6 Tested Methods to Reduce Lag While Playing Games
In the gaming world, lag can be a frustrating barrier that interrupts your enjoyment and performance. Whether you’re battling online opponents or exploring vast virtual worlds, a smooth gaming experience is important.
If you’re grappling with lag issues, there are several strategies you can employ to enhance your gameplay.
One example is enjoying dedicated server gaming, which reduces lag significantly, especially in multiplayer games. The small amount of time you save with no latency can help you get rid of your enemies in first-person shooting games.
We will learn more about this and many other tested ways to reduce lag while playing games in this article.
Optimize Your Internet Connection
Lag often stems from network issues, so the first step is to ensure that your internet setup is optimized. Begin by checking your internet speed. High-speed internet with low latency is ideal.
Many gaming platforms and websites offer tools to test your connection speed. Moreover, many developers themselves recommend ideal connection speed and settings to enjoy the best experiences of their games. According to Softo, most game developers recommend a minimum of 3–6 Mbps.
If your connection speed is lower than expected, consider upgrading your internet plan. Additionally, make sure your router is placed in a central location in your home to ensure even coverage. It is also important to understand the differences between router vs. modem to help you optimize your home network setup and help you troubleshoot when issues arise.
For those experiencing frequent disconnects or inconsistent speeds, a wired connection via Ethernet cable can offer more stability than Wi-Fi. Wired connections reduce interference and provide a direct path to your router, leading to a more reliable gaming experience.
Use a Dedicated Server
In shared servers or even virtual private servers, resources are distributed among multiple users. However, a dedicated server allocates all its resources, such as CPU, RAM, and bandwidth, solely to one user or group. This exclusive allocation ensures that the server can handle the high demands of gaming without interruptions.
Additionally, dedicated servers are often equipped with better hardware and a more robust network infrastructure compared to shared servers. This superior setup can process data faster and handle more intensive tasks. This is significant for gaming, where split-second decisions and actions are essential. The improved processing power and network capabilities help minimize latency.
What Is the Advantage of a Dedicated Server?
According to OVHcloud, dedicated servers offer numerous additional benefits besides reduced latency. For one, they give you total control of your gaming ecosystem that lets you share different elements or features. Suppose you are playing Minecraft on a dedicated server. In this case, you can share your extra resources with other players you have invited on the server.
Close Unnecessary Background Applications
Running multiple applications simultaneously can consume valuable system resources and bandwidth, leading to increased lag. Take, for example, Disney+, where UHD (4K) streaming will use approximately 7.7 GB of data per hour. The same goes for Netflix, too. According to Popular Science, streaming UHD videos on Netflix can consume up to 7 GB an hour.
While this data is related to live streaming, these applications can still take up some speed when running in the background. Therefore, before starting a gaming session, close any unnecessary programs and applications that might be running in the background. This includes web browsers, streaming services, and even software updates that could be using up bandwidth or system resources.
How Do We End Unnecessary Background Processes?
You may view all of your computer’s active apps and processes, including background activities, by selecting the Process tab in the Task Manager window. Here, you may view a list of all Windows background processes. Pick the ones you don’t want, and click the End task button to temporarily end them.
Monitor and Manage System Temperature
Computers, particularly gaming PCs, generate significant heat during intense gaming sessions. Ensure your system is well-ventilated and that cooling fans are functioning properly. Dust buildup can impede airflow, so keep your PC clean and consider using additional cooling solutions if necessary.
Samsung states that the computer can reduce the heat generated to a certain extent by controlling the clock speed. However, it can again lead to lower frame rates for gamers. This mostly affects first-person shooter games but can also impact other multiplayer sessions.
Most gaming systems come with software tools that monitor temperature and performance. Utilize these tools to keep an eye on your system’s heat levels and ensure that temperatures remain within safe limits.
Adjust In-Game Settings
Most modern games come with a range of graphical settings that can be adjusted to improve performance. If you’re experiencing lag, lowering the graphics settings can help. Start by reducing the resolution and detail level of textures. You might also want to turn off or lower the quality of effects such as shadows, reflections, and anti-aliasing.
Each game has different settings, so you might need to experiment to find the right balance between visual quality and performance. Many games have built-in performance monitoring tools or presets designed to optimize settings based on your hardware. Use these features to help configure your game for the best performance.
What Settings Reduce Input Lag?
You can reduce input lag through numerous game settings, such as:
- Turning off V-sync
- Gamepad setup and settings
- Frame rate optimization
- Optimizing peripherals
If you are playing games on your TV, enabling game mode can also help reduce the lag.
Optimize System Performance
Your gaming performance can be significantly influenced by the overall performance of your system. Make sure your system satisfies the requirements that the games propose for it. Upgrading components such as your graphics card, adding more RAM, or using a faster SSD can make a noticeable difference in performance.
RAM size is one of the most significant factors when it comes to how smoothly you can enjoy gaming on your system. Most games have minimum and optimal RAM requirements that are mentioned when they are launched. Experts recommend that you should have at least 16 GB RAM, whether DDR4 or DDR5, for most high-end games.
Lag can be a major impediment to an enjoyable gaming experience. However, by addressing the various factors that contribute to it, you can significantly improve your gameplay. From optimizing your internet connection and adjusting in-game settings to upgrading your hardware and managing system temperatures, there are multiple strategies to tackle lag.
Each approach targets different aspects of the gaming experience, so experimenting with these methods can help you find the best combination for your setup. By following these tested methods, you can enhance your gaming performance and reduce interruptions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your favorite games.