What is the Storage of MW2 on PC? A Deep Dive into File Sizes and Requirements
The question of how much storage Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (MW2) consumes on PC has been a source of much discussion and concern among players. The simple answer is that it depends on what is installed and when you are asking. Initial base installations can start around 125 GB, but the total installed size can climb to as much as 175GB or even more as updates, new content, and different modes get added. Let’s delve into the complexities of the storage requirements for MW2 on PC.
Decoding MW2’s Size: Why So Large?
Modern Warfare 2 is a visually stunning game, and this high level of graphical fidelity comes at a cost: large file sizes. The game features a wealth of detailed assets, from meticulously crafted character models and weapons to expansive and intricate maps. Additionally, uncompressed textures, 4K resolutions, and the implementation of technologies like volumetric lighting contribute to the game’s substantial storage footprint.
The commonly accepted theory among players is that the sheer volume of assets, including cosmetics from the store, is a major contributing factor. Rather than compressing these assets, developers may have prioritized visual quality, resulting in larger file sizes. There are also numerous game modes, including the campaign, multiplayer, and the Warzone component, each with unique content that increases the overall storage requirements.
The Evolution of MW2’s Size
The storage requirements for MW2 haven’t remained static. Initially, the game was advertised with a minimum requirement of 125 GB of available storage. However, as the game received updates, patches, and new game modes, the storage requirements have grown. Some reports suggest the game, when factoring in the campaign and Warzone installations, can reach 172 GB, while other reports say that the full game can reach 175 GB with all available modes installed. It is essential to recognize that the storage requirements vary based on the content you choose to have installed. For instance, Warzone 2.0 alone had a reported download size of 22-24 GB.
This constant growth makes it difficult to provide a definitive, unchanging figure for MW2’s storage consumption. What’s clear is that if you want the full MW2 experience with all the bells and whistles, you need to allocate a significant amount of space.
Comparing MW2 to Other Titles
The massive size of MW2 places it alongside some of the largest PC games available. Compared to other recent titles, it sits in the same ballpark as titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (155 GB), Baldur’s Gate 3 (150 GB), Red Dead Redemption 2 (150 GB), and Starfield (140 GB). However, the size can fluctuate significantly compared to other Call of Duty titles, with even the newest Modern Warfare 3 reportedly weighing in at 235 GB on PlayStation 5, which may be indicative of future increases in PC storage for COD titles. It’s undeniable that MW2 requires a serious commitment of storage space and can be a limiting factor for some PC gamers, especially those with older or smaller storage devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further clarity on the storage of MW2 on PC:
How much storage do I need for just the base game of MW2?
The base game of Modern Warfare 2 initially required approximately 125 GB of storage space. However, this figure can grow due to patches and updates. This figure is for the core game and does not include Warzone or other add-on packs.
Is 175 GB of storage enough for MW2?
175GB is a good starting point, but if you intend to install all available modes and additional content, it may not be enough. Be prepared for the storage footprint of MW2 to increase with updates and patches. It is safe to say that 175 GB was at one time a good estimation of the full game’s size.
What causes MW2 to be so large?
The massive file size of MW2 is primarily due to the high-quality assets used in the game, including detailed character models, weapons, maps, uncompressed textures, and 4K resolution graphics. Additionally, cosmetics, and the inclusion of multiple game modes contribute to its storage size.
Does MW2 require an SSD?
While MW2 might run on a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD), an SSD (Solid State Drive) is highly recommended. SSDs offer much faster loading times and smoother gameplay, significantly improving your experience.
Is Warzone included in the 125GB MW2 base game size?
No. Warzone is not included in the initial 125GB minimum figure. Warzone adds to the overall install size.
How big is Warzone 2.0?
Warzone 2.0 has a reported download size of around 22-24 GB.
How does MW2’s file size compare to Elden Ring?
MW2 requires significantly more storage space than Elden Ring, which had a much smaller file size. This was a point of comparison that initially surprised many PC gamers.
How big was the Modern Warfare 2 Beta?
The Modern Warfare 2 beta was considerably smaller than the full game, ranging from 15-30 GB depending on the region.
How big will Modern Warfare 3 be on PC?
The file size of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 is well over 200 GB on consoles and PC due to a variety of content install packs, including Warzone files, although this can vary from platform to platform.
Is it possible to uninstall parts of MW2 to save space?
Yes, you can choose to uninstall specific content packs such as the campaign, multiplayer, or Warzone modes to free up storage space. This is generally done through the game’s launcher.
Can my PC run MW2 with only 8 GB of RAM?
While 8 GB of RAM may allow you to run the game at a basic level, it is highly recommended to have at least 16 GB of RAM for optimal performance, especially in the latest titles.
What are the recommended PC specs for MW2?
The recommended PC specs include an Intel Core i5-6600K / Core i7-4770 or AMD Ryzen 5 1400 processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 580 video card, and Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 64-bit.
Is MW2 more realistic than previous Call of Duty titles?
Yes, Modern Warfare 2 uses photogrammetry and performance capture for added realism. It is regarded as one of the more realistic installments in the series.
Why does Call of Duty take up so much space?
Call of Duty games generally take up a lot of space due to their vast array of detailed assets, including maps, character models, and weapons, combined with advanced graphics technologies and uncompressed textures.
Can I play MW2 on an HDD?
While possible, playing MW2 on an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is not recommended due to potentially longer loading times and lower performance compared to playing on an SSD.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the storage requirements for Modern Warfare 2 on PC are substantial, often exceeding 175 GB, due to the game’s high-quality graphics and the sheer amount of content included. This requires careful consideration for PC gamers when planning their storage allocations. As time goes on and the game is updated, it will be important to monitor storage requirements to make sure you have enough space for MW2 on your PC.