Absolutely! Here is a very lengthy and detailed guide on the installation size of Call of Duty: Vanguard, designed to be engaging and informative.
How Many Gigabytes is Call of Duty: Vanguard? A Comprehensive Installation Guide
Hey there, fellow gamer! Have you ever excitedly cleared some space on your hard drive for a new game, only to find out the download size is way bigger than you expected? You're not alone! The Call of Duty franchise, in particular, has a reputation for its massive file sizes. So, if you're wondering, "How many gigabytes is COD Vanguard?" you've come to the right place. Let's dive in and get you prepared.
Step 1: Understanding the Initial Download vs. Full Installation
Before we get into the nitty-gritty numbers, it’s crucial to understand a key difference: the initial download size and the total required space.
The initial download is the compressed file you download from the store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Battle.net, etc.). This is the data that needs to be transferred over your internet connection.
The total required space is the amount of room the game will take up on your hard drive after it has been fully downloaded, installed, and uncompressed. This can be significantly larger than the initial download.
So, when you see a number like "60 GB download," remember that the final footprint on your console or PC could be much bigger! This is especially true for consoles like the PS4 and PS5, which often require a significant amount of additional space for the installation process.
Step 2: Breaking Down the File Size by Platform
The size of Call of Duty: Vanguard isn't a single, universal number. It varies depending on which platform you're playing on. Here’s a detailed breakdown.
Sub-heading: On PlayStation Consoles
PlayStation users, listen up! The installation process on your console is a bit unique and requires more "required space" than the initial download. This is for the installation and unpacking of the game files.
PlayStation 5 (PS5): You're looking at an initial download of approximately 64.13 GB. However, you'll need around 89.84 GB of required space on your SSD to complete the installation.
PlayStation 4 (PS4): The initial download is a bit smaller at around 54.65 GB, but the required space on your hard drive is the largest of all consoles at about 93.12 GB. Be sure to clear out some old games if you're running low on space!
Sub-heading: On Xbox Consoles
Xbox players have a more straightforward experience, with the download and required space being closer in size.
Xbox Series X|S: The download size is roughly 61 GB, and this is also the total required space. The new compression technology used for next-gen consoles helps a lot here, making it a surprisingly manageable size compared to other CoD titles.
Xbox One: The download and installation size is around 56.6 GB.
Sub-heading: On PC (via Battle.net)
PC gamers have a bit more flexibility, with the size depending on what game modes you choose to install. This is a brilliant feature that allows you to save precious disk space!
Minimum Installation (Multiplayer & Zombies only): If you're just here for the action-packed multiplayer and the zombie horde, you'll only need a download of around 36 GB at launch. This is a game-changer!
Recommended Installation (Full Game): To install the full game, including the captivating single-player campaign, you'll need about 61 GB of storage at launch.
Optional: Hi-Rez Assets Cache: This is where the size can really increase. For the best visual experience, you can download a high-resolution asset cache. This is an optional disk space that is used to stream high-resolution textures.
For standard settings, this adds up to 32 GB.
For Ultra 4K settings, this can add up to a whopping 64 GB!
So, in total, if you want the absolute best graphical fidelity and the entire game on PC, you could be looking at a total installation size of over 120 GB.
Step 3: Managing Your Installation to Save Space
One of the best things about Call of Duty: Vanguard is its modular installation. This is a godsend for players with limited storage.
Launch the game and navigate to the game modes selection screen.
Look for a "File Management" or "Manage Installation" option. This will allow you to see the different components of the game.
Choose which components you want to keep. You can often uninstall the Campaign, Multiplayer, or Zombies packs individually. For example, if you've finished the campaign, you can uninstall it to free up space.
Confirm your selections and the game will uninstall the packs.
This is a critical step if you're struggling with space, as it allows you to keep only the parts of the game you actively play.
Step 4: Factors that Influence the File Size Over Time
The initial file sizes we've discussed are just for the launch version. As with all live-service games, the size of Call of Duty: Vanguard can change significantly over time.
Game Updates: Activision regularly releases updates for balancing, bug fixes, and new content (maps, weapons, operators, etc.). These updates add to the overall file size.
Seasonal Content: Each new season brings a wealth of new content, including battle passes, weapons, and modes, all of which contribute to the game's footprint.
Cross-Progression: Since Vanguard shares progression with other Call of Duty titles like Warzone, updates to one can sometimes affect the storage of the other.
So, while the launch size was surprisingly reasonable for a CoD title, be prepared for it to grow over time! Always check for updates and manage your installation packs regularly.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check the current file size of Call of Duty: Vanguard on my console?
On PlayStation, go to your game library, highlight the game, press the Options button, and select "Information." On Xbox, go to "My games & apps," highlight the game, press the Menu button, and select "Manage game and add-ons."
How to uninstall specific game packs in Call of Duty: Vanguard on PC?
Launch the Battle.net launcher, select Call of Duty: Vanguard, click on the "Settings" gear icon, and choose "Modify Install." From there, you can select which components (Campaign, Multiplayer, Zombies) to install or uninstall.
How to free up space on my hard drive for Call of Duty: Vanguard?
Delete games you no longer play, transfer data to an external hard drive (if your console supports it), and use the game's own file management system to uninstall unwanted game modes.
How to reduce the download size of Call of Duty: Vanguard?
You can't change the initial download size from the store, but you can choose to install only the Multiplayer and Zombies components on PC, which significantly reduces the initial installation size.
How to avoid large update downloads for Call of Duty: Vanguard?
Unfortunately, you cannot avoid mandatory updates as they are required to play the game and access online features. However, you can manage which components are installed after the update.
How to enable or disable the Hi-Rez Assets Cache on PC?
In the PC settings menu of Call of Duty: Vanguard, you will find an option to enable or disable the "Hi-Rez Assets Cache." You can turn it off to save disk space without impacting core gameplay.
How to check my PC's available storage space?
On Windows, open "File Explorer," right-click on the drive where you plan to install the game (usually the C: drive), and select "Properties."
How to check if my console has enough space before downloading?
Before starting the download, the PlayStation Store or Xbox Store will show you the required installation space. Make sure you have that amount of free space available on your storage device.
How to play Call of Duty: Vanguard with a slow internet connection?
A slow connection will make the download and update process much longer. It's recommended to have a stable, broadband connection for an optimal experience, as a lot of data is streamed, especially with the texture streaming technology.
How to install only the multiplayer part of the game?
On both PC and consoles, you can select which game packs to install during the initial installation process or by using the in-game or platform's file management system. This is a great way to save space if you're not interested in the campaign or Zombies mode.
