Every gamer desires an immersive gaming experience free from the annoyances of lag and delays. This article explores how to reduce ping spikes.
Contents
What is ping?
In the realm of online gaming, the term “ping” denotes the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to the game server (or another player’s computer) and then make its return journey to your machine. This metric is often referred to as signal delay, representing the time lag between your computer and the server. Ping is typically measured in milliseconds (ms).
Ping serves as a crucial indicator for players to gauge the speed at which their computer exchanges data with the game server or other players. A ping test can help players determine whether gameplay interruptions are likely to occur. The terms “low ping” and “high ping” describe the speed of this data exchange.
Read also about Frames Per Second Explained
In games where speed and quick reactions are vital, a low ping is highly preferred, while players experiencing a high ping will encounter delays that can significantly impact the outcome of the game. Many online games display your own ping, as well as the ping of other players and servers.
The term “ping” traces its origins back to World War II, where it was initially used to describe the signal emitted by submarines to calculate the distance to other vessels in the vast expanse of the ocean.
What is Ping Speed?
The quality of online gaming is closely tied to ping speed, so it’s useful to understand what influences a good ping speed.
Generally, an acceptable ping should be no higher than 40-60 ms. A ping over 100 ms results in noticeable delays, and some games disconnect users with a ping over 170 ms. A ping under 20 ms can provide a gaming experience with clear visuals, swift actions, and minimal delays. With each 50 ms increase in ping, gameplay performance may deteriorate.
Read about gaming iems in the article: https://gamingbeststuff.com/gaming-iems-unveiling-their-potential/
However, ping requirements vary significantly for different types of games, depending on the type of game you’re playing. For instance:
- First-Person Shooters (FPS) and racing games prioritize low ping, ideally not exceeding 50 ms, as timing is critical for competitive play.
- Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games tolerate higher pings, sometimes exceeding 250 ms. However, for real-time Player vs. Player (PvP) scenarios, it’s recommended to keep the ping below 150 ms.
- Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games can be played with a ping slightly below 200 ms, but optimal performance is typically achieved with a ping below 150 ms.
How to Check Your Ping There are two ways to check your ping:
- In-Game Ping Check: Most online games allow you to check your ping during gameplay. Navigate to the game settings and find an option similar to “display statistics and performance” or “show network parameters” (the parameter’s name may vary between games). This in-game ping check provides the most accurate assessment of network performance for that specific game and server.
- Online Ping Test. Ping can also be checked online through one of the many dedicated websites. These sites locate servers closest to you and report the average ping you can expect in an online game.
Read also articles: What Is a Gamer and World of Professional Gaming and Gaming Desk Near Me
Why Is My Ping So High?
Several factors can contribute to a high ping:
- Router: the type of router, how modern it is, its location, and whether it has up-to-date firmware.
- Computer: the computer’s specifications, whether it’s optimized for gaming, kept up-to-date, and cleaned.
- Cache on the modem and router.
- Background applications and programs running on your gaming device.
- Automatic updates occur during gameplay.
- The number of actively connected devices to your router.
- Game settings and their optimization.
Read also How to Stream YouTube on Discord: A Comprehensive Guide https://gamingbeststuff.com/how-to-stream-youtube-on-discord/
How to reduce ping spikes
Do you find your gaming experience marred by frustratingly high ping times? Don’t worry; there are practical steps you can take to lower your ping and optimize your gameplay.
- Close Resource-Hogging Applications. Shut down any background applications that might be devouring your system’s memory or triggering internet-related processes, as they can severely hamper your gaming experience.
- Smart Update Scheduling. Plan your software updates during periods when your computer is less active. Running updates during your gaming sessions can disrupt your network’s bandwidth, as it may download files at the most inconvenient times.
- Manage Network Congestion. Ensure that no one else in your household is hogging the internet bandwidth with bandwidth-intensive tasks, such as massive file downloads. The more devices simultaneously using your connection, the higher your ping may be.
- Check Physical Connections. Inspect the connections between your router and the wall outlet to ensure they are securely plugged in. Over time, cable connections can become loose and may need tightening.
- Opt for a Wired Connection. Consider relocating your gaming device closer to the router or connecting your computer or console directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. Wireless connections can lead to packet loss due to encryption and multiple simultaneous device connections. An Ethernet cable offers a more stable and faster connection.
- Clear Router Cache. A cluttered router cache can slow down your devices. Perform a complete router reboot to clear the cache and rejuvenate your device.
- Optimal Router Placement. Your wireless signals can be obstructed by walls and objects. For best results, position your router in an open space and ensure it’s correctly configured.
- Keep Router Firmware Up to Date. Outdated router firmware can negatively affect your network’s performance. Regularly updating your router’s firmware is essential to maintain its efficiency.
- Power Cycle Your Router. Turn off and unplug your router, wait for a minute, and then plug it back in. If you have both a router and a modem, power cycle both devices for a clean start.
- Consider Router Upgrade. The router provided by your internet service provider may not fully utilize your connection’s potential. Upgrading to a more advanced router can significantly boost your connection speed and Wi-Fi coverage. Consult the home network setup guide for assistance.
- Explore Faster Internet Plans. If you’ve followed the above steps and are still unsatisfied with your ping, it might be time to get in touch with your internet service provider. They can remotely identify and address potential issues, possibly even increasing your speed. If there are no connectivity issues, you might want to consider switching to a higher-speed internet plan for improved gaming performance.
- Adjust the priority of the gameplay. Allocate more system resources to the game to ensure smooth operation. After starting the game, open the Task Manager, find the gameplay, and set its priority to “High” or “Above Average”.
- Do not forget to check the system unit for dust accumulation. If you find a significant accumulation of dust, clean it, restart your computer, and make sure that performance improves.
Read also How to Stream on Twitch: Step-by-Step
By following these recommendations, you can significantly reduce your ping and enhance the speed and responsiveness of your gaming experience, regardless of the game you’re playing.
FAQ
Read also How Many Cores for Gaming
Hello! My name is Maximus Blaze, my friends call me BlazeGamer, and I am an experienced gamer.
I try to be objective and honest in my recommendations, and I hope my articles will help you make the right choice when choosing gaming products. Thank you for your attention, and happy reading!
