Lag spikes and rubber banding are the bane of every gamer’s existence. We all dream of a smooth, seamless online experience where our actions translate instantly into the game world.
But what does it take to get there? The key metric to keep an eye on is your ping ms for gaming.
Let’s see how it works, the kind of tests you need to do, and how to interpret the results to improve your experience.
Also, read more about ping spikes to further your knowledge about this issue.
What is ping speed?
In simple terms, ping speed, measured in milliseconds (ms), is the time it takes for a signal to travel from your computer to a server and back.
It’s like a round-trip journey for a digital message. Lower ping ms for gaming means a faster connection, with less delay between your actions and their results in the game.
What is a good gaming ping ms?
The ideal ping ms for gaming can vary depending on the genre and your expectations, but generally, lower is better.
A gaming ping under 20 ms is considered excellent, offering near-instantaneous responses, and the smoothest experience, between 20-50 ms is still very good, with minimal noticeable lag.
Otherwise, anything above 100 ms starts to introduce noticeable delays, and over 150 ms can severely impact your ability to play competitively.
Remember, the goal is to achieve the lowest possible ping to minimize frustrating lag and stay ahead of the competition.
How do I get a low latency and good ping for gaming?
Now, learn how achieving and maintaining a low latency and gaming ping requires a combination of factors:
- Choose a fast internet connection: a fiber-optic or cable connection generally offers lower latency compared to DSL or satellite;
- Connect via Ethernet: a wired connection is more stable and reliable than Wi-Fi, reducing the chance of signal interference and fluctuations in ms ping for gaming;
- Close background applications: bandwidth-hungry programs can compete with your game for network resources, increasing ping;
- Optimize your router: ensure your router’s firmware is up-to-date and consider prioritizing gaming traffic through Quality of Service (QoS) settings;
- Choose the right server: select a game server geographically closer to your location to reduce the distance your data needs to travel.
Troubleshoot to reduce ms ping for gaming
If you’re experiencing high ping, several troubleshooting steps can help:
- Restart your router and modem: a simple reboot can often resolve temporary network issues and improve ms ping for gaming;
- Check for network congestion: if other devices on your network are heavily using the internet, it can impact your gaming ping;
- Monitor your ping: use online tools or in-game overlays to keep track of your ping in real time and identify any spikes or fluctuations;
- Contact your ISP: if you’ve tried everything else and still experience high ping, your ISP may be able to assist in identifying and resolving any underlying network issues.
Best tools for optimizing gaming network performance.
Several tools can assist you in optimizing your gaming network performance and achieving lower ping such as PingPlotter, a diagnostic tool, that helps visualize the path your data takes to the game server, allowing you to identify bottlenecks and improve ms ping for gaming.
Also, Speedtest.net allows you to test your internet speed to ensure you’re getting what you pay for and identify any potential issues with your connection.
Finally, ExitLag which has a dedicated gaming VPN routes your traffic through optimized servers, reducing latency and minimizing ping spikes.
Get rid of lag and high ping with ExitLag
A low ping ms for gaming is crucial for a competitive edge and an enjoyable experience. By following the tips and utilizing the tools outlined in this post, you can take control of your gaming ping and enjoy smoother, more responsive gameplay.
In this context, if you’re serious about conquering lag and achieving the lowest possible ping, ExitLag is your ultimate weapon.
With its advanced routing technology and global server network, ExitLag can help you overcome network limitations and unleash your full gaming potential. Try ExitLag today and say goodbye to lag for good!
