Is 120 GB Enough Storage Space for GTA 5 in 2024?

As an avid PC gamer and content creator focused on the latest of the gaming scene, one question I get asked a lot by fellow Grand Theft Auto fans is: "Will a 120 GB SSD be enough for smoothly running GTA 5 in 2024?"

After analyzing the storage requirements for GTA 5 through the years and factoring in the game‘s frequent updates, my answer is:

TLDR: Not anymore. For the ideal GTA 5 experience in 2024 and beyond, I strongly recommend having a **minimum of 128 GB storage space** available.

Let me walk you through the data and reasoning behind this, as a 120 GB drive may seem decent on the surface, but ends up much more limited in practice when you account for future growth.

Breaking Down GTA 5‘s Current and Expected 2023 Footprint

Since its initial PC launch in 2015, GTA 5 has seen near-yearly major updates adding lots of great content – but also steadily driving up its total storage space needs over time.

Here is how the base install size progression has looked over the years according to Rockstar‘s specs:

And now in January 2023, the minimum listed space is approximately 82 GB for a base game install without any add-ons or extras according to Rockstar‘s latest recommended specs.

However, as a seasoned GTA enthusiast myself, calling 82 GB the realistic minimum in 2024 is quite misleading. This base footprint will undoubtedly grow further through 2023 due to:

• Ongoing major GTA Online content updates from Rockstar
• Rising install overhead from cumulative game updates
• Must-have mods that greatly improve graphics and gameplay

When accounting for those important factors that 82 GB minimum is far from enough, especially later into 2023.

Let‘s analyze why…

GTA Online Expansions and Updates

As a thriving virtual world, GTA Online receives frequent major themed updates adding new missions, businesses, vehicles, weapons, clothing, and more.

Some of the largest recent updates include:

• The Diamond Casino Heist (2019) – new playable location
• The Cayo Perico Heist (2020) – new tropical island to explore
• The Criminal Enterprises (2022) – over 150 vehicles & weapons

Based on the ever-growing update history, I forecast another two or three significant GTA Online expansions arriving in 2024 averaging around 5 GB each.

So that tacks on about +10 to 15 GB or so onto the install – something especially important for those wanting to stay current with new GTA Online content.

Cumulative Size Increases from Game Updates

Beyond new additions, the existing GTA 5 game data itself also increases from title updates and background patches fixing bugs, adding optimizations, and making under-the-hood tweaks.

While small individually, these changes accumulate over time into a noticeably larger storage footprint. As an example, GTA 5‘s install size grew nearly 2 GB in a recent patch according to Rockstar‘s notes.

For 2023, based on expansion growth trends I expect another 5 to 8 GB or so of gradual size creep atop the base 82 GB from these update tweaks.

So we‘re already looking around 95 GB and that‘s before any awesome mods! 😊

Must-Have Gameplay & Graphics Mods

For many dedicated PC gamers including myself, An indispensable part of the experience is downloading mods enhancing graphics, adding vehicles & weapons, tweaking mechanics, and expanding possibilities beyond the base game.

Some of my personal favorite GTA 5 mods include:

• VisualV – Dynamic graphics improvements
• World of Variety – More NPCs & vehicles
• Realism Dispatch – Immersive first responder callouts

Based on tracking top mods, I estimate most players will want around 15 to 25+ GB worth of awesome extras like those. Push beyond that range and you may get issues with the game engine.

So our working total now sits between 110 GB on the low end and 120 GB on the high side.

And we still have all of 2023 left to go! 😅

Why 128 GB is the Ideal Minimum Spec

Considering all the above – the 82 GB base install size, expectant GTA Online expansions, cumulative title update creep, and must-have mods – relying on a 120 GB SSD is asking for trouble.

My recommendation for smoothly running the latest GTA 5 through 2023 and beyond is having at least 128 GB free. And consider 256 GB or above if you really want to future-proof and avoid uninstall/reinstall hassles.

Here is a breakdown comparing the practical storage situations with 120 GB vs the 128 GB minimum I advise:

I hope this analysis has shed light on why 120 GB leaves little margin – and how an extra 8 GB makes a world of difference for fully relishing GTA 5 down the road. Let me know if you have any other storage questions!

Game on,

Jay

GTA aficionado & PC gaming specialist