The short table
| Platform | Listed size | What it means | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam, Battle.net, Xbox on PC) | 115 GB | Official launch requirement, SSD required | |
| Xbox Series X | S | ~194.32 GB | Store listing, likely includes shared and Warzone content |
| PlayStation 5 | Packs from 5.8 GB to 42.2 GB | Modular install; do not sum every pack | |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | 77.304 GB | Native build, smaller assets | |
| Warzone (separate) | ~42.03 GB on PS5 | Not required to play MW4 |
PS5 pack breakdown
| Pack | Size |
|---|---|
| MW4 base package | 28.702 GB |
| Campaign Pack | 42.171 GB |
| Multiplayer Pack | 20.770 GB |
| DMZ Pack 01 | 5.777 GB |
| DMZ Pack 02 | Size not listed |
| Shared Content Pack 01 | 19.602 GB |
| Warzone Pack | 42.033 GB |
Do not add these together. The base package, shared content and mode packs overlap, and the store lists individual packages rather than a single installed total. Install the modes you play and let the platform resolve shared dependencies.
Xbox: why the listing says 194 GB
The Xbox store figure is the largest single number in circulation. It almost certainly includes shared content and Warzone, and Xbox supports selective installs for Call of Duty. Open Manage Game and add-ons, select MW4, and untick the modes you do not need. Campaign, Multiplayer and DMZ can be installed separately on the console.
If you only play multiplayer, installing the campaign is wasted space. If you are a campaign player who occasionally plays DMZ, install those two and skip Warzone until Season 1.
PC: 115 GB is the floor, not the ceiling
Activision lists 115 GB of available space on an SSD at launch. That does not include future patches, shader caches or the Warzone install if you also play it. A 130–150 GB reserve is realistic.
Modern Warfare 4 uses Advanced Shader Delivery on supported PC platforms. Installing the Xbox PC app ahead of time lets the game deliver precompiled shaders at install and during updates, which cuts first-launch shader compilation. It is optional, but it is the difference between playing in five minutes and watching a shader bar for twenty.
Preload steps
Check the entitlement
Preloading requires a digital purchase. A physical preorder does not unlock the download early.
Free up an SSD
PC: 115 GB minimum. PS5: keep at least 100 GB free for the packs you want. Xbox: 150 GB if you install everything.
Start the download
PC preload began October 15 at 9 AM PT. Console preloads are available from the store library as of October 21.
Select modes
On PS5 and Xbox, install Campaign, Multiplayer and DMZ separately. Skip Warzone until you need it.
Let shaders finish
Do not launch and immediately alt-tab during shader compilation. Let the bar complete once, then play.
Storage hardware notes
- PS5: Play from the internal SSD or a certified M.2 drive. A USB drive can store the game but cannot run current-gen titles reliably.
- Xbox Series X|S: Current-gen titles must run from the internal SSD or the Seagate/WD expansion card. A USB drive is archive-only.
- PC: SATA SSDs work, but NVMe reduces texture-streaming stutter in DMZ. Do not install on a mechanical drive.
- Switch 2: The 77 GB install needs a microSD Express card if your internal storage is full. Standard microSD cards are not fast enough for some titles.
If the download stalls
A stalled preload is usually a store CDN issue, not a corrupted install. Pause and resume, switch DNS to Cloudflare or Google, or restart the console. On PC, clear the download cache in Steam or Battle.net before deleting the install. The fixes guide covers the full sequence.
FAQ
How big is Modern Warfare 4 on PC?
115 GB at launch, installed on an SSD. Reserve 130–150 GB for shaders, patches and seasonal updates.
Why is the Xbox download 194 GB?
The Xbox listing appears to bundle shared content and Warzone with MW4. Use Manage Game and add-ons to install only Campaign, Multiplayer or DMZ.
Do I need to install Warzone to play MW4?
No. Warzone is a separate pack. MW4's campaign, multiplayer and DMZ run without it until the Season 1 integration.
Can I preload without buying the game?
No. Preload requires a digital preorder or pre-purchase. Physical editions and Game Pass do not grant access.