How Much Data Does Black Ops 3 Use? A Comprehensive Guide
Figuring out how much data your favorite games consume can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to manage your internet usage. Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter: Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 uses a relatively moderate amount of data for online play. While the download size is substantial, the hourly data consumption is much more manageable.
Specifically, you can expect Black Ops 3 to use roughly 40MB of data per hour during online gameplay. However, it’s crucial to remember that this figure can vary. Several factors influence the exact amount of data used, including your connection speed, server load, and even your individual play style. If you’re an aggressive player constantly engaging in fast-paced firefights, you might see slightly higher usage than someone who adopts a more cautious approach.
Based on that 40MB per hour estimate, a regular player who spends an hour each day in Black Ops 3 will likely consume between 1GB and 1.5GB of data per month. However, this is just an average, and your mileage may vary. If you are a hardcore player and play for multiple hours each day, you should expect significantly higher data usage.
Understanding Black Ops 3 Data Usage
It’s important to differentiate between download data and in-game data consumption. The initial download of Black Ops 3 is a one-time event that requires a large data transfer, while in-game usage is the ongoing data exchange during online multiplayer sessions. Let’s delve deeper into both.
Initial Download Size
Black Ops 3 is a hefty download, clocking in at around 45GB. This means that before you even start playing, you need to download a substantial chunk of data. The time it takes to download depends heavily on your internet connection speed. For instance:
- A 10 MB connection may take approximately 10 hours to download the game.
- A 30 MB connection may take around three and a half hours for the download.
These are approximate times. Actual download speeds will depend on your ISP, network congestion, and other factors.
In-Game Data Usage
As mentioned earlier, Black Ops 3 typically uses around 40MB of data per hour of online play. This data is used for syncing player positions, actions, and game events in real-time. The faster you play, and the more intense the matches, the more data might be used in that hour. It’s a continuous stream of data that keeps the game synchronized across all player consoles or PCs.
Factors Affecting Data Usage
Several factors can influence how much data Black Ops 3 consumes:
- Connection Speed: A faster connection doesn’t necessarily mean higher data usage per hour, but it will allow you to download large updates and the initial game more quickly.
- Server Load: The amount of data being transferred might increase slightly if the server is under heavy load. This can be less efficient and cause a slight increase in bandwidth usage.
- Play Style: More aggressive and fast-paced gameplay often leads to more data usage due to the increased frequency of player actions and game events.
- Game Modes: Different game modes might have varying data usage due to the number of players and frequency of in-game interactions.
- Updates and Patches: Regular game updates and patches can consume a significant amount of data. Be prepared for large downloads when updates are released.
Data Consumption in Context
To put Black Ops 3’s data usage in perspective:
- Compared to some other online games, 40MB per hour is a moderate amount. Some games may consume significantly more, while others consume less.
- Streaming a two-hour movie in HD can consume anywhere from 1GB to 6GB of data, depending on resolution and framerate. This highlights how online gaming, while consistent, is typically less demanding than streaming high-quality video.
- A typical month’s internet usage for a home may range from 30 GB to 600 GB depending on the number of users, streaming habits and how many online games are regularly played.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding data usage in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 to help clarify any further concerns.
1. Is 100GB of data enough for gaming, including Black Ops 3?
Yes, 100GB of data is generally enough for a month of gaming, including Black Ops 3, if you don’t download too many other things. Online gaming typically doesn’t consume as much data as people think, with most games using around 80MB per hour. 100GB can potentially last 1,250 hours of online gaming, but that assumes Black Ops 3 is your only online activity.
2. How much data does Call of Duty Mobile use compared to Black Ops 3?
Call of Duty Mobile uses approximately 35MB of data per hour, slightly less than Black Ops 3. This means that it would take roughly 30 hours of Call of Duty Mobile to use 1GB of data.
3. Is a 50GB internet plan enough for Black Ops 3 and other gaming?
A 50GB internet plan may be restrictive for avid gamers, especially with modern games often exceeding 50GB. While 50GB might be sufficient for light gaming, it’s worth noting the download size of Black Ops 3 is 45 GB. If your playing includes other games, streaming or general internet usage, 50GB is likely too little.
4. How can I reduce data usage while playing Black Ops 3?
You can try to lower your frame rate in your game settings. Disabling V-Sync (Vertical Synchronization) also lets you control this. Also, ensure you avoid downloading large game updates or patches over your data connection. This will help you maintain a lower data consumption.
5. How does the game’s server tick rate affect data usage?
The tick rate of the server can affect your data usage. A higher tick rate means the server is updating the game more often, potentially increasing the amount of data transferred per hour.
6. Does Black Ops 3 use a lot of internet data?
Compared to downloading large files or streaming 4K video, Black Ops 3’s data usage is moderate. While it consumes data, it’s unlikely to “eat up” a significant portion of your monthly data if you play responsibly. However, remember that regular use will accrue data usage.
7. Is 1 GB of internet speed fast enough for gaming Black Ops 3?
1 Gbps internet speed is more than sufficient for gaming, including Black Ops 3. You will not experience any issues with lag or latency when playing online, as well as downloading the game very fast.
8. How much data does a 2-hour movie use compared to 2 hours of Black Ops 3?
A 2-hour movie can range from 1GB to 6GB in file size depending on its quality. Therefore, two hours of Black Ops 3, at around 80MB of data, uses considerably less data.
9. How much data is used in Call of Duty: Warzone compared to Black Ops 3?
Call of Duty: Warzone uses approximately 175 MB per hour, which is significantly more than the 40MB used per hour by Black Ops 3. Warzone has more players and is a bigger map, leading to more data usage.
10. What is the download size of Black Ops 3 and how does this affect data?
The download size for Black Ops 3 is approximately 45GB. This initial download accounts for a large chunk of data usage. If you only have a limited data plan, this could be a concern.
11. How can I monitor data usage while playing Black Ops 3?
Most operating systems and routers have built-in tools to track data usage. You can monitor how much data you’re using over a period of time, or even per hour, to get a more precise idea.
12. Is 300GB per month enough data for playing Black Ops 3 and other online games?
300GB per month is more than enough for most gamers, especially if playing Black Ops 3 and other games moderately. 300GB gives you plenty of leeway and you shouldn’t have to worry about exceeding your data limits.
13. Does playing Black Ops 3 offline use less data?
Playing Black Ops 3 offline will not use any data, as you will not be connected to the game servers. However, you also miss out on online multiplayer game modes.
14. Can a mobile hotspot be used to play Black Ops 3 and how much data does it use?
A mobile hotspot can be used to play Black Ops 3, but expect to use between 60MB and 1.3GB per hour. Using a hotspot is generally not recommended for prolonged online play due to its limitations.
15. Does having more players affect data usage in Black Ops 3?
The number of players in a session can affect the amount of data used. More players generally means slightly higher data usage due to the increased amount of information that needs to be transmitted.
By understanding these factors and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy Black Ops 3 without having to worry too much about excessive data consumption. Enjoy the game!