Yes, ping should ideally be low for smooth gaming performance.
Yes, ping should ideally be low for smooth gaming performance.
Hey! I noticed the Fortnite streams had high pings—most were around 9 or 10. My internet test showed mine at about 9, and when I played Fortnite it was around 93. It’s really frustrating when everything feels sluggish and my aim suffers. I often have to tap a few times to place something, and my shots keep missing. If anyone has tips on fixing the ping or improving stability, I’d really appreciate it!
93 Ping isn't very smooth. Make sure you're on the nearest server. Building takes time—don't just press the button and expect instant results. The server needs to respond, especially if you have a high ping. For me, the lowest ping I've had in Fortnite is 200.
I reside in ND and I’m not sure their servers are nearby. My usual ping is around 9, but now it’s spiking to 79. What’s going on?
Your internet speed test probably differs from Fortnite’s check. Delay depends on how long it takes for data to travel between your device and the server. That’s true even in ND—where you’re located.
MOBA offers a completely different experience. In Dota 2 I play with 170 ping, it’s really varied and many options. Fortnite has its own challenges—like when you press an ability button meant for a point target. Instead of showing the cursor right away, it waits for the server to respond (about 180ms). If you try to click before then, nothing happens. Now imagine playing at 90 ping—how impressive!
The server appears to be about 93 milliseconds away, but is that confirmed? Continuing to experience such delays might not be ideal.
Location metrics, each step between you and the server, router load (such as heavy downloads), network conditions, and other factors all affect latency. Speed isn’t a factor when considering latency. If ping times are poor, focus on servers nearer with fewer delays or try to tackle some of the points I mentioned, though some issues may remain unresolved. Using powerline can also influence performance.
You’re likely checking your local network connection speed. Most homes experience less than 1ms delay, but latency increases after that point. Each router or switch along the path adds its own delay, so more hops mean higher latency. The type of internet service you use also plays a role—different technologies like ADSL or Ethernet can introduce extra delays. Your provider’s network, such as Fiber Optic in my area, generally offers the lowest latency. However, distance still matters and is often beyond your control. If you notice consistent changes in speed, try pinging your router’s default gateway to see if it reflects local ISP performance. This can help identify if the problem lies with your connection or the ISP’s infrastructure. In some cases, heavy usage by others on shared connections can also cause delays. If you’re in North Dakota and have experience with the local network, sharing insights might be useful.