What is a Good Internet Speed for Gaming?

Gaming is more than just a hobby for many people. It has become a viable career option for many youngsters, and gamers have a mutual consensus on how their performance depends on their internet connection.

However, contrary to popular belief, low internet speed is not the primary cause of most gaming issues. Gaming only requires fast internet speeds when downloading a new game or updating. However, internet speeds matter when multiple people are using the same network. Here is everything you need to know about good internet speed for gaming and the other factors that can influence your gaming experience.

Internet Speed for Gaming

Gaming does not require high internet speed, and your average internet connection of 25 Mbps is enough for most games. However, this speed requirement increases if you are not the sole user of your internet connection. Also, keep in mind that internet speed is not the only reason behind laggy games, as even a fast internet connection cannot guarantee a smooth gaming experience if your latency is high. These are some other equally important factors you need to consider for gaming.

What is a Good Upload Speed for Gaming?

Upload speed is not significant for gaming, and 1 Mbps is sufficient for most games. But you’ll need higher upload speeds if you are into streaming games on Twitch or use Discord to discuss gaming strategies with your friends. Therefore, you should consider an internet plan with 5 Mbps to 10 Mbps upload speed.

Latency

You can lower your latency by getting close to your router for a wireless signal or directly connecting the device with an Ethernet cable.

Packet loss

The loss of incoming data in small units called packets due to network congestion, spotty WiFi, or outdated software is called Packet Loss. It usually results in audio and video glitches. It should not be over 2%. You can reduce this by upgrading your router and directly connecting the device with an Ethernet cable.

Jitter

Jitter is the deviation of the signal pulses. In simple words, jitter is the variation in latency that can cause a massive disruption in your gameplay.

How Many Mbps Do I Need For Gaming?

According to FCC, the minimum speed requirements for gaming include:

• 3 Mbps – 4 Mbps download speed
• 1 Mbps upload speed
• Less than 150 ms latency

However, note that these recommendations are for only one person using the internet. The speed requirements increase with the number of people on the network. If two people are utilizing the same home internet with few devices connected to the network, then the recommended speeds for gaming are

• 25 Mbps – 50 Mbps download speed
• 5 Mbps upload speed
• Less than 40 ms latency

These are general speed recommendations for gaming, but different games consume various network resources. So, what are the suitable internet speeds for these games? Here is a list of good internet speeds for some popular games:

First Person Shooter (FPS) Games

An FPS is an action video game played from the protagonist’s perspective and revolves around weapon combat. Its intricate GUI requires numerous network resources and the gameplay relies on quick action. Therefore FPS games require more speed. The recommended internet speeds for these games are.

• Above 30 Mbps download speed
• 1 Mbps upload speed
• Less than 20 ms latency

Examples of FPS games:

• Overwatch
• Call of Duty
• Counterstrike

Real-Time Strategy Games

Although RTS games allow gamers to play in real-time, they require minimum internet speeds:

• 3 Mbps download speed
• 1 Mbps upload speed
• 120 ms latency

Examples of RTS games:

• StarCraft
• Age of Empires
• Warcraft

Role-Playing Games (RPG)

Role play games require the least network resources, and you can play many of these games offline. However, some of them need an internet connection for updates. These games require minimum internet speeds since they lack a multiplayer element.

• 2 Mbps download speed
• 1 Mbps upload speed
• 150 ms latency

Examples of RPGs:

• Chrono Trigger
• Tales of Arise
• Final Fantasy XIV

Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) Games:

MMO games’ requirements are somewhat similar to RPGs. But they are mostly played online. They also tend to transfer a large amount of data. Therefore, an internet plan with unlimited data is ideal for these games. They require:

• Above 3.5 Mbps download speed
• Above 0.5 Mbps upload speed
• 150 ms latency

Examples of MMO games:

• Runescape
• Eve Online
• Club Penguin

How Many Mbps Do I Need For Different Gaming Devices?

Different gaming devices need different internet speeds based on the minimum system requirements. The speed requirements of various gaming platforms are

Minimum Speed Requirements

You can easily find these requirements on the support pages of these platforms. We have used general guidelines for unavailable specifications.

Recommended Speed Requirements:

You can easily find these requirements on the support pages of these platforms. We have used general guidelines for unavailable specifications.

Best Internet Providers for Gaming

Fiber internet is the most reliable connection, but it is not widely available. Therefore, your next best option is cable internet. Considering the latency, speeds, data caps, and connection type, here are some of the best internet providers for gaming.

Final Words

The right internet plan with a suitable internet speed is essential for an excellent gaming experience. Therefore if your connection is continuously letting you experience lags and you have tried everything to make it better, switch to another ISP. If gaming is your priority, choose a plan with the lowest latency but remember to consider the requirements of other online activities like streaming, downloading, and more.