Square Enix Nier: Automata Update Bloats PC File Size to 366GB
A faulty Steam patch causes massive storage inflation for Nier: Automata players on PC.
1Unexpected Storage Inflation
A recent update for Nier: Automata on Steam has caused a significant technical error for PC users. The game, which typically occupies approximately 50GB of storage space, saw its required installation size balloon to 366GB. This mandatory patch was intended to introduce new language support options for Korean and Chinese players.
2Technical Root Cause
The massive file size increase stems from a bug affecting the YoRHa Edition of the game. The error causes all included downloadable content to mirror the size of the base game. Consequently, the update stacks these inflated files concurrently during the installation process, resulting in an unsustainable demand for local disk storage.
3Publisher Acknowledgment
Square Enix officially confirmed the issue through its Japanese social media channels shortly after the update went live. The publisher apologized for the inconvenience caused to the player base. They are currently investigating the underlying cause of the bug and are actively working on a permanent solution to restore normal file sizes.
4Temporary User Workaround
For players currently unable to accommodate the 366GB requirement, Square Enix has provided a temporary fix. Users can navigate to the Steam Properties menu and manually uncheck the DLC options. This action allows the base game to download without the inflated, erroneous files, effectively bypassing the storage bottleneck until a patch arrives.
5Community Reaction
The gaming community on Steam has expressed significant frustration regarding the mandatory nature of the update. Many users noted that the requirement forces them to delete a vast majority of their existing computer files to proceed. Reviewers have highlighted the absurdity of a small 8GB patch causing such a massive storage expansion.
6Meta-Narrative Irony
Observers have pointed out the irony of this storage management crisis. Nier: Automata features gameplay mechanics centered on managing software and programs on android protagonists to upgrade stats. There is even a specific ending triggered by uninstalling the operating system of the main characters, mirroring the current real-world struggle with file management.
7Broader Development Context
This technical mishap follows a period of uncertainty regarding the future of the Nier franchise. Earlier in 2025, reports indicated that most projects under development by the team were cancelled. This includes a previously planned Tencent-backed mobile game, which reportedly faced significant challenges in finding a viable monetization model to offset costs.
8Future Outlook
While the franchise is expected to continue, this incident highlights the fragility of digital distribution and patch management. Players are now awaiting a definitive fix from Square Enix to resolve the file stacking error. Until then, the community must rely on manual workarounds to maintain access to the game on their PCs.
Original article: Eurogamer — Square Enix Nier: Automata Update Bloats PC File Size to 366GB