Take a look at this guide to learn how to fix high ping in Valorant
High ping is the gamers’ ultimate nemesis. Its impact is particularly severe in a tactical FPS game like Valorant. However, there sure are reliable fixes to tackle the Valorant high-ping issue. In this article, we’ll explore the best effective methods on how to fix high ping in Valorant.
What is Considered a High Ping in Valorant
Pinpointing an exact number for what qualifies as high ping is hard. However, we can give you a general idea.
- 0-40: Very low or perfect ping.
- 40-80: Generally acceptable.
- 80-140: Considered bad but still somewhat playable.
- Anything beyond 140: Deemed completely unplayable.
Generally, anything over 80 is more or less agreed by the community to be high ping. However, what’s considered playable varies for each person as individual experiences come into play. For instance, someone accustomed to playing on extremely low ping (<10) might find even 40 ping too high for their liking.
Why is My Ping High in Valorant?
Valorant has multiple servers across six different regions. The general rule is simple. The further one plays from the server, the higher the ping is. However, that is not the sole reason for the Valorant high ping issue. Multiple problems related to unoptimized network connections can also contribute.
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For instance, issues like routing problems, congestion, or wireless interference can just as quickly increase the ping. Additionally, It is also very possible to experience high ping despite having good internet. This could point to hardware or software complications on your end or a problem with the host server itself.
How to Fix High Ping in Valorant
Fixing Valorant high ping issues can make the gaming experience a hundredfold more fun. Here, we are going to show you how to decrease your ping with some nifty tricks and tweaks.
Solution 1: Restart the Router
Let’s start simple. Most of the time, your unusually high ping can be fixed simply by restarting the network connection. We often leave our router switched on for an extensive period of time. As a result, the cache builds up, and sometimes, this hoard of unnecessary data can hinder the router’s performance, causing higher ping during gaming sessions. So, turning off the router and turning it on after around 60 seconds can solve this problem.
Solution 2: Restart the Client Application
Restarting the Riot Client is another simple way to deal with high ping in the game. It is possible for the client app to encounter glitches every now and then. These glitches can disrupt the connection to the server, leading to increased ping. A simple restart often resolves this issue by allowing the client app to start afresh, establishing a more stable connection to the game server.
Solution 3: Use Ethernet
If you want an unhindered online gaming experience, the ethernet is the most essential thing to use. Compared to Wi-Fi, using a LAN cable offers numerous advantages. Wireless connections are susceptible to interference from various factors, such as distance from the router and obstructions. These end up causing the player to experience fluctuations in ping and packet loss while in-game. This is why Ethernet is accepted as the top choice to guarantee a smooth gaming experience, offering a more reliable and consistent connection, free from lags.
Solution 4: Stop Any Background Downloads
Any sort of download running in the background can mess up your ping in the game, as downloads consume the bandwidth needed for game data to travel back and forth. So make sure not to download anything while you play if you want to hit your shots. Also, be mindful of background downloads, such as Windows updates, that can start automatically.
To prevent this, go to Windows Service settings. Click on Windows Update, and once the properties window opens, change the startup type from Automatic to Manual.
Solution 5: Close Any Unwanted Background Applications
Downloads are not the only thing running in the background that can increase your ping. Certain background applications can contribute to this, too. If you run multiple applications simultaneously, this leads to bandwidth sharing. As a result, the player experiences fluctuating game latency. So, make sure to turn off any and all unwanted background applications, especially those that use the internet.
To do this, simply open the start bar, type in “Background apps”, and click on the first result. You will find every app running in the background there. You can also go to the process section of Task Manager and find out the programs that are consuming your network resources. If you find one with unusual bandwidth hogging, end the program by clicking “End Task”.
Solution 6: Make Tweaks in Windows Firewall
Adjusting settings in the Windows Firewall system can also help reduce the ping. Follow these steps:
- Open Windows Firewall settings
- Click on “Allow an App through Firewall”
- Select “Change settings”
- Click on “Allow another app”
- Click “Browse” and navigate to the game files. Click on “Riot Client Services” in the Riot Client folder.
This fix will ensure that the Firewall is not throttling the Valorant connection, preventing any unusual lag spikes in the future.
Solution 7: Try A VPN
Trying on a VPN to decrease VPN should be a last resort. If you still plan to use one, steer clear of free VPN services and consider only reputable paid options for a more reliable and stable connection. Explore the internet and determine which VPN will be the best for you based on your location and budget.
We are confident that implementing one or more of these seven solutions will significantly fix your Valorant high ping issue. However, keep in mind that your physical distance from the server will fix a limit to how low your ping can be. These fixes aim to minimize it to the lowest achievable level.
If your ping is still unusually high despite trying all the solutions, consider contacting your internet service provider. The issue could potentially stem from your end, and they could assist in resolving any underlying problems.
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