Top Online Games That Drain Your Bandwidth and What You Need to Know

by EAS Fiber

September 25, 2023

Jumping into an online game without a fast, reliable internet connection can turn your gaming session into a frustrating experience. Lag, slow downloads, and interrupted gameplay often come down to bandwidth limits. But which games use the most bandwidth, and how much speed do you really need to play smoothly? This guide breaks down the bandwidth demands of popular online games and explains how your internet connection affects your gaming performance.

Gaming setup showing bandwidth-heavy online game

Understanding Bandwidth and Gaming

Bandwidth measures how much data your internet connection can transfer per second, usually shown in megabits per second (Mbps). For gaming, bandwidth affects how quickly your device sends and receives game data, impacting responsiveness and visual quality.

Most multiplayer games require a minimum of 3 to 6 Mbps to function properly. This might get you into the game, but it won’t guarantee smooth gameplay, especially if others in your home are streaming videos or working remotely. Games with high-definition graphics, real-time voice chat, or large multiplayer environments demand more bandwidth.

To put it in perspective:

• 1 Mbps equals about 450 MB per hour

• 450 MB per hour equals roughly 10.8 GB per day

  
  

Long gaming sessions can quickly use up data, especially if your internet plan has a data cap.

Which Games Use the Most Bandwidth?

Some games are more demanding than others. Here’s a look at popular titles and their typical bandwidth use:

1. Call of Duty: Warzone

This battle royale game streams large amounts of data to keep up with fast-paced action and detailed environments. It uses about 40-100 MB per hour, depending on gameplay intensity and updates. Voice chat and streaming your gameplay add to this.

2. Fortnite

Fortnite requires roughly 30-70 MB per hour. Its vibrant graphics and constant updates mean you’ll need a steady connection to avoid lag and download delays.

3. World of Warcraft

MMORPGs like World of Warcraft use about 40-60 MB per hour during active play. Large raids or crowded zones increase data use, especially with voice chat enabled.

4. League of Legends

This popular MOBA game uses less bandwidth, around 20-40 MB per hour, but fast reaction times mean you need low latency and a stable connection.

5. Minecraft

Minecraft’s bandwidth depends on the server and mods but generally uses 10-50 MB per hour. Multiplayer servers with many players or custom content increase data needs.

6. RuneScape

RuneScape is lighter on bandwidth, using about 10-30 MB per hour, but long sessions can still add up.

7. Dota 2

Dota 2 uses roughly 20-50 MB per hour. Like League of Legends, it requires a stable connection for smooth gameplay.

How Other Online Activities Affect Your Bandwidth

Gaming rarely happens in isolation. Streaming videos, video calls, and downloads compete for bandwidth. For example:

• Streaming HD video uses about 3-5 Mbps

• Video calls require 1-4 Mbps

• Downloading large files can max out your connection

  
  

If multiple devices share your internet, your gaming experience can suffer unless your bandwidth is high enough.

Home router managing bandwidth for gaming and streaming

How to Optimize Your Internet for Gaming

To get the most out of your gaming sessions, consider these tips:

• Choose fiber internet if available. Fiber offers consistent speeds and low latency, reducing lag.

• Prioritize your gaming device on your router’s Quality of Service (QoS) settings to allocate bandwidth.

• Limit background downloads and streaming during gaming sessions.

• Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for more stable speeds.

• Monitor your data usage to avoid hitting data caps that slow your connection.

  
  

Why Fiber Internet Is a Gamer’s Best Friend

Fiber internet acts like your personal 12th man in gaming. Just as home fans boost a team’s performance, fiber supports your gameplay with fast downloads, smooth graphics, and uninterrupted connections. When you’re strategizing in RuneScape or battling in Dota 2, fiber internet keeps you in the game without frustrating delays.

Fiber optic cables providing high-speed internet for gaming

Final Thoughts on Gaming Bandwidth

Knowing how much bandwidth your favorite games use helps you choose the right internet plan and setup. Most online games need at least 3 to 6 Mbps, but to enjoy smooth, high-quality gameplay with multiple devices connected, aim for higher speeds and reliable fiber internet.

Check your current internet speed and data limits. If you experience lag or slow downloads, upgrading your connection or optimizing your home network can make a big difference. Your gaming performance depends on it.