What are the High Res texture packs. Are they mandatory to run the game?

[ModerNertum]

What is says in the title.

[QIBLI ✦]

No, and I heard they are detrimental to performance

[Pyrocitor]

They're not mandatory at all. I removed them at some point shortly after release and haven't looked back.

I can't say as to whether they're noticeably better or worse on higher resolutions as I play with a 144hz 1080p display, but getting rid of them improved my framerate slightly without a notable drop in visuals (not enough to max out my monitor but still), so I went for it.

[ModerNertum]

However we are still required to install both MP and Campaign if we only wish to play the Campaign, correct?
I am curious as do what those High Res packs are supposed to do other than taking install space? Do they work similarly to the textures of HCEA and H2A in some form, like a coat of paint on top of the original graphics?

[Quick☢420™]

I use them capped at 60fps no issues, the don't install automatically though, I needed to checkmark/uncheckmark/checkmark them to get the downloads to start. I have MS Store version though steam might be different. I noticed an improvement on my 4k monitor, and my 60fps is rock solid so I don't care if they took a few fps away.