It’s no secret that the best PS5 games are becoming increasingly massive, not just in terms of gameplay but also file size. Current and upcoming titles can easily exceed 100GB, demanding considerable download times. Whether you’re acquiring a game through PlayStation Plus or even via a physical disc, you’ll inevitably face a lengthy download before you can jump into the action. Let’s explore how to accelerate your PS5 game downloads, maximizing your playtime and minimizing wait times.
A person plays Crash Bandicoot using a PS5 DualSense controller. Sony
Optimize Your Network Connection for Faster Downloads
Your internet connection speed, determined by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), is the ultimate bottleneck for download speeds. However, you can optimize your network setup to ensure you’re leveraging the maximum available bandwidth.
Go Wired with Ethernet
If possible, connect your PlayStation 5 directly to your router using an Ethernet cable. While Wi-Fi technology has advanced significantly, it still can’t match the speed and stability of a wired connection, especially for large file transfers like game downloads. This direct connection minimizes latency and interference, ensuring a more consistent and faster download.
Minimize Distance to Your Router
When a wired connection isn’t feasible, try positioning your PS5 closer to your router. Even temporarily relocating your console can significantly improve download speeds by reducing the number of walls and obstacles the Wi-Fi signal has to traverse.
Reduce Network Congestion
If neither a wired connection nor relocation is possible, ensure your PS5 is the primary device using your network during downloads. Multiple devices competing for bandwidth, such as phones, TVs, and other consoles, can slow down your PS5’s download speed. Temporarily disconnecting or powering down other devices will free up bandwidth for your PS5, resulting in faster downloads.
The PS5 PLayStation
Prioritize Downloads and Utilize Rest Mode
Minimizing your PS5’s activities during downloads is crucial for optimal speeds. While downloading multiple games simultaneously will drastically reduce speeds, even streaming media or running other game applications can impact download performance. Closing all unnecessary applications is recommended, but the most effective strategy is to initiate the download and then put your console into Rest Mode.
Rest Mode dedicates system resources to the download process, ensuring maximum speed. To enable downloads during Rest Mode, navigate to Settings -> System -> Power Saving -> Features Available in Rest Mode. This will allow your PS5 to download games even while it’s powered down, ensuring you can start playing as soon as you’re ready.
Conclusion: Maximize Your Gaming Time
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce PS5 game download times. Prioritizing a wired connection, optimizing your network environment, and leveraging Rest Mode are key to maximizing your bandwidth and minimizing wait times. Spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your favorite PS5 games.
