Why is Cyberpunk 2077 Around 100 GB? Understanding the Game’s Size
The question of why Cyberpunk 2077 often requires so much storage space, hovering around the 100 GB mark (or more depending on the platform and updates), is a common one. The short answer is that the game itself isn’t consistently a 100GB download. The base game is significantly less, around 59 GB on PC, but the final size can grow considerably due to several factors, including the initial installation process, platform specific differences, and post-release updates including the Phantom Liberty expansion. The often quoted 100GB is likely a high-end estimate when factoring in all the possibilities, especially for console installations. Let’s break this down in more detail:
Game Size and Installation Process
Base Game Size vs. Installation Space
While Cyberpunk 2077’s initial download size is around 59 GB on PC (as of September 2023), this isn’t the amount of space it will ultimately consume on your drive. The installation process requires additional space for unpacking the compressed game files. Think of it like a suitcase filled with clothes that are all folded very tightly. To get the clothes ready to wear, you need to take them out and unfold them, requiring more space temporarily. In the case of Cyberpunk 2077, this unpacking process can add another 10-20 GB of space, bringing the total requirement for PC installations to at least 70 GB of available space.
Platform-Specific Variations
The game’s size isn’t uniform across all platforms. While the PC version might start at 70 GB including installation overhead, the size on consoles can vary due to the different compression methods, file structures, and necessary system software. For instance, the 2.0 update alone was about 33 GB on PC, 38 GB on PS5, and 52 GB on Xbox Series X/S. These variations in size stem from the specific requirements and capabilities of each platform and also include platform-specific textures and audio.
Impact of Updates and Patches
Like most modern games, Cyberpunk 2077 receives regular updates and patches that address bugs, improve performance, and add new content. These updates contribute to the overall size of the game, and over the course of the game’s life, these updates accumulate to add more gigabytes. The 2.0 update was a prime example of this, as it was a major overhaul of core systems and features which added considerable data, alongside visual and performance improvements.
The Phantom Liberty Expansion
A major factor that significantly affects the size of Cyberpunk 2077 is the Phantom Liberty expansion. This paid DLC adds a substantial amount of new content, including a new district (Dogtown), story, missions, characters, and gameplay systems. Phantom Liberty’s file size is added on to the base game’s file size, leading to an increase in the overall storage space needed. This is very similar to the way expansions worked on disc with older games.
Why Such a Large Game?
High-Resolution Assets and Detail
Cyberpunk 2077 is known for its visual fidelity and level of detail. From the densely populated city of Night City to the intricacies of character models and environments, the game utilizes high-resolution textures, detailed 3D models, and sophisticated lighting effects. All of these visual elements take up a large amount of storage space.
Complex Audio Design
The game also boasts a rich and layered audio landscape that enhances the immersive experience. This includes high-quality voice acting, a massive soundtrack, detailed ambient sounds, and realistic sound effects. The sheer amount of audio data needed for these different elements increases the game’s size.
Open World Design and Content
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world game, which inherently requires a larger file size. The game’s vast and intricate world, packed with NPCs, quests, and interactive elements, all contribute to its size. The sheer scale of Night City and the amount of detail within each of its districts means a larger file footprint compared to linear games.
Compressed Files
It’s important to note that most games, including Cyberpunk 2077, use file compression techniques to reduce download sizes. However, the game’s overall complexity means it will naturally be large. The need to extract compressed files for installation, as mentioned above, is a part of this process that temporarily increases the amount of needed space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cyberpunk 2077’s storage requirements:
1. What is the minimum storage space requirement for Cyberpunk 2077 on PC?
The minimum official storage space requirement is 70 GB, taking into account the unpacked files during the installation process. This can increase with updates and expansions.
2. How big is the Cyberpunk 2077 2.0 update?
The 2.0 update was approximately 33 GB on PC, 38 GB on PS5, and 52 GB on Xbox Series X/S.
3. How big is the Phantom Liberty DLC?
The Phantom Liberty expansion is a significant addition and can add another 30-40 GB to the game’s total size.
4. Does the installation process require extra space?
Yes, the installation process requires additional temporary space for unpacking the compressed game files, typically around 10-20GB above the base game download size.
5. Why are the download and final installation sizes different?
The download size refers to the compressed files, while the final installation size reflects the unpacked and ready-to-play files which require more space.
6. Does the storage space vary between different consoles?
Yes, the storage space can vary between consoles due to platform-specific compression, file structures, and system software requirements.
7. Is Cyberpunk 2077 the biggest game in terms of file size?
No, While large, there are games such as ARK: Survival Evolved (250+ GB), Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond (180 GB), and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (155 GB) that require significantly more storage space than Cyberpunk 2077.
8. Can I move Cyberpunk 2077 to an external hard drive?
Yes, you can move Cyberpunk 2077 to an external hard drive, as long as the drive has sufficient space and is compatible with your platform. An SSD is recommended for optimal loading times and performance.
9. How do I free up space to install Cyberpunk 2077?
You can free up space by deleting unnecessary files and applications, uninstalling games you no longer play, and using disk cleanup tools.
10. How does the level of detail impact the size of Cyberpunk 2077?
The high-resolution textures, detailed 3D models, and sophisticated lighting contribute significantly to the game’s overall size.
11. Does the audio quality and content affect the game size?
Yes, the high-quality voice acting, the extensive soundtrack, and the realistic sound effects all require substantial space and contribute to the game’s overall size.
12. Is it worth getting Phantom Liberty?
Phantom Liberty is highly regarded, considered by many to provide the definitive Cyberpunk 2077 experience. However, it’s a paid expansion, so you should assess if the content and value aligns with your interests before purchasing.
13. Does the game have ray tracing capabilities?
Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 supports ray tracing, but this feature is very demanding and requires a high-end graphics card, such as an RTX 4090 for smooth gameplay at 60fps.
14. How long does it take to complete Cyberpunk 2077 main story?
The main story of Cyberpunk 2077 takes approximately 25 to 30 hours to complete.
15. How long does it take to fully complete Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty?
Completing both the base game and Phantom Liberty, with all side missions and content, can take well over 100 hours.
In conclusion, while the number 100GB is often associated with Cyberpunk 2077, the actual size varies based on platform and updates. The large file size is ultimately driven by the game’s high level of detail, expansive open world, and substantial content, alongside a major expansion in Phantom Liberty. Understanding the factors contributing to the size can help players plan accordingly and manage their storage efficiently.