Gamers are skeptical about VPN: “adds latency”, “increases ping”. But in some cases, VPN not only doesn’t interfere but actually improves gaming experience. Let’s understand when a gamer needs VPN.
VPN Impact on Ping
How Latency Forms
Ping consists of:
- Path from you to game server
- Processing at each route node
- Path back
When VPN Increases Ping
Additional node:
Without VPN: You → ISP → Game Server
With VPN: You → VPN Server → Game Server
If VPN server is off the optimal route - ping increases.
Example:
- You’re in New York, game server in New York
- VPN server in Germany
- Ping: 5 ms → 50+ ms
When VPN Decreases Ping
Route optimization: Sometimes ISP routes traffic suboptimally. VPN can find a shorter path.
Example:
- ISP routes through congested node
- VPN goes direct
- Ping: 80 ms → 50 ms
Real Numbers
| Scenario | Ping Impact |
|---|---|
| VPN server near game server | +1-5 ms |
| VPN server in same country | +5-15 ms |
| VPN server in different country | +30-100 ms |
| Bad ISP routing + VPN | -10-30 ms (improvement) |
DDoS Attack Protection
The Problem
In competitive games, opponents can attack your IP:
- Learn IP through voice chat, P2P connection, streaming
- Launch DDoS attack
- You disconnect from match
Especially relevant for:
- Esports players
- Streamers
- High-ranked players
The Solution
VPN hides your real IP. Attacker only sees VPN server IP, which can withstand the attack.
How to protect yourself:
- Enable VPN before launching game
- Use VPN for all related apps (Discord, TeamSpeak)
- Don’t reveal real IP in other programs
Limitations
- If IP is already known - too late to enable VPN
- When changing IP, need to restart game
- Some games don’t work through VPN
Access to Regional Servers
Why Needed
- Fewer players at night: on other region’s servers it’s daytime
- Different meta: different play styles
- Friends in another region: playing together
- Earlier content: updates roll out by region
How It Works
Connect to VPN server in desired region. Game thinks you’re there.
Example:
- Want to play on Korean servers
- Connect to VPN in Korea
- Launch game - get on Korean server
Important
- Ping will be high (distance doesn’t disappear)
- Some games determine region by account, not IP
- Changing region may violate game rules
Protection from Throttling
The Problem
Some ISPs slow down gaming traffic during peak hours:
- Priority given to other traffic types
- Ping increases in evening
- Micro-lags appear
The Solution
VPN encrypts traffic. ISP can’t see it’s a game and doesn’t throttle.
When it helps:
- Stable ping during day, high in evening
- Other traffic types work fine
- DNS change didn’t help
Choosing Protocol for Gaming
Recommendations
| Protocol | Latency | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | Minimal | Best choice |
| IKEv2 | Low | Good option |
| VLESS/Hysteria2 | Low | For complex networks |
| OpenVPN UDP | Medium | Acceptable |
| OpenVPN TCP | High | Not for gaming |
Rule: UDP protocols are always faster for gaming than TCP.
Settings
- MTU: leave auto or tune for your ISP
- Kill Switch: disable for games (or configure exceptions)
- Split tunneling: route game through VPN, rest direct
Games and VPN: Compatibility
Usually Work
| Game | Notes |
|---|---|
| CS2 | Works, server selection by ping |
| Dota 2 | Works, can choose region |
| Valorant | Works, but Vanguard may conflict |
| Fortnite | Works |
| Apex Legends | Works |
| Call of Duty | Works |
| MMOs (WoW, FF14) | Work |
Possible Issues
| Game | Issue |
|---|---|
| Valorant | Vanguard anti-cheat may conflict |
| FACEIT/ESEA | May ban for VPN |
| Some Korean games | Require Korean IP |
| Mobile games | May be tied to account |
Recommendations
- Check game rules regarding VPN
- Don’t use VPN on tournament platforms without permission
- Start with casual matches, not ranked
Choosing VPN Server for Gaming
Criteria
- Distance to game server: closer VPN to game server is better
- Load: less popular servers usually faster
- Channel quality: premium locations are better
Optimal Choice Examples
| You | Game Server | VPN Server |
|---|---|---|
| New York | US East | New York or nearby |
| New York | EU West | Amsterdam or Frankfurt |
| London | EU West | London or Amsterdam |
Testing
- Measure ping without VPN (in-game or
ping server.ip) - Connect to VPN
- Measure ping again
- Try several servers
- Choose the best one
Consoles and VPN
PlayStation / Xbox
Direct VPN installation not possible. Options:
Router with VPN:
- All console traffic through VPN
- One setup for all devices
- Need compatible router
Sharing from computer:
- PC with VPN creates WiFi hotspot
- Console connects to it
- Requires always-on PC
Nintendo Switch
Only through router or PC sharing.
Steam Deck
Full Linux - can install VPN client directly.
Gamer’s Checklist
Before Using
- Check game rules on VPN
- Choose server closer to game server
- Configure UDP protocol (WireGuard)
- Disable or configure kill switch
Testing
- Measure ping without VPN
- Measure ping with VPN
- Check stability (no spikes)
- Play several matches
If Problems Occur
- Try different server
- Change protocol
- Disable split tunneling
- Check if VPN is the problem (disable and compare)
Summary
VPN for gamers is a tool for specific tasks:
- DDoS protection
- Access to regional servers
- Bypassing ISP throttling
For regular gaming on nearby servers, VPN usually isn’t needed. But if you’re a streamer, esports player, or play with friends from another region - VPN is useful.
Tainet offers servers in key gaming regions with minimal latency. WireGuard and Hysteria2 provide the best ping among VPN protocols.
