Buzz
Understand the role of internet speed and reducing lag in gaming
In online gaming, a lower ping means your actions are reflected on-screen with minimal delay, which is crucial for making quick decisions and winning. A ping of 30-60 ms or below is ideal, and we’ll explain what ping is, why it matters, and how you can reduce it for a better gaming experience.
Optimal Ping
For the best performance, your ping or latency should fall between 10-30 milliseconds (ms). However, many games run smoothly with a ping of 30-60 ms, and turn-based games can handle up to 150 ms without issues.
How to Improve Ping
What is considered a good ping?
Good ping is typically 30 ms or lower. Hardcore gamers often aim for 10 ms or less for smooth, lag-free gameplay (though achieving 0 ms is impossible). For most games, however, a ping between 30-60 ms is more than sufficient, particularly for those not requiring lightning-fast reflexes. Different game types, however, have varying latency needs:
- Real-time strategy, online shooters, and racing games: Aiming for 10 ms is ideal, as these games demand quick reactions. Many are still playable up to 60 ms.
- MMOs: 30-60 ms is generally fine for most massively multiplayer games, as these don’t require immediate responses.
- Turn-based games: Ping matters less here since players take turns. Anything under 150 ms, or sometimes even higher, is usually acceptable.
What does ping mean?
Ping measures your internet’s latency. Latency refers to the delay in data transfer. Ping (in milliseconds) tracks the time it takes for your input to travel to a server and return, which is then reflected on your screen. A high ping causes delays or lag, while a low ping results in quicker responsiveness, which is preferable.
- Think of ping like an echo. You shout, and your ping is the time it takes for your voice to return. In this analogy, you press buttons and wait for them to appear on your screen.
- The term “ping” originates from WWII and was used to describe radar signals—similar to your internet, radar sends out signals and waits for them to come back.
How to test your ping
Xbox One Press the Xbox button on your controller, then go to Profile & system > Settings > General > Network settings, and choose Test network speed and statistics. After a brief wait, your console will show your ping along with upload and download speeds.
- Microsoft suggests a minimum ping of under 150 ms for optimal online gaming.
PS5 Open the Settings menu from the top-right of the PS5 home screen, then select Network > Test Internet Connection to see your console’s upload and download speeds. Aim for speeds around 11 Mbps for the best experience.
Nintendo Switch On the home screen, go to System Settings > Internet > Test Connection. After a short moment, your Switch will show network details. Ensure your internet connection is stable, with download and upload speeds of at least 100 Mbps.
PC Go to an online internet speed test, like PC Mag’s free speed test, or use any other service to measure your internet speed. For best results, aim for upload and download speeds of around 100 Mbps.
Remember, ping can vary between games. Many online games operate on their own servers, so a general speed test may not accurately reflect your ping in a specific game. If your internet speed test shows a strong connection, then high ping could be related to the game’s server, not your system or internet.
- Most games will display your in-game ping, although you may need to enable this feature in the settings or network menus.
- Start with a casual game to test your connection before jumping into more competitive gameplay or modes.
How to Reduce Ping
Pick a game server closer to your location. The greater the distance between you and the game servers, the longer your actions take to register. If the game offers it (often in the network settings), switch to a server nearer to your area to minimize your ping.
Move your device closer to your router. Generally, the closer you are to your router, the stronger your connection, higher internet speeds, and lower ping. Either shift your router closer to your device or bring your device nearer to the router.
- Make sure your router is positioned centrally and openly within your home to enhance signal reach.
Upgrade or troubleshoot your internet and router. A slow internet connection leads to a high ping. Consider upgrading your router, limiting the number of devices connected, or contacting your ISP to ensure you're receiving the internet speeds you're paying for. For tips, visit increase your internet speed.
Opt for a faster connection like ethernet. A wired ethernet connection is optimal for gaming. If that’s not feasible, IT expert Luigi Oppido recommends checking your connection’s internet band: 2.4 GHz provides a stronger but shorter range, while 5 GHz is weaker but can cover greater distances, reaching your devices farther away.
Temporarily disable your firewall while gaming online. Firewalls act like a security checkpoint, delaying internet traffic in and out of your system. If your game has to wait for approval from the firewall to connect to the server, your ping may rise. Turn off your firewall while gaming or disable it for the specific game you're playing.
Close any background apps that might be using up your bandwidth. It’s a good idea to shut down any apps you’re not actively using, especially across all devices on your network. These apps can consume internet resources, slowing down your connection and increasing your ping.
- Be sure to pause any ongoing downloads as well. Downloads can significantly drain a slow connection, making online gaming nearly impossible.
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Lowering your game’s graphics settings or upgrading your PC’s hardware can boost performance, but it typically won’t impact network lag.
