Ping should be very low, typically under 20 milliseconds, to ensure smooth gameplay and a fair competitive experience.
Ping should be very low, typically under 20 milliseconds, to ensure smooth gameplay and a fair competitive experience.
The guidelines suggest that pings under 20 ms are considered outstanding, while 50–100 ms fall into a decent range. Pings of 150 ms or higher are seen as poor and are labeled "high ping." Whether this applies to fast games like CS:GO, OW, or Fortnite depends on the context, but the article emphasizes that very low ping is rare and highly desirable.
I notice delays around 150ms and tend to prefer anything under 200ms. For pros with low-latency monitors and high refresh rates, aiming for under 50ms might work better. As @Levent mentioned, joining a group with similar equipment at a LAN party could give the best results. In the end, everyone's experience and gear vary, so you should try different setups to see what feels right for you.
I notice that gaming with around 62 to 78 ping feels fine, but anything above that feels sluggish. The more it climbs, the worse it becomes. I consistently stay at or below 62 ping; a 35 or less is likely smooth. For me, anything higher than that is really frustrating. The main issue isn't just reaching low ping—it's how much it fluctuates during gameplay. It swings from around 90s to 130-140s and back again, which disrupts my rhythm and makes it tough to play consistently. This inconsistency affects my ability to enjoy the experience.
You're accustomed to seeing low-latency numbers in games. A jump from 10ms to 33-45ms would likely go unnoticed, but beyond 30ms for those sensitive to timing, it becomes noticeable. Between 40ms and 80ms, you'd feel comfortable with smooth interpolation, while anything over 85-90ms would prompt a search for a faster server.
100ms works for me in online gaming. However, 50ms or less feels ideal, particularly for Twitch shooters and other fast-paced titles where quick reactions are crucial.