5 Advantages of VPNs for Gaming

Every gamer knows a few essential pieces of software they must have installed on their device at all times. Steam is one of them, and so are Galaxy and Epic. Some tad more advanced gamers will install software that monitors processes on their device in order to track performance and notice overheating early on. This directly impacts the performance of their device and, therefore, the gaming quality.

A lot of gamers don’t use this tool, but they should.

Another tool that every gamer should start using is VPN. Here are the top five advantages this software could have on your gaming.

Keeping your location private

Online gaming can get heated; some people take it too far. When someone gets upset in-game, you don’t want them to know your actual location. It might seem extreme, but some players have experienced real-life consequences, like threats or unwanted visits, because someone found out where they lived.

They can still mess with your life even if they don’t show up at your door. Doxxing, where people leak your personal information online, is bad enough. But swatting is next level - it’s when someone calls the cops on you, claiming there’s a dangerous situation. All because of a game dispute.

Unfortunately, some players face bias just because of where they’re from. This often happens to people from non-English-speaking countries, like Brazil. You might get kicked from servers or have a harder time finding matches. In that scenario, you would just have to go through a list of effective VPNs for Brazil and avoid this problem altogether. 

Not all VPNs are created equal, so you’ll want to pick the one that works best for your region. Some VPNs are faster, while others are more secure. Also, the closer the VPN server is to your game’s server, the better the performance you’ll get. So choose wisely!

Reducing ping and latency

Lag is the enemy of any serious gamer. Sometimes, the problem isn’t your internet connection but the route it takes to the game’s server. A VPN can help by connecting you to a faster route, cutting down on the time it takes for data to travel, and improving your game speed.

Ping is everything when it comes to online gaming. A high ping delays your actions and what happens on screen. You can find a server that reduces your ping by using a VPN, giving you much smoother and more responsive gameplay, especially in fast-paced games.  

This is especially important when you’re try-harding. Imagine trying to rank up fast in Fortnite, and despite your best efforts, ping is killing some of your most brilliant plays. If a VPN can improve the situation (even slightly), you should try this idea.

In competitive games, every millisecond counts. Lag can distinguish between victory and defeat, especially in games where quick reflexes are key. With a VPN, you can choose a server that minimizes lag, helping you perform better in those intense matches.

Not all VPNs are optimized for gaming. You need one with low-latency servers that are close to the game’s server location.  This reduces the physical distance data has to travel, cutting down on latency. Moreover, some VPNs even offer specialized gaming servers for the best possible performance.

Accessing region-locked games

It’s frustrating when a game you’ve been waiting for is only available in certain countries. Whether it’s a new title or a classic that’s being re-released, region-locking can really ruin the fun. With a VPN, you can access those games by appearing as if you’re in the right country.

More than just games, regional restrictions apply to certain content or in-game features, like DLCs or special events. A VPN lets you bypass these restrictions so you can experience everything the game has to offer, even if your country’s restrictions are blocking it.

Sometimes, games are released earlier in other parts of the world. If you’re eager to get your hands on a new release without waiting for your local launch, a VPN can connect you to foreign servers and let you play as if you were already there. 

International releases don’t always happen simultaneously, and waiting weeks for a launch in your region can be agonizing. Why wait? A VPN makes it simple to log in to a server in a country where the game has already launched, letting you jump ahead of the crowd. 

Preventing bandwidth throttling

ISPs often slow down your internet during high-traffic times, especially when they detect heavy data use, like gaming. This can seriously hurt your gaming experience, making it impossible to play smoothly. A VPN hides your activity from ISPs, making it harder for them to throttle your connection.

When you use a VPN, your ISP can’t see exactly what you’re doing online. This helps avoid throttling, as they won’t know you’re using large amounts of data for gaming. By masking your traffic, a VPN keeps your connection running smoothly, even during peak hours. 

No one likes their connection slowing down right in the middle of a game. A VPN helps keep your speeds consistent by preventing throttling. Also, with a steady connection, you won’t have to worry about sudden drops in speed that could ruin your gameplay.

Gaming isn’t just about download speeds; upload speeds matter too, especially if you’re playing competitively or streaming. Throttling can reduce both, making the game unplayable. A VPN helps maintain both your download and upload speeds, giving you a better overall experience. 

Enhanced security while gaming

Gaming can get competitive, and some players don’t take losing well. If they know your IP address, they can launch a DDoS attack, flooding your connection with traffic and knocking you offline. A VPN shields your IP, making it harder for them to target you. To explain just how big of a problem this is, this year, there are 20% more DDoS attacks than last year.

It’s not just about hiding your IP - VPNs also encrypt your connection, making it harder for anyone to steal your data. Encryption keeps it all safe from hackers, whether it’s login credentials or personal info. Moreover, this added layer of protection ensures peace of mind while you game.

Hackers target gaming accounts because they often contain valuable digital assets, like in-game currencies or rare items. A VPN adds an extra layer of security, keeping your account details safe. Keeping your IP and data hidden makes it harder for hackers to get in.

Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously insecure, and gaming on them can expose you to many risks. Using a VPN while connected to public Wi-Fi encrypts your data, keeping you safe from hackers and other threats. It’s a simple way to protect yourself when gaming away from home.

The use of VPN does more than just protect your identity

A VPN is a must-have tool, whether you’re looking to avoid frustrating lag, access games from different regions, or keep your account secure. Moreover, it helps keep your internet speed consistent by avoiding throttling making sure you stay in the game when it matters most. So, if you haven’t already started using a VPN, now’s the time. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss out on a smoother, safer gaming experience.