Minecraft looks simple, but the blocky world can grow fast—especially once you start adding mods, worlds, and updates. If you’re tight on storage, here’s exactly how much space Minecraft really takes and what affects it.
Minecraft itself is relatively small, but save files, updates, and mods can make it much larger over time.
Minecraft’s base installation usually takes 300 MB to 1 GB, depending on the platform. However, with saved worlds, updates, texture packs, and mods, total storage can easily grow to 5–20 GB or more for active players.
Minecraft Storage by Platform
Minecraft Java Edition (PC & Mac)
Java Edition is the most flexible—and the most expandable.
- Base game: ~300–500 MB
- Each world: 50–500 MB (can exceed 1 GB for large worlds)
- Mods & modpacks: 1–10+ GB
Typical total: 2–15 GB
Minecraft Bedrock Edition (Windows, Console, Mobile)
Bedrock is more optimized but still grows with playtime.
- Base install: ~500 MB–1 GB
- Worlds & resource packs: 100 MB–5 GB
Typical total: 1–8 GB
Minecraft on Consoles (PS4, PS5, Xbox, Switch)
Console versions bundle updates differently.
- Initial download: 1–2 GB
- Updates & saves: 2–6 GB
Typical total: 3–8 GB
Minecraft Pocket Edition (Android & iOS)
Mobile Minecraft starts small—but worlds add up fast.
- App size: 200–400 MB
- Worlds & texture packs: 100 MB–3 GB
Typical total: 500 MB–4 GB
What Takes Up the Most Space in Minecraft?
| Storage Component | Space Usage |
|---|---|
| Base game files | Low |
| Saved worlds | Medium–High |
| Mods & modpacks | High |
| Texture/resource packs | Medium |
| Updates & cached data | Medium |
Biggest culprit: long-running survival worlds and heavy modpacks.
Real-World Examples
- Casual player (vanilla only): ~1–2 GB
- Survival player with multiple worlds: ~4–6 GB
- Modded Java player (e.g., Pixelmon, RLCraft): 10–25 GB
- Mobile player with a few worlds: ~1 GB
Pros & Cons of Minecraft’s Storage Size
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Small base install | Worlds grow endlessly |
| Runs on low-storage devices | Mods consume lots of space |
| Easy to delete old worlds | Cache files build up quietly |
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Does Minecraft take more space over time?
Yes. As your world expands and updates roll out, Minecraft continuously uses more storage.
Can I reduce Minecraft’s storage size?
Yes. Delete unused worlds, remove old mods, clear cache files, and uninstall unused resource packs.
Do mods increase Minecraft size a lot?
Absolutely. Some modpacks alone are 2–5 GB, even before playing.
Is Minecraft bigger than other games?
Compared to AAA games (50–100 GB), Minecraft is very small—but larger than most casual or mobile games.
Final Verdict
Minecraft starts lightweight, but it’s a game that grows with you. Expect 1–2 GB for casual play and 10+ GB if you dive into mods and long-term worlds. If storage is limited, occasional cleanup keeps Minecraft surprisingly manageable.
If you want, I can also break this down by specific device, modpack, or Minecraft version—just say the word.