Internet requirements for an enjoyable online gaming experience s1w4n

Online games constitute a popular pastime for the modern generation. Publishers frequently publish online video games, whether competitive multiplayer shooters or immersive MMORPGs. Thus, you need a reliable internet connection to enjoy those thrilling moments in combat.  431x5d

But just how much internet do you need to play online games? Well, this guide by a leading marketplace for gamers will help you learn all about it.

Data transfer during multiplayer games 1d6d5

When you connect online to play a events.

  • Keyboard and mouse input
  • Controller input
  • Microphone input
  • Text chat
  • Location of every player
  • State of the game world
  • Server notifications

Video and internet requirements are much higher than a physical PC or console.

Minimum internet speeds for various platforms 5n6z5w

Not everyone plays their favorite games on a PC. Many gamers prefer consoles. With the variety of consoles available, different internet requirements depend on their idea from the table below.

System Minimum Speed Minimum Speed
Xbox One 0.5 Mbps 2 Mbps
Playstation 4 1 Mbps 1 Mbps
Playstation 5 2 Mbps 2 Mbps
Xbox Series X/S 1 Mbps 3 Mbps
Nintendo Switch 1 Mbps 3 Mbps
Steam Deck 1 Mbps 1.5 Mbps
PC (Ubisoft Connect, Origin, Steam, etc.) 1 Mbps 1.5 Mbps

The above table shows the requirements released by Bungie for Destiny 2, which is one of the highest data-demanding games on most platforms. Other games, such as Squad, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Star Wars: KOTOR, may work fine with a slower internet connection.

Internet speeds for streaming z3z5t

If you desire to share your gaming experience with millions of viewers online, you require slightly higher internet speeds for your system. The recommended settings for streaming with various resolutions are mentioned below.

Service 720p 1080p 4K
Xbox Remote Play 10 Mbps 16 Mbps 20 Mbps
Google Stadia 10 Mbps N/A 35 Mbps
Nvidia GeForce Now 15 Mbps 25 Mbps N/A
Playstation Plus 5 Mbps 10 Mbps 18 Mbps
PC (Twitch, OBS, etc.) 5 Mbps 12 Mbps 22 Mbps

Factors that affect latency 4d706k

There can be times that you can get latency with your online games, where the game takes forever to respond to your commands. It can occur due to any of the following issues.

Distance between you and the server 431o3u

Internet signals flow between devices at lightning-fast speeds. Still, if you’re thousands of miles away from the active servers, it can increase lag to detectable levels. That is why you get latencies in the 700 m/s when connecting to intercontinental servers.

Type of internet connection t464m

You don’t want to play online games through a Wi-Fi connection that throttles your internet speeds. The type of connection you have can help you reduce the lag during your sessions. You should also check with your service provider to determine your area’s coverage condition. Also, Internet Service Providers can slow down gaming if it decides to do so. It might relate to peak times or other conditions. 

State of your devices 6e6w4b

It would help to examine your modems/routers for signs of damage or degradation. If you observe too many drops in your internet connection, it is probably because those devices are taking a toll. Overheating and outdated drivers are common causes of reduced internet speeds.

How to reduce lag in online games 2r513i

Now that you know what causes lag, you can work on reducing it by optimizing your hardware and software.

Prefer a wired cable connection j3463

A fiber connection through an RJ-45 port can provide much higher speeds than a wireless connection. Even with the best wireless modems, there is a delay with the nearest network tower. So, get Ethernet for your PC to guarantee that your desktop does not suffer from various interruptions. After all, Wi-Fi connections can quickly waiver due to interference with other devices at your home. If you use Wi-Fi for gaming, choose the 5GHz band to prevent other gadgets from damaging your internet connection. 

Cycle your routers 1i2z3u

Turn off your routers occasionally. It keeps them from overheating and can help you install any updates when it comes back on. Furthermore, resetting or rebooting your router is one of the go-to solutions when experiencing unstable internet connections. 

Use a VPN 4z3270

If the servers for your favorite online games are far away, you can close the gap virtually using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). You can do this by connecting to a VPN server in the same location as the server. It can reduce the lag and secure your connection to stop competitors from targeting you with DDoS attacks. Furthermore, a VPN for Windows can also stop ISPs from throttling traffic. How? Since a VPN encrypts traffic, ISPs can no longer see what you do online. 

Tweak the graphics settings 3t1b3x

You don’t need picture-perfect graphics to play your games online. If you’re experiencing lag, you can try reducing the graphics settings to reduce the load on your connection.

Update the drivers and firmware 3b2i2q

Make sure to the playing experience.

Avoid unnecessary connections 3b5z4l

Too many devices connected to your router can take up the bandwidth you may need for your connected to the network.

Play outside of peak hours 471f5v

Even the best servers have their limits. stream scheduled.