How Many GB Does it Take to Download Call of Duty?
The question of how much storage space Call of Duty requires is a common one, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. The size varies significantly depending on the specific title, the platform you’re using, and whether you’re downloading the base game, additional packs, or a standalone mode like Warzone. Generally, you can expect a Call of Duty download to range from around 20 GB for mobile versions to well over 200 GB for the most recent PC and console installments. This vast difference is due to factors such as the level of graphical detail, the number of assets, and the inclusion of different game modes. Let’s break down some of the specifics.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and its Gigantic Footprint
When discussing large Call of Duty downloads, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) often takes center stage. It was notorious for its massive storage requirements, with a required download of around 175GB on PC. Many players found this size staggering, even compared to other AAA titles. Part of the reason for its size is the vast amount of uncompressed textures and assets that the game employs. Additionally, holding onto a large number of cosmetic items and map data for all available game modes contributes to the game’s overall bulk.
Modern Warfare 2 and Beyond
Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II also has substantial storage needs. The base download for Modern Warfare 2 is 151.4 GB, but this can increase with the addition of co-op and multiplayer packs. It has also been noted that even those who have a disc copy will still need to download this significant amount of data to play the game. Even though Modern Warfare 2 initially had a large download size, it was revealed that Warzone 2.0 itself is around 115 GB, far bigger than the base game. This is due to the vast amount of map data, cosmetic items, and gameplay enhancements that come with it.
Call of Duty: Black Ops and Storage Considerations
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is another major title with substantial storage needs. Like Modern Warfare, it also sits at about 175 GB, showing how the franchise has consistently pushed the boundaries of storage space required. Again, it depends on how much of the game players install at a time, giving users some flexibility to manage their storage.
The Ever-Increasing Size of Call of Duty
It’s important to note that game sizes in the Call of Duty franchise have been steadily increasing. This is due to several factors:
- Graphical Fidelity: Modern Call of Duty games boast incredibly high-fidelity graphics with detailed models, advanced lighting, and 4K textures. These elements significantly increase file sizes.
- Game Modes: Modern games often feature campaign modes, expansive multiplayer modes, cooperative gameplay, and large-scale battle royales like Warzone, all adding to the overall file size.
- Content Updates: Constant content updates, new maps, weapons, and cosmetic items also play a significant role in increasing the size of games over time.
Call of Duty Mobile and Smaller Downloads
In contrast to their larger console and PC counterparts, Call of Duty Mobile has a much smaller footprint. The game is designed to be accessible on mobile devices with varying hardware capabilities. This leads to smaller download sizes and less intensive storage usage. Call of Duty Mobile is free to download, making it an easy entry point for those who want to enjoy the COD experience without taking up vast amounts of storage.
The Impact of Uncompressed Assets and Cosmetics
A key factor contributing to the size of modern Call of Duty games is the lack of compression of certain assets. While this choice might lead to the highest visual fidelity possible, it results in much bigger game sizes. The way that cosmetic items are handled is another point of debate, with some suggesting that they also add to the massive size. Infinity Ward may have simply not compressed the game enough.
Understanding Why Download Speeds Vary
Download speeds will vary depending on your internet speed, proximity to the game servers, and the stability of your internet connection. A strong, stable, and fast internet connection is needed for timely downloads. For instance, a 1000Mbps connection is ideal to download these large files relatively fast, but you can still download these games with a slower connection. It will just take longer.
Call of Duty: Installation
Downloading digital copies of Call of Duty is fairly straightforward. On PC, you typically use the Battle.net app. After logging in, you’d select “All Games”, find your version of Call of Duty, and press install. Once the game is installed, you should adjust settings and download any required packs for your preferred game modes.
Modern Warfare 2’s Realistic Approach
Modern Warfare II has been praised for its commitment to realism. The game uses photogrammetry and performance capture to scan real-world objects and environments into the game, enhancing the sense of immersion and realism. While this enhances gameplay, it also contributes to the substantial size of the game files.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions related to the storage space required for Call of Duty games:
1. How many GB is the base download for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2?
The base download for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is around 151.4 GB. However, this does not include additional packs for multiplayer and co-op game modes.
2. How big is Warzone 2.0’s download size?
Warzone 2.0 has a download size of around 115 GB, much larger than the base game. This is due to its extensive map and gameplay features.
3. Why are Call of Duty games so large?
Call of Duty games have become large due to a combination of high-quality graphics, uncompressed textures, and a large amount of in-game content, including multiple game modes and cosmetic items.
4. What is the highest GB Call of Duty game?
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is one of the largest at 175GB of storage space, along with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and other games.
5. Can I download Call of Duty for free?
Yes, Call of Duty: Mobile is available as a free download, allowing players to experience a mobile version of the franchise.
6. How much storage space does Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) require?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) required around 175GB of storage on PC, making it one of the largest games of that year.
7. Are Call of Duty games getting bigger?
Yes, generally, Call of Duty games are increasing in size with each release due to the growing complexity and features of the franchise.
8. Is Warzone 1 still playable?
Yes, Warzone 1 was re-released as Warzone Caldera, and it can still be played, carrying over player progression and content.
9. How much storage does MW2’s campaign take?
The Modern Warfare 2 campaign consists of two packs and needs around 8.1 GB and 8.6 GB of storage, totaling over 16 GB for the campaign mode.
10. How big is the COD: MWIII download?
The base download for Call of Duty Modern Warfare III (MWIII) is 235 GB. However, this could get even bigger as the game evolves and is updated.
11. What causes slow COD downloads?
Slow downloads are typically caused by an unstable internet connection, slow speeds, or server location. Make sure your internet connection is stable and close to a server for better download speeds.
12. What does uncompressed textures mean?
Uncompressed textures mean that the developers have chosen not to compress the game files to save space. This gives a superior visual presentation, but takes up more storage.
13. What are assets in video games?
Assets in video games refer to all the different components that make up the game. This includes, but is not limited to, textures, character models, and maps. All of these components add to the storage size of the game.
14. Is COD: MWII more realistic?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is considered by some as the most realistic COD version due to its advanced photogrammetry and performance capture techniques.
15. Is Battlefield better than COD?
Battlefield and COD are two competing franchises. It depends on what you prefer. Battlefield is often considered to have a more realistic approach, with large maps and gameplay. Call of Duty is more fast paced and arcade like.