When it comes to online gaming, every advantage counts. Whether you’re chasing those sweet victory royales, taking on epic raids, or simply trying to level up in peace, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be both your best friend and your worst enemy.
But is it worth the hype, or are you better off gaming unshielded?
Access games and releases in other countries
Ever feel like the gaming world is a buffet, but you’re stuck at the salad bar? That’s how region-locked games can make you feel. With a VPN, you can waltz into the digital libraries of other countries, unlocking exclusive games, beta versions, or early releases. Sometimes it’s just great being able to find casinos outside the UK, for instance, and see what casino lovers worldwide love playing. These overseas casinos are fully licensed by the likes of the Malta Gaming Authority and the Gibraltar Gaming Commission. Despite being outside the UK, you can still use known payment methods, or try something new, like Bitcoin.
This isn’t limited to iGaming sites – you can use a VPN to access an array of online games. Imagine this: a highly anticipated game drops in Japan three months before the global release. With a VPN, you can essentially relocate to Tokyo to enjoy their exclusive releases.
Lower ping rates (latency)
Lag is the sworn enemy of every gamer. There’s nothing worse than watching your character move like they’re swimming through molasses because your ping is sky-high. Surprisingly, a VPN can sometimes be the hero you didn’t know you needed.
By rerouting your connection through a more efficient server, a VPN can reduce the distance your data travels, which may lower ping rates. This works especially well if the game’s servers are closer to the VPN server than to your home.
Mitigate DDoS attacks
If you’re a competitive gamer, you’ve likely heard of DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attacks. These malicious attempts to flood your network with traffic can boot you offline faster than a rage quit.
A VPN masks your IP address, making it significantly harder for would-be attackers to target you. Statistics show that around 16% of UK internet users have a VPN and that many people opt for one due to the extra security offered.
Stop throttling
Ever notice your internet speed mysteriously drops during a big gaming session? That’s your Internet Service Provider (ISP) throttling your connection. ISPs often do this to manage bandwidth, especially if they see you’re consuming a lot of data.
A VPN encrypts your online activity, making it impossible for your ISP to see what you’re up to. They can’t throttle what they don’t know about, which means uninterrupted gaming marathons for you. Just be aware that some ISPs throttle VPN usage altogether, so do your homework before signing up.
Improve your lobby experience
Online lobbies can be a wild mix of people from all over the world. While that’s part of the fun, it can also mean long wait times or unbalanced matchups.
A VPN allows you to choose a specific region, which can be a game-changer. Want to play with friends overseas or join a lobby with less competitive players? A VPN lets you handpick your gaming environment.
VPN drawbacks
Using a VPN can get you banned for violating terms of service
Before you go all-in on the VPN train, here’s a word of caution: many games explicitly prohibit VPN usage. Developers worry about cheating, region-hopping, and bypassing regional restrictions, and they don’t take kindly to rule-breakers.
If caught, you could face anything from a warning to a permanent ban. Always read the terms of service and weigh the risks. Is accessing that early release worth losing your account? Only you can answer that existential gaming question.
Using a VPN can slow your connection speed
While VPNs can sometimes lower ping, they can also do the opposite—slow your connection to a crawl. This happens because your data takes a detour through the VPN server, adding an extra step in the process.
If you’re on a slower internet plan or choose a distant VPN server, you might find yourself watching the loading screen more than the game itself. To avoid this, pick a high-speed VPN with servers close to your location. But be warned: even the best VPNs can’t work miracles on a sluggish internet connection.
