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Playing games from physical discs doesn't necessarily mean you won't need to download anything. While discs can contain most of a game's playable content, some rely on additional downloads for launch-day updates, bug fixes, missing data, compatibility improvements, or post-launch content. This varies by platform and game, but suffice it to say that owning a disc doesn't guarantee an entirely offline experience.

The size of these downloads can vary, with some amounting to just a few gigabytes and others reaching tens of gigs. This has become an increasingly noticeable part of buying modern games, especially when a newly purchased disc prompts a lengthy download.…