Games that require you to keep installing them even when you're not playing them

Before the first generation of HD consoles, including the PS3 and Xbox 360, home console players didn't have to worry about installing games or updating them. PC players have always had to deal with installations, but it wasn't as bad as it is today because PC games also didn't have as large file sizes as modern games.

Some of the largest AAA experiences can easily reach 100GB or more, and it can be difficult to decide which games to keep on your system, which to delete, and which to move to an external hard drive. Whether it's the scale, constant updates, or the appeal of the game, players love it. Please install the following games: They never know when they might feel the urge to play again.

minecraft

Getting out of the LEGO bucket

minecraft It doesn't take up a lot of storage space on the platform players download it from, and restarting months or years later is as easy as booting up for the first time. This is like when you were a kid and found a bucket full of LEGO bricks, threw them away and went to town.

Without story or purpose, minecraft It's one of the most freeing games ever made. This allows players to figure out how to have fun alone or with friends.

grand theft auto 5

causing chaos online

By this point, many players have already achieved 100% completion. grand theft auto 5 Between the main story and all side objectives. That said, there are reasons to keep installing it despite it being released in 2013.

The most obvious answer is Grand Theft Auto Online We'll continue to add new raid updates, so players can be ready when new raid updates are released. Also, since the game is a chaos simulator, it's fun to start the game and then blow things up to see how many stars you can get before the police call.

monster hunter wild

Looking forward to Thailand

monster hunter wildand before Monster Hunter Action RPGs are good at constantly adding new content. The gap between new additions is longer than many fans were hoping for with this latest addition, but fans will be engaged when those updates drop.

It could be something as simple as a new monster or a seasonal event that changes the hub area of ​​the game. Coolest collaboration ever MHW I did it with final fantasyAnd it's the same crossovers that keep fans playing on a regular basis.

fortnite

Get ready for your next big event

fortnite In essence, books are games Ready Player One Ernest Cline explained: It's a huge multiplayer-focused game that allows players to unlock and equip skins from almost every asset on the planet.

one of the following fortnite The biggest crossover of 2025 sent the internet into a frenzy when the map was changed to look like Springfield. the simpsons. There are no games based on 3D games yet. the simpsons from simpsons games It was great to see Springfield back on console in 2007. Such a big event fortnite Everyone can participate in just one session of shooting and mayhem.

mario kart world

A good racer for everyone

mario kart world While it didn't set the world on fire as the Switch 2's launch game, it was still another solid entry point for the Switch 2. mario kart series. mario kart 8 It was released in 2014, and Nintendo continued to update the game between the Wii U and Switch versions until 2023.

If the same trend holds true for this latest entry, Switch 2 players can expect updates at least annually. mario kart world. It's a good idea to keep it installed for updates, but players never know when a friend might want to come over and race.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Back to weeding

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Another big Nintendo game, but from the original Switch era. A big Switch 2 update is coming in January 2026, which is reason enough to keep your Switch installed (or reinstall it) right now.

Updates aside, as a life sim it's one of those experiences you can easily go back to. Animal Crossing: New Horizons It's also a casual game, so players can relax with mindless gardening or crafting projects.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Fight!

There are dozens of great fighting games out there, most of which are worth having installed so you can play some friendly matches online every now and then. Most fans will have at least one of their favorites installed on their consoles by now. For Switch players: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

As a platform fighter, it's a little easier to approach than a player vs. player scenario because every competitor has a chance to gain the upper hand in the match. And because the game has so many properties, every gamer on the planet can easily find one or several fighters they want to play as Sora. Kingdom Hearts or of snakes metal gear solid.

Balatro

another card game

Roguelikes are generally endless, and players can jump into a quick 15-minute session and work through things with little experience, so it's a good idea to keep them on console. Additionally, they usually don't come in file sizes large enough to take up storage space. Among many things, Balatro It may be the easiest to start over again because it is essentially poker with an extra level.

There are obviously more rules to the match than there are to poker, but even so, it doesn't take long to relearn the rules even after putting them down for a few months. If the player has Balatro Installing it on the Switch or Steam Deck could be risky, as the portability aspect makes it especially addictive.

among us

online reasoning

among us is a great social deduction game that gained a lot of players through the pandemic in the early 2020s. It's a simple enough game that anyone, even non-gamers, can learn, and it's a great way to keep people connected.

The concept is a guessing game where one or multiple players are aliens in disguise, and it's up to the humans to identify the impostor. Although it is a concept that has been reworked for hundreds of years, among us This could be the best version yet. It's always a fun game to play with friends sometimes.

Jackbox Party Starter

Always good for parties

that jackbox The game is one of the easiest to set up in a party situation, as all you need is a TV and a smart device like a phone. Jackbox Party Starter is one of the better versions to buy because it's cheaper and includes three great games that are all fun in a crowd.

From fun shirt designs to quiz games saw-There is a lot to enjoy in terms of aesthetics as well. Every video game fan should have one. jackbox Install the game on your console because a riot is guaranteed.