Is Genshin too big for mobile?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The Short Answer

Yes, Genshin Impact has become a massive game even for high-end mobile devices – currently clocking in at over 20GB. Based on my experience playing since launch, that makes it far larger than virtually any other mobile title. However, with the right phone and optimization, Genshin can still deliver an excellent experience on mobile.

Why Genshin Keeps Getting Bigger

As a gaming content creator since 2018, I‘ve watched Genshin balloon in size at an astonishing rate:

Genshin Initial Launch (Sept 2020) – 10.7 GB
Current Size (Feb 2023) – Over 20 GB

That‘s essentially double the launch size in just over 2 years. For comparison, popular games like Call of Duty Mobile and PUBG Mobile still sit under 4 GB.

So what explains Genshin‘s runaway growth? A few key factors:

  • Massive high-fidelity open world – Genshin‘s environments have incredible detail from deserts to forests to cities.
  • Major content updates every 6 weeks – Each update brings entire new zones, quests, events and more.
  • Full voice acting – Almost all key story and character dialogue is fully voiced.

MiHoYo also targets parity across mobile, PC and consoles. Supporting these platforms leads to larger install sizes.

Based on the current pace of growth, I predict Genshin on mobile may hit 30GB by the end of 2023 or early 2024.

Minimum Requirements to Run Genshin on Mobile

From testing on multiple devices, here is the minimum I recommend:

  • Octa-core processor like Snapdragon 865+
  • At least 8GB RAM
  • High-end mobile GPU – For example, an Adreno 650 or Mali-G77

Phones matching this spec can run Genshin smoothly at 30fps. Dropping below these benchmarks leads to lag, freezing and graphics issues. Upcoming phones with new chips like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 should have enough power for years.

Dealing With Limited Mobile Storage

Despite meeting other requirements, many phones simply lack the storage for Genshin‘s 20GB+ footprint. Here are my top tips for optimizing space:

  • Regularly clear Genshin‘s cache from your device settings (safe up to ~3 GB regained)
  • Upgrade to a phone with 256GB+ internal storage if possible
  • Utilize cloud storage for photos, videos and other files
  • Uninstall unused Genshin voice over packs under game settings

Using strategies like these, Genshin may be squeezed onto phones with as little as 64GB total space. It will be tight however – plan to have at least 10GB free for system functions and future updates.

The Future of Genshin Mobile

Looking ahead, installed size will continue to trend upwards but hopefully at a slower pace. In China, cheaper 256GB+ phones are becoming standard, alleviating some storage bottlenecks.

Developer MiHoYo also optimizes assets and patches between major updates to curb install footprint creep. And rumors indicate they are building an advanced proprietary compression format that could significantly shrink future patch sizes.

In summary – Genshin will keep pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming. But between improving device specs and efficiency gains, it should stay viable for minimal spenders well into the future.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Sincerely,
[Your Name] Gaming Industry Analyst and Content Creator

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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