If you’ve ever experienced packet burst in Call of Duty while playing Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) or Black Ops 6 (BO6), you know how frustrating it can be.
One moment, you’re running smoothly, aiming for that perfect shot, and the next, your screen freezes, stutters, or rubberbands you back to where you were a second ago.
Packet burst is one of the most common and annoying issues in online gaming, especially in fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty.
But don’t worry—this article will break down what packet burst is, why it happens, and most importantly, how you can fix it to improve your gameplay.
What is Packet Burst in Call of Duty MW3 and BO6?
Packet burst is when data packets sent between your game and the server don’t arrive consistently, causing sudden spikes in latency, stuttering, and lag.
In Call of Duty MW3 and BO6, this often manifests as delayed inputs, teleporting players, or jarring stutters, making the game nearly unplayable at times.
Source: Hritwik Raj / ONE Esports
When you see those red or yellow squares on the side of your screen indicating “Packet Burst,” it’s your game telling you that your connection is unstable.
The issue isn’t necessarily with your internet speed, but rather with the consistency of how data is being transmitted and received between you and the server.
Even players with high-speed internet connections can face packet burst if their network isn’t optimized properly.
How to Fix Packet Burst in Call of Duty MW3 and BO6?
Here’s what you can do to minimize or eliminate packet burst in Call of Duty MW3 and BO6:
1. Use a Wired Connection
Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s also one of the biggest culprits of packet burst. A wired Ethernet connection provides a more stable and lower-latency connection. If you’re serious about online gaming, investing in a good Ethernet cable can make a significant difference.
2. Optimize Your Router Settings
Many routers have settings that can optimize online gaming performance:
- Enable Quality of Service (QoS): This prioritizes gaming traffic over other devices on your network.
- Use the Right Frequency: If you must use Wi-Fi, switch to the 5GHz band instead of 2.4GHz for better speed and less interference.
- Update Your Router Firmware: Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
3. Close Background Applications
Streaming, downloads, or even apps like Discord running in the background can eat up bandwidth and cause packet burst. Close unnecessary applications on your PC or console before launching Call of Duty.
4. Change Your DNS Settings
Sometimes, your ISP’s default DNS servers aren’t the best for gaming. Switching to Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) can provide better routing and reduce latency.
5. Check for Server Issues
Call of Duty servers can sometimes be the issue. Before troubleshooting your connection, check the official server status on Activision’s website or social media pages.
6. Turn Off On-Demand Texture Streaming
The On-Demand Texture Streaming feature enhances graphics without overloading your CPU or GPU, but it consumes bandwidth, often leading to high latency and packet burst issues.
The visual improvement is minimal compared to the performance trade-off, so it’s best to disable it. Follow these steps:
- Open Modern Warfare 3.
- Click the ⚙️ icon to access Settings.
- Select the Graphics option.
- Navigate to the Quality tab.
- Scroll down to On-Demand Texture Streaming and toggle it off.
Source: Game Rant
7. Enable Nvidia Reflex Low Latency
If you have an Nvidia GPU, enabling Nvidia Reflex Low Latency can help reduce latency by optimizing the rendering pipeline. To turn it on:
- Open the Graphics settings.
- Scroll down until you find Nvidia Reflex Low Latency and enable it.
Source: Nvidia
8. Reset Shader Pre-Loading
On PC, pre-loaded shaders can sometimes contribute to packet bursts. Resetting them clears the cache and optimizes VRAM usage, leading to smoother match loading. To do this in Black Ops 6:
- Open Settings and go to the Graphics tab.
- Under the Display section, locate Restart Shaders Pre-Loading.
- Click the option to reset and allow the process to complete.
Source: Destructoid
9. Turn Off Crossplay
Although disabling crossplay hasn’t been proven to directly fix packet loss and packet burst, some players report a noticeable improvement. If you’re experiencing issues, it’s worth trying this setting to see if it helps.
10. Use a Game Booster
A game booster like NoPing can reroute your connection to find a more stable path to the server, reducing packet burst and improving latency.
What Causes Packet Burst and Latency Issues in Call of Duty?
Several factors contribute to packet burst and latency issues in Call of Duty:
1. Network Congestion
If multiple devices in your home are streaming, downloading, or gaming at the same time, your connection can become overloaded, causing data packets to arrive inconsistently.
2. Poor ISP Routing
Not all ISPs are optimized for gaming. Some have inefficient routing that makes your data travel unnecessary distances, increasing latency and instability.
3. Server Distance
The farther you are from a game server, the longer data takes to travel back and forth. Playing on servers closer to your location can help reduce lag.
4. Packet Loss
When data packets get lost in transmission due to network instability, your game tries to compensate, leading to stuttering and delayed inputs.
5. Overloaded Game Servers
Sometimes, the issue isn’t on your end at all. If Call of Duty’s servers are overloaded with too many players, you might experience lag and packet burst even if your connection is solid.
How to Fix Latency Variation in Call of Duty?
Latency variation (also known as jitter) is when your ping fluctuates unpredictably, causing inconsistent gameplay. Here are some ways to fix it:
1. Lower Your Ping with a Game Booster
A game booster can help stabilize your connection by routing your data through the best possible path. Services like NoPing are designed specifically for gamers.
2. Adjust In-Game Network Settings
- Turn Off On-Demand Texture Streaming: This can use up bandwidth, causing packet burst and latency spikes.
- Enable Connection Metering: This limits background data usage and prioritizes game performance.
3. Use a Dedicated Gaming Router
Gaming routers are built to prioritize gaming traffic, reducing ping spikes and jitter. If you frequently experience latency variation, upgrading your router might be a worthwhile investment.
4. Reduce Network Interference
If you must use Wi-Fi, try moving your console or PC closer to the router, and avoid using other wireless devices that could cause interference, such as microwaves or Bluetooth devices.
5. Contact Your ISP
If you’ve tried everything and still experience latency variation, it might be time to contact your ISP. Some ISPs offer gaming-specific plans with lower latency and better routing.
Packet burst and latency issues in Call of Duty MW3 and BO6 can be a serious problem, but they’re not unbeatable. Whether it’s using a wired connection, optimizing your network settings, or investing in a gaming VPN, there are several ways to improve your online experience.
By applying the fixes outlined in this guide, you can minimize lag, reduce packet burst, and enjoy smoother gameplay.
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