To my fellow gamers, it is crucial to have a fast and reliable internet connection, low ping and minimal lag for an optimal online gaming experience. Dealing with lag can be incredibly frustrating, but there is a solution. By using a gaming VPN, you can eliminate any issues with game lag. In this guide, I will showcase the top VPN for online gaming, provide instructions on setting it up, and explain why using this software is essential for your web browsing.
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VPN Gaming: Why do you need a VPN?
Using a VPN for game platforms may not be the first thought you have when trying to reduce lag, but it could easily be the quickest way to solve the problem. In the past, VPNs for gaming have got a bad rep for slowing down internet connection and consuming tonnes of battery. But the software has come a long way since then: Now there are plenty of game VPN options that work perfectly fine and can really improve your gaming experience. In fact, games VPN software actually offers way more than just reducing lag.
1. A gaming VPN improves your bandwidth
You might not know this, but internet service providers (ISPs) have been known to actually throttle a user’s data when they detect you gaming, so that everyone using the service gets the same usage. For the best gaming experience, you need a reliable ISP with a good bandwidth so that you can maintain a consistent connection when playing.
Using a game VPN will help create this consistency, as it will encrypt your traffic data and hide your activity from the ISP. This means the ISP won’t be able to determine what you’re doing on the Internet, and therefore can’t throttle your connection. That means installing a games VPN can actually improve your connection, rather than slow it down.
2. A VPN for game streaming improves your connection stability
The way information is passed via the internet relies of packet switching. This means that information is broken up into packets that are tagged with the final destination. The packets travel separately through the ether and then regroup at the destination as the full item. This means there’s plenty of space in which certain packets can be lost along the way and create instability within your connection.
A gaming VPN can create a more stable connection, as traffic travels through a circuit-switched network, rather than packet switching. This means that a VPN provides a direct connection connection to the server so that you can actually enjoy your VPN game.
3. You can access geo-restricted content with a games VPN
One of the best features of a gaming VPN is the fact you can unblock geo-restricted content. So if there’s a game that you want that’s only available in another country, you’ll be able to download it or play online with a game VPN. This is actually the main reason I use a gaming VPN, because I like to access online tournaments from the US, or UK while I’m abroad. When you install your games VPN, you’ll be able to switch servers to anywhere in the world and access games from that location.
A game VPN doesn’t just work on desktop either; you can actually unblock content via Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and Steam! VPNs for game platforms can be installed onto the device itself, or onto your wireless router so that you can catch all your devices within one set up.
4. You can potentially get games for cheaper
It’s also worth mentioning that a gaming VPN might give you access to cheaper prices for games you’re interested in.
How? Well, let’s say a month after the release of Shenmue 3, the game has a retail price of £49.99 in the UK but £39.999 in the US. You can only access this offer when logged in from a US location. That’s where your gaming VPN comes in: Open up the VPN and change your IP to an American server. Now, you can find the offer in your browser and access the cheaper price.
Note: If you set your game VPN to the US in order to purchase the game, you’ll need to keep your VPN on US whenever you try to access the game.
5. Gain “early access” with a games VPN
Know a game you want to try that’s still in closed beta mode? Or want to access a game that’s currently only live for foreign players? Well, you’re in luck – your games VPN can give you early access. By hiding your IP address and choosing a server in a different country, you’ll be able to play the game as if you were a player in that location.
6. Use a VPN for game play with friends across the globe
If you’re on holiday and want to get in on the action back home, or love to challenge online friends from around the globe, you can use a games VPN to do so. Each country will have its own game servers and as such cross-border pals won’t be able to access each other’s platforms. But if everyone downloads a games VPN, and connects to the same location and server, you’ll be able to get back on track with your tournament.
In fact, some game VPN services will allow you to attach up to 5 devices – so you can split the bill and all use the same account.
7. Avoid DDoS attacks with a GPN (Gamers Private Network)
DDoS stands for distributed denial of service, and DDoS attacks are becoming increasingly popular – especially in e-sport tournaments. This type of cyber-attack is used to flood your IP address with requests to make it temporarily unavailable. As a result, your system overloads and can’t handle legitimate requests – ultimately slowing down your connection and producing lag.
Sometimes it’s actually other players that are responsible for DDoS attacks. To avoid becoming victim to these types of dirty tactics, you’ll need a game VPN with an additional NAT firewall. The firewall will identify real and fake requests, while the VPN will actually hide your IP address, making it harder for cyber-attacks to target you directly.
If someone does manage to get into your system, your game VPN will keep your data and files safe. You can keep your VPN for game running for long periods of time without worrying about losing connection or creating a security risk.
If you got banned from a game that you love, use a VPN to change your IP address. So you can get back in the action!
Which are the best gaming VPNs?
To help you get back to gaming as soon as possible, I’ve ranked the best brands to find the best games VPN. I use a simple ranking that includes simplicity of use and set up, speed of connection and value for money. For a games VPN specifically, I’ve also included only VPNs that have built-in NAT firewall.
Nothing is really free in this world… not even free VPNs. Free VPNs have been known to collect your data and browsing habits for commercial purposes. They also offer limited servers, connectivity, and bandwidth, making gaming online pretty difficult.
From the list of VPN for game above, the below options are my favourite. Here’s a bit more information about why:
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is the self proclaimed world’s fastest VPN for gaming! It’s the most popular VPN among FPS and RTS players in the US, and the service is always working to improve its products with gamers in mind. For example, over the past few years, VyprVPN have been working on an optimized gaming network, that will offer gamers lower ping time and reduced lag.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is also one of the fastest game VPN with an integrated NAT firewall. It offers incredible network quality so that gamers can enjoy very little lag and plenty of bandwidth.
NordVPN
Finally, the bronze medal is for NordVPN. Their VPN for game offers excellent integrated DDoS protection, as well as providing the perfect connection for serious gaming.
How to setup a VPN for game
Setting up a VPN for game doesn’t require you to be a total tech wizard. It’s very easy to install and configure, no matter what device you’re using.
One way to setup a VPN for game is by installing the software directly onto your router. For this, you’ll need a compatible router. Here’s a few pros and cons about using the router set up for VPN online gaming.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Protect all devices on your network | VPN overhead uses your bandwidth |
| Use a VPN with your console and other TV devices | Potentially slower internet speed |
| Enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections | Same localization for all your devices |
I’m not going to dive into how to set up your game VPN on the router, because there are much easier ways. If you want to do it this way, you’ll easily find a tutorial online.
Nowadays, a VPN for game usually has a designated app for all devices. You can typically install a gaming VPN onto Windows, Mac and Linux PC operating systems, as well as downloading the app from the Android and iOS markets.
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So, this was my guide on the best VPN for game. I’ve highlighted the top gaming VPN as well as the endless list of advantages for using a gaming VPN. I’ve also listed the pros and cons for setting up the software directly onto your router, but typically recommend using the designated apps as it’s much easier.
VPNs aren’t just for gaming either, so stay tuned for other guides about how you can use a VPN for all your internet needs.
