Valorant how to fix packet loss

Valorant is a competitive FPS game in which every single second can potentially make or break a match. If you miss a single headshot or stutter during an ability throw, then you might find yourself on the brunt end of your entire team's wrath. This is exactly why players try their best to ensure their ping is as low as possible.

However, packet loss has the potential to increase your ping to extreme levels, rendering you unable to properly play the game. Fortunately, we have a couple of tricks you can potentially use to fix your packet loss issue and start playing the game the way it's intended to be played.

So, without further ado, here's how you can fix packet loss in Valorant. If you want to learn how to play some new agents to take advantage of your fixed ping, we recommend you hire a professional-level coach from Eloking. Just don't forget to use the code "BoostToday" for a 20% discount.

What is packet loss?

To fix packet loss, we first have to understand what it is. Packet loss happens when data packets moving between your system and the game can't reach each other, which can cause multiple problems in online games like lag, rubberbanding, and disconnections. 

How to check if you're getting packet loss in Valorant

To check if you're getting packet loss, open up Valorant and:

1. Click on the settings icon in the top-right, or hit escape and select Settings
2. Open the Video tab that's on the top of the screen
3. Over there, open the Stats tab
4. Scroll down until you find the Network area
5. There, you need to select Show Both for the Packet Loss option.

And that's it! You'll be able to see your packet loss as a graph on the right or as numerical values on the top left. As long as it's 0%, you're good.

How to fix packet loss

If you're getting packet loss, there are numerous things you can try to fix it, such as:

Installing an Ethernet cable

If you're on WiFi, one of the first things you should do is switch to an Ethernet connection, as it directly connects your router to your system without interruptions. Doing this will lead to a much more stable connection, which can fix many other issues alongside packet loss, like low bandwidth.

Check if something is using up your bandwidth

Usually, something in the background is downloading or uploading, which can cause latency issues, so try to check what's using up that bandwidth. If it's not you, then it could be someone else using up all of your internet, so ask around everyone who's connected to your WiFi.

Flush your DNS cache

Flushing your DNS cache lets your system gather all the required data for IP addresses and DNS from scratch by clearing out previous information. This can help ensure your system has the most recent information about domain names and their IP addresses. To flush your DNS cache, do these steps:

1. Search for the command prompt on the Windows search bar and right-click on it
2. Select Run as administrator
3. Once open, type "ipconfig/flushdns" without the quotation marks (") and hit enter.

If it works properly, it'll show a message saying it was successful.

Restart your Router

Restarting your router can fix any underlying issues that may be present, similar to how turning a computer on and off can help it fix problems. Also, if you're going to restart your router, then make sure you properly power cycle it by following these steps:

1. Turn off your Router
2. Unplug it
3. Hold the power button for at least 10 seconds
4. Wait 20 seconds
5. Replugging it and turning it on

Doing this will make sure the router restarts properly and will clear out any glitches or system leaks present in it. Not only can this fix packet loss issues, but it can also help with performance.

Contact your ISP

If all else fails, try contacting your internet service provider and ask them to repair your internet, as it's also possible that the problem could be on their end.

FAQs

Is ping important in Valorant?

Yes, ping is extremely important in Valorant. Since the game is an online first-person shooter, even a second of lag can mean the difference between winning or losing a round. Additionally, ping also directly affects how fast your hits register.

Does it matter which server you play Valorant in?

The server you play Valorant in definitely plays a huge role in how high or low your ping is. If you're located near the server location then your ping will likely be lower when compared to connecting to a server that's further away from you.