Best Ways to Fix High Ping and Improve Valorant Performance
For a competitive title like Valorant, stable network performance is just as important as sharp aim and good strategy. A player may have great reflexes, but if their ping is unstable, every move can feel delayed. Lag can affect aiming accuracy, reaction time, and even how abilities are used. That’s why understanding Valorant ping, knowing how to measure it, and learning methods to lower latency are crucial for anyone serious about improving their gameplay.
In this guide, we’ll cover what ping means in Valorant, how to test it, why it varies, and practical steps you can take to fix high latency. You’ll also find helpful tools like the ping test for Valorant, which allows you to quickly check your connection to game servers before starting a match.
What Is Valorant Ping and Why Does It Matter?
Ping measures how long it takes for data to travel from your device to the game server and back. In Valorant, ping is displayed in milliseconds (ms). A lower value means your actions in the game are registered more quickly. For instance:
- 0–30 ms – Very smooth, almost no noticeable delay.
- 30–60 ms – Playable and generally stable.
- 60–100 ms – Still manageable but delays start to be noticeable.
- 100+ ms – High latency; movement and aiming feel delayed.
Since Valorant is a tactical shooter where timing is everything, even small increases in latency can change the outcome of a fight. Understanding Valorant ping helps you monitor your connection health and decide whether adjustments are needed before competing in ranked or casual matches.
Common Causes of High Ping in Valorant
Before fixing latency issues, it’s important to know why they happen. Several factors can affect your ping:
- Server Distance
The farther your physical location is from Riot’s servers, the higher your ping will be. This is why connecting to the nearest region is always recommended. - Internet Service Quality
Inconsistent internet speeds, outdated equipment, or network congestion during peak hours can cause unstable ping. - Wi-Fi vs. Wired Connection
Wireless connections are more prone to interference, which may add milliseconds to your latency. - Background Applications
Programs running in the background—like downloads, updates, or video streaming—consume bandwidth and can lead to ping spikes. - ISP Routing Issues
Sometimes your internet service provider uses inefficient routing paths, adding unnecessary delays between you and the game server. - System or Software Conflicts
Firewalls, outdated drivers, or antivirus programs may interfere with network performance.
How to Check Ping in Valorant
There are two main ways to measure ping in Valorant:
1. In-Game Display
You can enable network statistics in the Valorant settings. This allows you to see your ping, packet loss, and other information in real time during matches.
2. Online Ping Test Tools
If you want to test latency before opening the game, tools like the ping test for Valorant are convenient. They measure your connection to different Riot servers (EU, NA, AP, KR, etc.) and show the base latency. This helps you choose the best region and troubleshoot potential network issues in advance.
Step-by-Step Methods to Fix High Ping in Valorant
Now let’s look at practical ways to reduce latency and achieve smoother gameplay.
1. Choose the Closest Server
Always connect to the nearest available Valorant server. For example, if you’re in Europe, Frankfurt or Paris might be better than connecting to Singapore. The closer the server, the lower the latency.
2. Use a Wired Connection
Switching from Wi-Fi to an Ethernet cable can make a significant difference. A wired setup minimizes interference and ensures more stable data transmission.
3. Close Background Applications
Pause downloads, streaming, or cloud backups while gaming. Background traffic often competes with Valorant for bandwidth and increases ping.
4. Update Network Drivers and Game Client
Outdated drivers or software can cause conflicts with modern servers. Keeping everything updated reduces potential issues.
5. Adjust Firewall and Antivirus Settings
Overly strict security settings may filter your game traffic. Allow Valorant through your firewall and check if antivirus programs are slowing down your network.
6. Restart Your Modem and Router
Sometimes, simple restarts can resolve network congestion. Restarting refreshes your connection to the ISP and may provide a more stable route.
7. Consider Using Network Optimization Tools
If your ISP routing is inefficient, optimization tools like GearUP can help improve connection stability by finding better routes to Riot’s servers.
How Distance Impacts Valorant Ping
One of the biggest factors in ping is the physical distance between you and the game server. Data has to travel across cables, nodes, and internet exchange points. For example:
- A player in London connecting to Frankfurt may experience around 20–30 ms.
- The same player connecting to Singapore could see 150–200 ms.
This is why Riot has multiple regional servers worldwide. But even within the same region, some routes may be more stable than others, which is where testing tools come in handy.
How Much Ping Do You Need to Play Valorant?
While every player’s tolerance is different, here are general guidelines:
- Under 50 ms – Ideal for competitive play.
- 50–70 ms – Still comfortable for most matches.
- 70–100 ms – Playable, but some input delay will be noticeable.
- Over 100 ms – Competitive disadvantage becomes significant.
If your ping is consistently above 100 ms, you should look into network adjustments or alternative connection methods.
Fixing Game Lag Beyond Ping
It’s worth noting that not all Valorant lag is caused by high ping. Other issues may also affect gameplay:
- Low FPS – Caused by outdated graphics drivers, poor settings, or weaker hardware.
- Packet Loss – Data packets failing to reach the server, leading to stutter or rubberbanding.
- Jitter – Inconsistent latency, where ping jumps from low to high irregularly.
Solving these issues may involve upgrading hardware, adjusting settings, or improving your network stability alongside ping optimization.
Valorant Crashes and Network Issues
Sometimes Valorant crashes are linked not only to hardware or corrupted files but also to unstable network conditions. High latency and packet loss can disrupt the game client’s communication with servers. By lowering ping and stabilizing your connection, you reduce the risk of crashes tied to connectivity problems.
Best PC Settings to Support Lower Ping
While game settings won’t directly lower ping, they can reduce overall lag by making the game run more efficiently. Consider:
- Lowering graphics settings for smoother performance.
- Disabling background overlays or recording software.
- Keeping system drivers updated.
These adjustments won’t cut milliseconds off your ping but can help you avoid the combined effect of high latency and poor FPS.
Why Regular Ping Testing Matters
Even if your connection seems stable, conditions can change daily. Running a quick ping test for Valorant before gaming lets you see if today’s connection is good enough for competitive matches. If latency appears higher than usual, you’ll know it’s time to restart your modem, switch to a wired connection, or troubleshoot before entering ranked play.
Final Thoughts
High ping in Valorant can be frustrating, but it isn’t always permanent. By understanding the causes, checking your latency with tools, and following practical fixes, you can keep your gameplay smooth and responsive.
Start by monitoring your Valorant ping, test different servers, and make simple network adjustments. A small reduction in latency can be the difference between hitting a headshot and missing by a fraction of a second. With the right approach, you’ll always be better prepared before entering the battlefield.
