How much data does Arma 3 use?

How much data does Arma 3 use


In Arma 3, players can compete in two player co-op missions or join large 60v60 competitions. Multiplayer modes that include large numbers of players, like the 60v60 mode, tend to use more internet data than other online modes. If you play Arma 3 on a capped internet connection – like fixed wireless internet or a mobile hotspot – you may need to monitor your data use.

Let’s take a close look at how much data it takes to download, update, and play Arma 3 on Microsoft Windows.


How big is the Arma 3 download?

With virtually every game, the initial game download uses more data than playing or updating the game. Arma 3 is a PC-only game and the file size is <20 GB on Microsoft Windows. The file size will most likely increase slightly every time Bohemia Interactive releases a new update.

File size and download size are different, however. File size is how much space the game takes up on your hard drive and download size is how much data you use adding the game to your PC. The download size will usually be less than half the file size, since developers compress their game files with archive formats like “.zip” or “.rar” so they download more quickly.

How much data does Arma 3 use
Image by Bohemia Interactive

How big are Arma 3 updates?

Arma 3 is known for its large updates that can exceed 6 GB per patch, so it’s important to keep an eye on these if you’re conserving your data. For the most up-to-date information about recent patches, see the Arma 3 Dev Hub. To keep a game update from eating up too much data, turn off auto-updates in the game or Steam settings and manually update the game instead.


How much data does playing Arma 3 use?

Arma 3 uses about 100 MB of data per hour. Your actual data use depends on the number of players on the server, whether or not you use voice chat, and your game update rate.

  • The more players on a game server, the more data – like location. movement, and stats – your local network needs to share with other players. If you’re playing Arma 3 with the maximum 120 players, you’ll use more data than if you’re playing with the minimum two.
  • Voice chat can use up to 60 MB of additional data per hour, so you’ll use much less data if you disable voice chat while you play. Here’s how to turn Arma 3 voice chat on and off.
  • Most game servers have a tick rate of either 64 or 128 Hz. A 64 tick server refreshes the game 64 times a second, or approximately once every 15 milliseconds. A 128 tick server syncs with clients 128 times a second or once every 8 milliseconds. It also uses about twice as much data. To save data, choose community servers with lower tick rates.
  • Client update rate is how many times per second your computer actually processes the updates it gets from the server. Your game update rate will be either your server tick rate or client update rate, whichever is lower. Limit your client update rate in your settings to reduce online data use when you’re playing on a game server with a high tick rate.
How much data does Arma 3 use
Image by Bohemia Interactive

Get more data with fixed wireless internet

To play Arma 3 without putting your data limit in jeopardy, consider a fixed wireless internet connection with a high data cap. This home Wi-Fi connection is ideal for rural gamers without access to wired internet connections like cable or fiber.

Give us a call at 866-439-6630 to discover fast 4G LTE and 5G options for rural gamers in your area.