3 ways a VPN can enhance your gaming experience

A VPN can actually offer advantages when gaming—despite some assumptions to the contrary. Here are three reasons why (and when) it can be worthwhile to use one.

If you’re looking for an even more in-depth look at this topic check out our article of all the pros and cons of using a VPN while gaming.

1. Protection against DDoS attacks

A DDoS attack is a targeted overload of an internet connection or server. It involves sending a large number of requests in a short period of time until the connection breaks down. For gamers, this means that online games are interrupted or cannot be started at all.

For such attacks to be possible, the internet connection must be specifically targeted. In online gaming, this is possible in some cases because, depending on the game and connection technology, your own IP address is visible to other players or servers. This IP address then serves as a target for attack, directly overloading your private internet connection.

A VPN prevents this by hiding your IP address. Instead of your private address, only the IP of the VPN server is visible to the outside world. Attacks no longer affect your own internet connection, and end up hitting a dead-end.

Not every VPN provider is equally suitable when it comes to security and data protection. Check out our list of the best VPNs to see which services for gaming, privacy, security, and more. Our overall winner is NordVPN, and Surfshark is a great option if you’re on a budget.

2. Positive effect on ping and connection quality

You read that right: there are certain situations in which a VPN can stabilize or even improve your connection. This depends primarily on the route the data takes between your connection and the game server.

Internet service providers do not always route data packets via the most efficient route. Instead, they use detours or heavily congested hubs. A VPN can change this route and direct data traffic via more stable or better-connected routes. In such cases, the ping does not necessarily decrease, but the connection becomes more consistent and reliable.

This is particularly noticeable with international game servers or during peak times. However, whether this effect occurs depends on several factors and can only be determined by direct comparison.

3. Access to additional servers and game regions

Many online games use regional servers to keep connections stable and ensure fair competition. Players are automatically assigned to a specific region.

A VPN changes the virtual location and thus enables access to game servers in other countries. This also allows you to use game regions that would otherwise be inaccessible.

This is particularly relevant if you want to play with friends abroad or specifically use other server pools. A VPN also offers a direct alternative if you encounter problems with regional servers.

Please note that not all games allow the use of a VPN. Some providers expressly exclude this use in their terms and conditions. Before using a VPN, you should therefore check whether its use is permitted for the game in question.

When a VPN is not useful for gaming

A VPN is not a “hack” for every gaming situation. In some cases, its use adds no value or even has a negative effect on the gaming experience.

This is especially true for fast-paced, competitive online games where every millisecond counts. If your internet connection is already stable and the direct route to the game server is working optimally, a VPN will usually increase latency. In such cases, the additional detour via the VPN server outweighs the potential benefits.

A VPN is also usually unnecessary for local or regional lobbies. If you are playing with players from your region and have no connection problems, you’ll hardly benefit from additional security at the network level.

In addition, some games restrict or prohibit the use of VPNs. If you dial into other regions using a VPN, you risk restrictions or sanctions depending on the title. Especially in a competitive environment, the use of a VPN should therefore be carefully considered.

In short: a VPN is not a standard tool for every game, but a situational addition.