Lag kills…don’t put up with it!
But what exactly is ping? And what is a good ping for gaming? In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a good ping speed and how to achieve the best ping.
What is a Ping?
A ping is the time it takes for data to travel from your computer or console to the game server and back again. It’s essentially the speed your gaming network is operating at and is measured in milliseconds (ms).
A low ping of 20 (0.02s) means you have a fast connection with minimal delay while a high ping means you have a slower connection and a higher degree of latency.
In practical terms, the lower your ping result, the more responsive and accurate gaming experience you’ll have. And when it comes to online multiplayer games where split-second decisions can make all the difference, having a good ping can be crucial!
How to Get Good Ping Speed
So how do you get a good ping speed? These steps will help you lower your ping speeds:
Choose a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Your internet service provider plays a crucial role in your ping speed. Choose a reputable ISP known for stable and low-latency connections. In particular, head for fibre-optic and cable internet which will likely offer faster connection speeds.
Use a wired connection
Wi-Fi is super handy and convenient. But when it comes to your ping speed, a wired connection will give you more stability and lower latency. If you can, hook up a direct Ethernet connection from your gaming device to your router as this can seriously speed up your ping.
Streamline your applications
If you’re one of those people who has 57 web pages open and 43 applications running in the background, then your ping speed will be seriously high – maybe even closer to a pong. Close all unnecessary programmes, especially those using your internet connection, and watch those ping speeds soar. And make sure you’re not sharing your connection with anyone else in the house.
Choose the right game server
Fibre-optic cables might work at the speed of light, but even then, they may lag over long distances. Choose a game server close to your location to really optimise your ping speed.
Upgrade your router
Another way to maximise your ping speed is to invest in a modern, high-quality router. This will help manage your connection more efficiently, lowering ping rates.
Quality of Service (QoS) settings
Many routers have QoS settings that let you prioritise gaming traffic, meaning it gets a larger share of your bandwidth.
Is a 20 Ping good?
So now we know what a ping is and how to get a good ping, what is a good ping for gaming?
A ping of 20 is considered excellent for most online games. With a ping of 20, you have a near-instantaneous connection between your device and the game server. That means minimal lag and a seamless gaming experience. It also means any mistakes are yours and can’t be blamed on a slow response time!
If you really want to get into professional territory, aim for a ping of 10. And at the other end of the scale, avoid and try to actively improve your ping score if it’s anywhere above 100.
It’s worth noting that not all games have the same sensitivity to ping. Action shooters may demand ultra-low pings while other game genres that are less reliant on split second reaction times might be less dependent on your ping.
How to check your Ping
Most games will let you check your network performance, especially first-person shooter games. Head to the Game Settings and look for Display Performance Stats or Display Network Options. You can also use this Online Ping Test.
Ping it to win it
If gaming is the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing you do at night, having a good ping is no doubt crucial. If you can, aim for a ping of around 20, but the most important thing is for your ping to be consistent and stable. Our tips above will help optimise your ping, leading to lower ping rates and making you more competitive in the multiplayer gaming world. Good luck!
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