If you’re among those who find gaming consoles more trouble than they’re worth, the rise of gaming on PCs is a wildly exciting development since the turn of the century. And honestly, why wouldn’t it be? These days, we have powerful gaming rigs that completely leave traditional consoles in the dust performance-wise, not to mention laptops that are perfectly portable for gaming on the fly. However, PC gaming isn’t without its challenges; one significant pain point is the colossal size of game files, especially now that digital distribution is the norm.
For gamers trying to manage limited storage, the file sizes of some PC game titles can be downright daunting. Nonetheless, when a game ensures an incredible experience, the trade-off of hefty file sizes often proves worthwhile, even if the space they commandeer leaves your hard drive gasping for room.
As noted by Hamza Haq on November 26, 2024, the trend of increasing game sizes on PC doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Factors such as hyper-realistic graphics, high-resolution textures, or even subpar optimization all play their part in ballooning game sizes. While many modern games make the reasons behind their substantial sizes evident, that’s not true for all. An extra three bulky PC games now join the ranks of this list.
25. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege (HD Texture Packs Included)
Size: 100 GB
Since its debut in December 2015, Rainbow Six: Siege has evolved dramatically, with Ubisoft tirelessly adding new maps, operators, and features to the mix. Though robust and sizable on its own, throwing HD texture packs into the equation gives it a significant jump on your storage.
24. Destiny 2: Lightfall
Size: 102 GB
Destiny 2: Lightfall doesn’t need much of an intro. Exploring the vibrant landscapes of Neptune provides players with a new and exciting backdrop, enhancing the classic allure of the series with fresh PvE and PvP experiences and an assortment of new destinations and equipment to spice up the gameplay.
23. Gears Of War 4
Size: 103 GB
Gears of War 4 enthralls with third-person shooting that captures not just the action-packed visuals but the game’s emotional heart. It continues the saga with Marcus Fenix’s son, JD, along with Kait and Del, driven by stellar mechanics and engaging storytelling.
22. Mass Effect: Legendary Edition
Size: 110 GB
Rekindling the saga of Commander Shepard was a delightful surprise for fans with the release of Mass Effect: Legendary Edition. While having all three titles in one might seem justified, the 110 GB install size is quite hefty, a lesson in the weighty nature of enhanced textures.
21. Call Of Duty: Black Ops 3
Size: 112 GB
When Black Ops 3 dropped in 2015, it was hailed, especially for its challenging Zombies mode and thrilling multiplayer soldier choices. Each possessing a unique prowess, these virtual soldiers keep gameplay fresh and exciting.
20. Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Size: 125 GB
It seems a Call of Duty title was destined to appear here, notorious as they are for sizable downloads. Black Ops Cold War contributes to this legacy with a whopping 125 GB installation, down from its original pre-optimization size of 250 GB.
19. Gears 5
Size: 127 GB
Gears 5 shook things up in The Coalition’s series, flirting with a more open-ended approach compared to earlier titles. This formula received positive feedback and is sure to set the stage for future installments with even more expansive designs.
18. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Size: 127 GB
Flight simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator dive deep into realism and complexity. With over 20 flyable aircraft in the standard edition alone, this game is a meticulous dedication to detail, soaring high amongst its genre peers.
17. Black Myth: Wukong
Size: 130 GB
A fresh take on the tale of Journey to the West, Black Myth: Wukong captivated audiences instantly. At just 130 GB, this action RPG from Game Science packs stunning visuals, not once skimping on the eye-popping detail that comes with the game’s engaging aesthetic.
16. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare
Size: 133 GB
2019 saw a host of game releases, with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare keeping many players glued thanks to its gripping storyline and vast in-game decisions. Its campaign allies players with CIA and SAS agents and rebel forces for an action-packed narrative experience.
15. Borderlands 3
Size: 135 GB
Borderlands 3 holds a special place for many gamers despite some technical snags. Initially a fair-sized 75 GB, DLC content quickly swells it to its current weight, enriching the experience for series loyalists.
14. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Size: 136.63 GB
Remastered for a new generation of players, Halo: The Master Chief Collection bundles iconic titles featuring Xbox’s beloved mascot. Yet, nostalgic joy clashes with digital reality when the install size challenges hardware limitations.
13. Starfield
Size: 140 GB
Bethesda’s latest offers an expansive universe with numerous planets to explore. The game’s substantial size comes from both the vastness of its chartered territories and its technical ambitions, despite a visual presentation not topping the charts.
12. Final Fantasy 15
Size: 148 GB
In Final Fantasy 15, players journey as Prince Noctis with steadfast friends rather than another misfit crew. The rich storytelling and integrated combat mechanics shine brightly, while updates add up to an impressive 148 GB of fantasy adventure.
11. Horizon: Forbidden West
Size: 150 GB
Horizon: Forbidden West’s launch might not recapture all the magic of its predecessor, but it cements itself with satisfying exploration and combat. The journey of protagonist Aloy continues to engage, even if file size trades seem a steep price for loveable gameplay.
10. Red Dead Redemption 2
Size: 150 GB
Anticipation soared for Red Dead Redemption 2, and Rockstar delivered. PC players may have waited longer, but the experience offered sprawling adventures across the rough and tumble of the Wild West, worth every byte.
9. Forspoken
Size: 150 GB
Forspoken is another Square Enix venture, though it fell short of expectations. Unfortunately, it’s a prime example of how a game could run into size issues at 150 GB, showcasing the struggles of balancing visuals and optimization.
8. Baldur’s Gate 3
Size: 150 GB
Years in the making, Baldur’s Gate 3 emerged from early access as a tactical RPG masterpiece. Its sheer depth and breadth reflect the sprawling 150 GB size, a testament to the vast content offered within its D&D world-constrained narrative.
7. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)
Size: 150 GB
Despite a modest reduction after separating Warzone, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 still requires hefty storage. The series’ history of sprawling sizes continues, although developers have mitigated the strain somewhat.
6. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Size: 155 GB
Excitement for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor tapered on release for PC, bearing burdensome performance issues against an inflated 150 GB file size. Fans hope future patches will return the series to former glories without bogging down an SSD.
These extensive game files persist as both a testament and a challenge to the PC gaming sector, pushing the limits of what’s possible — and plausible — in gaming technology today.
