The gaming world is an interesting paradox. With practically every video game on digital platforms, you’d think that no virtual borders could hold us back. Unfortunately, gamers face limitations that result in regionally locked games, DLCs, in-game items, etc. Unfortunately, publishers and distributors curate all this for marketing and pricing ploys, so it’s perfectly legal.
While it’s sometimes maddening, it’s not a situation without a silver lining. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps out gamers on a daily basis to get that game, reduce lag, or play with their foreign friends in an epic multiplayer showdown. With the technology in your arsenal, you can easily conquer virtual limitations and fully enjoy gaming.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a cybersecurity technology that routes your web connection through a protective tunnel using AES-256 encryption. It creates a safe pathway for all data to travel between the internet and your device. For this reason, no snoopers, not even your ISP (Internet Service Provider), can see what you do if your VPN connection is on.
Moreover, you have to connect to a VPN server for the technology to work, as it masks your actual IP address with a foreign one. The good news is that a solid gaming VPN typically has expansive global coverage. You can access Stream from the Philippines if you wish and see changes in prices or library of available games. Since the service conceals your online presence and changes your location, the digital world becomes your oyster.
In short, you can access your game in a different country to access regionally exclusive items or characters. And if you need a break from gaming, the benefits of a VPN don’t end. You can connect to a US server to stream NFL games or binge-watch your favorite Netflix show. So, it’s a solid investment all around.
Does a VPN really work for gaming?
If you decide to scour the web for opinions on gaming VPNs, you’ll find quite a torn attitude among gamers. Numerous Reddit threads either praise the service or condemn it as a hoax. However, the effectiveness of a VPN typically comes down to several factors.
For example, your firewall may be blocking the VPN. Also, it depends on device compatibility or whether the server you landed on is hogged. Sometimes, you need to play around with tunneling protocols to find what works best. Other times, you could have a GPS running on your device, which nulls VPN attempts to change your location.
Ultimately, many more people rely on VPNs for gaming daily. The service resolves download issues for some, while others can freely buy in-game items regardless of geographical restrictions. For some, a VPN secures peace of mind with DDoS protection. So, let’s dive into the general overview of the advantages that the VPN service delivers.
1. Access regional games, DLCs, items & more
There are some games that you can only get in specific regions. For instance, despite their popularity, Lost Ark and PUBG aren’t available worldwide. And it’s just a couple of titles among many. If your friends on a Discord server are chatting about a game you can’t play due to geo-blocks, that’s an awful bummer. But not if you have a VPN. You just have to ensure the app has servers in the right locations.
In fact, you can even play games early, as titles tend to be released on different dates per continent. If, for example, a game comes out in Japan first and only a few days later in the US and Europe, you can connect to a Japanese server. Now, thanks to the VPN, you can start getting sweet loot and leveling up.
2. Lift bandwidth throttling & reduce latency
Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) often monitors your web behavior. Depending on your area, this monitoring could be more or less intense, but the point still stands: they can hog your bandwidth. See, they prioritize certain tasks on their server. So, if they favor streaming and you load the server with gaming sessions, they will throttle your bandwidth. As a result, you experience spikes in lags during games.
Since a VPN routes your web traffic in a protective tunnel, the encryption pulls wool over the eyes of your ISP. Actually, no other third parties can snoop around. Consequently, they can’t really prioritize anything if they don’t see you’re gaming. Lifted bandwidth throttling may also reduce latency and ping, resulting in smoother gameplay.
3. Buy cheaper video games
A VPN helps combat price discrimination. This occurrence means users across different regions are presented with different pricing. For example, a gamer from Norway may pay one price for Baldur’s Gate 3, while a fellow from Malaysia could get away with a cheaper price tag. Local economies, cost of living, and location all play a role in the final price you see on Stream, GOG, or Epic Games.
Since a VPN can change your location, you can sometimes get a desired video game significantly cheaper. However, be careful not to switch around your virtual whereabouts too much since that may cause suspicion for the platform. As a result, you may get a shadow ban or suspension, so be clever about it.
4. Game with friends in foreign lobbies
The service can become the best friend of ranked players who like to delve into games like Warzone or Valorant. Thanks to location spoofing, a reliable gaming VPN allows you to dodge long queues and jump into a lobby in another country. Instead of waiting, you get to increase your Death/Kill ratio. Better yet, you can join your foreign friends regardless of your whereabouts.
Having online friends is amazing, with Discord being the central chat hub. However, some gamers might know the frustration of being unable to hop in on a session with friends because of your location availability. Well, with a VPN you can choose a desired IP address and join your friends’ on another virtual adventure.
5. Defend against DDoS & other threats
Sadly, DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service Attacks) attacks are a regular hurdle in the gaming community. Streamers tend to experience them even more frequently due to personal vengeance from viewers. They’re incredibly irritating since such attacks render gaming impossible for a while or may even get some of your in-game saves gone.
Though a VPN isn’t a complete shield against DDoS attacks, the service does serve as a solid prevention. The most secure VPNs hide your IP address, making such an attack unlikely. So, using a VPN service is especially beneficial if you’re streaming to avoid DDoS attacks and doxxing.
Wrapping up
A VPN in gaming receives many different opinions. However, the benefits of the service for millions of gamers are undeniable. They vouch for a VPN’s capabilities to grant cheaper games, allow access to regionally exclusive in-game items, lift bandwidth throttling, and even reduce latency. It’s a robust addition to your gaming equipment, per se.
A reliable gaming VPN helps optimize your gaming sessions directly and lets you broaden your virtual horizons. On top of that, the technology also acts as a proactive shield against cyber threats that gamers face, like doxxing or DDoS attacks. The encryption keeps you safe and anonymous, while IP masking and location spoofing expand your options dramatically. But don’t forget to use a VPN wisely on your online ventures.
I'm a published author and proud US Army veteran who happens to be a gamer, so I decided to combine the two and love every minute of it! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments and I'll be sure to get back to you.
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