Horizon Zero Dawn, the critically acclaimed action RPG game developed by Guerrilla Games, was initially released as a PlayStation 4 exclusive in 2017. However, it later made its way to the PC platform in 2020, offering improved graphics and performance. One of the essential considerations for PC gamers is the storage space required to install and play the game. One common question among PC gamers is whether Horizon Zero Dawn can run smoothly on systems with 4GB of RAM. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the storage requirements of Horizon Zero Dawn PC, providing an in-depth analysis and answering the question, “How much storage space does Horizon Zero Dawn PC require?”
Understanding Horizon Zero Dawn PC Storage Requirements
Horizon Zero Dawn is a visually stunning and expansive game that offers players an immersive open-world experience. To accommodate the game’s vast world, intricate details, and high-quality textures, it requires a significant amount of storage space. When installing Horizon Zero Dawn on your PC, you need to ensure that you have enough free space to accommodate the game’s installation files, future updates, and potential downloadable content (DLC). Let’s explore the storage requirements based on available sources and official information.
Minimum Storage Requirements
According to various sources, including official system requirements, the minimum storage space required for Horizon Zero Dawn PC is approximately 100 GB. This space is necessary to install the base game and ensure it functions properly. The game’s installation files include essential data, character models, textures, audio files, and other game assets.
Additional Storage Considerations
While the base game requires 100 GB of storage space, it is essential to consider additional storage requirements for potential updates and DLC. As with many modern games, Horizon Zero Dawn receives updates that introduce bug fixes, performance improvements, and additional content. These updates can range in size and may require additional storage space. Additionally, if you decide to purchase and install downloadable content such as expansions or add-ons, you will need to allocate more storage space accordingly.
Before we delve into the specific RAM requirements, let’s take a look at the official system requirements for Horizon Zero Dawn. The minimum and recommended specifications provide a general idea of the hardware needed to run the game smoothly. These requirements are crucial factors to consider when determining if the game can run on a 4GB RAM system.
According to various sources, including System Requirements Lab, IGN, PCGameBenchmark, and PC Gamer, the minimum system requirements for Horizon Zero Dawn on PC are as follows:
Based on the system requirements mentioned above, it’s evident that Horizon Zero Dawn officially requires a minimum of 8GB of RAM to run. This means that running the game on a system with only 4GB of RAM falls below the specified requirements.
Having insufficient RAM can severely impact the game’s performance and overall gameplay experience. Horizon Zero Dawn is a visually stunning game with a vast open world and detailed environments. With less RAM available, the system may struggle to load and process the game’s assets efficiently, resulting in longer loading times, frequent stuttering, and even crashes.
Additionally, modern operating systems and background processes consume a significant amount of RAM, leaving limited resources for running games. Running Horizon Zero Dawn on a system with 4GB of RAM may lead to frequent freezing, frame rate drops, and graphical glitches, hindering your ability to enjoy the game to its fullest.
Recommended RAM and Upgrading Options:
While it’s clear that 4GB of RAM is below the minimum requirements for Horizon Zero Dawn, it’s important to consider upgrading your system to meet the recommended specifications. Upgrading your RAM to at least 8GB or ideally 16GB will provide a smoother gaming experience and prevent potential performance issues.
Upgrading RAM is a relatively straightforward process, and it’s often one of the most cost-effective ways to improve gaming performance. Consult your computer’s manual or a trusted technician to determine the type and speed of RAM compatible with your system. Additionally, ensure that your operating system supports the increased RAM capacity.
Investing in additional RAM not only enhances your experience with Horizon Zero Dawn but also improves the performance of other resource-intensive applications and games you may use in the future. It is a worthwhile investment that can significantly enhance overall system performance.
Managing Storage Space
As Horizon Zero Dawn PC continues to evolve with updates and additional content, it is crucial to manage your storage space effectively. Here are some tips to help you optimize your storage and make the most of the available space:
Regularly Clean Up Unnecessary Files: Delete any unnecessary files or applications from your PC to free up storage space. This can include temporary files, duplicate files, or unused software.
Move Files to External Storage: If you are running low on internal storage, consider moving non-essential files to external storage devices such as external hard drives or USB flash drives. This way, you can free up space on your PC’s internal storage for essential files, including Horizon Zero Dawn.
Optimize Game Installation: Some games, including Horizon Zero Dawn, allow you to choose which components to install. If you have limited storage space, you can selectively install only the necessary components to reduce the overall storage footprint of the game.
Consider Upgrading Storage: If you frequently encounter storage constraints, you may consider upgrading your PC’s storage capacity. This can be done by adding an additional hard drive, replacing your existing drive with a larger one, or utilizing solid-state drives (SSDs) for faster and more efficient storage.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Horizon Zero Dawn is a visually captivating game that demands a certain level of hardware to run smoothly on PC. While the official system requirements indicate a minimum of 8GB of RAM, running the game on a system with 4GB of RAM falls below the recommended specifications. Insufficient RAM can lead to performance issues such as longer loading times, stuttering, and graphical glitches, hindering your gaming experience.
To fully enjoy Horizon Zero Dawn and ensure optimal performance, it is highly recommended to upgrade your system to meet the recommended specifications of 16GB of RAM. Upgrading RAM is a cost-effective way to enhance your gaming experience not only for Horizon Zero Dawn but also for other demanding games and applications.
Horizon Zero Dawn PC requires a significant amount of storage space to accommodate the game’s installation files, updates, and potential downloadable content. The minimum storage requirement for the base game is around 100 GB. However, it is crucial to consider additional space for updates and DLC, as the game continues to evolve with new features and content. Managing your storage space effectively by regularly cleaning up unnecessary files, moving non-essential files to external storage, optimizing game installations, and considering storage upgrades can help ensure you have sufficient space to enjoy Horizon Zero Dawn PC without storage constraints. Remember, while RAM is an essential component, it is also crucial to ensure that your processor, graphics card, and storage meet the recommended requirements. By meeting or exceeding these specifications, you can immerse yourself in the captivating world of Horizon Zero Dawn and experience the game as it was intended.
