Why is Call of Duty: MW3 and Warzone Season 5 Reloaded update so big?

Call of Duty has been known for its monumental file sizes, including Black Ops Cold War’s extensive 125 GB. Updates can be just as significant, but the Reloaded patches tend to be on a smaller scale. However, that has since changed with CoD Patch 5.5, which contains much more content than usual. So, if you’re wondering why Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone Season 5 Reloaded update is so big, here’s what you need to know.

Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone Season 5.5 update size, explained

The MW3 and Warzone Season 5 Reloaded patch aims to gear up for Black Ops 6 Beta and implement new mechanics to the game. That’s why it’ll be more significant than other Reloaded patches as the launch date for the Beta draws near.

Warzone players will notice the first change, where this mode’s file will now be a stand-alone download separate from the other titles. Free-to-play users can take advantage of this change, focusing solely on files tied to Warzone. There’s also a push to feature new texture streaming tech, which looks into content players rarely use. In return, unused elements will not download to your storage but will temporarily appear with lower-quality visuals.

Look for the new settings, Optimized (Default) and Minimal, under the On-Demand High-Quality Streaming section. With Optimized, players gain high-fidelity graphical quality with increased internet bandwidth usage. Minimal is the complete opposite, showcasing lower graphics and internet bandwidth. This change in textures seeks to reduce Call of Duty’s file and download sizes, making it more accessible in Black Ops 6.

Although the pre-load for MW3 and Warzone Season 5 Reloaded hasn’t reached all platforms, PC users have shown a file size of more than 100 GB. Since that’ll take up a good chunk of your storage, Activision has set up a few claimable rewards after the download. You’ll receive Player, Weapon, and Battle Pass Tokens upon first log-in.

After the Season 5 Reloaded download, the remaining update sizes should be pretty small. For instance, PlayStation 5 users participating in the Black Ops 6 Beta will only need to download a 34 GB file, which would be 80 GB without the Reloaded patch. For now, set aside enough space for the MW3 and Warzone Season 5 Reloaded patch, bringing even more content like The Crow and Rebirth Island’s Supreme Resurgence.