How Many Gigabytes is Just Warzone? Unraveling the Size Mystery
The question of how many gigabytes (GB) Warzone requires is surprisingly complex, and the answer isn’t a simple one-size-fits-all figure. The size of Call of Duty: Warzone has fluctuated significantly over time due to various updates, content additions, and the evolution of the game itself. Currently, the core Warzone game experience is integrated with the larger Call of Duty ecosystem, so we must consider which version we are talking about (Warzone, Warzone 2, or Warzone Caldera). Furthermore, file sizes vary across platforms such as PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to help you understand the storage requirements.
The current iteration of Warzone, integrated with Modern Warfare III, generally requires a download size between 22 GB and 70 GB. The key point to recognize is that this is not a standalone figure, it is part of a larger COD install. Here’s what we know about the recent sizes of the different versions:
- Warzone 2.0 (now integrated into Modern Warfare III): On PC, this requires a download of around 22 GB to 24 GB (Steam and Battle.net). Console sizes range from around 55GB to 70 GB. The difference depends on the compression techniques of each platform.
- Warzone Caldera (formerly Warzone 1): While technically available, this iteration requires between 83 GB to 101 GB. This is the stand-alone version of the original Warzone. However, it is now older, and it’s primarily used for experiencing the game’s previous content.
It’s crucial to understand that these figures represent the initial download sizes. Once installed, game files can expand due to updates and content patches. It’s also important to remember that Warzone is often bundled with Modern Warfare or Modern Warfare II/III, which significantly increases the overall install footprint of the game on your system. So, while the base Warzone downloads may seem manageable, the combined game can become incredibly large.
Why is Warzone So Large?
The “Content Rich” Explanation
The sheer size of Warzone is a product of its vast amount of content. Paul Haile, production director, noted that the large file size is because of the “ton of content”. Warzone shares many of its assets with the full versions of Call of Duty titles, including weapons, characters, and maps. This inter-connectivity adds up quickly in terms of storage.
Uncompressed Textures and Assets
The high-resolution textures used in the game, along with all the cosmetics from the in-game store, contribute significantly to the overall file size. Some players and experts believe the lack of compression applied by Infinity Ward (and other COD developers) also contributes greatly to the large install size.
Map Size and Quantity
The size of the maps, including the number of maps, directly affects the game’s storage requirements. Warzone is known for its massive maps, which allows for up to 150 players in a single match. Maps like Al Mazrah (Warzone 2.0) were particularly large, increasing the storage requirements even further. The various gameplay modes like Ground War and 10v10 also include large maps that eat up space.
The Bundle Effect
The fact that Warzone often sits on the same launcher as the latest Call of Duty titles, such as Modern Warfare III, means the total download size can be extremely large. For example, a player may download the latest COD, which may then include the base Warzone content, therefore, they have to download more than is perhaps expected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Warzone Storage
Here are some common questions related to Warzone’s size and storage requirements:
1. Is Warzone 1 Still Playable?
Yes, Warzone 1 (now named Warzone Caldera) was re-released in November 2022 and is still playable. This version carries over player progress and cosmetics from the original. However, it’s no longer being actively updated with new content like the modern Warzone.
2. How Big is the Warzone 2 Install?
The initial download for Warzone 2.0 (integrated with MWIII) is about 22GB to 24 GB on PC and 55GB to 70GB on Consoles. However, this figure does not include the full size of MWIII, if you own it. The total install for both games is much larger.
3. Is Warzone 2 Bigger than Warzone 1?
The base Warzone 2 map was larger than the main maps in Warzone 1. Therefore, the install is also larger. However, when speaking of Warzone 2.0, it’s now part of the entire Call of Duty ecosystem, meaning it’s more difficult to differentiate between the base game and the add-on modes.
4. Why is My COD Install So Huge?
Many factors contribute to the large size. High-quality assets, uncompressed textures, large maps, and the inclusion of multiple game modes all take up significant storage space. Additionally, updates and new content patches add to the total size.
5. Is 500GB Enough for Warzone?
A 500GB storage device may not be sufficient if you plan to keep multiple Call of Duty games installed, along with other games. It’s even less likely to be sufficient if you are looking to store other media files, photos, or videos. Warzone alone can consume a significant chunk of that space.
6. Is Warzone Free to Play?
Yes, Warzone is a free-to-play game. However, its integration with Modern Warfare titles means players might be prompted to purchase the full games to access the broader campaign and multiplayer experiences.
7. How Much GB is Modern Warfare 2 install?
The base download for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is around 151 GB. Additional packs can increase the size significantly. Remember that Modern Warfare II also integrates with Warzone.
8. Is Warzone 2 100GB or more?
The standalone Warzone 2.0 download is significantly smaller, around 22-24 GB on PC and 55-70GB on consoles. However, combined with the current Call of Duty title, it can easily exceed 100GB. Some reports even stated a 115 GB download at one point in the past.
9. Why is Warzone 2 Taking Up So Much Space?
The large map, Al Mazrah, and the inclusion of the DMZ game mode all contribute to the larger file size of Warzone 2.0. The high-quality assets and textures also add to the overall storage requirements.
10. How Much Storage Space Should I Have Available For Warzone?
It’s generally advisable to have at least 125GB of free space for Warzone. However, if you intend to have the main Call of Duty game installed on your system, that number can easily climb to 200GB or more.
11. Why is Warzone so Big Compared to Other Games?
The combination of large maps, high-fidelity graphics, a large number of weapons and character assets, and lack of sufficient compression techniques contribute to its relatively large size compared to many other games.
12. How Much is the Total COD Install Size?
A combined install for Warzone with Modern Warfare II/III and other DLC can exceed 230 GB on consoles. The combined size on PC can be slightly lower but still significant.
13. Is a 25GB Warzone Update Common?
Yes, a 25GB update for Warzone is not unusual. These updates often include new content, bug fixes, and gameplay adjustments, which can be large in size.
14. Will COD’s File Size Get Smaller in the Future?
This is difficult to predict, however it’s unlikely that COD’s install size will get significantly smaller given their current trajectory. The developers are continuing to add content and create higher-quality graphics. Any compression updates would likely be minimal.
15. Is Warzone still Popular?
While Warzone has experienced fluctuations in its player base, it is still a highly popular battle royale game. Despite a slump in users in 2021, the game still retains a significant following and is continually being updated with new content.
Conclusion
Understanding the file size of Warzone is an ongoing discussion, given the game’s integration into the larger Call of Duty ecosystem. While the base game may start at manageable sizes on both PC and consoles, the integration with other COD titles can lead to massive storage requirements. By knowing the reasons why the game is so large, and what to expect from updates, players can be better prepared to manage their storage space and enjoy all that Warzone has to offer.