PlayStation 5 players of Black Myth: Wukong are in for a surprise — and possibly a headache. A new update for the critically acclaimed action RPG has begun rolling out, and it’s so large that many players may need to uninstall and completely redownload the game to install it successfully.
The update, which is described as one of the largest patches in recent memory, introduces major performance improvements, next-generation upscaling support, and dozens of technical and gameplay fixes. However, the sheer size of the patch — reportedly over 90 gigabytes — has left PS5 users scrambling for storage space and wondering why such a massive reinstallation is required.
A Monumental Update That Pushes the Limits of Storage
According to developer Game Science, the update rebuilds several key aspects of the game’s internal structure, including its rendering system, texture library, and core data layout. Because the PlayStation 5 manages game data differently than PC platforms, it can’t simply overwrite individual files when certain foundational components change. Instead, the console must replace large sections of the game at once.
In effect, the patch is closer to a partial reinstallation than a traditional update. Players who don’t have at least 90 to 100 GB of free space may encounter an error message instructing them to remove the current version and redownload the full updated build.
While the process is inconvenient, it’s not unprecedented. Other major games — including Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth — have issued similar large-scale “rebuild patches” when overhauling major systems. However, Black Myth: Wukong’s update stands out for both its size and the breadth of its changes.
What’s Inside the Update: FSR 4, Performance Enhancements, and Stability Fixes
Despite its intimidating size, the update is not just bloat — it brings meaningful enhancements across multiple areas.
1. Next-Generation Upscaling (FSR 4):
The patch introduces AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution 4 (FSR 4) technology, which boosts frame rates while preserving visual detail. This allows PS5 players to experience smoother performance and higher dynamic resolution, especially in busy combat scenes and open environments.
2. Performance Mode Adjustments:
Game Science has also refined the PS5’s performance mode to stabilize frame pacing and reduce input latency. Players should now experience a steadier 60 frames per second in most areas, even during complex boss battles.
3. Texture and Asset Optimization:
The update rebuilds how the game loads textures, audio, and world data. This helps reduce loading times and eliminates the occasional stutter that some players reported when transitioning between zones.
4. Boss and Enemy Fixes:
Several bosses have received balance tweaks and bug fixes — including hitbox corrections, animation desyncs, and broken attack patterns. Some players had previously encountered soft locks when defeating certain enemies; those issues are now resolved.
5. Localization and UI Improvements:
Dozens of text, subtitle, and menu issues have been corrected across multiple languages. The update also improves readability in high-contrast scenes and adds new accessibility options.
Why PS5 Users May Need to Redownload the Entire Game
On the PlayStation 5, system architecture plays a major role in how updates are handled. Because the console’s file system compresses and organizes data differently than PC, any large-scale changes to a game’s structure often require a full rebuild of its core files.
Developers can’t just “patch over” certain sections without risking data corruption or load errors. That’s why, in some cases, it’s safer and faster to instruct players to uninstall the game and perform a complete redownload — ensuring that all new assets and performance layers are installed cleanly.
Game Science has acknowledged this inconvenience but emphasized that the update is a long-term optimization step designed to improve stability for future patches and expansions.
Community Reactions: Praise, Frustration, and Humor
The Black Myth: Wukong community has responded with a mix of admiration and exasperation. On social media, many praised the developer for its commitment to delivering a polished experience and pushing the game closer to its full technical potential.
However, others expressed frustration at the update’s size and the lack of advance notice. Some players joked that they’d need to “sacrifice another game” on their SSDs to make room, while others shared screenshots showing that the update required nearly the entire free space of their console.
Despite the complaints, early reports suggest that the update has dramatically improved performance on PS5, with smoother combat, faster loading, and reduced crashes.
A Benchmark Title That Continues to Evolve
Black Myth: Wukong launched earlier this year to widespread acclaim, hailed as one of the most visually stunning and ambitious action RPGs in years. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Chinese novel Journey to the West, it combines mythological storytelling with Souls-like combat, setting a new benchmark for independent game development.
Since release, the game has received multiple patches addressing everything from balance issues to graphical optimization. However, this latest update represents the first major structural overhaul since launch — a sign that the developers are not content to rest on their success.
By implementing new rendering technologies like FSR 4, Game Science is positioning Black Myth: Wukong to remain competitive among the next generation of high-fidelity console titles.
Storage Struggles and the Broader Issue of Game Size
The update also reignites debate about modern game file sizes. As visual fidelity and engine complexity grow, so do installation demands. With many blockbuster games now exceeding 100 GB, players are increasingly forced to juggle which titles stay installed.
On the PS5, where usable internal storage is roughly 667 GB after system files, a 90 GB update can represent a significant portion of available space. This trend has led to growing calls for better compression tools, modular installs, or optional texture packs that allow users to choose what’s stored locally.
For Black Myth: Wukong, Game Science has indicated that it’s exploring better optimization options for future updates — but for now, the size reflects the game’s high-end assets and comprehensive rework.
What Players Should Do Before Updating
Before initiating the patch, PS5 users are advised to:
- Back up their save data using PlayStation Cloud or external storage.
- Ensure at least 100 GB of free space on the console to avoid update errors.
- Consider uninstalling and redownloading the full version for best results.
- Avoid playing with mods or third-party enhancements (on PC) until the new version is stable.
Following these steps can help ensure a smooth transition to the updated version without data loss or corruption.
Conclusion: A Big Patch for a Big Game
The latest Black Myth: Wukong update might be cumbersome in size, but it underscores the developer’s commitment to refining and future-proofing one of the most ambitious action RPGs ever made. For PlayStation 5 owners, the reinstallation process may be inconvenient — yet the improvements in performance, visuals, and stability appear well worth the trouble.
In the era of ever-growing file sizes, Black Myth: Wukong is both a technical marvel and a reminder that next-generation experiences come with next-generation demands.
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