Experiencing high ping and lag spikes in League of Legends can be frustrating, especially when you’re on the verge of victory. But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there are several solutions you can try to improve your gaming experience!
Understanding Ping and Its Impact on Gameplay
In simple terms, ping measures the time it takes for data from your PC to reach the game server and return. It’s crucial as a lower ping ensures a smoother gaming experience. A ping below 20ms is excellent, while anything above 150ms can result in noticeable lag.
Steps to Monitor Your Ping in League of Legends
To keep track of your ping during gameplay in League of Legends, follow these steps:
- Start a new game and press Ctrl + F on your keyboard.
- Your current ping and frames per second (FPS) will appear in the top-right corner of the screen.
If this method does not work, you can adjust the hotkey settings in the game menu:
- Click the gear icon and navigate to the Hotkeys tab.
- Under the Display settings, configure the toggle for FPS display to your preferred keys.
Diagnosing High Ping Issues
To determine whether you have a high ping issue, compare your ping with the normal range as discussed. High ping could result from either server issues or network problems on your end.
Proven Methods to Reduce Ping in LoL
Here are some effective solutions you can implement to reduce high ping and enhance your gameplay:
Update Game Patches
Ensure that League of Legends is up-to-date. Missing patches can cause compatibility issues leading to higher lag.
Restart Modem and Router
Giving your modem and router a regular reboot can solve network congestion problems.
Steps:
- Unplug both devices and wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging them back in.
- Wait for indicator lights to return to normal, then restart your game.
Close Background Applications
Bandwidth-intensive applications like streaming services and file-sharing apps can increase ping.
To close them:
- Press Windows + R and type resmon to open the Resource Monitor.
- Find applications consuming high bandwidth and terminate them carefully.
Update Device Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause communication delays between your PC and the game server. Use tools like Driver Easy for automatic updates.
Utilize Hextech Repair Tool
Hextech Repair Tool is provided by Riot Games to diagnose and fix connection issues automatically.
Disable Proxy and VPN
Proxies and VPNs, although beneficial for privacy, can increase network latency. Disable them to see if your ping improves.
Change DNS Server
Switching to a public DNS like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) can improve network speeds.
Renew IP Address
A refreshed IP address can solve temporary network issues.
Commands:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Type ipconfig /release, then ipconfig /renew
- Finally, ipconfig /flushdns to clear your DNS cache.
Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet
Wireless connections are more prone to interference. Where feasible, connect your PC directly using an Ethernet cable.
Concluding Thoughts
Implementing these solutions can significantly reduce ping spikes and improve your overall gaming experience in League of Legends. Tackle each solution until you find what works best for your setup. Happy gaming and may your battles be ever smooth!
Feel free to leave any comments or share new solutions you discover! We’re all in this gaming journey together, after all.