Genshin Impact: How Much Space Does This Open-World Colossus Devour on Your Phone? (And Can You Tame It?)
Genshin Impact steals hours from your life. It’s incredibly beautiful. You see sprawling landscapes and stunning characters. There’s rich lore to explore. All this beauty comes with a price. That price is storage space. As a mobile gamer, you’ve likely wondered about storage costs.
The Ever-Expanding Universe (and File Size) of Genshin Impact on Mobile
Genshin Impact is a storage chameleon. It has no fixed size. Instead, it grows as it adds content. Expect to use 18GB to over 35GB+ on Android or iOS. Back in the day, 1GB was massive. Now, that size doesn’t even cover initial installation.
Comparing platforms, PC users need to check for 70GB to 140GB+. PlayStation users face similar demands with 70GB to 90GB+. It is clear Genshin Impact loves digital space.
Why is Genshin Impact Such a Storage Hog? Blame the Details (and the Updates!)
This game needs space for its detail. Imagine building a rich, vibrant world. You can feel the Liyue harbor’s air and the Sumeru desert’s sand. This detail, especially in regions like Sumeru, requires textures and audio design.
Moreover, it’s not just the initial install. Genshin Impact is like a friend who continuously reorganizes their home. miHoYo issues updates every six to seven weeks. These updates include new regions, characters, and features. Each update adds data, increasing storage needs.
Consider the major regions: Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, and Fontaine. Each expansion is a new digital country. Each adds substantial data. The voice-over packs add around 7GB too. Choosing multiple languages makes the storage need even bigger.
Thus, adjustments in game file logic can also impact size. Sometimes, this increases storage needs during updates. Reorganizing files might seem like a way to create space. But it often leads to temporary sizes that spike during update processes.
Storage Breakdown: Platform by Platform
Let’s break down storage requirements for each platform:
Mobile (Android & iOS)
Your first download will be around 1.6GB. This won’t last long. After the full download, it reaches 11.6GB. But with more updates, it will climb to that 18GB-35GB+ range quickly.
PC
The pre-installation package for PC is 32.0 – 34.2 GB. After installation, it expands to 64.0 – 68.4 GB. To be safe, leave about 90.28 GB available for future updates. Aim for 100GB of free space to avoid issues.
PlayStation
The PlayStation 4 and 5 also require 70GB – 90GB+. It’s wise to have extra free space if you want to explore Teyvat on any PlayStation.
Xbox Series X/S
Xboxes received Genshin Impact with Version 5.2. It asks users for 100GB of storage right away. Welcome to the storage struggle, Xbox gamers!
Is Your Phone Storage Up to the Task? 64GB vs. 128GB vs. the Big Boys
Here’s the crucial question: Can your phone handle Genshin Impact?
64GB Phones: A Tight Squeeze
A 64GB phone can run Genshin Impact initially. But it feels cramped over time. You will constantly juggle deleting apps and photos. It is a stressful balance.
128GB Phones: The Sweet Spot
128GB is an ideal option for gamers. It’s enough for Genshin Impact and updates, plus apps and videos. You will be better off with this space.
256GB, 512GB, 1TB Phones: Storage Nirvana (and Maybe Overkill?)
256GB gives you luxury storage for games. This space fits Genshin Impact and more. At 512GB and 1TB, you enter storage paradise. If you want peace of mind, go big with future-proofed storage.
Operation: Storage Trim – How to Shrink Genshin Impact’s Footprint
Feeling the storage crunch? Here are ways to reclaim space:
Voice-Over Language Purge
Voice-over packs are a prime area to trim down. Open in-game settings (Esc key or Paimon icon -> Settings -> Language -> Manage Voice-Over Language). Uninstall packs you don’t use. Removing one language can free up 7GB.
Quest Resource Detox
Genshin Impact saves audio and video files from quests. While these hold memories, they take up space. Uninstall unnecessary past quest resources to clear digital clutter.
Pre-Installation: To Skip or Not to Skip?
Genshin Impact includes a pre-installation feature. However, if space is tight, consider skipping it. Installing the full package from scratch could save space, as pre-installation can need extra room.
Genshin Impact in the Storage Arena: How Does It Compare?
Let’s see how Genshin Impact compares to other games:
- Valorant (20-30GB): This game takes about 20-30GB. Valorant travels light compared to Genshin Impact, which packs everything.
- Honkai Star Rail: (PC: 21GB, Android: 13GB, iOS: 18GB, PlayStation: 44.5GB): Unlike Genshin Impact, Star Rail is more compact, even considering its similar origin.
- on mobile. miHoYo learned some storage tricks.
- Zenless Zone Zero: (Mobile: 20-26GB, PC: 57GB + 58GB decompression): Another title from miHoYo. Mobile is like Star Rail, but PC needs a massive 57GB download and an additional 58GB for decompression. That’s a lot.
- Fortnite (26GB): Epic Games’ battle royale needs around 26GB on PC. Reasonable for its scale.
- Honkai Impact 3rd (15GB): miHoYo’s older title is much smaller at just 15GB. This shows how their game worlds and file sizes evolved.
- Fall Guys (2GB): The lightweight champion! Fall Guys is only 2GB. You could fit many Fall Guys installations in the space Genshin Impact needs.
Operating System Check: Are You Up to Date?
Check your phone’s operating system. For Apple devices, you need at least iOS 9.0 or later to run Genshin Impact. If your iOS is older, upgrade it or get a new phone. Another reason to upgrade, right?
This is the guide to Genshin Impact’s storage needs. It is a large game, but with smart storage tips, you can manage its size. Keep exploring Teyvat without your phone having a storage issue.
