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How Big is MW3 on PS5? A Deep Dive into the Storage Requirements of Modern Warfare III

The question of how big is MW3 on PS5 is a critical one for gamers eager to jump into the latest Call of Duty installment. The answer, however, isn’t straightforward, as it involves more than just the core game. The total install size for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III on PlayStation 5 has been reported to be a staggering 234.9 GB. This significant footprint on your console’s storage isn’t solely due to MW3 itself. It encompasses the Call of Duty HQ, the required platform for launching all recent COD games, the expansive Warzone battle royale experience, and the new Modern Warfare III campaign. This initial install size has sparked considerable discussion, leaving many players wondering why the file size is so substantial and what contributes to it. Let’s break down this massive storage requirement, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about MW3 storage and related aspects.

Understanding the Size Breakdown

The hefty 234.9 GB size is not just MW3’s campaign. It’s a combination of components, including:

Call of Duty HQ: This acts as a central hub for launching all recent COD titles, and is a mandatory install.
Warzone: The standalone free-to-play battle royale mode, which often receives large updates, is also included in this footprint.
Modern Warfare III Campaign: This is the newest addition, but by itself, is not 234.9 GB.
Multiplayer and Zombies: Both these modes are part of the base game install and significantly contribute to the large size.
Day One Patch and Content Updates: Like many modern games, Call of Duty titles often have large day-one updates and continued post-launch content, all adding to the overall storage demand.

Activision has acknowledged that the file sizes are considerably larger compared to the previous year. This is primarily due to the “increased amount of content available Day 1,” which includes all of the above-mentioned features and more extensive map files.

Why is the Size So Large?

Several factors contribute to the enormous file size of Modern Warfare III:

High-Resolution Assets: Modern games use incredibly detailed textures, audio, and video assets, all of which take up substantial storage space.
Cross-Game Compatibility: MW3’s integration with other Call of Duty experiences, like Warzone and Modern Warfare II, requires sharing assets, which leads to duplicate data and increased size.
Multiplayer Maps and Modes: The many playable maps in Multiplayer also contribute to the game’s overall size.
New Zombies Mode: The open-world Zombies mode with its unique assets also significantly adds to the total storage needed.
Uncompressed Data: While compression technologies are used, the quality demanded from current games means that much of the data remains large, especially audio and high-resolution images.
Extensive DLC Support: Call of Duty games regularly receive new content in the form of maps, modes, and cosmetic items, which will all further increase the game’s size over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions that further break down the complex nature of Modern Warfare III’s size and related aspects:

Storage & Install Size

1. How big is the Modern Warfare 3 campaign on its own?

While the full install is 234.9 GB, the standalone MW3 campaign itself is much smaller. However, Activision does not provide a separate install size for the campaign, and it is not available without the other elements of the install. The campaign is also reported to be quite short, only lasting 3-4 hours.

2. Is the 234.9 GB install size for PS5 the same for Xbox?

Yes, the initial install size on Xbox Series X/S is reported to be similarly large, around the 230-240 GB range. It is also likely to increase over time with post-launch content and updates.

3. Will the install size of MW3 increase over time?

Absolutely. With new updates, seasonal content drops, map additions, and gameplay improvements, the game’s file size will almost certainly increase. It’s not unusual for live service games like Call of Duty to grow significantly over the course of their lifecycle.

4. Is there a way to reduce the file size of MW3?

Unfortunately, there isn’t an official method to drastically reduce the file size. You cannot choose to download only specific modes like the campaign. All modes are tied to the install of the Call of Duty HQ. You can manage your system storage by removing other games to make space for MW3, however.

5. How much storage space did Modern Warfare 2 take up on PS5?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 required 151.4 GB of storage after its day one patch. This highlights the substantial increase in size for MW3. The inclusion of Call of Duty HQ has largely contributed to this increase.

Legacy & Comparison

6. How big was the original MW3 on PS3?

The original Modern Warfare 3 on PS3 had a requirement of only 50MB, with no additional install. The disparity between PS3 and current console sizes underscores the advancements in game fidelity and technology.

7. Is the MW3 PS3 version still online?

While the servers are active, the PS3 version of MW3 is generally not considered playable anymore. Player counts are very low, making it difficult to find matches, but it is technically still functional.

8. How does MW3 compare to other Call of Duty games in terms of size?

MW3’s size is notably larger than most previous Call of Duty titles. This is a trend in modern gaming, where improved visuals and features come at the cost of increased storage space. Black Ops III for PS3 was only 16GB for example, which is considerably smaller than the current generation COD titles.

9. What is the highest selling COD game and how many copies did it sell?

The highest-selling COD game is Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) with 31 million copies sold. The original Modern Warfare 3 was also very successful, having sold 30.71 million copies by 2020.

Gameplay & Features

10. Does MW3 have a campaign mode?

Yes, the Modern Warfare III campaign is the direct sequel to Modern Warfare II. It has been criticized for being short, only around 3-4 hours long, but it is a core part of the new release.

11. Is Modern Warfare 3 online or offline?

You can play both the campaign and multiplayer modes in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 offline, but you will need to download the game, and install it first.

12. Is Modern Warfare 3 connected to Modern Warfare 2?

Yes, Modern Warfare III is a direct sequel to Modern Warfare II. All weapons from MW2 are accessible in MW3, providing all their unlock challenges are completed.

13. Is MW3 the new COD for 2023?

Yes, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is the flagship Call of Duty title for 2023. It features a new campaign, multiplayer, and a Zombies mode.

Bundles & Accessibility

14. Will there be a MW3 PS5 bundle available?

Yes, Sony is selling a PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III bundle, at the same price as a standard PS5 Slim without the bundle.

15. Does MW3 have a zombies mode?

Yes, MW3 features a new open-world Zombies mode, with new features and unlockable gear.

Conclusion

The 234.9 GB install size for Modern Warfare III on PS5 is a substantial commitment of storage space. It’s a testament to the complex nature of modern games, encompassing detailed graphics, extensive multiplayer modes, and expansive new gameplay experiences. While the size is large, it is essential to remember that this includes multiple titles and modes. Understanding this size and its breakdown will better equip players to manage their console’s storage as they dive into the new Call of Duty experience. This deep dive into MW3’s size on the PS5 and the related FAQs hopefully provides a clear picture of what to expect and will assist players in managing their hard drive space efficiently.

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