Few things are more frustrating for gamers than the blank stare of the character that just refuses to move at the right time.
Whether you are aiming for the perfect headshot or coordinating with your teammates in a critical strategy game, any delay between your command and the game’s response can turn a thrilling moment(momento emocionante) into a scream-worthy moment. We feel you!
If you wish to experience smooth gameplay in your online games, it is important to understand what factors are creating the provoking lag. There are several factors that can contribute to this. For instance, your internet speed, router settings, server distance, etc.
Well, this blog will explore some practical solutions that can help you optimize your gaming setup and reduce lag(reducir el retraso). No matter what type of game you play, these steps will be sure to create a seamless gaming experience for you.
What is Lag, and Why Does It Happen?
Lag is the delay between the player’s actions and the response of the game. It is measured as ping in milliseconds. In fast-paced games, a delay of even a few milliseconds can disrupt the entire gameplay.
Understanding Latency
Latency is the real culprit behind the lag. It refers to the time it takes for data to travel back and forth between your device and the game servers. For smooth gameplay and real-time responses from the game, a latency of less than 50 ms should be preferred.
A latency higher than 100 ms leads to noticeable delays and disruptions. Anything higher than 300 ms just makes your game unplayable.
Common Causes of Lag
Internet Speed: Low download and upload speeds i.e., <7-10 Mbps, can be insufficient for the requirements of modern online games.
Network Congestion: Too many devices on the same network can create unnecessary traffic.
Server Distance: The farther you are from the game’s server, the longer it will take for data to travel back and forth.
Outdated Equipment: Older routers, cables, and devices can be unsatisfactory for handling the graphic and efficiency requirements of modern online games.
Unnecessary Caches: A huge amount of data stored on the gaming device’s cache can cause lag.
Recognizing Signs of Lag
Freezing: The game stalls for seconds before resuming.
Stuttering: Frequent pauses. Graphics or sound glitches that disrupt the flow of gameplay.
Solutions to Minimize Lag
Yay! (Hurra!) The good news is that you don’t have to deal with lag. With a few adjustments, you can significantly reduce lags and enjoy smoother gameplay.
Use a Wired Connection
A wired connection(conexión) with an Ethernet cable is more stable than Wi-Fi signals. Connecting your gaming device(dispositivo) to your router directly will get rid of any interferences or disruptions, ensuring consistent speeds. If you are looking for one, Optimum offers reliable wired connections, which are among the best for gamers. If you need more information or assistance, consider reaching out to Optimum servicio al cliente en español.
Relocate Your Router
One of the most common reasons for slow internet speeds is the location of your router. If the router is too far away from your gaming device, the signal strength will be affected.
Likewise, physical objects between the device and router can impact the signal strength. This includes closets, walls, doors, furniture, etc. So try to keep your router(enrutador) in an open space, as close to your gaming device as possible.
Configure your Router
For the best performance, you can make a few changes to your router.
First, clear all the router cache. A full cache slows down your router considerably. You can do a hard reset to clear cookies completely.
Secondly, update your router’s firmware for the best performance.
Adjust Your Framerate
If you are experiencing delays, glitches, and pauses, chances are it could be because of a graphics lag. This means that the screen is not producing enough frames per second (FPS) to make the game run smoothly. This will create an obvious delay in your actions and the game’s response.
You can solve this by adjusting the FPS from your device settings. Some games also allow adjusting in-game graphics. A higher FPS will make the game appear smoother.
Use a Gaming VPN
ISPs can often cause problems for gaming traffic in a process called throttling. Using a VPN can mask your gaming activity, which gives you a more stable connection. You can choose a VPN that is specially designed for gaming, such as SurfSharkor NordVPN.
Update Hardware and Software
Lastly(Por ultimo), outdated software and hardware are often not compatible with the game you are trying to play. Ensure that your gaming console or PC has the latest firmware and drivers installed to run the game smoothly.
For serious gamers, we even recommend investing in professional gaming hardware.
Key Takeaways…
Don’t allow lag to ruin your gaming experience. Take the steps mentioned in this list to optimize your gaming setup and experience the smoothest gameplay. Begin by understanding the causes behind the lag(retraso). Then, apply effective and appropriate solutions. This way, you can significantly reduce delays and disruptions in data transfers from device to server.
