An update to NieR: Automata has introduced a glitch in the PC version distributed via Steam: to install the game along with the additional content, the platform may require up to 366.56 GB of free space, compared to the usual 50 GB. The issue, which emerged on November 6, 2026, following a patch dedicated to adding three new languages, has been acknowledged by Square Enix, which is investigating the cause. In the meantime, the publisher has suggested a temporary workaround to download the base game while excluding the DLC.
NieR: Automata requires 366 GB for installation on Steam
An update long anticipated, especially for its linguistic innovations, has turned into an unexpected problem for PC players of NieR: Automata. The Steam version of the game has, in fact, begun requiring up to 366,56 GB of free space to complete installation, a figure considerably higher than the previously indicated around 50 GB.
The anomaly was detected after the release of a patch that introduces support for simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, and Korean. The issue does not appear to stem from the addition of new game content: the excessive demand for space becomes most apparent when attempting to install the main title and its respective DLCs simultaneously.
It’s important to distinguish between the free space required by Steam during installation and the actual game size once the procedure is complete. Checks published by various outlets indicate that NieR: Automata and its additional content collectively occupy approximately 40–50 GB. The 366.56 GB therefore represent an unusual installation requirement, not the game’s actual disk size after completion.
The possible cause of the bug: the incorrect counting of DLC
Initial technical checks suggest that the anomaly is linked to how Steam calculates the space required for additional content in NieR: Automata. Following the update, each of the eight DLC entries appears to be associated with a space request similar to that of the main game, roughly 40 GB.
The total size of the base game and the eight additional content packs exceeds 366 GB. This figure aligns with observations made during installation attempts and with the checks reported by RPG Site and AUTOMATON WEST.
At the moment, however, no technical diagnosis has been officially confirmed. Square Enix has confirmed the existence of the anomaly and the initiation of investigations, but has not yet officially identified which component of the installation system is responsible for the unexpected behaviour. It is therefore appropriate to speak of a possible error in DLC counting, without assigning responsibility with certainty to a specific internal mechanism of Steam or the developer.
Square Enix confirms the issue and suggests a temporary solution
The communication published on November 6 by the official Japanese account of NieR acknowledged the issue relating to the storage space required by the Steam version following the latest update.
In the message, the team stated that they had detected a space request exceeding the expected amount during installation, confirming their focus on investigating the causes and seeking a solution. Square Enix also apologised to users for the inconvenience.
In the meantime, a temporary procedure has been provided to install the main game without immediately including the additional content. To try it, simply follow these steps:
- Open the Steam library.
- Right-click on NieR: Automata and select Properties.
- Access the DLC section.
- Deselect the additional contents listed.
- Start downloading the base game.
In this way, Steam should request only the space needed to install the main title. Once the installation is complete, it is possible to check again for the availability of DLCs and attempt to re-enable them. The procedure indicated by Square Enix relates to downloading the base game: it should not be considered a definitive fix for the issue, which remains pending an official update.
The new languages introduced by the update
The patch that accompanied this anomaly introduces three new language options for the Steam version of NieR: Automata:
- Simplified Chinese.
- Traditional Chinese.
- Korean.
This is the first new patch for the Steam version in several years: the previous update dated back to July 2021. The November 6, 2026 update is therefore primarily focused on expanding language support, without introducing new chapters, missions, or narrative content.
Regarding console versions, at the moment there are insufficient details to confirm a release date for the new localisations on PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo Switch. Communications and reports concerning the installation space anomaly concern instead the PC version distributed via Steam.
An anomaly that does not increase the game's real size
The request for over 366 GB may suggest a particularly heavy update or an unexpected expansion of content for NieR: Automata. Available checks indicate, however, a different scenario: the game has not received hundreds of gigabytes of new data, and its actual disk usage remains in the tens of gigabytes.
The issue manifests before the installation is complete, when Steam calculates the free space required to download the game and DLCs simultaneously. It is this distinction that makes Square Enix’s communication particularly important: those facing a request of 366.56 GB should not interpret it as the final, definitive size of the title.
For those who wish to install or reinstall the game immediately, the most cautious solution is to follow the official workaround and start with only the base game. For everyone else, there’s nothing left but to wait for a corrective update that restores the installation requirements to the expected values.
Frequently Asked Questions about NieR: Automata and the 366 GB bug
Why does NieR: Automata require 366 GB on Steam?
After the November 6, 2026 update, Steam may request up to 366.56 GB of free space to install the game and its DLCs simultaneously. Checks suggest an error in the calculation of the space required for additional content, but the precise technical cause is still under investigation by Square Enix.
NieR: Automata really takes up 366 GB?
No. I 366,56 GB represent the free space required during installation under certain conditions, not the actual game size once installed. Available checks indicate a total occupancy in the range of 40-50 GB.
How to install NieR: Automata without being asked for 366 GB?
Square Enix suggests opening the game's Properties in the Steam library, entering the DLC section, and unchecking the additional content. This way, it is possible to start downloading the base game alone, without immediately including all DLC.
Which languages have been added with the latest update?
The November 6, 2026 update introduced support for simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, and Korean in the Steam version of NieR: Automata.
Has Square Enix already fixed the 366GB bug?
At the time of publication, Square Enix has confirmed it is working to identify the cause of the anomaly and prepare a solution. A temporary procedure to install the base game has been communicated, but a definitive fix has not yet been announced.
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