Experiencing high ping in Ready or Not multiplayer can be incredibly frustrating, especially in a tactical shooter where split-second decisions matter. High latency can lead to sluggish response times, rubberbanding, and an overall unplayable experience. Fortunately, there are several ways to diagnose and fix this issue to ensure smoother gameplay.
Understanding High Ping
Ping refers to the time it takes for data to travel from your computer to the game server and back. A high ping means there is a delay in communication, which can severely impact your gaming performance. The main causes of high ping include:
- Slow or unstable internet connection
- Server distance and congestion
- Background programs consuming bandwidth
- Network congestion during peak gaming hours
- Improper router configurations
Before applying fixes, it’s essential to determine whether the issue is with your connection or the game servers.
Checking the Game Servers
Sometimes, high ping is out of your control and caused by issues with the game servers. To check the server status:
- Visit the official Ready or Not forums or community pages for server updates.
- Check websites like Downdetector to see if other players are experiencing similar issues.
- Try switching to a different server region in the game settings.
If servers are stable, the problem likely lies within your network setup. Let’s explore some potential fixes.
How to Fix High Ping in Ready or Not
1. Use a Wired Connection
Wireless networks can introduce delays due to interference. If possible, connect your PC directly to your router using an Ethernet cable for a more stable and faster connection.
2. Close Background Applications
Programs like web browsers, file downloads, and streaming services can use up bandwidth, increasing your ping. Close unnecessary applications while gaming, especially:
- Streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, or Twitch
- File-sharing services like torrents or cloud backups
- Other online games running in the background
3. Change Server Region
Playing on a server far from your location increases latency. Choose the server closest to your region in the game settings for better performance.
4. Restart Your Router
Routers can slow down over time due to cache buildup. A quick restart can refresh your connection and reduce ping.
5. Adjust Router Settings
Some router settings can optimize gaming performance:
- Enable Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize gaming traffic.
- Switch the Wi-Fi channel to reduce interference (if using Wi-Fi).
- Update your router’s firmware for improved performance.
6. Use a Gaming VPN
Surprisingly, a VPN can sometimes reduce ping by routing your traffic more efficiently. Services like ExitLag or NordVPN have gaming-optimized servers that may help in reducing latency.
7. Limit Devices on Your Network
If multiple devices are using the internet, especially streaming or downloading, it can affect your gaming performance. Try the following:
- Ask other household members to limit their internet usage while you play.
- Use a dual-band router to separate gaming traffic from other devices.
8. Flush DNS and Renew IP
Sometimes, network congestion can be minimized by clearing the DNS cache. To do this:
- Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
- Type ipconfig /release and press Enter.
- Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
This refreshes your internet connection and can help improve latency.
9. Check for Windows Updates and Driver Issues
Outdated Windows updates and network drivers can cause lag spikes. Make sure to:
- Update your Windows OS.
- Update your network adapter drivers via Device Manager.
10. Contact Your ISP
If all else fails, your Internet Service Provider may be the root cause. Ask them whether they’re experiencing network congestion or throttling gaming traffic. Some ISPs offer gaming-friendly plans with lower latency.
Final Thoughts
High ping in Ready or Not can be a game-ruining experience, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can significantly improve your connection. Start by eliminating local network issues, optimizing your settings, and considering a better connection setup.
By following these steps, you’ll be back to playing tactical operations with low latency and a smooth multiplayer experience!
