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What is lag in gaming and what causes it?
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Got lag when you’re gaming online? There’s plenty of things you can do to make games as smooth as they should be. Let’s take a look into what lag is, what causes it, and how you can stop lagging the next time you’re online
By Virgin Media Edit
- Published
- 6 March 2025
What is lag?
Lag is a delay between a player's action and the game's response. It happens when the connection between the player's device and the game server is weak or unstable, meaning that when a player moves, shoots, or presses a button, there’s a delay in when it happens in-game.
Lag can make online multiplayer games frustrating because actions do not happen instantly, which can mean the difference between winning or losing in competitive games like first-person shooters, battle royales or racing games. It makes games feel unresponsive or ‘laggy’, with movements being delayed, characters teleporting, or the game freezing or crashing for seconds at a time.
Lag is often measured by "ping," which is the time it takes for data to travel between the player and the game server. A high ping means more lag, while a low ping means a smoother gaming experience.
What causes lag in gaming? Why am I lagging?
Lag in games can be caused by different factors, including internet issues, hardware limitations, and game settings. Below are the main causes of lag and how they affect gameplay.
One of the biggest causes of lag in online games is a slow or unstable broadband connection. If the internet speed is too low or keeps dropping, the game cannot send and receive data quickly, causing input delay, making characters teleport, and even players to disconnect. A weak Wi-Fi signal or too many devices using the internet at the same time can also make the problem worse, especially if multiple devices in the same household are streaming videos, downloading files, or using the internet at the same time.
If you’re having issues with your broadband speed, it may be time for an upgrade. Check out our gaming broadband deals to compare superfast broadband deals available in your area.
Ping is the time it takes for data to travel between the player and the game server. If the ping is high, actions like shooting or moving may take longer to register, which causes lag. High ping usually happens when playing on a game server that is far away from the player’s location. If the server is in another country, data must travel a long distance, increasing lag. Other causes include internet congestion, outdated network drivers, or a poor-quality WiFi router.
Sometimes, lag is caused by the game’s server rather than the player’s internet or device. If the server is experiencing high traffic, maintenance, or technical problems, players may experience lag, disconnections, or long loading times.
Server lag can also happen if a game does not have enough servers to handle the number of players online. This is common in newly released games or during special in-game events where many players are trying to connect at the same time. You can usually see a game is experiencing server issues on the game or developer’s website or social media pages, so it’s always worth checking if there are any server issues before you start trying to fix your own connection.
Having multiple programs running in the background can slow down both the internet and system performance, which is never a good thing for gaming. For online games, background apps using the internet can increase network lag, while for offline games, apps that use a lot of CPU or memory (RAM) can reduce the game’s performance.
Web browsers, streaming services, file downloads, and antivirus scans going on the background all use up all your broadband and device resources, causing lag in games.
Lag isn’t always caused by your internet connection. If a computer, console, or mobile device is not powerful enough, the game may lag. This happens when the processor, graphics card, or RAM don’t meet the system requirements for a game cannot handle the game’s graphics and actions fast enough.
This is more common in graphics-heavy PC games that need large amounts of Video RAM to be playable, which many average computers won’t have. Most console games are optimized for the consoles they can be played on, so if you’re experiencing lag, it’s probably a broadband issue.
Most games allow players to adjust graphics settings like resolution, textures, shadows, and effects. If these settings are too high for the device, the game may run at a low frame rate (FPS), causing choppiness and lag.
Games with realistic graphics require a lot of processing power and running them at ultra or high settings can overload weaker hardware. Even on a powerful PC, running games at the highest settings without the right cooling system can cause overheating, leading to performance drops.
How does lag affect gaming?
When a game lags, actions may feel slow, unresponsive, or delayed. You might press a button to jump, attack, or move, but the game takes too long to respond, causing mistakes or missed opportunities at key moments in a game. This can make it difficult to play properly, especially in fast-paced games where quick reactions are important.
When it comes to competitive online multiplayer games, lag can make the game unfair for everyone. If one player has a slow connection, their character may teleport or move unpredictably, making it hard for others to hit them.
On the other hand, if a player’s game is delayed, they may see enemies too late or react too slowly, causing them to lose battles or matches. This can be frustrating, especially in competitive games where every second matters.
Lag can also affect the graphics and smoothness of a game. If a game stutters, freezes, or drops frames, it can make movement look choppy and unnatural. This makes exploring, aiming, or driving in the game harder and less enjoyable.
In severe cases, lag can cause the game to crash or disconnect from the server, forcing players to restart or lose progress.
How can I test my lag?
You can test your lag by checking your internet speed and ping using an online speed test. A good test will measure your ping (latency), download speed, and upload speed, which all affect how smoothly your games run online.
High ping means more lag, while low download and upload speeds can cause slow connections. Use our helpful broadband speed checker to check if your internet speed is making you laggy.
How can I reduce my lag?
The simplest way to reduce lag is to improve your internet connection when you’re playing online and optimise your game settings when you’re offline. This will make your games run smoother and get you reduce the risk of your connection dropping when you’re playing multiplayer games, leading to less lag.
The best way to reduce lag depends on what’s causing it in the first place, but some of the most common tactics include:
1. Use a Wired Connection Instead of WiFi
An Ethernet cable is the go-to choice for competitive gamers looking to eliminate lag when they’re online. WiFi is great for daily browsing needs, but signals can be interrupted by walls and other wireless devices, If your connection is weak, you’re more likely to may experience lag when you’re gaming online.
Using an Ethernet cable lets you connect your gaming device to the internet directly, reducing lag caused by unstable connections. If you must use WiFi, try moving closer to the router or using a WiFi extender to improve the signal.
2. Connect to the Nearest Game Server
Online games connect to servers that process player actions. If you are playing on a server far from your location, the games data has to travel further to reach you and get back to the server, increasing ping and causing lag. Many games allow players to choose a server region, so select the server that’s closest to you will reduce delay and make the game feel more responsive.
3. Close Background Applications
Programs running in the background can slow down your internet and gaming device. Streaming videos, downloading files, or having multiple apps open can take up bandwidth and system resources. Before playing, close unnecessary applications, especially those using the internet, to free up speed and processing power for the game.
4. Lower Your Graphics Settings
If your game is lagging because your device is struggling to handle it, lowering graphics settings can make a huge difference. Reduce settings like resolution, shadows, and special effects to improve performance. Many games have a “Performance Mode” or “Low Graphics” setting that optimizes the game for a less laggy experience.
5. Limit Other Devices Using the Internet
If multiple devices are connected to the internet at the same time, it can slow down your connection. Streaming, video calls, and downloads on other devices in your home can cause network lag. Try gaming when fewer devices are online or set up Quality of Service (QoS) on your router to prioritize gaming traffic.
6. Restart Your Router and Modem
Over time, routers and modems can slow down due to extended use. If your internet has been slow or unstable, a simple restart can often fix lag and fix any temporary issues with your connection. To do this:
Turn off your router and modem,
Unplug them for 10–30 seconds, then turn them back on.
Restart your gaming device after rebooting the router for the best results.
Some routers allow you to schedule automatic reboots, which can help maintain a stable connection. If restarting does not help, the issue may be down to the speed of your broadband. Use our speed checker to see if your broadband is fast enough.
7. Use Game Mode or Performance Settings
Most gaming devices have special settings to improve performance. On Windows, enabling “Game Mode” helps by reducing background activity. On consoles, some games offer Performance Mode to run at a higher frame rate with lower graphics if you’re on an older console.
Is it time to upgrade your broadband?
If you love playing online games – either on your own or with friends – you’ll want your broadband to be fast enough for gaming. So, if your internet speed is too slow and it’s causing lag when you’re online, it may be time for an upgrade.
Check out all of our gaming broadband deals and find a broadband package that’s fast enough for all your gaming needs.
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