Lag is ruining your multiplayer game experience. How can you troubleshoot and improve it?

In a multiplayer game, lag can be caused by many factors, but often it’s related to network speed between nodes. The truth is, we can't guarantee our game will always run on the fastest networks, so the best approach is to think about what your game needs to do in frames where server data doesn’t arrive due to lag. The answer is that, in each frame, your game must simulate the behavior of all objects based on the data you receive only in some frames. Look up the concept of dead reckoning online.

Lag in multiplayer games can be frustrating, but you can troubleshoot and improve it with these steps: Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for a more stable connection. Restart your router and modem to refresh the network. Run an internet speed test to check for sufficient upload/download speeds and low ping.

Start by checking server location—closer is better. Optimize netcode to reduce latency and packet loss. Use client-side prediction for smoother movement. Limit unnecessary data sync between players. Monitor ping, jitter, and bandwidth in real-time. Test on low-end networks to simulate worst-case scenarios. Profile and fix performance bottlenecks in update loops. Use reliable UDP protocols for time-critical actions. Cloud-based servers help scale load under traffic. Player feedback tools can catch hidden lag sources.

Reduce Network Congestion Close background apps that consume bandwidth. Limit the number of devices connected to the network while gaming. Use Quality of Service settings on your router to prioritize gaming traffic.

Choose the Right Server Select a game server closest to your region for lower latency. Avoid playing on high-ping servers; check your in-game settings for ping information.

Optimize Game and System Settings Lower graphics settings if your system is struggling to keep up. Close unnecessary programs that may be using CPU or RAM. Keep drivers and game software updated for performance improvements.

Upgrade Your Hardware and Network Consider upgrading to a better internet plan with higher speeds and lower latency. Use a gaming router for improved performance. If on Wi-Fi, use a 5GHz connection instead of 2.4GHz for faster speeds.