How to Fix VPN Latency in Fortnite and Valorant

If you're a gamer, you know that every millisecond counts, especially in fast-paced shooters like Fortnite and Valorant. Using a VPN can sometimes introduce lag, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this guide, we'll show you how to minimize VPN latency so you can enjoy smooth, responsive gameplay. And if you're looking for an affordable VPN solution, check out our $1 voucher that gives you 30 days of premium VPN on all four of our apps.

Why VPN Latency Happens in Online Games

VPN latency occurs because your data takes a detour through a VPN server before reaching the game server. This adds extra travel time, which can increase your ping. However, the impact varies depending on the VPN server location, your physical distance to it, and the overall network infrastructure. In some cases, a VPN can even reduce latency by routing your traffic through a more direct path or avoiding ISP throttling.

To fix latency, start by choosing a VPN server that is geographically close to both you and the game server. For Fortnite, that might be a server in the same region as your matchmaking. For Valorant, Riot Games has regional servers, so pick a VPN location that matches your game server region.

Choose the Right VPN Protocol

Different VPN protocols have different levels of speed and security. For gaming, you want the fastest protocol that still provides adequate security. OpenVPN is a good balance, but WireGuard is often faster and more efficient. If your VPN app supports WireGuard, switch to it for lower latency. Many premium VPNs, including the ones we offer, allow you to change protocols in the settings.

Our apps – MD Proxy VPN, Nur Tunnel VPN, Ultra Tunnel VPN, and Marvs Go VPN – all support multiple protocols. You can easily experiment with them to see which gives you the best ping in your games.

Optimize Your VPN Settings for Gaming

Most VPN apps have features that can be tweaked to reduce latency. Here are some settings to look for:

• Kill Switch: While important for security, it can sometimes cause disconnects. For gaming, you might temporarily disable it if you're experiencing issues.
• Split Tunneling: This feature lets you route only game traffic through the VPN while other apps use your normal connection. It can significantly reduce latency by not burdening the VPN with unnecessary traffic.
• Server Load: Choose a server with low load. Overloaded servers can cause high ping. Our apps display server load percentages so you can pick the best one.

By adjusting these settings, you can often shave off precious milliseconds.

Use a Wired Connection and Close Background Apps

Your local network setup also affects latency. A stable wired Ethernet connection is always better than Wi-Fi for gaming. If you're on Wi-Fi, try to move closer to your router or use a 5GHz band to reduce interference. Additionally, close any background applications that might be consuming bandwidth, such as streaming services, downloads, or cloud backups. This ensures your game has the full bandwidth available.

Select the Best Server Location for Your Game

For Fortnite, the game automatically connects you to the closest region. If you use a VPN, connect to a server in that same region. For example, if you're in the US East, connect to a US East VPN server. For Valorant, you can check your ping in the game's settings and then try different VPN servers to find the one with the lowest ping. You can also use tools like PingPlotter to test latency to game servers.

Our VPN apps have a wide range of server locations. With a single $1 voucher, you can access all of them for 30 days and find the optimal one for your gaming sessions.

Test Your Ping and Adjust Accordingly

After making changes, it's essential to test your ping. Launch a game and check the in-game ping display. If it's still high, try a different server or protocol. Sometimes, the issue is with your ISP's routing to the VPN server. In that case, you might need to try a different VPN provider, but our apps are designed to minimize latency with optimized server networks.

Remember, no VPN can guarantee zero latency, but with these tips, you can often achieve a ping that's acceptable for competitive play.

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