What is ping and why is it important in gaming?
Ping or Latency It is the amount of time it takes for a packet of information to reach the game server from your system and for the response to come back.
The shorter this time, the smoother the game.
Average ping suitable for online gaming:
0 to 50 ms: Excellent
50 to 90 ms: Acceptable
90 to 150 ms: Playable, but not competitive
More than 150 ms: Inappropriate and severe lag
In Iran, problems such as long internet paths, filtering, network congestion, and ISP restrictions cause ping to increase.
Does a VPN really reduce ping?
Contrary to popular belief, Yes – if a VPN is suitable, it can significantly reduce ping.
This issue occurs in several cases:
1. Improve traffic routing (Route Optimization)
Sometimes your internet path to the game server is very long.
A VPN can reduce ping by choosing a shorter or more secluded route.
2. Change the server connection region
The servers of some games are in countries that Iran does not have direct access to.
The route is improved by connecting to an intermediary country.
3. Prevent Packet Loss
If Iran's internet path is disrupted at one point, the VPN bypasses the path and packet loss is reduced.
4. Connection stability on fast protocols
New VPN protocols such as:
WireGuard
IKEv2
OpenVPN UDP (configured for gaming)
Makes for a faster and more stable connection.
What VPNs are good for reducing ping?
Features a VPN should have for online gaming:
1. Game servers
High speed + low latency + high bandwidth.
2. Support for game-appropriate protocols
WireGuard is the best option for gamers.
3. Ability to select precise location
Especially countries that are close to the game server.
4. No Throttling
5. Has a dedicated IP or Static IP (in some games)
How to reduce your ping with a VPN? (Expert Guide)
For maximum impact, follow these steps:
1. Choose the location closest to the game server
For each game, you must connect to its main server location:
Examples:
Fortnite: Europe (Germany/France/Netherlands)
Apex Legends: Belgium or Netherlands
CS2: Germany/Austria
Valorant: Türkiye or UAE
If the wrong destination is selected, the ping will increase.
2. Use WireGuard or UDP protocol
The WireGuard protocol is lightweight, fast, and optimized for gaming.
Compared to OpenVPN TCP, it has much lower ping.
3. Turn off internet-consuming programs
Before starting the game, close the following programs:
Downloaders
Browser
Stream
Windows Update
Torrent
This also has a direct impact on ping.
4. Ping test in the VPN panel
Many VPNs have a “Ping Test” section.
Before connecting, test several servers and choose the lowest value.
5. Use a static or dedicated IP if possible.
This type of IP has a more stable and private path and is more suitable for games like FIFA, Warzone, or PUBG.
When does a VPN increase ping?
In these cases, using a VPN has the opposite effect:
Selecting a very distant country (e.g. connecting from Iran to the United States)
Using a weak or free VPN
Using OpenVPN TCP
VPN server congestion
Decrease in user internet quality
For better performance, always test multiple servers.
Conclusion: Is a VPN the best way to reduce ping?
If you choose a quality VPN suitable for gaming, you will absolutely Yes.
A VPN can:
Fix the internet path.
Pass packets faster
Reduce Packet Loss
Reduce ping by 20 to 70 milliseconds
But if the choice is wrong, the ping will increase.
