VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are being used by more and more people – these networks offer a plethora of benefits, but did you know that they can also enhance your gaming experience? When it comes to VPNs, most people think in terms of the enhanced security they bring to our online activities, but this isn’t the only reason to consider using one.
A VPN is an internet connection that masks your IP address, which tells a server where your device is geographically located. This type of connection uses enhanced encryption and effectively creates a private network from a public one – hence the additional security that using a VPN offers. But the right VPN can up-level your gaming experience by, for example, speeding up your connection and getting rid of lag time, particularly crucial in games where timing is of the essence.
Resolving Bandwidth Throttling
As a gamer, you are likely to have experienced times when your connection inexplicably slows. This is often a result of bandwidth throttling: this is typically where internet service providers apply data caps during certain peak-usage times. These can be general restrictions or can be applied automatically during busy times of the day when the system detects that an individual is eating through a lot of data. Bandwidth throttling will cause the most issues for those playing online games, streaming content, or file sharing. Some online games get through more data than others, and these will be affected, in terms of slowed-down speeds, most significantly.Â
Choosing a VPN that features a no-log policy means that, even if, as a gamer, you’re using a lot of data, your internet provider is unlikely to be able to link this to your connection, and therefore you should remain immune from bandwidth throttling, which in turn will protect the speed of gameplay so that you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience.
This is achieved in two ways: firstly, the nature of the data encryption deployed by a VPN makes it very difficult for the system to identify that you’re playing an online game, and, secondly, the VPN masks your device’s IP address, which effectively hides your digital fingerprint. If you’re wondering what are the best VPNs on the market right now, check out the link for information on a range of options, including the price of each package, to choose the best one to boost your online gaming.
Reduced Ping Times
The ping time of your connection measures how fast it gets a response after sending a request. A good VPN can reduce both ping times and lag so that you’ll experience more fluid online gameplay and less delay in the action.
Lag and long ping times are usually caused where the game server is located at a significant distance from where your device is based. The beauty of a VPN is that it won’t use your device’s IP address but; instead, you’ll be assigned an address that is geographically much closer to the server, resulting in a stronger connection, less lag, and reduced ping times.
Bypasses Geo-Blocks
With a standard internet connection, you may come up against a geo-block when trying to access an online game via a website based in another country. A VPN hides and reassigns your device’s IP address, though, meaning that you’ll usually be able to bypass any restrictions that are in place, as the site won’t be able to detect if your device is located outside that region’s borders. So the world will be your oyster when it comes to the games you can access!
Security
Of course, although VPNs are most well-known for the enhanced security they provide, it’s worth recapping just how they can protect you online. A VPN, by masking your IP address, keeps you (and your personal details) anonymous online; combined with high levels of data encryption, this makes the risk of hacking or other cyberattacks extremely low. It also serves to keep any payments you make online as secure as possible, too.
A secure VPN connection means that you can play games online using a public internet connection without the fear that you could be snooped on or your personal or bank details harvested.
Choosing a VPN for Gaming
If you’re ready to choose a VPN, start by looking at the speeds of the various providers. Check as many online reviews as you can to ensure that a strong, stable, and super-speedy connection is offered so that your gameplay isn’t compromised. You could also check out Truely for more VPNs and a comprehensive overview.
Number and Location of Servers
Next, you need to make sure that the provider has plenty of servers located all around the world so that, wherever the game server is located, you’ll be able to make a connection within close physical proximity to it, thereby strengthening your connection and protecting the speed of gameplay. If you want a VPN that can give you multiple IPNs in a variety of different countries, then look for a service provider that offers IP switches.
Zero-Log Policy
The presence of a zero-log policy is also an important consideration when it comes to choosing the right VPN for your needs. As well as making your connection much less susceptible to bandwidth throttling, this will also keep your data more secure. It’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully, though, to make sure that the VPN provider offers this, as it can be unclear at the point of sign-up.
Mobile Apps
If you want to be able to game on the go using your Android or iOS device, then it’s crucial to establish whether the VPN you’re considering can support these platforms. Not all VPN service providers have mobile apps, so check this before committing.
Strongest Encryption Possible
And, of course, it makes sense to consider security when making your decision. While all VPNs offer advanced data encryption and secure connections, some services go above and beyond, featuring, for example, secure nodes, PCI compliance, and security audits. You also may want to look for a VPN that incorporates a kill switch: this tool will automatically shut down your connection if the system detects that the secure connection is failing, therefore protecting your IP address before it’s potentially exposed.
The Takeaway
Installing a VPN can significantly upgrade your experience of gaming online. As well as giving you peace of mind that your connection is secure and your privacy protected, it can also speed up gameplay and allows you to access online games from anywhere in the world without encountering lag or increased ping times. So you can get on with enjoying gaming rather than worrying about your connection.