Modern video games have grown massive. Titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (over 200GB), Red Dead Redemption 2 (150GB), and Baldur's Gate 3 (120GB) require significant download times. Let's break down exactly how long these downloads take.
Download Times for 100GB
Here's how long it takes to download 100GB at various internet speeds:
| Internet Speed | Download Time |
|---|---|
| 10 Mbps | 22 hours 13 minutes |
| 25 Mbps | 8 hours 53 minutes |
| 50 Mbps | 4 hours 27 minutes |
| 100 Mbps | 2 hours 13 minutes |
| 200 Mbps | 1 hour 7 minutes |
| 500 Mbps | 27 minutes |
| 1 Gbps | 13 minutes |
Note: These are theoretical maximums. Real-world speeds are typically 70-90% of advertised speeds.
Why Game Sizes Keep Growing
1. Higher Resolution Textures
4K textures require 4× more data than 1080p textures. As more players adopt 4K displays, developers include higher-resolution assets.
2. Uncompressed Audio
Many games include uncompressed audio files for better quality. This can add 20-30GB to a game's size.
3. Open World Content
Games like GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2 feature massive open worlds with unique assets for every location.
4. Multiple Language Support
Voice acting in 10+ languages significantly increases file sizes.
Tips for Faster Game Downloads
1. Use Ethernet Instead of Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi can lose 20-40% of your bandwidth due to interference and distance. A direct Ethernet connection ensures maximum speed.
2. Download During Off-Peak Hours
ISP networks are less congested late at night (2-6 AM) and early morning. You may see 20-30% faster speeds.
3. Pause Other Downloads
Steam, Epic, and other launchers compete for bandwidth. Pause everything except your priority download.
4. Check Server Region
Most game platforms let you choose download servers. Pick the closest geographic region for best speeds.
5. Limit Background Applications
Streaming services, cloud backups, and Windows updates consume bandwidth. Close unnecessary applications.
Platform-Specific Tips
Steam
- Go to Settings → Downloads → Limit bandwidth (set to "No limit")
- Clear download cache if speeds are slow
- Try changing download region
PlayStation
- Use Rest Mode for faster downloads
- Pause and resume stuck downloads
- Rebuild database if consistently slow
Xbox
- Suspend games while downloading
- Use "Instant-on" power mode
- Check NAT type (Open is best)
Epic Games
- Disable "Throttle Downloads" in settings
- Verify game files if download stalls
Planning Your Downloads
For large games, plan ahead:
- Start downloads before bed - Wake up to a ready-to-play game
- Pre-load when available - Many games offer pre-loading before release
- Check storage space first - Nothing worse than a failed download at 99%
- Consider physical copies - For very slow connections, discs may be faster
The Future: Game Streaming
Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW, and PlayStation Now let you play without downloading. While not perfect (requires stable internet and has input lag), they're a solution for those with slow connections or limited storage.
Conclusion
Understanding your actual download speeds helps set realistic expectations. A "quick gaming session" might require hours of downloading first if you haven't planned ahead.
Use our Download Time Calculator to get accurate estimates for any file size and internet speed combination. Plan your downloads and never be caught waiting again!