Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become tremendously popular in the past decade, and for a good reason: they offer a range of benefits for all kinds of Internet activities, particularly online gaming.
I understand that you might think of VPNs as a gimmick or a fad, given the ubiquitous display of ads across podcast episodes, YouTube videos, and the like. However, neglecting the advantages and protection that a VPN provides when you are online today is to your detriment.
It is now time to take the dive and start using a VPN for gaming. Let’s explore the advantages of a VPN for gamers.
Why should I use a VPN for gaming?
#1 Safety on Public Wi-Fi
When using public Wi-Fi, avoid playing online games on your laptop or phone because it makes you vulnerable to hackers. The access point host can easily see all of your internet traffic, including your login credentials and messages. Other users who are also connected to the same public Wi-Fi access point can do the same too which compromises your security. Protect yourself by avoiding such risks.
#2 Access Region-Locked Content
It’s unfortunate but commonplace for online services to restrict geographic access these days. Certain online games, for example, may be available only to players on specific continents, or they may produce region-specific content. It could be that the game you want is prohibited in your nation, or maybe it obliges you to play on servers in your region, limiting your ability to play with friends who live elsewhere. One workaround for this problem is to use a VPN and connect to one of its servers in a foreign country. This tricks the game into thinking that your location is that of the VPN servers, so you’ll be treated as if you’re playing on one of those servers.
Can you list from memory what are the 4 main benefits of using a VPN? One of them should definitely be changing the region to bypass restrictions. You should figure out how to change the Steam region, as this provides some important benefits. With VPN for Steam, you can save up to 30-50% on games. Especially strongly the prices differ during promotions. If you have a good VPN like VeePN, you can also protect yourself while gaming.
#3 Improve Poor ISP Routing
Connecting to servers through the internet involves complex network paths across intermediate servers. Ideally, internet service providers establish direct connections, but complications can lead to suboptimal paths and higher latency than expected. Even when connecting to nearby servers, internet connections may be routed in unusual ways, taking longer routes that impair performance.
#4 Protection From Being Doxxed
Doxxing is a huge concern for gamers, and the stories of gamers being doxxed are quite common. Malicious users can uncover the gamer’s real name and home address just from their IP address, which can be exposed on several platforms like game servers, Discord servers, Skype servers, etc. Getting doxxed is highly intimidating, as it makes you lose your sense of security and privacy, and you’ll no longer feel safe even within your own home.
Doxxing can happen to anyone, not just public figures such as Twitch streamers. However, using a VPN hides your IP address and makes it nearly impossible for anyone to identify you unless you intentionally disclose personal information.
#5 Unlimited Bandwidth
How does a VPN make gaming faster? When engaging in online gaming, a fast and unlimited bandwidth is crucial for smooth running. However, internet service providers (ISPs) typically limit high bandwidth usage. By using a VPN, your activity is encrypted, making it more difficult for an ISP to throttle your connection and reduce speed. Essentially, a VPN hides your activity, preventing the ISP from knowing what you’re doing and allowing for a smoother gaming experience.
#6 Reduced Lag/Latency
VPNs not only enhance connection speeds but also alleviate lag by directing gaming traffic through dedicated servers, which reduces the number of hops required for data transfer. This creates a more direct linkage between your computer and the gaming server, thereby lowering latency and delivering a more responsive gaming experience.
#7 Protection Against DDoS Attacks
Using a free VPN for online gaming can also protect against DDoS attacks. DDoS attacks are a common problem for gamers, where an attacker floods a gaming server with traffic, causing it to crash and become unavailable. By using a VPN, gamers can mask their IP address and make it much more difficult for attackers to target them with DDoS attacks.
#8 Increased Privacy
Gamers can enjoy enhanced privacy and peace of mind by using a VPN service. VPNs protect gamers’ online activities from being tracked by ISPs or other third parties. Plus, gamers can play without having to worry about monitoring, recording, or data stealing.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that using a VPN for gaming can provide many advantages. Not only does it improve connection speeds and reduce lag, but it also helps protect against DDoS, improves safety on public Wi-Fi networks, provides access to region-locked content, and increases privacy. If you’re serious about online gaming, then investing in a good VPN is an absolutely necessary step.
