Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 early access campaign requires 137GB of Xbox storage
The upcoming shooter’s single-player mode alone consumes 137GB, prompting Windows Central to suggest storage upgrades for players.
Key points
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 campaign mode requires 137GB to install in early access.
- Full multiplayer launch on October 23, 2026, will increase total storage requirements significantly.
- Windows Central recommends external SSDs or hard drives to manage console storage space.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is approaching its full release, and its early access campaign mode already demands substantial console storage. According to Windows Central, the single-player portion of the game requires 137GB of space to install on Xbox consoles.
This storage footprint is substantial for current hardware, though it remains lower than the 219GB requirement for the 2019 iteration of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Windows Central notes that the total space needed will expand further when multiplayer modes are added to the full version launching this week.
Storage expansion options
Windows Central advises players to consider upgrading their Xbox Series X|S storage to accommodate this title alongside other upcoming blockbusters like Grand Theft Auto 6. The outlet highlights that external hard drives and solid-state drives are viable options for expanding capacity without replacing the console’s internal drive.
External hard drives offer a cost-effective solution, with prices generally lower than proprietary Xbox storage expansion cards. Windows Central points out that these drives are more readily available in various sizes, ranging from 512GB to 4TB, providing flexibility for users with different budget and capacity needs.
Usage limitations and strategies
Users must be aware that games cannot be played directly from standard external hard drives connected via USB. Windows Central explains that players must manually transfer titles from the external drive to the console’s internal storage before they can be launched and played.
To manage space efficiently, players can uninstall specific components of the game after use. Windows Central notes that the single-player campaign can be removed to reclaim storage, allowing users to continue playing the multiplayer modes without needing the full 137GB permanently occupied by the campaign files.
What should you do?
Players should assess their current available storage before downloading the early access build. Windows Central suggests that if internal space is limited, purchasing an external SSD like the Samsung T7 or Western Digital P40 can provide faster transfer speeds and reliable storage for managing large game files.
What to do and how to stay safe: Xbox
- Check your current available internal storage on your Xbox Series X|S before initiating the download for the early access campaign.
- Consider purchasing an external SSD or hard drive to store other games or media, freeing up internal space for active titles.
- Plan to uninstall the single-player campaign after completion if you primarily intend to play multiplayer modes to conserve space.
- Monitor official storage requirements updates as the full game launches, since multiplayer additions will increase the total footprint.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
How much space does Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 take up?
The early access campaign mode alone requires 137GB of storage space on Xbox consoles, according to Windows Central.
Can I play games directly from an external hard drive?
No, Windows Central states that you must manually transfer games from an external hard drive to the console’s internal drive to play them.
When is the full version of the game releasing?
The full version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is scheduled to launch on October 23, 2026, adding multiplayer modes to the game.
