Modern gaming has advanced significantly since the early days of Nintendo and Atari.
Console gaming has shifted from single-player experiences to online multiplayer systems, allowing players worldwide to connect. A stable internet connection is now more essential than ever for online gaming.
No matter the type of game—FPS, racing, or real-time strategy—you need a fast internet connection for smooth gameplay.
If you notice a delay between pressing a button and seeing the action in the game, latency may be the issue. Latency is the time it takes for your gaming device to send data to the server and receive a response.
Read on to learn about high and low latency, what causes latency, and ways to reduce it for a better gaming experience.
High vs. Low Latency
Latency, also called “ping,” is a technical term for lag, which causes response delays in games. High latency leads to more lag, making gaming frustrating. Low latency results in less lag and smoother gameplay.
When testing ping, a good range is 40 to 60 milliseconds (ms) or lower. A speed above 100 ms often causes noticeable lag.
Ideally, latency should be as close to 0 ms as possible, ensuring fast communication between devices and servers.
Ping Range | Ping Quality | Gaming Experience |
0 – 20 ms | Excellent | Very little lag or glitches; smooth visuals |
20 – 50 ms | Decent | Mostly smooth and responsive gameplay |
50 – 100 ms | Average | Standard range; occasional lag based on game and device settings |
100 – 300 ms | Bad | Frequent delays and lag during gameplay |
300 ms or more | Unplayable | Severe lag and delays; poor gaming experience |
Causes of Latency
- Distance to the server: The space between your router and the game server affects latency. A server close to your location helps data travel faster. For example, choosing a nearby server instead of one in New York may reduce delays if you live in Chicago.
- Internet connection type: The speed and type of internet you use can change your latency. DSL and fiber internet can provide fast speeds, which help reduce lag in online games.
- Router and network load: An old router may slow your connection. The speed can drop if too many people use the same network. Getting a newer router may improve gaming performance.
Ways to Reduce Latency
High latency can interrupt gameplay. Try these steps to improve your connection and reduce lag:
- Close unused programs. Running large applications, like music or video software, may use up bandwidth and slow your game.
- Use a wired connection. A direct Ethernet cable from your router to your gaming device can provide a more stable and faster connection. If many people use WiFi in your home, switching to a wired setup may help.
- Stay near the router. A weak signal from a distant router may cause slow speeds. Moving closer to the router or placing it near your gaming setup can strengthen the connection. If a wired connection isn’t possible, look for ways to boost WiFi signals.
- Choose a closer game server. A nearby server allows faster data transfer, reducing delays in gameplay.
Following these tips can help improve latency and enhance your gaming experience.