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How to Increase Latency on PS5: A Counterintuitive Guide

Let’s be clear upfront: you don’t want to increase latency on your PS5. High latency means lag, delayed responses, and a frustrating gaming experience. So, while the question is “How do I increase latency?”, the answer focuses on what causes high latency, allowing you to then avoid those pitfalls and thus decrease latency and improve your gameplay.

Latency, often referred to as ping, is the time it takes for data to travel from your PS5 to a server (like a game server) and back. Measured in milliseconds (ms), a lower latency is always better. However, understanding the factors that contribute to high latency is crucial to mitigating them. So, in this guide, we’ll be exploring how to inadvertently increase latency, thereby teaching you what not to do. It’s the best way to achieve a smooth, responsive gaming session.

Understanding the Culprits of High Latency

Several factors can contribute to increased latency on your PS5. Identifying the sources is the first step to improving your online gaming experience.

1. Wireless Interference and Weak Signal

Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s also susceptible to interference. Walls, other electronic devices, and even microwave ovens can disrupt the signal, causing increased latency. A weak signal forces your PS5 to work harder to maintain a connection, resulting in further delays.

2. Distance from the Router

The farther you are from your router, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal. This decreased signal strength naturally adds to latency because the data has a harder time reaching your PS5.

3. Router Overload and Outdated Firmware

An overloaded router struggling to handle multiple devices simultaneously can lead to higher latency. Similarly, outdated router firmware can contain inefficiencies that negatively impact performance. Regularly checking for and installing firmware updates is crucial.

4. Network Congestion

If multiple devices on your network are streaming video, downloading large files, or engaging in other bandwidth-intensive activities simultaneously, your PS5’s connection will suffer.

5. Server Location and Distance

The physical distance between your PS5 and the game server matters. Connecting to a server located on the other side of the world will inevitably result in higher latency compared to a server closer to home.

6. Outdated Hardware and Software

Using older network adapters or outdated PS5 system software can also contribute to increased latency. Always ensure your PS5 is running the latest system software.

7. Background Processes

Unnecessary background applications running on your PS5 or other devices on your network can consume bandwidth and processing power, increasing latency.

8. Issues with Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end. Your ISP may be experiencing technical difficulties or network congestion, resulting in higher latency for all users in your area.

9. Type of Connection

Wi-fi connections are inherently more prone to latency issues due to the nature of wireless data transmission and potential interference.

10. Subpar Network Hardware

Using older or low-quality routers and modems can limit your internet’s performance and introduce latency. Investing in better networking equipment can significantly reduce latency.

Practical “Latency Increasing” Techniques (Things to AVOID!)

Now that we know the factors that cause high latency, let’s examine some techniques that will definitely drive your latency through the roof. Remember, the goal is to learn what not to do.

1. Embrace Wi-Fi Chaos: Ditch the Ethernet

Disconnect your Ethernet cable. Revert to using Wi-Fi, especially if your PS5 is far from the router and surrounded by electronic devices emitting interfering signals. The 2.4 GHz band is your friend if you want higher latency because it’s more prone to interference.

2. Router Gymnastics: Maximize Distance and Obstructions

Move your router to the basement. Or a closet. Anywhere that puts several walls and floors between your PS5 and the router. Make sure there is a microwave in between to increase the wireless interference.
Relocate your PS5 to the furthest corner of your house. The weaker the signal, the higher the latency.

3. Overload Your Router: Become a Bandwidth Hog

Simultaneously stream 4K video on multiple devices. Download a large game while your family watches Netflix and your roommate video conferences. Ensure everyone is maximizing bandwidth. The more devices consuming bandwidth, the slower the connection will be.

4. Ignore Updates: Embrace Outdated Software

Never check for PS5 system updates. Outdated software can contain bugs and inefficiencies that increase latency.
Continue using older network adapters and hardware. If your router is 10 years old, keep using it! Don’t bother upgrading to newer, more efficient technology.

5. Play Internationally: Server Distance for the Win

Always choose servers in distant regions. Play on European or Asian servers from North America, or vice versa. Distance equals latency.

6. Embrace Background Processes: Multitasking Mania

Keep multiple apps running in the background. The more applications running, the more latency.
Download files during gameplay. Maximize resource consumption.

7. Skimp on Router Maintenance: Forget the Basics

Never restart your router. Let it run continuously for months (or years!).
Ignore firmware updates. Outdated firmware often contains performance issues.

8. Use Bluetooth Audio Devices

Connect Bluetooth speakers or headphones to your PS5 for audio output. Bluetooth connections are more susceptible to interference than wired connections.

9. Play During Peak Hours

Play online games during peak usage hours in your area. Internet traffic congestion is usually highest during evenings and weekends, leading to increased latency.

10. Ignore Network Monitoring

Avoid using network monitoring tools to check your latency and bandwidth usage. Stay unaware of what’s causing the issue.

Proactive Steps to Minimize Latency (The Opposite of What You Just Read!)

Now, let’s flip the script. Here are the steps you should actually take to minimize latency, achieving a smoother and more responsive gaming experience:

Use an Ethernet Cable: A wired connection provides a stable, low-latency connection.
Optimize Router Placement: Position your router in a central, open location, away from obstructions and interference.
Upgrade Router Firmware: Keep your router’s firmware up to date.
Prioritize PS5 Traffic: Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritize PS5 network traffic.
Close Unnecessary Applications: Reduce background processes to free up bandwidth.
Choose Local Servers: Select game servers located closer to your physical location.
Upgrade Network Hardware: Consider upgrading to a newer, more powerful router and modem.
Monitor Network Usage: Use network monitoring tools to identify bandwidth hogs.
Schedule Downloads: Download large files during off-peak hours.
Contact Your ISP: If problems persist, contact your ISP to troubleshoot potential issues on their end.

FAQs: Debunking Latency Myths and Offering Solutions

Let’s address some frequently asked questions regarding latency and how to improve your PS5 gaming experience.

FAQ 1: Is Wi-Fi really that bad for gaming?

Yes, compared to a wired Ethernet connection, Wi-Fi is generally less stable and more prone to interference, leading to higher latency. For competitive gaming, a wired connection is highly recommended.

FAQ 2: What’s a good latency for gaming?

Ideally, aim for a latency below 50ms. Anything under 100ms is generally considered acceptable. Over 100ms can result in noticeable lag.

FAQ 3: How do I check my latency on PS5?

Go to Settings > Network > Connection Status > Test Internet Connection. This will display your download and upload speeds, as well as your estimated latency.

FAQ 4: Will upgrading my internet plan reduce latency?

Potentially, but not necessarily. Upgrading to a faster internet plan will primarily increase your bandwidth (the amount of data you can download/upload), but it won’t always directly reduce latency. Latency is more dependent on network congestion, server distance, and the quality of your connection.

FAQ 5: Can my TV affect my gaming latency?

Yes, some TVs have significant input lag, which is the delay between your controller input and the action appearing on screen. Look for TVs with low input lag, often advertised as “gaming TVs.” Make sure to enable “Game Mode” in your TV’s settings, which usually disables post-processing features that increase input lag.

FAQ 6: What’s the best NAT type for PS5?

NAT Type 1 (Open) is ideal, but it’s less secure. NAT Type 2 (Moderate) is a good compromise. NAT Type 3 (Strict) can cause connectivity issues. Contact your ISP for assitance.

FAQ 7: Should I put my PS5 in the DMZ?

Generally, no. Placing your PS5 in the DMZ exposes it directly to the internet without the protection of your router’s firewall. This is a security risk.

FAQ 8: Does 5 GHz Wi-Fi have lower latency than 2.4 GHz?

Generally, yes, 5 GHz Wi-Fi can offer lower latency due to less interference and higher bandwidth, but it has a shorter range than 2.4 GHz.

FAQ 9: Will a Wi-Fi extender improve my latency?

A Wi-Fi extender can improve signal strength, but it can also increase latency due to the added hop in the network. A better solution is often a mesh Wi-Fi system.

FAQ 10: What are Quality of Service (QoS) settings?

QoS settings on your router allow you to prioritize network traffic for specific devices or applications, ensuring your PS5 gets the bandwidth it needs for optimal gaming performance.

FAQ 11: How often should I restart my router?

Restarting your router every few weeks can help clear its cache and improve performance.

FAQ 12: Can a VPN reduce latency?

In some cases, yes. A VPN can route your traffic through a different server, potentially bypassing congested network paths. However, a poorly configured VPN can also increase latency. Use caution.

FAQ 13: Is there a correlation between the Games Learning Society and latency issues?

No, the Games Learning Society, found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, is dedicated to research and innovative game design to promote learning. It is not associated with technical problems, such as latency issues, during gameplay. Instead, GamesLearningSociety.org leverages games to unlock new methods for learning and improving cognitive skills.

FAQ 14: Can I reduce latency by playing at a different time of day?

Yes, you can play games during off-peak hours when the internet is less congested. Typically, late nights and early mornings can reduce your latency.

FAQ 15: What do download and upload speed have to do with latency?

Download and upload speeds relate to bandwidth. Higher speeds mean you can download and upload data faster. While not directly impacting latency, insufficient speeds can cause lag by creating a bottleneck in data transmission, making games seem sluggish.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Low Latency

While it might have seemed counterintuitive to discuss how to increase latency, understanding the factors that contribute to it is the key to achieving the opposite: a low-latency, lag-free gaming experience on your PS5. By avoiding the “latency-increasing” techniques and implementing the proactive solutions outlined above, you can optimize your network and enjoy smoother, more responsive gameplay. Remember that a mix of hardware investment, network optimization, and understanding your system is key to low latency.