How to improve ping and latency on your game server. Location, routing, network tips, and monitoring.
Improve Game Server Latency and Ping
What Affects Ping?
| Factor |
Impact |
Controllable? |
| Server Location |
Very high |
✅ Yes |
| Internet Provider |
High |
Partially |
| Routing |
Medium |
❌ No |
| Wi-Fi vs. Cable |
High |
✅ Yes |
| Background Downloads |
Medium |
✅ Yes |
| Server Performance |
Medium |
✅ Yes |
Choosing a Server Location
The most important factor! Choose a server close to your players.
| Location |
Ping from DE |
Ping from AT/CH |
| Frankfurt/Nuremberg |
5–15ms |
10–25ms |
| Amsterdam |
10–20ms |
15–30ms |
| Paris |
15–25ms |
15–25ms |
| London |
20–30ms |
25–40ms |
| USA East |
90–110ms |
100–120ms |
All game-serverhosting.de servers are located in Germany (Nuremberg) – optimal for DACH players.
Client-Side Optimizations
- Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi: Saves 2–10ms and is more stable
- QoS in your router: Prioritize gaming traffic
- Close background apps: Updates, streams, downloads
- Optimize DNS: Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)
- Disable VPN: Adds 10–50ms latency
Measuring Ping
# Windows
ping server.game-serverhosting.de
# Traceroute (analyze routing)
tracert server.game-serverhosting.de
Server-Side Optimizations
- Increase tickrate: More updates = smoother gameplay
- Reduce plugins: Every plugin consumes CPU time
- Upgrade RAM: Prevents lag spikes caused by swapping
- Regular restarts: Prevents memory leaks
Ping Benchmarks by Game
| Game |
Acceptable |
Good |
Ideal |
| CS2 |
<50ms |
<30ms |
<15ms |
| Minecraft |
<100ms |
<50ms |
<30ms |
| Rust |
<80ms |
<40ms |
<20ms |
| FiveM |
<60ms |
<30ms |
<15ms |
| Valheim |
<100ms |
<60ms |
<30ms |