exbo
Guide

I’m getting a high ping in the game

Important terms

Ping is the time it takes to transfer data from your computer to the server (or another player’s computer), then back to your computer. This is sometimes also called the signal delay between computer and server, or lag. Ping is measured in milliseconds (ms).

Packet delay is a slightly different, but similar type of network delay, caused by the specifics of your network protocol. Nominally, this amount can be used to determine the value of the ping, but you must subtract a substantial number of points from this number.

The internet backbone are the main data routes between enormous, strategically connected networks and the core routers of the internet. These data routes are hosted by commercial, government, academic, and other network centers, as well as the internet exchange points and network access points, that exchange internet traffic between the countries and continents. Internet service providers participate in internet backbone traffic by interconnection agreements, mostly on a peering basis.

Causes of high ping in the game

There are a lot of reasons this issue might occur, including:

  • You’re using internet that isn’t intended for online gaming;
  • You have devices connected that use a lot of traffic;
  • Programs that use a lot of traffic are running;
  • You have an incorrect or outdated network card driver;
  • Large amount of cache in modem or router;
  • You have a problem with your router or outdated firmware.

Possible ways to resolve the issue

To reduce your ping and optimize the gaming process, you can try these steps:

  • Connect your device directly with a cable;
  • Turn off your VPN or proxy if you’re using one;
  • Turn off peer-to-peer downloading in your launcher settings;
  • Shut down unnecessary tasks using Task Manager;
  • Check if any updates are installing;
  • Disconnect extra devices from your network;
  • Restart your router by disconnecting it from the network;
  • Scan your computer using Malwarebytes;
  • Clear your DNS cache. More information;
  • Diagnose networks in the router's settings;
  • Update your router firmware to the latest version;
  • Contact your ISP and see if there is a problem with the network.

We recommend trying these methods in this order.