirements for MW2 on PC stipulate 125 GB of available storage. This requirement can also increase depending on the installation packs. While PC players may have more flexibility with storage options, the game still requires a significant portion of drive space, and the Warzone 2 add-on will also add to that.
The Impact of Updates and Future Content
It’s crucial to keep in mind that these sizes are not static. As Call of Duty games receive updates, patches, and new content, their overall size can increase. The introduction of new maps, game modes, and features like DMZ (a new extraction-based mode introduced with Warzone 2) can further inflate storage needs. Therefore, it’s essential to have a healthy buffer of free space on your drive when playing MW2 and all of its associated modes. Call of Duty has continued to grow in size, with the latest game in the series, Modern Warfare 3, reportedly weighing in at a massive 235 GB on PS5, but this includes other unreleased parts of MW3, such as multiplayer and zombies. This shows that the storage demands of the COD franchise aren’t likely to decrease any time soon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Modern Warfare 2 so large?
The size of Modern Warfare 2 is primarily attributed to its high-resolution assets, uncompressed textures, and the addition of Warzone 2. Many believe that the game could have been better optimized for compression.
2. How big is the base download for MW2?
The base download for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is approximately 151.4 GB, according to reports from PushSquare.
3. How big is MW2 on PS5 after installing everything?
On PS5, after installing everything (including Warzone 2), the total size is around 146.3 GB, but this number varies.
4. How big is Warzone 2 on its own?
Warzone 2’s base version requires a download of between 55 GB and 70 GB on console, and 22 GB and 24 GB on PC.
5. How big are the campaign packs for MW2?
Modern Warfare 2 has two campaign packs that require 8.105 GB and 8.609 GB of storage space, respectively.
6. How big is MW2 on PS4?
On PS4, the base file size is around 35.490 GB. The individual packs are much larger than their PS5 counterparts, with the first campaign pack being around 7 GB, and the second being 11.598 GB.
7. What is the minimum storage space required for MW2 on PC?
The minimum system requirements for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on PC specify 125 GB of available storage.
8. Why does Call of Duty often require more than 100 GB of space?
The large size is often attributed to the sheer number of assets, and features. Warzone 2 and its DMZ mode also contribute significantly to the overall size.
9. Is 16 GB of RAM enough for MW2?
16GB of RAM is recommended for running MW2 for the most optimal performance. Although 8GB will suffice for the less demanding titles.
10. How big is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 weighs in at 235GB on PS5, including the multiplayer and zombies mode.
11. How big is the install for Modern Warfare (2019)?
The PC system requirements for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) require a whopping 175GB of storage space.
12. Is the Modern Warfare 2 disc just a key?
Physical copies of Modern Warfare 2 contain only 72.23MB of data on the disc, essentially acting as a key to download the rest of the game.
13. How big was the MW2 beta?
The MW2 beta required 25 GB of storage space.
14. Why is the latest MW2 update so big on Xbox?
The latest MW2 update (1.08) is approximately 40-50GB on Xbox, which is significantly larger than the PlayStation and PC update sizes, which were less than 1GB.
15. How much storage do I need for Warzone?
Warzone requires a 175GB install on PC. On Xbox the base download is around 92GB, similar to the PlayStation system.
Conclusion
Understanding how big COD Modern Warfare 2 is requires considering multiple factors, including the platform, the inclusion of Warzone 2, and the various content packs. While the initial download can be a considerable hurdle, particularly for those with limited storage, the ongoing updates and additions will continue to impact its overall size. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan your storage accordingly and keep an eye on future updates and patches to avoid any unexpected surprises. By understanding the nuances of storage demands, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience with Modern Warfare 2.