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What is the Size of MW3? A Deep Dive into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Storage Requirements

The question of Modern Warfare III’s (MW3) size is a common one, and understandably so. The game, a direct sequel to 2022’s Modern Warfare II and the latest installment in the rebooted Modern Warfare sub-series, has garnered immense interest, but also a reputation for hefty install sizes. So, what exactly are we looking at in terms of storage space for MW3?

The answer isn’t a simple, single number. The storage footprint of MW3 varies depending on the platform and whether you have other Call of Duty installations already present. Let’s break it down:

Initial Download Size:

The initial download size for Modern Warfare III is approximately 80-90 GB across all platforms (PC, PlayStation, and Xbox). This is the base download required to start playing and access the early campaign. This is what you’ll encounter when you pre-load the game.
This 80-90 GB figure doesn’t include all the content. Expect additional downloads after the initial install.

Full Installation Size:

Once the full game is downloaded and installed, the total storage used can range considerably.
On PC, the install size has been reported to be around 150 GB.
On PlayStation 5, the game can reach a staggering 234.9 GB – 240 GB of storage space.
These higher figures include the full game, access to Modern Warfare Zombies, and the necessary data for integrating Call of Duty: Warzone.
It is critical to note that the base installation for Call of Duty HQ (the central hub that manages Modern Warfare II, Modern Warfare III, and Warzone) is roughly 50 GB. This can contribute to the overall size of your full installation.

Why is MW3 so Large?

The massive file size of MW3 can be attributed to several factors:

Increased Content: The game launches with a significant amount of content, including new maps, modes, and the open-world Zombies experience. This alone adds a substantial amount of data.
Warzone Integration: Files are needed for Call of Duty: Warzone even if you are not intending to play Warzone itself. Warzone and MW3 are tightly integrated, meaning that Warzone resources contribute to the overall install size of MW3.
Carryover Content: MW3 has a substantial amount of content carried over from Modern Warfare II, which can increase the overall install size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About MW3 Size

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the storage requirements of MW3, addressing common concerns and providing additional insight:

1. Is Modern Warfare III really 200GB?

The answer is yes and no. The initial download is in the 80-90GB range. However, once everything is fully downloaded, the total footprint of Modern Warfare III (including Warzone and other content) can exceed 200GB on some platforms like the PlayStation 5. The 200GB mark is often due to the inclusion of Warzone files, and the data required for cross-game content integration. So you may be seeing a lot of numbers reported for this.

2. Why does MW3 take up so much space?

Modern Warfare III’s large storage requirements are primarily due to the sheer amount of content available right at launch. This includes high-resolution textures, detailed environments, and large map files for multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone. It’s also impacted by how Call of Duty HQ consolidates all your Call of Duty content. In addition to that, the carry over content from Modern Warfare II also plays a role.

3. Can I reduce the install size of MW3?

Generally, no. However, there might be minor options to manage specific game modes that are not needed. Call of Duty installations are designed to function as a unified entity, so there may be limited room for selective downloads. Check your platform’s options, but usually, you’re better off just making the room for all the game data.

4. Does the MW3 install size differ between console and PC?

Yes, it does. While the initial preload might be similar, the total storage after a full download is higher on consoles like PlayStation 5 (around 240 GB) than on PC (approximately 150 GB). Specific hardware differences, storage management systems, and platform variations in content delivery all play a part in the different sizes.

5. How much space does Call of Duty HQ take up?

The base installation for Call of Duty HQ itself is roughly 50 GB. This is a vital part of managing and launching various COD titles, including Modern Warfare II, Modern Warfare III, and Warzone. This contributes to the overall storage impact of having multiple COD games installed.

6. Do I need Modern Warfare II to play MW3?

No, you do not. While both games are linked through Call of Duty HQ, you don’t need to own or have Modern Warfare II installed to play Modern Warfare III. That being said, any content from Modern Warfare II that you had will carry over, which is partly why the game is so big.

7. Is MW3 a reboot of the original Modern Warfare 3?

No. Modern Warfare III (2023) is the third game in the rebooted Modern Warfare sub-series and a direct sequel to Modern Warfare II (2022). It is not a remake of the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011). This helps to explain why the stories are very different, but it’s worth mentioning, given how many versions of the MW games there have been.

8. Will the storage size increase with future updates?

Yes, it’s highly likely that the storage size of Modern Warfare III will increase with future updates, patches, and additional content. Expect the game to continue to expand its file size as new content is added. This is commonplace in most modern games that have continuous post launch support.

9. Which COD game has the lowest install size?

Call of Duty Classic has the lowest install size at approximately 1.3 GB, but this is an older game from 2003 that lacks the modern features and graphics of the more recent COD installments.

10. Is MW3 the final installment in the Modern Warfare series?

Modern Warfare III (2023) is the third entry in the rebooted Modern Warfare sub-series, but it is not the final entry in the Modern Warfare franchise. It is a direct sequel to the 2022 title, but there may be more Modern Warfare titles in the future.

11. What platforms can I play MW3 on?

Modern Warfare III is available on:

PlayStation 4 (PS4)
PlayStation 5 (PS5)
Windows (PC)
Xbox One
Xbox Series X/S

12. How much does MW3 cost?

The Cross-Gen/Standard Edition costs $69.99 and includes the game, early access to the campaign if you preorder, and the Zombie Ghost Operator skin. You can purchase either edition for all platforms at callofduty.com.

13. Does Modern Warfare III have zombies?

Yes, it does. Modern Warfare III features Modern Warfare Zombies, an open-world Zombies mode, which contributes to the game’s overall large file size.

14. Does MW3 include Warzone?

Yes. Call of Duty: Warzone is integrated with Modern Warfare III. This integration means that Warzone files are included in the game’s install size.

15. Why is Call of Duty losing popularity?

While Call of Duty remains a major franchise, some users feel that a combination of disappointing updates, frustrating balancing issues, disruptive game-breaking bugs, and a feeling of uninspired seasons has contributed to a drop in player numbers. The repetitive nature of the annual release schedule also factors into this decline. However, the recent release of MW3 seems to have given the franchise a new lease of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the size of MW3 is significant, ranging from the initial 80-90GB download to a full install that can exceed 200GB on certain platforms. The large file size is driven by a combination of extensive content, the integration with Warzone, and the need to manage resources and content from Call of Duty HQ. Understanding these requirements is crucial for players to make informed decisions about their storage capacity and plan their downloads accordingly. The size reflects the scale and scope of the game, highlighting the ambition behind the latest installment of the Modern Warfare franchise.

What is the size of MW3?