Satellite internet has become a popular option for people living in rural or remote areas where traditional cable or fiber internet isn’t available. But for gamers, the big question is: How well does satellite internet work for playing video games? In this post, we’ll explore the basics of satellite internet, how it impacts online gaming, and what you can do to improve your gaming experience.
What is Satellite Internet?
Satellite internet connects you to the internet via a satellite orbiting the Earth. Here’s how it works:
- Signal Transmission: Your satellite dish sends signals to a satellite located thousands of miles above the Earth.
- Satellite Relay: The satellite sends your signal to a ground station connected to the internet.
- Data Transfer: The ground station processes your data and relays it back to your satellite dish, completing the loop.
This process happens in milliseconds, but it has an impact on latency, which is key for online gaming.
Latency: The Big Challenge for Gamers
When it comes to gaming, one of the most important factors is latency, which refers to the delay between when you perform an action in a game and when that action is registered by the game server.
- Low latency (ping): This is crucial for games that require real-time reactions, like first-person shooters (FPS), battle royales, and fighting games. Cable and fiber internet typically have latency under 30 milliseconds (ms), but satellite internet can have latency ranging from 500ms to 800ms due to the long distance the signal has to travel.
- High latency (lag): If you’re playing on a connection with high latency, you’ll notice a delay between your actions and what happens on the screen. This can result in missed shots, delayed movements, or other frustrating lags, making competitive gaming nearly impossible.
Download and Upload Speeds
While latency is a significant factor, download and upload speeds also matter for gaming. Satellite internet providers like Viasat and HughesNet typically offer download speeds ranging from 12 to 100 Mbps. For many online games, you only need about 3-5 Mbps for a smooth experience.
However, upload speeds tend to be lower with satellite internet, usually around 3 Mbps or less. This can cause problems in multiplayer games that rely on real-time communication between players, like team-based games (MOBA, MMORPG).
How Satellite Internet Affects Different Types of Games
Not all games are equally affected by satellite internet. Here’s how different genres may perform:
- First-Person Shooters (FPS): Due to the high demand for quick reaction times, satellite internet can struggle with FPS games like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, or Fortnite. The high latency often makes these games unplayable.
- Real-Time Strategy (RTS) & MOBAs: Games like Starcraft or League of Legends require fast reflexes, but they may be a bit more forgiving of minor latency. However, expect some lag during intense moments.
- Turn-Based Games: Games like Civilization or card-based games such as Hearthstone and Gwent are more suitable for satellite internet since they don’t require fast reaction times.
- Casual and Single-Player Games: These games can run smoothly on satellite internet because they are less dependent on real-time communication with servers.
Tips to Improve Your Gaming Experience with Satellite Internet
If satellite internet is your only option, there are a few things you can do to improve your gaming experience:
- Use a Wired Connection: Connect your gaming console or PC directly to your router via an Ethernet cable instead of using Wi-Fi. This can reduce some of the lag caused by wireless interference.
- Play During Off-Peak Hours: Internet congestion can slow down speeds. Try playing early in the morning or late at night when fewer people are using the network.
- Reduce Background Activity: Ensure no other devices are streaming or downloading while you’re gaming. Background activity can hog your bandwidth and increase latency.
- Choose the Right Games: Focus on games that aren’t heavily reliant on low latency. Avoid competitive online multiplayer games and opt for turn-based, single-player, or casual games instead.
- Look into Low-Latency Satellite Providers: New satellite internet services like Starlink promise lower latency (around 20-40ms) compared to traditional satellite internet. If available in your area, this could be a game-changer for online gaming.
Satellite internet can work for playing video games, but it comes with limitations, particularly when it comes to latency. If you’re into competitive, fast-paced games, satellite internet may not provide the best experience. However, for casual gaming or single-player experiences, it’s a viable option, especially for those living in areas without other internet choices.
If satellite is your only option, follow the tips above to optimize your setup and make the most of your gaming time. You might not top the leaderboards in your favorite shooter, but with the right setup, you can still enjoy a variety of gaming experiences!
1. Can I play online games with satellite internet?
Yes, you can play online games with satellite internet, but high latency may affect the experience, especially for fast-paced games like first-person shooters.
2. What kind of games work best on satellite internet?
Turn-based games, single-player games, and casual games work best with satellite internet since they are less dependent on low latency.
3. How can I reduce lag when gaming on satellite internet?
You can reduce lag by using a wired connection, playing during off-peak hours, reducing background activity, and choosing games that don’t rely on fast reaction times.
4. What is the latency of satellite internet?
Traditional satellite internet can have latency ranging from 500ms to 800ms, while newer services like Starlink offer latency as low as 20-40ms.
5. Can Starlink provide better performance for gaming?
Yes, Starlink offers lower latency compared to traditional satellite internet, making it more suitable for online gaming, especially for genres that require quick reactions.
