Can I Play PS4 Games While Updating? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can play PS4 games while updates are downloading, but there are caveats. The experience depends heavily on what is updating, how you’re playing, and your tolerance for potential disruptions. Let’s dive deep into the details.
Understanding PS4 Updates: Downloads vs. Installation
It’s crucial to distinguish between downloading an update file and installing it. Your PS4 allows background downloads, meaning you can generally play games while a patch is being downloaded. However, you typically cannot play while the system is actively installing an update. The installation process requires the console to dedicate significant resources, often necessitating a restart. Think of it like this: downloading is gathering the ingredients for a cake, while installation is the actual baking process – you can’t really do much else while the cake is in the oven!
Single-Player vs. Multiplayer: The Offline Exception
If you primarily enjoy single-player games with a strong campaign mode, you might be able to bypass updates altogether for a while. You can insert the game disc, allow the initial installation, and then dive straight into playing without immediately installing updates. However, this means you’ll miss out on any bug fixes, performance improvements, or new content included in the update.
The biggest caveat is multiplayer. If you intend to play online with friends or participate in competitive matches, updating is usually mandatory. Online services require everyone to be on the same version to avoid compatibility issues and ensure fair gameplay. You’ll almost certainly encounter prompts to update before being allowed to connect to online servers.
The Impact on Performance: Expect Some Slowdown
Playing games while downloading, even in the background, can impact performance. Your download speed might decrease because the game is utilizing network resources. You might also experience lag or frame rate drops in the game you’re playing, particularly if it’s a graphically demanding title. The severity of the impact depends on factors like your internet connection speed, the size of the update, and the processing power required by the game.
Rest Mode: A Download-Friendly Solution
One of the most effective ways to manage updates is by utilizing the PS4’s Rest Mode. This low-power state allows the console to continue downloading updates and installing them (if the option is enabled in the settings) while appearing to be turned off. To enable background downloads in Rest Mode, navigate to Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode and check the box for “Stay Connected to the Internet”.
Rest Mode is particularly useful for overnight downloads, ensuring that your games are up-to-date and ready to play when you’re ready to game. It’s also generally faster than downloading while the console is actively being used.
Prioritizing Your Activities: Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the decision to play while downloading depends on your priorities. If you’re desperate for a gaming fix and can tolerate some slowdown, go for it. However, if you’re aiming for the best possible performance and the fastest download speeds, it’s best to let the download complete uninterrupted. Consider using Rest Mode or waiting until you’re not actively gaming to initiate or complete updates. It’s always about finding the sweet spot between instant gratification and optimal performance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I play a digital game while it’s downloading on PS4?
Yes, the PS4 typically allows you to start playing a digital game before the entire download is complete. You can usually access a portion of the game (often the beginning levels) while the remaining data downloads in the background. However, some features or levels may be locked until the download is finished.
2. Will playing online games slow down my PS4 update?
Yes, playing online games during an update can slow down the download process. Both activities compete for network bandwidth, and the game typically takes priority, leading to reduced download speeds.
3. Can I pause an update on PS4 and resume it later?
Yes, you can pause and resume downloads on the PS4. Simply navigate to the Downloads section in the Notifications menu, select the download you want to pause, and choose the “Pause” option. You can resume it at any time by selecting the paused download and choosing “Resume.”
4. Does putting my PS4 in rest mode speed up downloads?
Generally, yes. Rest mode often leads to faster download speeds because the console dedicates more resources to the download process when it’s not actively running a game or other applications.
5. Why is my PS4 update taking so long?
Several factors can contribute to slow download speeds:
- Slow internet connection: Your internet speed is the primary limiting factor.
- Network congestion: Heavy internet usage on your network (e.g., streaming videos, other downloads) can reduce available bandwidth.
- PSN server load: High traffic on the PlayStation Network servers can slow down downloads.
- Game file size: Larger updates naturally take longer to download.
- Distance to content server: Geographical distance from the server hosting the update can impact speed.
- PS4 Rewrite Process: The ps4 rewrite process takes a significant time to copy the entire game file and add the patch.
6. Can I play a game without updating it on PS4?
Yes, you can play games without updating if you play in offline mode. However, if you want to play a multiplayer game, you’ll be prompted to update the game to the newest version to avoid bugs and ensure fairness.
7. What happens if I disconnect from the internet during a PS4 update?
The download will be interrupted, and you’ll likely have to restart it from where it left off. In some cases, corrupted files can occur, requiring you to delete the partially downloaded file and start over completely.
8. How do I update my PS4 system software?
You can update the system software through Settings > System Software Update. Make sure your PS4 is connected to the internet. You can also update using a USB drive if you download the update file from the PlayStation website.
9. Is it okay to leave my PS4 on overnight to download a large game?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to leave your PS4 on overnight to download a large game, especially if you have it in Rest Mode. Just make sure the console is well-ventilated to prevent overheating.
10. How do I prioritize game downloads on PS4 if I have multiple downloads in progress?
Unfortunately, the PS4 doesn’t offer a direct way to prioritize downloads. However, you can manually pause all other downloads and leave the desired game downloading to maximize its bandwidth.
11. Can I play a PS4 game on my PS5 without updating it?
The same principles apply to the PS5. You can typically play a PS4 game on your PS5 without updating it if you play in offline mode. However, online multiplayer will require the latest version.
12. How much storage space do I need for PS4 game updates?
You generally need at least as much free space as the size of the update itself. However, the PS4 may require additional temporary space during the installation process, which involves rewriting the entire game file. It’s wise to have significantly more free space than the update size to avoid issues.
13. Will updating my PS4 delete my saved game data?
No, updating your PS4 system software or games should not delete your saved game data. Save data is stored separately. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your save data to a USB drive or the PlayStation Plus cloud storage as a precaution.
14. How do I free up storage space on my PS4 to make room for updates?
You can free up storage space by:
- Deleting old games you no longer play.
- Deleting game demos and trailers.
- Moving games to an external hard drive.
- Deleting unwanted screenshots and videos.
15. What is the recommended internet speed for PS4 gaming and downloading?
A download speed of at least 15-25 Mbps is generally recommended for a smooth PS4 gaming and downloading experience. However, faster speeds are always preferable, especially for online multiplayer and large game downloads.