How much data does Final Fantasy XIV use?
Final Fantasy XIV is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Because online games with more players use more internet data, you may need to keep an eye on your data use if you have a metered connection like a mobile hotspot or fixed wireless internet.
Let’s take a closer look at how much data it takes to download, update, and play Final Fantasy XIV on Microsoft Windows. Fixed wireless internet with a high data cap is the easiest way to stay below your monthly data cap while you’re playing massively multiplayer games.
Final Fantasy XIV game download size
Download size is the amount of online data it takes to add a game to your computer or console. The file size is the space the game takes up on your hard drive once it’s been “unzipped.” A game’s download size is almost always at least 50% less than file size. Developers typically compress game files with archive formats like “.zip” or “.rar” so they download faster.
| Platform | Download size | File size |
| Microsoft Windows | >6 GB | <15 GB |
Keep in mind that the size of the game will increase over time as Square Enix releases updates.
Final Fantasy XIV update size
Major FFXIV updates are usually 2 to 3 GB, while smaller patches are around 300 MB. For information about recent patches, see the Final Fantasy XIV patch notes. If you’re worried an update could push you over your monthly data limit, turn off auto-updates in your game settings. Only download updates when you’re sure you have enough data.
How much data does Final Fantasy XIV use?
FFXIV uses less than 20 MB of data per hour. Data use varies based on the number of players in the game at a certain time, whether or not you use a voice chat app while you play, the tick rate of the game server, and your client update rate.
- The more players in a game, the more data – like location, movement, and stats – your local network shares with other players. A crowded server will use more data.
- Third-party voice chat apps like Facetime and Discord use an additional 60 B of data per hour of chat, so you’ll use much less data if you use a voice chat app while you play.
- Most 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 eight milliseconds – it also uses about twice as much data. To save data, choose community servers with lower tick rates.
- The client update rate is how many times your computer can process updates from the game server per second. The actual update rate of your game will be whichever is lower: your server tick rate or client update rate. Limit the client update rate in your settings to reduce online data use, even when you’re playing on a game server with a high tick rate.
Upgrade to an unlimited data plan
With a generous fixed wireless internet plan, you can play as much Final Fantasy XIV as you’d like – even if you’re located in a rural area without access to cable internet.
To find out more about wireless internet options for rural gamers, give us a call at 866-439-6630.
