Do Online Games Use A Lot Of Data? 2025: 9 Facts + Tips

Ever fire up a game of Fortnite on your Nintendo Switch only to see your mobile data vanish before your eyes?

Maybe you’re teaming up with friends in League of Legends or just updating Call of Duty, and suddenly your phone throws a warning about hitting your data cap. If you’re wondering, “do online games use a lot of data,” you’re definitely asking the right question.

It’s a common stressor for gamers, especially if you’re using a mobile hotspot or sharing an internet connection with family or roommates.

Here’s the funny thing: playing most online games actually uses way less data than streaming a movie on Netflix or watching your favorite streamer on Twitch. The real data monsters are the massive game updates, using third-party voice chat apps like Discord, and cranking up those graphics settings on cloud gaming services.

I’m going to walk you through exactly which games consume the most data per hour, whether you’re on a PC, a console like the Xbox Series X, or playing PUBG Mobile on your phone. Plus, I’ll share some quick, practical tips to save those precious gigabytes without wrecking your gaming experience.

How much data do online games typically use?

When you’re actually playing, online gaming is more of a data sipper than a gulper. Most online multiplayer games, like Overwatch or Call of Duty, will use somewhere between 40MB and 300MB per hour. For most console gaming and PC gaming sessions, you can expect to land squarely in the 40MB to 150MB per hour range.

Some mobile games, including classics like Candy Crush, are even lighter on data, often using as little as 5MB to 10MB per hour on your iPhone XS or Galaxy S20.

Cloud gaming, however, is a completely different beast. Services that stream the game to you from a remote server, like Xbox Cloud Gaming, can burn through 3GB to 10GB every single hour. The amount depends heavily on the resolution and frame rate you choose. For context, streaming a 4K movie on Netflix can use up to 7GB per hour, putting high-resolution cloud gaming in the same heavyweight category.

And then there are the downloads. Getting a massive new title for your Xbox Series X or PlayStation can easily eat up over 100GB in one go, which is enough to make anyone on a limited cellular plan nervous.

Factors influencing data consumption in online games

Several things can make your data meter spin faster while gaming. It’s not just the game itself, but also how you play it, the settings you use, and what other apps are running in the background.

What game types and genres use the most data?

First-person shooters (FPS) and action-packed battle royales are the hungriest genres. Shooters take the top spot, using about 100MB to 250MB each hour. I can vouch for this, my mobile hotspot always seems to be struggling by the end of a long Call of Duty weekend.

These games constantly send and receive data to update player positions, track every bullet fired, and manage voice chat, all in real-time. Popular esports titles like Valorant or Apex Legends fall into this high-usage category. In fact, Valorant can use as much as 290MB per hour.

On the other hand, MMORPGs like World of Warcraft are much more modest, holding steady at around 30MB to 50MB per hour. Strategy games are similar, often staying between 20MB and 60MB per hour.

Casual puzzle games on your phone barely make a dent in your data plan. And if you compare these genres to online casinos, which are web-based, you’ll find traditional gaming platforms use significantly more bandwidth.

Shooters can chew through mobile gaming plans in a hurry. My own Zenfone once gave me a data warning mid-match because I forgot I wasn’t on Wi-Fi.

How do graphics and resolution settings affect data use?

While game genres matter, your graphics settings have a huge impact, especially with cloud gaming. When you play a game installed on your console or PC, the graphics are rendered locally. This means changing texture quality from “medium” to “ultra” doesn’t really increase your internet data usage, because all those graphical assets are already on your machine.

However, it’s a totally different story on cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming or Nvidia GeForce Now. Since the game is essentially a video stream, higher resolutions and frame rates mean more data is being sent to you every second.

• Streaming at 720p resolution typically uses about 3GB per hour.
• Jumping up to 1080p can increase that to around 3GB per hour.
• Pushing it to 4K resolution can devour a massive 7GB to 15GB per hour.

From my own experience, lowering the streaming resolution on my Nintendo Switch for a cloud game makes a noticeable difference in bandwidth use. It’s the single best trick for keeping your data bill in check if you’re using services that rely on mobile hotspots or Australia’s National Broadband Network.

Does using voice chat and background apps increase data usage?

Absolutely. In-game voice chat is usually pretty efficient, adding only around 10MB per hour to your total usage. But external apps like Discord or Teamspeak are much heavier. A busy Discord call can use up to 1.9GB an hour if video and screen sharing are involved, though a voice-only call is much lower, around 36MB per hour.

I learned this the hard way playing Phasmophobia with friends over Discord. Between the ghost hunting and sharing memes in the chat, my PC’s data traffic spiked way faster than usual.

Background apps are silent data killers. Don’t forget about things running behind your game:

• Music Streaming: Apps like Spotify can use around 100MB per hour.
• Cloud Syncing: Services like OneDrive or Google Drive can start uploading files and consume bandwidth.
• Automatic Updates: Windows 11 or other launchers like Steam might decide it’s a great time to download an update.

It’s always a good idea to close any unnecessary programs before you start a gaming session, especially if you’re on a limited data plan. Curious about the different online game genres? Check them out before we dive into the biggest data hog of all: game downloads.

How do game updates and downloads impact data consumption?

This is, without a doubt, where most of your gaming data goes. The actual act of playing is small potatoes compared to downloading and updating the games themselves.

Modern titles are gigantic. Call of Duty: Warzone, for example, can require an initial download of over 200GB. Even a game like Starfield comes in at a hefty 125GB. These numbers make unlimited data plans look very attractive for serious gamers.

Day-one bugfix patches and seasonal updates also contribute. Destiny 2 is famous for dropping large patches that can range from 5GB to 40GB each. A major update can feel like downloading a whole new game. A 40GB update on a 50 Mbps NBN plan could take nearly two hours to download, eating up a significant chunk of a monthly data cap.

Next-generation consoles like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, with their high-resolution graphics, demand these large file sizes. While developers use compression techniques, there’s only so much they can shrink files without sacrificing quality. It’s not uncommon for a household with active gamers to use between 200GB and 500GB per month when you factor in game installs, browser usage, and firmware refreshes for devices like the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

Data usage differences across gaming platforms

Every platform, from an Xbox Series X and PC to the Nintendo Switch 2, handles data a bit differently. Some will chew through your gigabytes faster than Pac-Man on a power pellet binge.

How much data does console gaming consume?

On average, console gaming uses about 40MB to 150MB of data every hour for online play. Newer consoles like the Xbox Series X and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 fit comfortably within this range, though the exact amount always depends on the game and your settings.

If you crank up the graphics or use voice chat, you’ll naturally drift toward the higher end of that spectrum. Many console players find they use between 3GB and 12GB of data each month just from gameplay and voice calls on services like PlayStation Network or Xbox Live.

The real data usage on consoles comes from those massive game updates. Smart gamers know to schedule these downloads to run overnight on their Wi-Fi connection to avoid burning through mobile data.

A pro-tip many console users on forums recommend is to switch your console’s power mode to “Energy Saving” instead of “Instant On.” This stops the console from automatically downloading huge updates in the background, giving you control over when that data is used.

What is the data usage like for PC gaming?

Playing online games on a PC is generally in the same ballpark as console gaming, but the numbers can climb a bit faster with certain titles. Modern AAA games like Call of Duty typically use between 100MB and 300MB every hour you play.

Here’s a quick look at how some popular PC games stack up per hour:

• Destiny 2: ~300MB
• Counter-Strike 2: ~250MB
• Team Fortress 2: ~80MB
• Grand Theft Auto V Online: ~60MB
• World of Warcraft: ~40MB
• Monster Hunter: World: ~30MB

PC players often have more background processes running, like game launchers (Steam, Epic Games) and voice chat apps, which can add to the total data consumption. Chasing high-quality graphics and low ping might mean you’re using a bit more data, but the core gameplay usage remains fairly modest.

How much data does mobile gaming use?

Mobile gaming is usually the most data-friendly option. According to a 2025 report from Adjust, mobile games accounted for 49% of total gaming revenue in 2024, showing just how massive this market is. Developers optimize these games to be light on resources, including data.

Most mobile games will use between 10MB and 100MB per hour. Casual titles like Candy Crush or Marvel Snap are on the very low end of that scale.

Here are some popular mobile game examples:

• Genshin Impact: ~30-60MB per hour
• Teamfight Tactics: ~60MB per hour
• Marvel Snap: ~20MB per hour
• Hearthstone: ~3MB per hour

However, more complex mobile titles that are ports of PC or console games, like PUBG Mobile or Fortnite, will use more data because they are in constant communication with game servers. Playing these games off Wi-Fi can definitely ramp up your data usage, so it’s something to watch if you’re using a mobile hotspot from your phone plan.

How data-intensive is cloud gaming?

Cloud gaming is where data consumption goes into overdrive. Because you’re streaming the entire game as video, the data usage is much closer to watching Netflix than playing a traditional game. Expect to use between 3GB and 10GB per hour, and sometimes even more, depending on the service and settings.

NVIDIA’s GeForce Now service, for example, can stream at up to 4K resolution and 240 FPS, which provides an incredible experience but also consumes a massive amount of data, potentially up to 15GB per hour. In contrast, Xbox Cloud Gaming currently caps its stream at 1080p and 60 FPS, making it a bit less data-intensive but also less visually sharp.

To put it in perspective, a heavy gamer could hit a 1.5 TB data cap in under 100 hours of 4K cloud gaming. This makes a fast, stable, and unlimited internet connection almost essential for anyone serious about this platform.

With the number of cloud gaming users expected to surpass 58 million in 2025, the demand for high-bandwidth internet is only going to increase.

How much data do popular games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Call of Duty use?

Ever wonder if your Xbox Series X or Nintendo Switch 2 is munching on more data during a Fortnite binge compared to a chill Minecraft session? Let’s break down the numbers for the big three.

Fortnite data usage explained

Fortnite is surprisingly efficient, usually consuming between 45MB and 100MB of data per hour. The exact amount can fluctuate based on how much action is happening in your match. A chaotic firefight with lots of building will use more data than quietly exploring the map.

Using voice chat on your Xbox Series X or Nintendo Switch 2 will add a little extra to your total. However, the biggest data hit from Fortnite comes from its frequent updates. The initial download is around 26GB, and seasonal updates can be quite large, so it’s crucial to disable auto-updates if you’re on a tight data plan.

“Some rounds are all action, others quieter,” my squad often says, and you can see that reflected in the little spikes of bandwidth use depending on who’s causing the most trouble.

Minecraft data consumption details

Minecraft is famously light on data. During a typical online session, you can expect to use about 40MB per hour. Some players report usage as high as 80MB to 200MB per hour, but that’s usually when playing on massive public servers with hundreds of other players and complex Redstone contraptions.

This low data usage is consistent across PC, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch 2, and mobile devices. My friends and I have pushed our survival worlds with voice chat and all sorts of automated farms, and even then, the data meter barely budges.

Just like with any game, remember to download new versions and updates over Wi-Fi. The updates almost always use more data than hours of actual gameplay.

Call of Duty data requirements

Compared to Minecraft, Call of Duty takes a much bigger bite out of your internet plan. The fast-paced action of Warzone uses about 160-175MB per hour on average. And as mentioned before, downloading the full game on an Xbox Series X or PlayStation can swallow over 200GB right from the start.

Different titles in the series have different data appetites:

• Black Ops 6 (2024): This was a top-selling title in 2024 and can burn through close to 500MB per hour.
• Black Ops 4: Needs about 80MB per hour.
• World War II: Is much lighter at only 40MB per hour.

With frequent patches and content drops, many dedicated CoD fans report using between 200GB and 500GB of data in a single month. If you’re a serious player, keeping an eye on your data usage is key, especially if your ISP has a monthly limit.

What are effective ways to manage and reduce data usage while gaming?

Gamers can use a few smart tricks and settings tweaks on their Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch 2, or computer to keep data usage under control. These habits will help keep your connection fast and your wallet happy.

How can adjusting in-game settings save data?

Lowering your game’s graphics settings is the number one way to save data, especially in cloud gaming. Here are a few key adjustments:

• Lower the Resolution: Dropping from 1080p to 720p in a cloud gaming service can drastically cut data usage.
• Reduce Frame Rate: If possible, lowering the frame rate from 60 FPS to 30 FPS will also save a significant amount of data.
• Turn Off Fancy Effects: Disabling extras like detailed shadows or motion blur means less data is being streamed to your device.
• Use Data Saver Modes: Many mobile games and some console titles now include built-in data saver modes that automatically optimize settings for lower bandwidth use.

On Windows 11, you can even set a system-wide data limit. Just go to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage > Enter limit to get alerts before you go over your monthly cap.

What are tips for using voice chat efficiently?

Voice chat can add up, but a few good

habits can keep its data usage to a minimum.

First, always choose in-game voice chat over a third-party app like Discord if you’re trying to save data. In-game chat typically uses only about 10MB per hour, while Discord audio calls use closer to 36MB per hour, and video calls can use much more.

If you do use Discord, here are some tips from users on forums like Reddit:

• Stick to Push-to-Talk: This ensures you’re only transmitting data when you’re actually speaking.
• Lower the Bitrate: In your voice channel settings, you can lower the audio bitrate. The default is 64Kbps, but you can reduce it to save data.
• Avoid Video and Screen Sharing: These features dramatically increase data consumption, with streaming on Discord hitting 1.9GB an hour.

Why download updates over Wi-Fi?

This might seem obvious, but it’s the most critical rule for managing gaming data. Game updates and full game downloads are enormous. A single Destiny 2 patch can be over 40GB, which could instantly wipe out a significant portion of a monthly mobile data plan.

Wi-Fi connections are not only usually unlimited, but they are also faster and more stable for large downloads. A 100GB game could take hours to download over a mobile connection, but it might only take 15-30 minutes on a fast fiber NBN 1000 plan.

To be safe, go into your Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, or Steam settings and turn off automatic updates. This prevents your devices from downloading massive files in the background when you’re connected to a mobile hotspot.

When should you use offline modes to save data?

Offline modes are your best friend when traveling or if you’re stuck on a limited data plan. I once spent an entire flight playing through Minecraft’s story mode completely offline, using zero gigabytes after the initial game download.

Any game with a single-player campaign is perfect for this. Simply download the game when you have Wi-Fi, then switch your Xbox Series X or Nintendo Switch 2 to offline mode. This ensures the console isn’t trying to connect to the internet in the background, saving your data for when you actually need it for multiplayer.

It’s also a great way to avoid those surprise auto-updates that can eat through your data cap faster than Bowser can kidnap Princess Peach.

Why does internet speed matter for online gaming?

While online gaming doesn’t use a ton of data, the speed and quality of your internet connection are critical. A fast, stable connection on your PlayStation or Xbox Series X makes for a much smoother experience.

What are the minimum bandwidth requirements for gaming?

You might be surprised by how little speed you actually need for basic online play. For most games on an Xbox Series X or PlayStation, a steady 5 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload is enough to get by. The Nintendo Switch can work well with just 3 Mbps download speeds.

However, these are the bare minimums. For a good experience, especially in a household where other people might be streaming videos, you should aim higher.

• Casual Gaming: A 25 Mbps plan is a great starting point for solo gamers.
• Competitive Gaming: If you’re into fast-paced shooters, aim for 50-100 Mbps or more to ensure low lag.
• Cloud Gaming: Services like GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming require at least 10-20 Mbps for a stable stream, with 25-50 Mbps recommended for 1080p or 4K.

If you have multiple gamers in your house, a good rule of thumb is to budget at least 25 Mbps per person to avoid congestion.

How does internet speed affect latency and game performance?

For gamers, latency (often called “ping”) is even more important than raw speed. Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from your console to the game server and back, measured in milliseconds (ms).

Low latency means your actions feel instant and responsive. High latency is what causes that frustrating “lag” where you get eliminated before you even see the enemy peek around a corner. Here’s what to aim for:

• < 20 ms: Excellent for competitive, professional-level gaming.
• 20-50 ms: Great for most online games, providing a smooth and responsive experience.
• 50-100 ms: Acceptable for slower-paced games, but you may notice some delay in shooters.
• > 100 ms: You will likely experience noticeable lag that impacts performance.

Fiber optic internet is the gold standard for gamers because it offers both high speeds and extremely low latency. If fiber isn’t available, a good cable connection is the next best thing. For a quick performance boost, try connecting your console directly to your router with an Ethernet cable instead of using Wi-Fi. This simple trick can often cut your ping significantly.

How will online gaming data usage change in 2025?

As we look ahead, the world of online gaming is only getting bigger and more connected, which means data usage is set to grow. The global gaming population is projected to hit an incredible 3.43 billion people in 2025.

Mobile gaming continues to be the largest slice of the pie, with projections showing it will account for 51.2% of all gaming. This means more people than ever will be gaming on the go, putting more demand on cellular networks.

Cloud gaming is another key area of growth. Experts predict that over 58 million people will be using cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now in 2025. As these platforms push for higher resolutions and smoother frame rates, the average household’s data consumption will rise. With latency rates for these services now dropping below 40ms in major regions, the experience is becoming more viable for mainstream adoption.

Finally, in-game purchases, which now make up a staggering 76% of all online gaming revenue, will also contribute to data usage. Every time a player buys a new skin, downloads a battle pass, or accesses new DLC, it results in another burst of data being transferred. As games become more like live services with constant updates and events, the need for robust and affordable internet plans will be more important than ever for gamers worldwide.

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