Online gaming has become a global phenomenon, connecting individuals from around the world to play everything from co-op first-person shooters on console, to wars of witty words on mobile. However, along with the thrill of virtual battles lurk potential risks that can compromise your gaming experience. Enter VPNs (virtual private networks), an essential tool that not only secures your connection but also enhances your gaming experience.In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to use VPN for gaming on various platforms, and the benefits a gaming VPN offers.
Let’s dive in.
Why would someone use VPN for gaming?
Where competition is fierce and personal information is constantly at risk, gamers should consider prioritizing their data privacy. This is where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) come into play, offering a range of benefits that enhance the gaming experience and protect players.
A VPN helps protect your data by encrypting your internet connection, shielding you from potential hackers and cybercriminals. The privacy properties of VPN also offer benefits that can enhance your overall gameplay.
Read more: Xbox security tips every gamer needs
Let’s delve into the key reasons why someone would use a VPN for gaming:
For Safety:
Security from DDoS
Online gaming exposes players to several security threats, including DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks which have become increasingly prevalent. DDoS attacks can disrupt gameplay and ruin a match by overwhelming your network connection to the point of connection failure. By routing your internet traffic through a VPN server, your real endpoint is concealed, making it difficult for attackers to target your connection. With a VPN enabled, you can effectively mitigate DDoS attacks, for safer uninterrupted gameplay.
IP address privacy
Competitive gaming often involves interacting with strangers and sharing personal information, such as usernames, locations, and IP addresses. Your IP address can be used to track your online activities and potentially expose your identity. By connecting to a VPN server, your true IP address is masked, and your online identity remains anonymous. This ensures that your gaming sessions are private, protecting you from potential harassment or targeted attacks.
Wi-Fi protection
Gamers who frequently play on the go or participate in LAN parties may connect to public Wi-Fi networks, which can be risky. Public networks are notorious for their lack of security, making gamers vulnerable to attacks and data breaches. By using a VPN, you can shield your internet traffic and encrypt your connection data from potential threats.
For Access:
Connect to content
Gaming publishers often enforce regional restrictions, limiting access to certain servers, player lobbies, or exclusive DLC based on the player’s location. By using a VPN, gamers can bypass these restrictions and connect to servers in different regions, unlocking a wider range of gaming options. Whether it’s accessing a game that is throttled by your internet provider or joining servers with a more active player base, a VPN gives gamers the freedom to explore global gaming opportunities.
Reduced latency
In the realm of online gaming, milliseconds make a difference; latency and ping rates can significantly impact the gameplay experience. By connecting to VPN servers strategically located near gaming servers or their physical location, players can potentially reduce latency and improve overall performance. Optimizing your own server selection this way can help establish a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, minimizing lag and increasing your chances of victory in competitive matches.
How to use VPN for gaming: a step-by-step guide
Step 1: Choose a reputable VPN provider:
There’s plenty that goes into choosing the best VPN provider for you, such as the locations available, the apps compatible with your devices, and the features. No matter what you choose, ensure you select a reputable VPN service – not a free VPN – that will put your data protection first.
Step 2: Download your VPN software:
Once you’ve selected your VPN for gaming, you can sign up and create an account. Go to the app store of your device, search for your VPN, and download the VPN app to your gaming device.
Step 3: Connect to a VPN server:
Launch your VPN app and connect to a VPN server close to your gaming server location or your location. By selecting a local server in close physical proximity to either end of the connection, you can help to decrease lag.
See also: How to select the right VPN city server location
How to use VPN for gaming on computers (PC, Mac)
For PC gamers, using a VPN provides an added layer of security from DDoS attacks and other network threats. It also enables access to region-locked lobbies. Additionally, a VPN can reduce lag and improve latency by connecting to servers closer to gaming servers, resulting in a smoother gaming experience.
- Download and install a VPN for Windows or VPN for Mac app.
- Launch your VPN app and log in.
- Select the location that is closest to your location or your game server and connect.
- With your VPN connection established, you can now launch your game on your computer to play without lag.
Keep reading: Can Macs get viruses? Debunking the Apple security myth
How to use VPN for gaming on mobile (iOS, Android)
Mobile gaming has seen exponential growth, and VPNs are equally beneficial for mobile gamers. A VPN can help protect your device from malicious attacks on public Wi-Fi, secure your mobile carrier IP, and avoid blocks to games from location and network restrictions.
- Search for a reputable VPN and subscribe.
- Launch your VPN for iOS or Android VPN app and log in.
- Select the location that is closest to your location or your game server and connect.
- With your VPN connection established, you can now launch your game on your phone to play with better privacy.
How to use VPN for gaming on consoles (Xbox, PS5, Switch):
While consoles may have built-in security features, using a VPN on Xbox or a VPN for PS5 can help prevent hacking, and offer additional benefits. Gamers can connect to servers in locations with better latency and lobbies while protecting themselves from DDoS attacks.
Sadly, the Xbox and Playstation consoles do not support VPN connections natively. To use a VPN like IPVanish with a major video game console, you will need to connect your console to a VPN router or use internet connection sharing options.
Read more: How to stop DDoS attacks on Xbox
Set up a VPN router for gaming
Setting up a VPN on a router allows all devices connected to the network to benefit from VPN protection without individual installations. This encrypts the traffic of any devices connected to it, from your PS5 to your mobile phone, desktop, laptop, tablet, and even smart appliances. If you have a compatible router, and technical challenges don’t intimidate you, it is indeed possible to manually configure a VPN router. For a more hassle-free setup, you can opt for a pre-configured IPVanish VPN router available through our trusted partners at FlashRouters. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of a VPN without the need for technical expertise or intricate configurations.
Set up internet connection sharing for gaming
Internet connection sharing allows you to share your internet connection between your computer and your game console, so both the console and the computer can access the internet at the same time. By enabling ICS and your VPN from the same computer, you can give those same security benefits to your Playstation, Xbox, Switch, or other gaming consoles. To set up internet connection sharing, you must have a computer that has two network adapters.
To use one of the internet connection sharing methods, see the Support Center articles linked below:
- Internet connection sharing VPN via Windows PC
- Internet connection sharing VPN via Mac
VPN for gaming FAQs:
- How does VPN for gaming work?
A VPN for gaming works by creating a secure and encrypted connection between your gaming device and the game server, allowing you to access the internet through a virtual tunnel that helps shield your data and protect your privacy.
- Why do gamers need a VPN for their gaming activities?
Gamers need a VPN for their gaming activities to enhance security, protect against DDoS attacks, improve access and latency, and ensure greater privacy while engaging in online gaming.
- How does a VPN enhance security and protect against DDoS attacks?
A VPN enhances security and protects against DDoS attacks by encrypting the internet connection, masking the user’s IP address, and routing the traffic through VPN servers. This makes it more difficult for attackers to target the gamer’s connection and ensures a safer and uninterrupted gaming experience.
- Can a VPN reduce lag and improve latency for online gaming?
Yes, a VPN can potentially reduce lag and improve latency for online gaming by providing a more direct and optimized route to the game servers, bypassing network congestion, and minimizing the distance between the gamer and the server, resulting in a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
- Are there any specific VPN features or settings that are beneficial for gamers?
Yes, there are specific VPN features and settings that are beneficial for gamers, such as optimized gaming servers, DDoS protection, split tunneling, a VPN kill switch, and the availability of fast and stable connections, all of which can enhance the gaming experience in terms of performance, security, and customization options.
By using a VPN for gaming, you can fortify your online gaming experience, helping to ensure security, privacy, and access to gaming content. Whether you’re a PC, console, or mobile gamer, a VPN is a valuable tool that adds protection to your data and unlocks a world of possibilities. With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to leverage VPNs and take your gaming sessions to new heights. Stay secure, keep connected, and play without compromise.
