GPS games have a reputation for draining batteries, and it is not entirely undeserved. You play outside, often for a long time, with the screen on. The good news is that most of the drain is in your hands.
What uses up the battery
- The screen. The biggest item. In sunlight we keep it at full brightness, and the game stays in the foreground for a long time.
- GPS. Location tracking runs nonstop, because the game needs to know where you are. On its own it is not as demanding as the screen, but it adds up.
- Mobile data. The game talks to its server all the time. With a weak signal the phone uses more power, because it has to work harder to stay connected.
- Graphics and augmented reality. Games that switch on the camera and draw objects into the picture are among the most demanding. Kokume does not use augmented reality, it is played purely on the map.
- Cold. In freezing weather the battery loses capacity faster. A phone in a pocket close to your body lasts longer than one in your hand.
How much data do GPS games use
Less than most people expect. While you play, the game mainly sends small messages about your location and the game state. Most of the data goes on downloading the map when you reach a new place, and on images or game updates. Big updates are best downloaded over Wi-Fi.
How to cut battery and data use
- Turn the brightness down or leave it on automatic. It is the most effective step.
- Turn off augmented reality in games that have it. Most let you switch it off in the settings.
- Don't keep the game in the foreground for no reason. When you are not doing anything, switch the screen off. In a strategy game where production runs on its own, you don't need the game open all the time.
- Watch out for aggressive battery saving. Some modes restrict GPS in the background, and your location then jumps or lags. If the game reports an inaccurate location, try excluding it from battery optimization.
- Take a power bank on longer trips. With any GPS game it is the safest insurance.
How Kokume does
Kokume is a map-based strategy game with no augmented reality and no heavy 3D graphics, so most of its power goes on the screen and GPS. On a walk you only need to open the game where you want to build or gather resources and keep it closed in between - the economy keeps running without you. The game needs working GPS and an internet connection and runs on Android 7.0 and newer.
For a comparison with other games, see our overview of GPS games.