How To Manage Storage When Games Are Over 100gb Each

Modern video games have evolved into massive digital experiences, often exceeding 100GB in size. Titles like *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II*, *Starfield*, and *Red Dead Redemption 2* routinely demand more than 150GB of storage. As game libraries grow, managing limited disk space becomes a real challenge—especially on systems with smaller SSDs. Without a strategic approach, players face constant deletions, installation delays, and performance bottlenecks. The solution isn’t just buying more storage; it’s about smarter management. This guide outlines proven techniques to handle large game files efficiently while preserving system speed and accessibility.

Understand the Scale of Modern Game Sizes

Game sizes have increased dramatically due to higher-resolution textures, detailed audio, expansive open worlds, and built-in voice acting in multiple languages. A decade ago, a 20GB game was considered large. Today, it's common for AAA titles to require triple that. For example:

Game Title	Approximate Size (Installed)	Primary Space Consumers
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)	175 GB	4K textures, multiplayer maps, cutscenes
Red Dead Redemption 2	150 GB	Open world assets, ambient soundscapes, cinematics
Starfield	130 GB	Procedural planets, voice lines (11 languages), dialogue trees
Cyberpunk 2077 (with updates)	120 GB	Ray tracing assets, urban environments, streaming data

These sizes don’t include future patches or downloadable content (DLC), which can add tens of gigabytes over time. Understanding what contributes to file bloat helps prioritize cleanup and optimization efforts.

Tip: Check a game’s official system requirements page before installing—it often lists exact storage needs and optional components.

Optimize Your Storage Setup

The foundation of effective storage management is having the right hardware configuration. Relying solely on a single 512GB SSD will lead to constant juggling. Instead, build a tiered storage strategy that balances speed, capacity, and cost.

Use Multiple Drives Strategically

Most modern PCs and consoles support multiple internal or external drives. Assign them roles based on usage:

• SSD (Primary): Reserved for actively played games and operating system. Offers fastest load times.
• HDD (Secondary): Stores older or less frequently played titles. Slower but cost-effective for bulk storage.
• External SSD (Portable): Ideal for rotating between systems or storing seasonal games (e.g., sports titles).

On Windows, you can set different install locations through Steam, Epic Games Launcher, and Xbox App settings. Consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X allow direct expansion via NVMe slots or USB docks.

Upgrade to Larger or Faster Drives

If your current drive is consistently above 80% capacity, consider upgrading. A 1TB or 2TB NVMe SSD provides headroom for several large titles without sacrificing performance. According to Tom’s Hardware, “Games benefit significantly from faster read speeds, especially during fast travel and asset streaming.”

“Moving from SATA to NVMe storage cuts loading times by up to 40% in open-world games.” — David Heaney, Senior Editor at PCMag

Implement a Smart Game Rotation System

With finite storage, treating all games as permanently installed isn’t sustainable. A rotation model ensures you keep only what you’re actively playing, reducing clutter and improving system responsiveness.

Step-by-Step Game Rotation Process

1. Inventory your library: List all installed and wishlist games with their sizes.
2. Label by priority: Categorize as “Active,” “Backup,” or “Archive.”
3. Uninstall inactive titles: Remove games not played in the last 30 days.
4. Store save data: Ensure cloud saves are synced or manually back up local profiles.
5. Reinstall strategically: Re-download high-priority games when ready to play again.

This cycle prevents emotional attachment to unused installations and keeps storage flexible. Some users find it helpful to rotate games seasonally—racing titles in summer, horror in fall, RPGs during holidays.

Tip: Use symbolic links (symlinks) on Windows or macOS to move game folders to another drive without breaking shortcuts.

Minimize Bloat with Selective Installation

Many game launchers now allow selective installation of components. This feature lets you exclude non-essential content and reclaim significant space.

What You Can Often Safely Skip

• Multiple language packs: Unless multilingual, install only your preferred audio and subtitles.
• High-resolution texture packs: Optional add-ons that double file size but may not be noticeable on lower-end displays.
• Bonus content or demos: Trailers, art books, or developer commentaries rarely justify 5–10GB allocations.

For example, disabling French, German, and Japanese voice tracks in *Assassin’s Creed Valhalla* can save over 20GB. Steam’s “Custom Install” option makes this easy during setup.

Case Study: Recovering 85GB from One Game

Mark, a PC gamer with a 1TB SSD, found his drive filling up despite having only eight games installed. After analyzing *Cyberpunk 2077*, he discovered the base install was 75GB—but included full voiceovers in 11 languages and ultra-texture packs. Using Steam’s properties menu, he modified the installation to keep only English audio and medium textures. The game shrank to 42GB, freeing 33GB instantly. Applying similar reductions across three other titles recovered an additional 52GB, delaying the need for a new drive purchase by six months.

Regular Maintenance and Cleanup Routine

Storage management isn’t a one-time fix. Regular maintenance prevents slow degradation in system performance and unexpected out-of-space errors.

Monthly Cleanup Checklist

• ✅ Review installed games and uninstall those not played recently
• ✅ Clear temporary files and cache from Steam, Epic, and Origin
• ✅ Verify cloud sync status for save files
• ✅ Defragment HDDs (not SSDs) to maintain read efficiency
• ✅ Update storage allocation settings in launcher apps
• ✅ Backup critical saves to external drive or cloud service

Windows users can access Disk Cleanup or use tools like CCleaner (carefully) to remove system junk. On Mac, Optimize Storage in Apple Menu > About This Mac helps identify large files.

Tip: Schedule cleanup on the first weekend of every month—pair it with controller charging or headset cleaning for consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I move installed games between drives without reinstalling?

Yes, many platforms support this. Steam has a \"Move Install Folder\" function under Settings > Downloads. On Xbox, use the \"Manage\" option to relocate games. PS5 allows copying between internal and M.2 SSD storage. Always ensure enough free space on the target drive before initiating transfer.

Is it safe to delete game cache files manually?

Generally yes, but do so through the platform’s built-in tools when possible. Deleting cache via Steam’s \"Clear Download Cache\" option is safer than removing files directly from the folder. Manual deletion risks corrupting installation metadata, requiring revalidation.

Do game updates make files larger indefinitely?

Often, yes. Patches frequently add new content, bug fixes, and assets without removing obsolete ones. Some developers use differential updates that layer changes atop existing files, increasing bloat over time. Periodic clean reinstalls can reduce this accumulation.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Digital Library

Managing storage in an era of 100GB+ games requires proactive habits, not just bigger drives. By combining smart hardware choices, selective installations, and disciplined rotation, you can maintain a responsive, organized gaming environment. The goal isn’t to hoard every title forever—it’s to enjoy your favorite experiences without technical friction. Whether you’re on a tight laptop SSD or a high-end desktop rig, these strategies scale to fit your needs. Start auditing your current setup today, apply even one tip from this guide, and feel the difference in both space and peace of mind.

🚀 Ready to reclaim your storage? Pick one game to uninstall or optimize right now—and share your space-saving win in the comments below.