How to Fix Lag When Playing Online Multiplayer Games

When deep into an online multiplayer game, the last thing you want is lag ruining your fun. Whether it’s because of slow internet or someone else streaming on the same network, lag can cost you the win.

If you’re playing Fortnite®, Call of Duty®, or any other game on your PS4™, Xbox One®, or PC, this guide will help you reduce lag, fix ping issues, and enjoy smoother gameplay.

Why Does My Wi-Fi Lag During Online Gaming?

Lag usually happens because of two main reasons:

• Bandwidth: This is how much data your internet can handle at once. More bandwidth = better performance.
• Ping (Latency): This is how long your device takes to send and receive data from the game server. Lower ping = less lag.

Like someone watching Netflix, other devices using the same network can also slow things down. This is called network interference.

Try These Fixes for Wi-Fi Lag:

What Internet Speed Do I Need for Online Gaming?

You don’t need super-fast internet to play games, but better speed = smoother experience.

For the best performance, aim for 80–100 Mbps or even up to 1 Gbps if possible, especially with a wired (Ethernet) connection.

How to Test Your Wi-Fi Speed

Use a website like Speedtest.net:

1. Go to the site.
2. Click the “Go” button.
3. It will show your download, upload, and ping results.

Note: These results only show your speed at that moment, and Wi-Fi strength can change throughout the day.

What Is Ping and Why Is It Important?

Ping is the delay between your action (like pressing a button) and the game responding. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms).

• In fast-paced games, like shooters or fighting games, low ping is crucial.
• In slower games, ping matters less.

Imagine pressing a button and your character moves a second later—that delay is your ping!

Top 3 Tips to Reduce Lag or Latency

1. Use Ethernet Instead of Wi-Fi
   • A wired connection avoids Wi-Fi interference.
   • If not possible, switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi and move closer to the router.
2. Limit Network Usage
   • Ask others to pause large downloads or video streams during your gaming session.
   • The fewer devices using the internet, the better your game will perform.
3. Choose the Nearest Game Server
   • Some games let you pick your server. Choose one that’s geographically closest to reduce latency.

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