How Many Games Can 4TB Hold on a PS4? A Gamer’s Guide

Quick answer

This page answers How many games can 4TB hold PS4? quickly.

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.

▶

So, you’re staring at that shiny new 4TB drive and wondering just how many digital worlds you can cram onto it for your PS4? The short answer: you’re looking at potentially housing over 100 PS4 games. However, that number comes with a few caveats. Let’s dive into the details and break down exactly what to expect, along with answers to some common questions that plague every gamer.

Understanding the Storage Equation

The fundamental equation is simple: Total Storage Capacity / Average Game Size = Number of Games. But the devil, as always, is in the details.

Average Game Size: This is the biggest variable. While some smaller indie titles might clock in at a mere few gigabytes (GB), behemoths like Red Dead Redemption 2, Call of Duty, and God of War Ragnarok (while designed primarily for PS5, still relevant if playing the PS4 version on PS5) can easily exceed 80GB or even 100GB. A safe average to use is 40GB – 50GB per game, especially considering most AAA titles will fall into that range.
Usable Storage: A 4TB drive doesn’t actually give you exactly 4000GB of usable space. Formatting and system files eat into that total. Expect roughly 3.6TB to 3.7TB of usable space.
DLC and Updates: Don’t forget about Downloadable Content (DLC) and game updates! A substantial DLC like The Frozen Wilds for Horizon Zero Dawn or expansions for games like The Witcher 3 can add significantly to the overall size. Factor in an extra 10GB – 20GB per game to account for these.

Therefore, a more realistic calculation might look like this:

3600GB (Usable Storage) / 45GB (Average Game Size + DLC/Updates) ≈ 80 Games

This is a more conservative, and therefore more realistic, estimate. You’ll likely fit somewhere between 80 and 100 games depending on your game library.

Why Expand Your PS4 Storage?

The original PS4 models came with relatively limited storage options: 500GB or 1TB. Given the ever-increasing size of modern games, these capacities quickly become restrictive. Upgrading to a 4TB drive offers significant advantages:

Eliminate the “Delete to Install” Dilemma: No more agonizing over which beloved game to sacrifice to make room for the latest release.
Preserve Your Game Library: Keep all your favorite titles readily available, ready to jump back into whenever the mood strikes.
Future-Proofing: As games continue to grow in size, having ample storage will ensure you’re not constantly scrambling for space.
Faster Loading Times (with SSD): While most 4TB upgrades will be standard HDDs, if you opt for a 4TB SSD (Solid State Drive), you’ll experience significantly faster loading times, both in games and the PS4 system itself. This is the most expensive, but also the most impactful upgrade.

Choosing the Right 4TB Drive

When selecting a 4TB drive for your PS4, consider these factors:

HDD vs. SSD: HDDs are more affordable, while SSDs offer superior performance. For purely storage capacity, an HDD is the most cost-effective.
USB 3.0 Compatibility: Ensure the drive is USB 3.0 compatible for faster data transfer speeds.
Form Factor: External drives are easier to install and transport. Internal drives require opening the PS4, which can be intimidating for some.
Brand Reliability: Stick to reputable brands like Seagate, Western Digital, and Samsung for reliability and warranty support.

Installation and Setup

Upgrading your PS4 storage is relatively straightforward, especially with an external drive:

Backup Your Data: Always back up your saved games and other important data before making any hardware changes. You can use the PS4’s built-in backup utility.
Connect the Drive: Plug the 4TB external drive into one of the PS4’s USB ports.
Format the Drive: Navigate to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices, select the drive, and choose Format as Extended Storage.
Set Installation Location: Go to Settings > Storage and set the new drive as the default installation location for future games and applications.
Move Existing Games (Optional): You can move existing games from the internal storage to the external drive via the Storage settings.

FAQs: 4TB and PS4 Games

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify storage capacities and considerations for your PS4:

1. How many PS4 games can fit on 5TB?

A 5TB drive can hold approximately 100-125 PS4 games, depending on individual game sizes and DLC.

2. Is 4TB a lot of storage for gaming?

Yes, 4TB is generally considered ample storage for most gamers, allowing you to store a large library of games without constantly needing to uninstall.

3. How many PS4 games can fit on 1TB?

A 1TB drive typically holds 20-25 PS4 games, on average.

4. Is 1 TB a lot of storage for PS4?

1TB is a decent amount of storage, doubling the capacity of the original 500GB PS4, but it can still fill up relatively quickly with modern games.

5. How many PS5 games can 1 TB hold?

PS5 games tend to be larger than PS4 games, so a 1TB drive might only hold 10-15 PS5 games, depending on their individual sizes.

6. Is 2 TB overkill?

For most casual users, 2TB is likely sufficient. However, for gamers with extensive libraries, it’s a good balance between cost and capacity.

7. Is 5 TB overkill?

For most gamers, 5TB is probably overkill, unless you have an extremely large library or plan to archive a vast number of games.

8. How long will 4TB last?

A quality 4TB HDD can last 5-7 years or more with typical usage. SSDs generally have longer lifespans due to the absence of moving parts.

9. How many games can a PS4 handle?

The PS4 can handle as many games as you have storage space for. There is no limit to the number of games installed, only the physical storage constraints.

10. Is 4TB too much for a PS5?

While not strictly necessary for all gamers, 4TB isn’t generally considered too much for a PS5, especially given the larger file sizes of PS5 games.

11. How big are most PS4 games?

The average PS4 game size is around 40GB-50GB.

12. Is 4TB of storage overkill?

Not really. Unless you mainly play a small selection of older, smaller games, 4TB is a comfortable amount of storage for a modern gaming library.

13. Is it better to buy 2TB or 4TB?

This depends on your needs and budget. If you can afford it, 4TB offers more future-proofing and greater flexibility for storing a larger game library.

14. How do I upgrade my PS4 to 4TB?

The easiest way is to use an external 4TB USB 3.0 hard drive. Simply connect it to the PS4 and format it as extended storage.

15. Is 1 TB overkill for gaming?

No, 1TB is not overkill for gaming, especially with modern game sizes. It’s a good starting point, but you might find yourself needing more storage eventually.

The Bottom Line

Upgrading your PS4 storage to 4TB is a significant investment that pays off in convenience and peace of mind. By understanding the average game sizes, usable storage space, and considering the impact of DLC and updates, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a vast library of games without the constant need to delete and reinstall. For more information about learning games, visit Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.