How To Fix Lag on PC for Optimal Video Gaming
When playing online multiplayer video games, the last thing you would want is lag. It's the single most hated thing for every gamer in the world. So, to help you get rid of this, we have here a guide consisting of all of the workarounds and fixes that can help you get rid of lag in video games once and for all.
However, like any other problem in the world, to fix it, you need first to understand the cause behind it. Why is it surfacing in your video games? So, without further ado, let's kick off this guide with a clear understanding of what lag is and why does it occur in video games.
What is Lag
In a straight-up, simple answer, lag is the delay between your actions in the game and the reaction of those actions on the game server. However, in the real world, things are slightly different. We say this because there are two different types of lags; one is linked to the user's network while the other is connected with the user's hardware or gaming rig.
The latter type of lag comes in the form of FPS drops, in-game tearing, and game crashes in some very extreme cases. However, the network-related lag is the one that is mostly referred to in the online world, which comes in the form of delays, rubberbanding, stuttering, and disconnections.
Now that you have a better idea of what lag is and why does it surface. Let's move onto the fixes. We will first take a look at the workarounds for hardware-linked lag as it's easier to fix.
How To Fix Lag – Hardware
Frame per second (FPS) is the frequency at which consecutive images or frames are captured and displayed on your screen. As a result, the lower the FPS number, the choppier the game will feel. In modern games, the rule of thumb is around 60 constant FPS for a smooth experience, but in some cases, even 30 FPS is playable. If you wish to check the FPS, most video games now come with built-in FPS counters, which you can enable through the game's settings.
So, how can one improve FPS in video games? Well, the answer to this is quite simple. There are two sides to this. Either you improve your computer's specs, or you reduce the game's graphics. Both these changes will help get you better FPS in games.
So, when you are thinking of starting a game, always make sure to go through the game's minimum requirements. These requirements are there for users to know just what is needed to run the game smoothly.
That said, if you are facing FPS drops that are causing you to face lag in video games, regardless of your PC meeting the game's minimum requirements, then here are some possible workarounds you can apply to help get rid of this issue.
Close background running applications including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or any other browser
Update GPU drivers
Lower in-game resolution
Check for viruses or malware
Optimize PC for performance rather than quality
Add the game to 'High Priority from the Task Manager
If you are still suffering from FPS drops, even after testing out all of these workarounds, then either your hardware is faulty and needs repairing or needs to be upgraded.
How to Fix Lag – Network
When it comes to lag related to your network, the fixes are a little more complex. This is usually due to the limitations users have when changing and altering their network settings. So, first and foremost, we would advise people facing lag in video games to call up their ISPs and ask them why they are facing interferences. In some scenarios, upgrading your internet package can also help you fix lag in video games.
Wired Connection
Furthermore, if you are playing video games on a wireless network, we strongly suggest you switch to an ethernet cable as soon as possible. We say this because playing video games on a wireless condition isn't very stable and hence, ends up with frequent instances of lag and high ping. That said, if you don't have an option to switch to a wired connection, then opt for a router that is certified for gaming. They are a little pricy but are definitely worth it.
Network Congestion
We also recommend you do something about your network congestion if several different computers and devices are connected to your network. To do this, you can either restrict the number of users active on your connection or introduce a speed limit. Since network lag is mostly linked to high ping, this is one of the ways through which you can get a lower ping.
Lag Fix Workarounds
There are some other possible minor workarounds that can help you fix lag, but it's not guaranteed. So, try and test them out and see if they help you get a lower ping.
Enable UPnP
Enable QoS feature on your router (Not available on all routers)
Restrict background application
Pause any active downloads or updates
Check VPN and Firewall settings
If none of these work for you, then we have some bad news for you. It seems the reason why you are facing lag is due to your traceroute, which in simpler words, is the path your computer takes to reach any server. Now, the reason this is bad is that you really can't fix this issue by yourself. You will have to consult your ISP. Well, this is something people would have told you a few years back. Now, things are a little different, as with a little help from WTFast, you can optimize your traceroute all by yourself.
WTFast – Optimize Your Traceroute With Ease
WTFast is a network solution that helps optimize game connection through an intelligent server network to route your game data. This direct route helps negate network traffic, which relates to a better ping and, in turn, less or zero lag.
For a better understanding, here is a visual illustration of how WTFast helps in reducing lag and high ping.
If you have gone through all of the fixes mentioned above and are still coming across lag, then WTFast is your best bet. Give it a try; it might be the answer you have been looking for to experience a life without lag.
