A VPN (a virtual private network) can secure data transmission and provide users with a remote server to access the internet. However, it is multifunctional. There are numerous things you can do with a VPN. Streaming, bypassing geo-blocks, preventing censorship, torrenting, or gaming, are all things you can easily find a way to do using VPNs. However, it all depends on the type of this security technology and the service provider. This raises the question, “Can VPN help gaming, and if so, how, and is it effective enough?”
Although the VPN market is fraught with vendors, not everyone can ensure quality. Hence, a VPN varies for different users. Depending on the features, you can use a single provider for multiple tasks. That is why a VPN is multi-practical. This article will focus on answering the long-winded inquiry we mentioned a moment ago.
Can gaming be improved with the help of a VPN?
A VPN can help your gaming while numerous issues are plaguing the same scene. A VPN can circumvent most issues without effort—from lagging to a high ping rate, a VPN can help you. Even if the gaming server blocks your IP address or the game gets banned in your locale, a VPN has a way around it. It does so by utilizing the core functions. A VPN uses security protocols to build a virtual tunnel that can bypass firewalls.
Hence, a VPN can circumvent most networks and allow users access. Also, this tunnel utilizes encryption to hide data packets. It can effectively prevent outside monitoring. Thus, a VPN can block external influences. Therefore, the combined effort of remote access and encryption, the core of a VPN service, can help your gaming.
Description — The following article focuses on how a VPN does this and what issues it can resolve. We urge the readers to have an open mind and practice discretion while employing a VPN, as the article is a subjective representation and not authoritative.
How does a VPN help your gaming?
A VPN can resolve numerous issues surrounding online gaming, such as:
1. Defends against swatting
Although it is not a common issue, there are times when an online feud may transverse into your life. Sometimes online multiplayer gamers become angry and prone to illegal activities. Thus, a few even start to stalk or abuse other players online. But the real danger is when such people find their way into a victim’s regular life. Then the issue stops being digital and can cause severe harm.
Anyone can easily find your IP address and use your other PII (Personally Identifiable Information) to locate you in real-time. They can also use swatting, which is a form of harassment. The perpetrator uses fake reports to send emergency services, such as an ambulance, fire department, or even the police, to the victim’s house regularly. All this is possible due to them finding out about your real identity. But a VPN can prevent it by ensuring your privacy. It is hard for anyone to circumvent a VPN and find out who you are.
2. Prevents DoS and DDoS attacks
As discussed in the previous article: a VPN can prevent a DDoS attack. DDoS or Distributed Denial of Service; is a cyberattack that can harm a network. It overloads the network capacity and forces it to shut down. DDoS is harmful as it can cause severe loss. Hence, force closing a gaming server or a particular player can ruin your gaming experience. But a VPN can prevent such attacks with ease. Because the VPN masks your IP address, the perpetrator has no one to target.
3. Secures private Wi-Fi
Most hackers lurk on public Wi-Fi networks to wait for their next prey. Gamers are among the people who frequently use unsecured Wi-Fi for gaming. Be it cafés, schools, or colleges, gamers use them. But such people are an easy target for the hackers. Typically, gamers don’t employ any online security, risking their online data to a MITM (man-in-the-middle) attack. A skilled hacker can use the MITM attack and siphon off relevant data. Thus, one must use a VPN on a public network. Doing so will prevent others from taking advantage.
4. Defeats bandwidth throttling
An ISP (Internet Service Provider) can throttle bandwidth for whatever reason it deems fit. As such, you have no choice but to go with it, although throttling is forced speed reduction, and it can severely affect gaming. Most providers throttle data to curb online upkeep. Although they offer unlimited plans, they compel people offline by slowing down the net. Another cause behind this problem is the internet fast lane, where the provider can choose to restrict one service while promoting the speed of another. But a VPN can easily defend against throttling by hiding what you do online. If the ISP can figure out your online usage, it can’t throttle it.
5. Provides access to geo-blocked games
VPN can allow users to access geo-blocked games. Some games are regional and do not entertain players from foreign locations. However, avid fans would want to play such games regardless. Thus, a VPN can spoof the IP address and make it look like the player is within the permissible boundaries. Hence, it can bypass geo-blocks and enhance the gaming experience.
6. Brings out the latest releases
Similarly, some games get a prior release in specific regions. Regardless of the platform, some games are exclusive to a particular audience. Hence, other players can’t access it. Take Google Play Store, for example. If you find a game that is popular in Japan, but you want to play it in India, the app will post a result such as, “The item isn’t available in your country.” Also, some popular titles like League of Legends: Wild Rifts got their release in the United States but are still unavailable in the Asian region. However, users with VPNs can freely play the game.
7. Bypasses IP bans
Game admins can ban users’ accounts for numerous reasons. The causes may include cheating, abuse, unfair gameplay, or something else. But seldom can a player get a wrong assessment and find himself banned regardless of a cause. The most popular banning method is blacklisting an IP address. Hence, players can get banned via their IP.But such issues are easy to resolve, especially with a VPN. The VPN can hide or change the user’s IP address and allow them to continue playing. Although, we do not advise doing so as it can lead to other potential trouble.
8. Decreases lag and ping
Although not common, a VPN can resolve lagging and high ping rates. ISP can deliberately target your gaming data and force data packets to take a longer route. Then a VPN can effectively shorten travel time, thus reducing lag and improving ping.