5 Gaming-With-VPN Myths Busted
There’s a lot of debate in the gaming world about using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Some gamers swear it improves their experience, while others believe it ruins gameplay. Many myths exist about VPNs, such as how they slow down your internet, increase lag, or even get you banned. Several myths have circulated the web and many uninformed people have fallen for the fake news. We’ll look at a few of these myths and uncover the truth.
Myth #1: A VPN is Too Complicated to Set Up for Gaming
Most VPNs are super easy to use, even for beginners. Some people avoid them because they think setting one up is difficult. Yet most gaming VPNs come with simple apps that require just a few clicks to start. Here’s how easy it is to use a VPN for gaming:
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Choose a fast server (preferably close to your game’s server).
- Click ‘Connect’, and that’s it! You’re now protected and can play games without restrictions.
Many VPNs also offer preset gaming modes that automatically select the best settings for fast speeds and low ping. If you ever need help, contact customer support or find an online guide.
Myth #2: Using a VPN Will Get You Banned from Games
VPNs are not illegal, and most games don’t ban players from using one. Some gamers worry that using a VPN will get them in trouble, but most gaming platforms allow VPNs as long as you’re not breaking any rules.
If we know that data breaches are becoming commonplace these days, it’s not unusual that several anonymous online casinos use blockchain technology to keep player data safe. A VPN works similarly, it encrypts your traffic, preventing threat actors from breaching your personal data like credit card and personal information.
Many players use VPNs to improve security and privacy while gaming. Those who are far away from their friends use them to connect with friends in other regions. Others will use VPN to avoid ISP throttling for better speed.
However, some gaming platforms block VPNs to prevent people from cheating or buying cheaper game versions from different countries. If your VPN is blocked, you can usually switch to a different server to regain access. As long as you’re using a VPN responsibly and not for unfair advantages, you won’t get banned from most games.
Myth #3: A VPN Will Cause More Lag and High Ping
Using a VPN can reduce lag and improve ping in some cases. Many gamers fear that adding a VPN will increase their ping – the time it takes for their device to communicate with a game server. While it’s true that a VPN adds an extra step, it can also help reroute your connection through a faster path. This is especially helpful when:
- Your ISP’s routing is slow or inefficient.
- You want to connect to a gaming server in a different country.
- You’re experiencing random lag spikes due to network issues.
Choosing a VPN server close to the game’s data center can create a more direct and stable connection, leading to a smoother gaming experience.
Myth #4: A VPN Can’t Protect You from Online Attacks
A VPN is one of the best ways to stop DDoS attacks. A DDoS attack (Distributed Denial of Service) happens when someone floods your internet connection with data, making it impossible to play. These attacks are common in competitive gaming and can force you offline.
A VPN is wonderful against these because it hides your real IP address, making it much harder for attackers to find and target you. Instead, they would only see the VPN’s server, which is protected from such attacks. This is why streamers, esports players, and competitive gamers often use VPNs, they offer a shield against online harassment and cyber threats.
Myth #5: VPNs Are Only for Cheaters and Region Hoppers
Most gamers use VPNs for security, privacy, and better connections. While some players use VPNs to access different game regions or buy cheaper games, the majority use them for completely legitimate reasons.
Preventing ISP slowdowns that affect game performance, avoiding data limits that can make games lag, playing on different servers to match with international friends, and protecting personal information from hackers and spies are the most common reasons for VPN use. A VPN isn’t just for “cheating” the system, it’s a tool that helps gamers stay safe, avoid slowdowns, and improve their experience.
Should You Use a VPN for Gaming?
Gaming with a VPN isn’t as bad as some people claim. If you use a low-quality VPN or connect to a faraway server, you might experience lag—but a good VPN can actually enhance your gaming experience. You can:
- Pick a high-speed VPN that’s designed for gaming.
- Choose a server close to your game’s data center to lower ping.
- Use a wired connection (Ethernet) for extra stability.
- Avoid free VPNs, as they are usually slow and unreliable.
If you pick the right VPN and use it correctly, you can play your favorite games with more security and even better speed.
