If you’re planning to install Genshin Impact, you might be wondering just how big is genshin impact on pc. Genshin Impact’s substantial PC installation size reflects its vast open world and high-resolution assets.
This article gives you the exact numbers, explains why the game needs so much space, and provides tips to manage it effectively.
We’ll cover everything from the base download to future updates.
How Big Is Genshin Impact On Pc
The total storage requirement for Genshin Impact on PC is a moving target. As of the latest major updates, you should plan for a minimum of 100 GB of free space for a comfortable installation and future patches.
The initial download file is smaller, but the game expands significantly during installation.
Here is a breakdown of the typical size progression:
- Initial Download Package: Approximately 60-70 GB. This is the compressed file you get from the official launcher or Epic Games Store.
- Post-Installation Size: Around 85-90 GB. After decompression and basic asset installation, the game folder will reach this size.
- Recommended Free Space: At least 100 GB. This extra buffer is crucial for smooth installation, temporary files, and the inevitable future updates that add new regions and content.
These figures can vary slightly based on your system’s language settings and residual files from older versions. It’s always safer to have more space than the absolute minimum.
Breaking Down The Storage Components
Understanding what fills those gigabytes helps you see why the size is necessary. The game’s scope is massive.
The primary components are game assets, which include everything you see and hear.
High-Resolution Textures and Models
Genshin Impact is a visually stunning game. To render the expansive landscapes of Teyvat, from Mondstadt’s rolling hills to Sumeru’s dense rainforests, the game uses high-resolution texture files.
Character models, each with intricate outfits and animations, also consume considerable space. The higher the visual fidelity, the larger the asset files.
Open World Map Data
The entire game world is persistent and detailed. Every cliff, river, city, and hidden cave is stored as map data.
As miHoYo adds new nations like Fontaine and Natlan, the map data expands, directly increasing the game’s overall size. This is a primary driver of growth with each major version update.
Audio Files and Voice-Overs
Genshin Impact features full voice-acting for all story quests and characters in four languages: English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. Each language pack is a complete set of audio files.
While you typically only download one, the option to switch requires these assets to be available, contributing to the overall bulk if you choose to install multiple.
Game Engine and System Files
The core of the game is built on the Unity engine. This foundation, along with all the code that makes the game run—combat systems, elemental reactions, the gacha mechanics—takes up a foundational amount of space.
These files are essential for the game to function at all.
Comparing PC Size To Other Platforms
The PC version is generally the largest. This is because it often contains the highest quality assets to take advantage of more powerful hardware.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- PC: ~90 GB installed, with 100 GB recommended.
- PlayStation 5: ~85-90 GB. Similar to PC due to high-fidelity assets.
- PlayStation 4: ~70-80 GB. Uses slightly compressed textures.
- Mobile (iOS/Android): ~25-30 GB. Heavily optimized and compressed for portable devices, with lower-resolution textures.
The mobile version is a marvel of optimization, but it shows how much visual detail is scaled back to fit. The PC version offers the most complete visual experience, hence its larger footprint.
Step By Step Installation And Size Management
Managing Genshin Impact’s size starts with a proper installation. Following these steps can prevent errors and help you control disk usage.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before you click “install,” complete these steps:
- Check your target drive has at least 120 GB of free space. This ensures no interruptions.
- Disable any aggressive antivirus scans temporarily during installation to prevent conflicts with file decompression.
- If reinstalling, use the official uninstaller and manually check for leftover folders in `Program Files` or `AppData` to remove old files.
During The Installation Process
The official launcher handles the process. Pay attention to the installation path.
Choose a drive with ample space not just for today, but for the next three years of updates. The launcher will show a progress bar for both downloading and installing/unpacking files.
The “installing” phase after the download is where the size balloons, so be patient.
Post-Installation Cleanup Steps
After installation, you can perform some maintenance:
- Run the “File Repair” tool in the launcher settings. This can sometimes remove corrupted or redundant temporary files.
- Check the `_delta` or `_tmp` folders within the game directory. Sometimes old patch files linger here and can be deleted after a successful update. Be cautious and only delete folders the community widely confirms as safe.
- Consider using Windows’ built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove system-wide temporary files that might have accumulated during the large download.
Why Updates Increase The Game Size
Genshin Impact’s live-service model means it grows constantly. A major version update (e.g., from 4.0 to 5.0) typically adds 10-20 GB of new permanent content.
This includes new areas, story quests, characters, and enemies. Smaller patches between versions might add 2-5 GB for events and fixes.
The game uses a patching system that downloads new files and integrates them with old ones. It rarely removes old event data entirely, leading to a gradual increase in overall size.
This is why the size a year from now will be larger than it is today.
Managing Future Updates
To handle this growth, plan ahead. Regularly monitor your drive’s free space.
Consider dedicating a specific drive or large partition just for games like Genshin Impact. Before a big update, clear some space by archiving old documents or uninstalling games you no longer play.
Keeping your drive defragmented (for HDDs) or trimmed (for SSDs) can also help with performance as the game files get larger.
Optimizing Performance And Storage
If you’re short on space, you have a few options, though they come with trade-offs.
Adjusting In-Game Settings
Lowering certain settings can reduce the strain on your system, but won’t significantly change the installed size. The asset files remain on your disk.
However, managing your PC’s virtual memory (page file) can free up some space. Reducing the page file size on the drive where Genshin is installed might reclaim 5-10 GB, but can affect overall system stability if set too low.
Can You Move The Game Files
Yes, you can move the installation. Do not just cut and paste the folder.
Use the game launcher’s settings to change the installation path, or use a symbolic link tool. The safest method is to uninstall and reinstall on the new drive, though this requires re-downloading.
Third-party game library managers from Steam or Epic can sometimes simplify this process if you installed through them.
What Not To Delete
It is very important to avoid manually deleting random files inside the `Genshin Impact game` folder. You could corrupt the installation.
Do not delete `.ini` configuration files or any files in the core game directories. Only use the official uninstaller or repair tools for cleanup. If you need space, look elsewhere on your system first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many GB Is Genshin Impact On PC Right Now?
As of the latest update, the installed size is approximately 90 GB. You should have at least 100 GB of free space to accommodate the installation process and temporary files.
Will Genshin Impact Get Bigger?
Yes, absolutely. With at least two more major regions planned, the game’s size will continue to increase with each version update. Expect the total size to grow by 10-20 GB per year.
Why Is Genshin Impact So Large On PC Compared To Mobile?
The PC version includes much higher resolution textures, more detailed environmental models, and less aggressive audio compression. This is to utlize the superior hardware of gaming PCs, resulting in a larger file size.
Can I Reduce The Install Size By Removing Voice Packs?
Yes, you can. In the game launcher, before starting the game, go to settings. You can choose to uninstall voice-over packs for languages you don’t use. This can free up 5-10 GB of space per language removed.
Is An SSD Required For Genshin Impact On PC?
It is not strictly required, but it is highly recommended. An SSD drastically reduces loading times when fast traveling or entering new areas. The game’s performance, especially in busy cities like Liyue Harbor, is much smoother on an SSD.
Final Recommendations For PC Players
Genshin Impact’s size on PC is a direct result of its quality and scale. To ensure the best experience, treat it like a major software application.
Start with a drive that has plenty of overhead—think 150-200 GB free if possible. This future-proofs you for several years of content.
Use official tools for any maintenance. Schedule occasional checks of your drive’s health and free space, especially before a anticipated major update.
While the size is significant, it’s the price for a beautiful, ever-expanding open world. With proper management, you can enjoy Teyvat without constant storage anxiety. Plan your storage strategy early, and you’ll be set for the long journey ahead.