How to Make Call of Duty Load Faster: A Comprehensive Guide

Tired of staring at the loading screen while your friends are already racking up kills in Call of Duty? You’re not alone. Slow loading times, whether it’s for game updates, map loading, or just getting into a match, can be incredibly frustrating. The good news is that there are several proven strategies you can employ to significantly improve your Call of Duty loading speeds, allowing you to get into the action faster. This guide will detail those methods, covering everything from basic fixes to more advanced techniques.

Optimizing Your Connection for Speed

The most significant bottleneck for slow loading times is often your internet connection. Here’s how to optimize it:

Wired Connections and Server Selection

• Wired Connection is Key: Whenever possible, use an ethernet cable rather than relying on Wi-Fi. Wired connections offer significantly more stability and typically provide faster download speeds, directly impacting the speed at which you can download updates and load game assets.
• Server Selection: If the game, like Call of Duty, allows you to choose a server region, select one that is geographically closest to your location. This reduces latency and the time it takes to download updates or connect to game servers.

Internet Connection Health

• Bandwidth Considerations: While Call of Duty doesn’t require extremely high bandwidth, having at least 15-25 Mbps download speed is recommended for a smooth experience. If multiple devices are using the internet simultaneously, you’ll need even more.
• Clear Network Congestion: Other devices on your network using bandwidth can slow your game down. Limit activities such as streaming, large downloads, and other bandwidth-intensive tasks while gaming.
• Router Check: Make sure your router is up to date and working properly. Consider a router restart, or upgrading to a newer model. This is especially helpful if your router is older.
• Check Your ISP: Sometimes, issues are not on your end. Call your internet service provider and ask if there are any known problems or outages in your area.

Device Optimization for Faster Loading

Your gaming device, whether it’s a console or a PC, can greatly influence load times.

Console Optimization

• Close Background Apps and Games: Close any background apps or games running on your Xbox or PlayStation. These consume resources and can slow down game performance and loading.
• Pause Other Downloads: When downloading a large Call of Duty update, pause any other downloads happening on your console to ensure that all available bandwidth is dedicated to the game.
• Console Rest Mode Downloads: For PlayStation users, downloading games or updates while the console is in rest mode has been anecdotally noted to be faster compared to downloading with the console on.
• Clear Cache: Over time, temporary files and cached data can accumulate, slowing down performance. Clearing your console’s cache by completely powering down and unplugging it for a brief period can help. On Xbox, you can also clear specific Blu-ray Persistent Storage.

PC Optimization

• Update Network Adapter Drivers: An outdated network adapter driver can be a common reason for slow download speeds. Make sure to update to the latest drivers available from your network adapter’s manufacturer.
• System Resource Management: Close unnecessary programs and applications when playing Call of Duty to free up RAM and CPU resources. Check your task manager to see what is running and consuming the most resources.
• RAM and Storage: Ensure that your computer has sufficient RAM (memory) and enough free storage space. Insufficient resources can cause games to load slowly and suffer from frame rate issues.

Game-Specific Tweaks

There are also settings within the game or its launching platform that can impact your loading speed:

• Accurate Download Region: Ensure that the download region selected in the game’s platform (like Battle.net) is accurate for your location.
• Game File Verification: Sometimes game files can become corrupt, leading to loading issues. Use the game platform’s option to verify the game’s files to ensure everything is working correctly.

General Tips to Consider

• Consider the Size of Downloads: Call of Duty games, especially updates, are notoriously large. Be patient; larger downloads will naturally take longer.
• Time of Day: During peak usage hours, server congestion may slow download and load times. Try downloading during off-peak times for faster performance.

FAQs About Improving Call of Duty Loading Speed

1. Why is my Call of Duty download so slow?

A slow download speed can be due to a variety of reasons, including an unstable internet connection, your distance from game servers, network congestion on your home network, or outdated drivers.

2. What download speed do I need for Call of Duty?

While the game can function with a minimum of 4 Mbps, a speed of 15-25 Mbps or higher is recommended to ensure smooth gameplay and faster download times.

3. Does a wired connection really make a difference?

Yes, a wired Ethernet connection provides a more stable and often faster connection than Wi-Fi, which can significantly improve download speeds and reduce lag in-game.

4. How do I choose the right server for Call of Duty?

Select the server that is geographically closest to your current location when downloading or playing. This will help to reduce latency and improve download speeds.

5. Is rest mode faster for downloading on PlayStation?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that downloading games in rest mode is often faster than doing so while the PlayStation is powered on.

6. How do I clear my console cache?

To clear your Xbox cache, power it down completely, unplug it, wait a minute, and then plug it back in. For Playstation, you can do the same and then also clear your saved data.

7. How often should I update my network adapter drivers?

You should check for and update your network adapter drivers regularly, especially if you’re experiencing slow download speeds or connection issues.

8. Will closing background apps speed up downloads?

Yes, closing all other applications and games will free up resources, allowing your console or PC to prioritize downloads or in game performance.

9. Why does it take so long to get into a match in Call of Duty?

Slow matchmaking can be caused by a matchmaking system searching for low ping as well as a potentially lower player base at certain times or in certain modes.

10. Is 100 Mbps internet good for gaming?

Yes, 100 Mbps is excellent for gaming. However, keep in mind that stability and low latency are more important than extremely high bandwidth for a smooth gaming experience.

11. What is a good ping for Call of Duty?

A good ping is less than 50 ms. High ping can cause lag and affect the responsiveness of your game.

12. Does the size of a game download affect the time?

Yes, the size of the game or update is a major factor. Larger downloads will naturally take more time to complete.

13. Can having multiple devices on my network slow down my downloads?

Yes, multiple devices using your internet connection at the same time can use up bandwidth and lead to slower download speeds.

14. Is 15 Mbps internet good enough for Call of Duty?

While it meets the minimum requirements, 15 Mbps might not be sufficient for smooth gameplay and fast download speeds. A faster connection is recommended for the best experience.

15. How do I know if my internet is fast enough?

Test your internet speed using a reliable speed test website or app. Compare your results to the recommended speeds for online gaming and downloading large files.

By implementing the strategies detailed above, you can significantly improve your Call of Duty loading times and spend more time enjoying the game and less time staring at a loading screen. Good luck, and happy gaming!