6 Best VPNs for Gaming in 2024

Without a tool to optimize it, your Web connection's lag and high ping can make your gaming sessions frustrating. As a gamer, you also need to navigate around ISP bandwidth throttling, IP-based bans, DDoS attacks, and swatting. Also, playing geo-restricted games and getting collectibles available in certain regions is impossible without changing your virtual location.

However, what you need is a truly powerful VPN provider featuring ultra-fast speeds, plenty of server locations, and gaming-friendly features. That’s how a VPN will minimize your ping, eliminate latency, bypass throttling, unblock games, protect your privacy, and more.

This guide will show you the 6 best VPNs for gaming. We’ll also show you how to use a VPN for gaming, explain why you need one, how a VPN affects your ping, which VPN location to pick for gaming, how to fix technical issues, avoid potential VPN bans, answer some FAQs, and more.

How to Use a VPN for Gaming

Before you start using a VPN, sign up for your chosen provider and install its app on your device. This is when you can start connecting to VPN servers. Here's everything you need to do:

1. Subscribe to a VPN optimized for gaming (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on the device(s) you use to play games.
3. Open the VPN app and use your credentials to log in.
4. Pick a VPN server based on its location and initialize your VPN session.
5. Go ahead and start your gameplay session. That's it!

If you want to secure your connection and get the lowest ping, you can use the nearest server you can find. To unblock a specific game, pick a server in a country where that game is available.

The Best VPNs for Gaming in 2024

To pinpoint the best option available, you must follow certain criteria based on your goals and the types of games you play. For example, if you play online shooters, you'll want a VPN that gives you access to bot lobbies, helping you rise through the ranks quickly. You'll also want a sizable server network covering as many VPN locations as possible.

Let's not forget about performance and speed, as your VPN must have the ability to minimize ping and keep latency under control. You'll also want to avoid potential VPN bans, which is why you'll want a VPN with a kill switch, protecting you against data leaks.

Next, gamers should go for a VPN with high-end security, which covers strong protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard) and robust encryption (AES-256, ChaCha20). Of course, ensure there are enough simultaneous connections as well as native apps for all your devices (you'll want to install a VPN on a router to get it to work on your console or use its native software on a computer).

You'll also want a VPN that brings a fair price and plenty of value. Then, make your purchase risk-free by getting a VPN that has a money-back policy. Most reputable VPNs give you 30 days to change your mind and ask for a refund. Also, you'll need 24/7 live chat customer support for those times when technical issues arise.

So far, our expert team tested more than 50 providers hands-on. Based on our findings, these are the 6 best gaming VPNs we recommend:

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Gaming in 2024

NordVPN gives you access to bot lobbies while providing plenty of gaming-centric VPN features. It's known for encrypting connections flawlessly. In other words, you'll end up with a high level of online privacy while ensuring your ping and latency are at their minimum.

In terms of its server network, you'll find 6,400+ servers across 111 countries. On top of that, it's among the fastest VPN providers right now, bringing fast speeds across nearby and remote servers. Based on our tests, it managed to create a 482 Mbps VPN connection on our 700 Mbps baseline Web connection while keeping our ping in check. Plus, it features stable performance even during extra-long gameplay sessions.

NordVPN's 'DoubleVPN' encryption system is designed so that it encrypts both outbound and inbound data using AES-256/ChaCha20 twice. In other words, if you want to protect your gaming sessions from DDoS attacks and prevent online trackers, NordVPN should be your pick.

NordVPN's obfuscated servers are especially handy for hiding your data, which is why this Panama-based VPN unblocks even the toughest-to-unblock game marketplaces out here. You also get split tunneling, a kill switch to prevent data leaks, and strong protocols (OpenVPN, NordLynx, and IKEv2/IPsec). Let's not forget to mention that NordVPN comes free of IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.

Despite its high-end privacy-protecting features, this VPN can help lower your ping, which means you'll ensure minimal latency. This makes NordVPN suitable even for fast-paced online shooters, as any game you play will retain its responsiveness.

Let's not forget that NordVPN offers easy-to-use applications for computers and mobile devices, and it supports routers as well, so you can use it on your Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. You'll get up to 10 simultaneous connections, so you can use this VPN even on the go.

Lastly, NordVPN comes priced at $3.09/month for its 2-year plan. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you'll buy its subscription without risk. There's also 24/7-available live chat support.

Learn more about this highly capable VPN by reading our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark - Best Gaming VPN If You Prioritize Privacy

Surfshark is a powerful VPN that's also incredibly simple to use. It works entirely on its own. All you need to do is connect to a server and keep this VPN active in the background, and you'll get to use bot lobbies in any online shooter and optimize your gameplay experience.

This Netherlands-based supports several protocols (it recently implemented WireGuard, which usually works great for controlling latency and ping) and promises not to collect your data. It has been audited many times, so you can rest assured that your sensitive data will never leave your device. On top of that, we encountered no IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks whatsoever.

Also, let's not forget to mention that you get unlimited connections with this VPN. It also includes a special "NoBorders" mode, which means it's suited for countries with Internet-related restrictions. And speaking of its server network, you'll gain access to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.

All that said, we still haven't mentioned Surfshark's best gaming-related feature, and that would be its speed. This VPN can provide fast speeds without fine-tuning, even when using very remote servers. During our testing, we got 442 Mbps on a 700 Mbps connection. Plus, Surfshark knows how to handle your ping, and it brings no performance fluctuations even in the long run.

Surfshark is also compatible with a huge number of devices. No matter if you game on a PC, Mac, Android, or iOS - Surfshark will be there to support you. It works even on routers, making it compatible with gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck, and Nintendo Switch.

Let's not forget that Surfshark features 24/7-available live chat support. All that comes priced at $2.19/month for Surfshark's 2-year plan. Lastly, you can also count on its no-questions-asked 30-day money-back policy.

Our Surfshark review will show you what else you can expect from this VPN.

3. ExpressVPN - Beginner-Friendly and Speedy VPN for Games

ExpressVPN is one of the most comprehensive VPNs out there. It gives you access to bot lobbies in any game, including Call of Duty, Apex Legends, Fortnite, PUBG, and more. Also, it has a wide server network, high-end protocols, strong encryption, and impeccable customer support.

Based on our hands-on tests, this is among the fastest VPNs. On top of that, it offers several ways to minimize your ping and eliminate the latency, regardless of the server you pick. Learn more about that in our guide on how to use ExpressVPN for gaming. When it comes to some concrete numbers, this VPN managed to achieve 621 Mbps on a 700 Mbps connection while controlling our ping as well.

This British Virgin Islands-based VPN also has an extensive server network - thousands of servers in 105 countries, all of which are obfuscated. That means you'll get to unblock geo-restricted games, as well as buy games cheaper by unblocking other countries' marketplaces.

You'll also get polished applications for any device, as well as 8 simultaneous connections, which seems quite generous. And if you're into gaming on an Xbox, PlayStation, or Switch, know that ExpressVPN works on a range of routers.

In terms of protecting your privacy, this is an award-winning VPN with many years of experience. So, it's safe to say that you'll be covered more than well. But if you need details, know that ExpressVPN is powered by OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2/IPsec protocols, all of which are suitable for gaming and keeping away DDoS attacks. Plus, it knows how to create leak-free data tunnels.

Everything listed above is available for $6.67/month, which is how much this VPN's annual plan costs. In the end, we'll mention that ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back policy. You'll also get to count on its 24/7-available live chat customer support.

Discover what else this VPN offers by checking our comprehensive ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost VPN - VPN for Online Gaming with Tons of Specialized Servers

CyberGhost VPN is especially suitable for gaming on a PC because it offers a unique feature - gaming-friendly servers. Those are available on Windows only, but you can also use its standard servers to keep your ping and latency low, ensuring smooth gaming sessions.

This VPN is known for covering the entire planet - having thousands of servers in 100 countries. It comes from Romania and offers fast and reliable performance, keeping your private data out of anyone's hands and guaranteeing complete protection for your data. Regarding our hands-on tests, this VPN managed to give us 446 Mbps on a 700 Mbps connection.

You can also use it to unblock new digital services, which means you'll get to unblock new gaming marketplaces. In fact, this is one of the best VPNs for digital entertainment, as (aside from giving you gaming-ready servers) it also has dedicated servers for streaming. Plus, it's powered by OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard, and we found no data leaks during our tests.

Let's not forget that CyberGhost VPN allows you to get an anonymous dedicated IP (associated with the US, UK, Germany, France, and Canada). That's not something many VPNs offer and should help bypass anti-VPN systems as well as access bot lobbies in online shooters.

CyberGhost VPN gives you 7 simultaneous connections, which seems generous enough. It has apps for computers, mobile devices, and streaming devices. When it comes to Xbox and PlayStation consoles, you can install this VPN on a router. In other words, it supports practically any gaming device out there.

Finally, this VPN offers a 45-day money-back guarantee on its long-term plans, and there's a 15-day money-back policy on its monthly plan. Speaking of its plans, you can get started for $2.19/month if you get CyberGhost's 2-year plan. It also features 24/7 live chat support, in addition to written and video tutorials, FAQs, and more.

Want to see this VPN in action? If so, here's our full CyberGhost review.

5. Private Internet Access - Reliable VPN for Gaming On-the-Go

PIA (Private Internet Access) is a long-standing VPN from the USA, known for high-end features and expanding its set of options quite aggressively. So, if you need a more advanced gaming VPN that gives you access to bot lobbies even in anti-VPN games, Private Internet Access is what you'll want to try.

It works out of the box just fine, but since it brings a plethora of options and customizations, it requires you to spend some time working on this VPN. As a result, you'll get a low ping, making PIA a capable VPN for cloud gaming. On a 700 Mbps connection, this VPN delivered 466 Mbps. It kept our ping in check even when using highly remote servers.

Also, PIA's ultra-tough protocols (led by OpenVPN and WireGuard) can block any DDoS attack. If you want to take it one step further, you can even get a dedicated IP. PIA offers dedicated IPs that can be associated with the US, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and Japan. Let's not forget that you won't have to worry about IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks with this VPN.

Know that PIA is one of the VPNs with the highest number of servers - across 90+ countries. That comes in handy if you want to unblock gaming marketplaces in specific countries. That said, PIA allows you to play games with minimal ping and latency while getting access to more games, more game-streaming services, and new game marketplaces.

This VPN supports unlimited simultaneous connections. On top of that, it brings apps for practically any device, including gaming-friendly devices like computers and phones. This VPN also supports routers, which means it works with PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles.

This VPN is available for $2.19/month for its 2-year subscription. In the end, we'll mention that PIA comes with 30-day money-back guarantees. So, there's no risk involved. If you like to tinker with VPNs, this one is an excellent pick - especially since it features extra-helpful 24/7-available live chat support.

Continue to our Private Internet Access review to see how else this VPN can support your gaming.

6. IPVanish - Fully-Automated VPN That Works on Many Gaming Devices

IPVanish is a well-known VPN that has been reviewed year after year. Based out of the US, its network of 2,400+ servers spreads over more than 90 locations, giving you plenty of digital freedom. That said, if you are looking for a premium-level gaming experience with access to bot lobbies, top speeds and zero lag, IPVanish has the job cut out for you.

This VPN is equipped with various protocols, letting you pick from WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and more. You're free to switch between those at any moment, which means that you'll have some influence over your Web connection's speed and its security (useful in terms of DDoS protection during your gaming sessions). We'll also mention that we encountered zero DNS/IP/WebRTC leaks.

Furthermore, IPVanish delivers fast enough speeds. It created a 474 Mbps VPN connection on our baseline 700 Mbps baseline connection. This performance didn't fluctuate much, even when using IPVanish for long gaming sessions. We'll also note that using an Ethernet connection will ensure that your ping and latency stay in check.

Still, IPVanish comes fully automated, so we recommend it to those not wishing to fine-tune their connection. On top of that, it brings applications for any popular platform out there, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It also works on routers, so you can use it with game consoles, such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

We'll also mention that IPVanish now supports unmetered VPN connections. That also implies that IPVanish doesn't log your private data. Independent audits were done to prove this VPN's claims, so you can rest assured that your data won't be logged at any point.

You can subscribe to IPVanish for $2.19/month by opting for its 2-year plan, and you'll also have 30 days to test-drive this VPN based on its money-back policy. Finally, you'll also get to count on its 24/7-available customer support, handy in case of any questions or doubts.

Interested in learning more about this VPN? If so, visit our IPVanish review.

Comparing the Best VPNs for Gaming

How We Rank the Best Gaming VPNs in 2024?

Our team has created a series of testing steps to check how well each VPN is equipped for gaming. Also, we tested over 50 VPN providers in total, so let's walk you through the entire testing procedure, which lets you learn how we came up with our shortlisted recommendations.

1. Verifying VPN Server Locations

For gaming, you need servers in popular VPN "destinations," such as the US, the UK, across Asia, and Australia. However, you'll also want more exotic locations if you plan on accessing bot lobbies. So, in this first step, we examine each VPN's server network size and distribution. We prioritize those VPNs that offer evenly distributed server networks, targeting various locations.

2. Testing VPN Connection Speeds

Having a fast Internet connection is crucial for an optimal gaming experience. So, we connect to servers in the US, Canada, the UK, India, and Australia. After each successful connection, we calculate download and upload speeds. Then, we compare those numbers with the speed of our baseline connection. We use Ookla's SpeedTest to shortlist the fastest-performing providers.

3. Checking Ping and Latency

Alongside calculating each VPN's speed, we also check its latency, which is done by testing each VPN server's ping value. We get those results from Ookla's SpeedTest, where the lowest ping values are prioritized. Remember that you need a low ping if you plan on playing an online multiplayer game. In other words, if some latency is introduced, your gameplay will become choppy.

4. Examining Overall Connection Stability

Each of the VPNs we tested was used for an extended period of time. We used tools to check for packet loss or disconnections during that time. This step aims to check how well each VPN works in the long term and whether it can provide a stable VPN session. After all, you don't want to experience connection drops, which can kick you out of your online gaming session.

5. Evaluating VPN Impact on Gameplay

Even though we run extensive speed and latency tests, we also check how each VPN works in real life. As described above, each VPN we tested was used to play actual gaming. We focused on a wider range of games, including FPS and MMOs that require low latency. The best score was given to those VPNs with the lowest latency and lag and the smoothest gaming experience overall.

6. Performing Tests on a Wider Range of VPN Servers

Today's VPN provider often bring sizable server networks, and we wanted to be sure that their entire server networks are suitable for gaming. In this step, we tried a range of nearby and remote servers to check how they affect latency and speed. In other words, our recommendations guarantee that you'll get the best possible experience no matter which server you decide to use.

7. Assessing Gaming-Friendly VPN Features

Regarding gaming-friendly VPN features, those are split tunneling, a dedicated gaming mode, or special servers optimized for gaming. We check each provider for those features and then prioritize those that offer extra ways to maximize your gameplay experience. Of course, we want to ensure those aren't just marketing gimmicks, so we test them ourselves.

8. Going Over VPN Security Features

Of course, we never forget the basics of VPNs. We evaluate each VPN's security features, including its supported protocols and encryption. We also check for no-logs policies and inspect what kinds of data are collected. Plus, to check for data leaks, we use IPLeaks.net. That's how we check if the VPN leaks IP, DNS, or WebRTC data, which shouldn't happen in a capable provider.

9. Evaluating the Quality of Customer Support

If any technical issues arise with your chosen VPN, you wouldn't want to spend much time resolving the issue by yourself. So, the quality of customer support is crucial. We interact with each VPN's support team via email or live chat based on which option is available. Then, we assess each team's overall knowledge and responsiveness in assisting with gaming-related questions.

10. Reviewing Pricing and Overall Value

A more expensive VPN isn't always better. That's why we compare the prices of multiple VPNs, check if any special deals or promotions are active, and check each VPN's overall value. The purpose of this VPN is to showcase that a high-quality VPN doesn't have to cost a lot. So, our shortlisted VPNs are proper examples of that, checking all the right boxes at an affordable price.

11. Drawing Final Conclusions

We draw our final conclusion Upon completing all the steps described above. We compare each VPN's server network, performance, ability to handle ping, and various other gaming- and security-related features. By comparing the results we got from our hands-on tests, we shortlist the VPNs that feature the best possible compatibility with gaming-related needs.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Gaming?

Prioritize performance and access to a sizable server network, as those are the most important aspects of a gaming-friendly VPN. Also, ensure you get access to bot lobbies, native software across the board, strong protocols, and a generous money-back policy. Here's everything you need to keep in mind:

• Being Able to Access Bot Lobbies: Games like Fortnite, CoD Warzone, Apex Legends, and PUBG offer bot lobbies for easier matches. To access those, you'll need a VPN with servers in countries where those bot lobbies are most often found.
• Sizeable and Evenly Distributed Server Fleet: If you force your data to travel more, you'll experience slowdowns - unless you find a VPN that implements optimizations for remote connections. In short, find a VPN with a sizeable server fleet, as that comes with numerous benefits.
• Gaming-Friendly VPN Protocols: When it comes to gaming, you'll want a robust protocol such as WireGuard and OpenVPN, for example.
• Privacy-Friendly Jurisdiction: It's wise to pick a VPN based outside the 14-Eyes Alliance, as those countries are known for aggressive data logging practices. Go for a VPN based in a country with no mandatory data retention laws.
• Native and Easy-to-Use Software: To get an enjoyable and lag-free gaming session, use native software. That means you need to install your chosen VPN and then run it in the background each time you launch any game.
• Latency-Friendly Performance: Remember not to trust any marketing messages out there. Instead, find a VPN with plenty of servers and multiple VPN protocols, which is always a good starting point, performance-wise,
• Extra VPN Features (Split-Tunneling, Kill Switch, Dedicated IP): Split tunneling allows you to create two tunnels for your data. A kill switch will keep you protected if your connection drops. And a dedicated VPN IP helps you bypass even the strongest anti-VPN blocks.
• Sufficient Number of Parallel Connections: Most VPNs offer 5-10 simultaneous connections, while some don't impose such limitations. So, think about how many devices you'll need to cover, including your gaming and non-gaming gadgets.
• Multi-Purpose Functionality: You'll want a VPN that works for more than just gaming. Make sure your chosen provider supports the types of activities you plan to do, which can include privacy protection, streaming, torrenting, and more.
• No-Questions-Asked Money-Back Policy: Pick a VPN that gives you at least 30 days to ask for a refund if you change your mind. Some VPNs can give you up to 45 days.
• Pricing and Value: As a gamer, you certainly appreciate finding a good deal. In terms of VPNs, you don't have to spend a lot of money, especially if you invest in a long-term subscription, as that's where you'll find the steepest discount.
• Reliable Customer Support: When technical issues appear, you'll be happy to have a VPN that offers 24/7 live chat support, which is always the fastest way to resolve any problems.

Should I Use a VPN When Gaming?

If you want to lower your ping, ensure you get the lowest latency, and protect your privacy, then, yes - going for a VPN when gaming is an excellent idea. Here's more info:

• Bypass High-Ping Servers: By rerouting your traffic, you'll get to reduce ping in games with a VPN. As a result, you'll get a more responsive gaming session overall.
• Reach Bot Lobbies: To access bot lobbies, you'll need a VPN that gives you access to special services with bots, letting you improve your stats quickly.
• Avoid IP-Based Blocks/Bans: A VPN helps you replace your IP address each time you connect to a server, which is how you'll bypass IP-based blocks and bans.
• Play Censored Games: If some games are blocked in your county or region, a VPN will help you unblock that content by making it look like you're in some other country.
• Ensure You're Not Targeted by DDoS: Since VPNs hide IP adresses, you'll make it harder for malicious individuals to reach your device. That means that you can forget about DDoS attacks.
• Reach Less Crowded Servers: If you're experiencing performance issues, know that a VPN can re-route your traffic, connecting you to a less crowded game server.
• Acquire Cosmetics & Add-Ons for Free: Many games offer region-based cosmetics and add-ons, which you can redeem by changing your IP address using a VPN.
• Use Public Wi-Fi Safely: If you're a gamer who likes to use public Wi-Fi networks for playing games on the go, a VPN will come in handy, as a VPN encrypts any Web connection.
• Fight Against ISP Throttling: Your ISP imposes certain limitations on your connection in relation to bandwidth-hungry activities like gaming and streaming. A VPN helps bypass ISP throttling, giving you better speeds and lower ping.
• Buy Games Cheaper: If games or add-ons are too expensive in your region, a VPN will help you change your virtual location and buy games for cheap.
• Hide Your Online Activity: Your Internet provider sees everything you do online, as well as various types of online trackers that focus on your Web browsing history. To hide what you do online, connect to a VPN server and start encrypting your traffic.

Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Gaming?

Yes, it's legal to use a VPN for gaming. However, know that specific games might ban VPNs or block VPN traffic as a precautionary measure.

In terms of their legality, VPNs are 100% on the safe side. They protect your right to privacy, so you can feel free to pick any commercial VPN service out there. Still, know that there's a very small group of countries where VPNs are illegal, and those are primarily countries with authoritarian regimes. So, be aware of your country's laws.

Also, some online games (MMORPGs mostly) may prohibit the use of VPNs, as per their Terms of Use and other legal documents. Since VPNs can give you a competitive edge, they could be considered a way of cheating. In that case, you'll see a message that you need to turn off your VPN to continue.

What Are the Best VPN Servers for Gaming?

In terms of a server location, you need to take your pick based on your ultimate goal. For example, if you want DDoS protection or to bypass ISP throttling while getting the fastest possible performance, pick any nearby server to minimize ping.

If you want to bypass certain geo-restrictions (like getting into bot lobbies or unlocking skins only available in particular regions), connect to a server where you want to appear to be located. This is different for each game, so let's give you some examples of the best VPN country to connect for gaming:

It is also worth picking a VPN with servers in locations suitable for specific gaming platforms, such as GeForce Now, Steam, or Bluestacks.

You can also focus on VPNs with performance and locations optimized for individual gaming titles, such as FIFA, iRacing, Warframe, BGMI, Clash of Clans, Maplestory, Destiny 2, Total War: Warhammer, Rocket League, or Mobile Legends.

Does VPN Reduce Ping in Games?

Yes, a gaming VPN can reduce ping - which is crucial when playing action-packed online games. Still, to reduce ping in games, you must pick a VPN server carefully.

VPNs allow you to connect to servers from all around the world. So, if you connect to an overly remote server, that can increase your ping and latency. With that said, you should always go for the nearest server you can find (based on your physical location).

Also, you can find a VPN for online gaming with specialized servers, like CyberGhost. Those are optimized for speed and performance, so you should prioritize those over standard servers.

To learn more, check our guide that explains how to reduce ping in games, giving you valuable tips on interacting with your VPN during gaming sessions.

Is a VPN Good for Gaming?

Yes, a VPN can be quite good for gaming - based on your goals. A high-end VPN can be your most powerful ally if you want to secure your Web connection and minimize latency.

That said, know that you shouldn't use just about any VPN. Very few are useful for gaming, as they don't have optimized servers. So, if you're not careful (or picky) enough, you could end up with a VPN that makes your gaming session less enjoyable.

As mentioned, go for a VPN with plenty of servers and protocols. Also, we recommend using a VPN that lets you fine-tune its settings and parameters, letting you achieve low ping in games values while encrypting your Web traffic.

What Is the Fastest VPN for Gaming?

The best-performing VPN right now is NordVPN. According to our tests, NordVPN provides the best speeds on the market. This provider will introduce barely noticeable slowdowns, making it ideal for high-quality gaming with low ping and no lag.

Furthermore, when you connect to longer-distance servers with NordVPN, you get much better performance and speed compared to other VPNs. So, it won’t matter if you want to play on servers in countries thousands of miles away - you’ll still enjoy a great gaming experience. 

A suitable gaming VPN will reduce ping in games and offer a much better connection than your ISP alone can provide because your traffic won’t experience any network congestion. That said, using NordVPN for gaming is our #1 recommendation.

Reasons Why Your Game Keeps Lagging and Crashing

More often than not, games lag and crash due to overcrowded game servers, corrupted game files, or inadequate hardware specifications. Here's a rundown of all the possible reasons:

• Your computer's specs might not meet the game's minimum system requirements.
• You're using overly high graphics settings, which you need to tone down to.
• There might be network issues, which you can resolve your restarting your router.
• Outdated graphics drivers often have issues running newly released games.
• The game's servers might be temporarily offline due to maintenance.
• The game's servers might be going through a spike, leading to overcrowding.
• There might be an issue with file corruption, which is fixed by reinstalling the game.
• Outdated game files can run poorly, so it's crucial to keep your game up-to-date.
• Too many background processes can consume system resources and cause crashes.
• Your antivirus/firewall blocks important game files or network traffic, so disable it for a while.
• CPU or GPU overheating leads to significant performance degradation.

Here's more info on how to fix technical issues in Genshin Impact, Fortnite, Roblox, and Warzone.

Why Your Gaming VPN Isn't Working?

If your VPN doesn't work, you can try using a different server or another protocol, and even something as simple as restarting your device can help at times. Here's what you can do:

• Test Your Baseline Web Connection: Your first step is to check whether your Internet connection works as it should. Make sure your VPN is disabled and try browsing the Web. If pages are slow to load, restart your devices or contact your Internet provider.
• Restart Your Devices (Including Your VPN): Often, restarting your device can fix connectivity issues. When you restart your device, you'll restart your VPN, so it's a double win. You can do the same with your router, which you need to keep unplugged for 30 seconds.
• Check If Software Updates Are Pending: VPN provides issue updates every couple of weeks, and it's crucial to keep your VPN software up-to-date at all times. So, if you haven't updated your VPN in a while, visit its settings and see if any updates are available.
• Try a Different VPN Server: Maybe you're trying to connect to an overcrowded server, or the server you typically use is having technical issues. Either way, open your VPN and find another location. Aim for nearby servers to keep your ping as low as possible.
• Try a Different VPN Protocol: Both OpenVPN and WireGuard are great options for gaming. Also, you can use IKEv2/IPsec if you want a faster connection. Just make sure to remember that you need to disconnect when changing between different protocols.
• Check Firewall and Antivirus Settings: If you game on Windows, know that your operating system has a firewall that can be quite strict about what it blocks. The same applies to antivirus apps, so see if you can lower their level of protection.
• Keep a Single VPN App Installed: It's recommended to keep a single VPN application installed, as having multiple VPN apps can create software conflicts. So, if you have multiple apps installed, make sure to keep a single one and remove any extra ones fully and properly.
• Contact Your VPN's Support: If nothing else helps, you need to turn to your VPN for support. If you listened to our advice, you now have access to 24/7 live chat support, which is always the fastest way to resolve any issue.

Can You Use a Free VPN for Gaming?

Yes, you can use a free gaming VPN, but you'll encounter a very limited experience. We don't recommend free VPNs because they come with various restrictions that can ruin your gameplay experience and even leave you with a banned/blocked account.

The biggest limitation of free providers is that they can come with a daily/monthly data allowance, ranging from 200MB/day up to 10GB/month. That means you'll get to use them for a limited time. Also, they come with tiny server networks that typically span across a handful of countries.

Next, they're also very slow. Most of them can't handle your ping and latency, so the games you play will be laggy. We've even seen free-of-charge providers that log sensitive information and serve malware, which means you'll put your privacy at risk, as well as the safety/security of your gaming devices.

Nothing can really replace a capable premium VPN. If you wish to go risk-free, go with a VPN free trial. That's how you'll get premium features for a limited time, experiencing how a truly capable VPN should work. We recommend the NordVPN free trial, which can be activated on Android - but this VPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee that applies to all other devices.

Our guide to the best VPN services comes in handy if you need extra trials - or if you're ready to get started with a premium VPN after testing other VPNs.

Final Thoughts

A gaming-friendly VPN can be your biggest ally if you want a smooth and lag-free experience. A capable provider can lower your ping, minimize latency, and bypass ISP-induced throttling. As a result, you'll use the full power of your Internet connection when playing games. Plus, remember that VPNs prevent DDoS attacks and swatting, and those with plenty of servers can give you access to bot lobbies.

That said, not many VPN providers are suitable enough for gaming, as they most often focus on security and content unblocking instead of focusing on gaming. So, your decision regarding which VPN to use should be based on in-depth research, as you'll want gaming-optimized features without sacrificing your connection's speed and latency or your own digital security.

As you can see, that's a lot to ask of any VPN app. So, we'll again remind you that NordVPN is the most powerful option available right now. We consider it the best VPN for gaming in 2024 due to its ultra-fast performance, army of servers worldwide, high-end privacy, and compatibility with any device. On top of that, NordVPN is equally suitable for first-timers and experienced users.

That would be all that we've prepared for this guide. If you have any questions or doubts, let us know via the comments section below. Lastly, thanks for reading!