Tip for reducing file size from 175GB to ~117GB (small cpu overhead)

[Gman1255]

You can use a Windows compression feature (called compress) to significantly reduce the file size, only caveat being that there is a bit of cpu time taken away for decompression but with most modern day CPUs it isn't noticeable at all. I wrote a script for this (using LZX compression) a while ago which works well for God of War as well: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gg7b5DNwqTU3VZK61pKjvOy0zv-bNlEX/view?usp=sharing.

If you don't want to use it as a command line tool you can use CompactGUI which provides a nice UI, different options for compressing, and even has a database on how some compression methods work on different games. You can read more about it here: https://github.com/IridiumIO/CompactGUI or just download it directly if you don't like GitHub: https://github.com/IridiumIO/CompactGUI/releases/download/v3.5.1/CompactGUI.exe (requires .NET 8 runtime).

Personally, I use my batch file on the whole of my 2TB SSD. Not really sure if it's a good idea, but I am able to bring 1.96TB of data down to 1.59TB.

Edit: Feel free to use this in a guide if you want to.

[Gman1255]

Wanted to bump this and also add that if the game ever updates you will have to run this again. Hope this helps someone!

[Prashanth]

Bruh , storage is cheap just buy a 2 or 4tb storage .

They made file size large bcz dx12 create stutters if there is more cpu draw calls for decompression.

They use your SSD in uncompressed format so game can run stutter free , check digital foundry article .

[Gman1255]

I know, I watched their GDC presentation here: https://gdcvault.com/play/1029298/Rendering-God-of-War-Ragnarok. Also, I physically can't attach anymore drives to my computer as all slots are occupied. Do note though that there isn't any stuttering unless your cpu isn't powerful enough. Works great for me on my Zen 2 3800x.

[White Gemini]

lol ya this is a very bad idea buy another SSD they are not that expensive

Prashanth as good points as well

just because its working does not mean your system is not working like a horse to make it work ;)

[Gman1255]

Trust me I am aware of what is happening to my system. Also this is a weird remark to make, do you buy PC parts just to not use them?