If you’re struggling with lag and trying to fix high ping in Rocket League, you’re not alone. There’s nothing more frustrating than going for a goal and having your car suddenly teleport across the field or missing a crucial save because of a lag spike.
High ping can make Rocket League nearly unplayable, but don’t worry—there are several ways to reduce your latency and get a smooth gaming experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to lower your ping, explain why it happens, and help you check Rocket League’s server status. Let’s get started!
9 Best Ways to Fix High Ping in Rocket League
Here are the most effective ways to reduce your ping step by step:
1. Use a Wired Connection
Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not reliable for online gaming. Wireless connections can suffer from interference, leading to higher latency and lag spikes.
- Plug an Ethernet cable directly into your router.
- If you must use Wi-Fi, make sure you’re as close as possible to your router.
- Reduce interference by disconnecting other devices from the network.
2. Close Background Applications
Apps running in the background can eat up bandwidth and slow down your connection.
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc on Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac).
- Look for apps using network resources and close them (e.g., torrents, streaming services, cloud backups).
- Disable automatic updates for Windows, Steam, and other software.
Source: MS.Codes
3. Check Your Internet Speed
Your internet plan might not be fast enough for smooth gameplay.
- Use Speedtest.net to check your download, upload, and ping.
- Rocket League requires at least 3 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload, but higher speeds help.
- If your speed is lower than expected, restart your modem/router and contact your ISP if needed.
4. Change Rocket League Server Region
Rocket League automatically assigns you a server region, but sometimes switching it manually can improve your ping.
- Open Rocket League and go to Settings > Gameplay.
- Scroll down to Region and select the server closest to you.
- Test different regions to see which one provides the lowest ping.
Source: Arqade
5. Restart Your Modem and Router
Over time, routers can experience slowdowns. Restarting your equipment can refresh your connection.
- Unplug both your modem and router for 10-30 seconds.
- Plug them back in and wait for the connection to stabilize.
- If possible, use a high-quality router optimized for gaming.
6. Limit Other Devices on Your Network
If someone in your house is streaming Netflix in 4K or downloading large files, it will impact your ping.
- Ask others to pause downloads or streams while you play.
- Use Quality of Service (QoS) settings in your router to prioritize gaming traffic.
- Consider upgrading to a higher bandwidth plan if your household has multiple users.
7. Flush Your DNS and Renew IP
Your DNS settings might be slowing down your connection.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
- Then type ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
- Restart your PC and test your connection again.
Source: Revo Uninstaller
8. Check for ISP Issues
Sometimes, high ping isn’t your fault—your ISP might be experiencing issues.
- Visit your ISP’s website or call customer support to check for network problems.
- Consider switching to an ISP with lower latency and better routing to game servers.
9. Use NoPing
If nothing else works, using software like NoPing can significantly reduce your ping.
- NoPing optimizes your internet route, avoiding congested paths.
- It reduces packet loss and stabilizes your connection.
- Download and install NoPing, select Rocket League, and connect to the best server for your location.
Why is My Ping So High in Rocket League?
There are several reasons why you might experience high ping in Rocket League. Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot more effectively and find the best solution.
1. Server Distance and Location
The farther you are from the Rocket League servers, the longer it takes for data to travel between your device and the server. This increased travel time results in higher ping.
- Rocket League has multiple server locations worldwide, but if you’re matched on a distant server, your latency will be higher.
- Some regions have fewer server options, making it harder to get a low-ping match.
2. Internet Speed and Bandwidth
Even if your ISP advertises high speeds, factors like network congestion and poor routing can slow down your connection.
- Rocket League doesn’t require a ton of bandwidth, but if your speed is too low (below 3 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload), you may experience lag.
- Shared internet connections (e.g., multiple people streaming or downloading at the same time) can cause spikes in ping.
3. Network Congestion
If too many devices are connected to your network, your available bandwidth gets divided among them, causing delays.
- Peak hours (evenings and weekends) can lead to slower speeds due to ISP congestion.
- Streaming services, video calls, and downloads in the background can all increase latency.
4. ISP Routing Issues
Some ISPs don’t have the best routes to gaming servers, which can increase ping.
- Your ISP may take an inefficient path to Rocket League’s servers, increasing response time.
- Certain ISPs throttle gaming traffic, leading to inconsistent performance.
5. Wi-Fi Interference and Weak Signal
Playing on Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet introduces more variables that can slow down your connection.
- Walls, furniture, and distance from the router weaken your signal.
- Other devices using the same frequency (like smart TVs, microwaves, or other Wi-Fi users) can interfere with gaming performance.
- Ethernet connections provide the most stable and low-latency experience.
6. Background Applications and System Load
If your computer or console is running other applications in the background, your network performance can suffer.
- Streaming apps, file-sharing programs, and automatic updates can take up bandwidth.
- Even game launchers like Steam or Epic Games Store may download updates in the background.
7. Old or Faulty Networking Equipment
Your router, modem, or even Ethernet cables might be outdated or malfunctioning.
- Older routers may not handle high-speed connections well, leading to latency issues.
- Cheap or damaged Ethernet cables can introduce packet loss and higher ping.
8. Rocket League Server Issues
Sometimes, the issue isn’t on your end—Rocket League’s servers may be experiencing problems.
- Server outages, maintenance, or overloads can cause increased latency and lag.
- Checking Rocket League’s server status (explained later) can help determine if the problem is widespread.
Understanding these factors can help you diagnose and fix your high ping issues more effectively. In the next sections, we’ll cover why it’s important to fix ping problems and how to check Rocket League’s server status.
Why is it Important to Fix High Ping in Rocket League?
High ping isn’t just annoying—it can completely ruin your Rocket League experience. Here’s why fixing it matters:
- More Consistent Gameplay: No more unexpected lag spikes ruining your shots.
- Better Reaction Time: Lower ping means faster response times, helping you play at your best.
- Fewer Disconnections: High ping can cause you to disconnect from matches, leading to frustrating losses.
- Improved Competitive Play: If you play Ranked, stable ping gives you a better chance at climbing divisions.
- Avoiding Bans or Reports: Laggy players can sometimes be flagged as inactive or even kicked from games due to connection issues.
How Can I Check Rocket League Server Status?
Before troubleshooting your connection, it’s a good idea to check if Rocket League servers are experiencing problems.
Ways to check Rocket League server status:
- Check the Following Websites:
- Follow @RocketLeague on Twitter – They post updates on server outages and maintenance.
- Check In-Game Notifications – Sometimes, Rocket League will display server status messages in the main menu.
If the servers are down, there’s not much you can do except wait for Psyonix to fix the issue. If servers are fine, then the problem is likely on your end, and you can try the solutions mentioned earlier.
Fixing high ping in Rocket League takes a bit of trial and error, but with the right approach, you can drastically improve your connection.
Start with the simple steps like using a wired connection, closing background apps, and optimizing your network settings.
But if you really want to have the best connection to play Rocket League wherever you are, try NoPing! Download now and test it for free for 7 days!