VPN connections are widely used around the world, although there are still some uses that aren’t very widespread. Gaming, for example, is one of the functions that can benefit from this type of connection . Below, I’ll explain how I use my VPN connection to get the most out of my gaming experience.
There are more and more reasons to use a VPN connection every day. And, once you invest in paying for a VPN connection with a quality service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN , it’s best to make the most of it in different ways. In my case, my gaming sessions have greatly benefited from this, as I’ll explain in detail below . For these tests, I used a NordVPN subscription, although there are other recommended services.
| Feature | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimized Protocol | NordLynx (based on WireGuard) | Lightway | WireGuard |
| Average Ping Reduction* | 20-30% potential (according to SpeedTest Intelligence) | 15-25% potential (according to CNET analysis) | 18-28% potential (based on TechRadar testing) |
| Number of Servers / Countries | +6,300 in 111 countries | +3,000 in 105 countries | +3,200 in 100 countries |
| DDoS Protection | Yes, at the network level | Yes, at the network level | Yes, on all servers |
| Monthly Price (verified) | From €3.99/month (2-year plan) | From €6.21/month (1-year plan) | From €2.49/month (2-year plan) |
| *Ping reduction depends on your location, ISP, and distance from the game server. Data is based on third-party testing and is not a guarantee. |
Play games from other regions
Although it may seem surprising, the truth is that regions do exist in the world of online gaming . While dozens of games are available on Steam or you can get free games monthly through an Amazon Prime membership , if you want even more, you can find them abroad. In countries like Japan and South Korea, there are a huge number of games that are regionally blocked so that only citizens of those countries can access them.
And the most important thing is that, in both cases, these titles are very interesting . In South Korea, for example, you have some high-quality MMORPGs available that aren’t available in any other language. While there is a language barrier, with today’s translators, it’s not a problem. Meanwhile, in Japan, you have many anime series available that aren’t available in other markets, especially on mobile devices. Their availability varies regionally due to rights and licensing issues, so being able to access them with a VPN can be a great opportunity.
Play without lag internationally
You may have met people from other countries through X or Instagram . And maybe you want to play multiplayer online games with them. But, in many cases, what we find is that the connection with other users is not fluid, being affected by a high volume of lag. By connecting to a server in the country where the game and your friends are located, you can reduce the amount of lag and make the experience smoother. This is essential if you are playing an MMORPG where you need to fight and enjoy fluidity while you are defeating enemies.
Keep in mind that the reduction in lag and improved fluidity will not be absolute and will also depend on the VPN connection you have selected. However, it’s obvious that using one of these connections will improve performance no matter where you connect.
Play new games first
Related to changing regions, this is a trick you’ll want to use if you’re really eager to start playing a new game. By changing the region and choosing a country where the day has started earlier or the clock is ahead, you might be able to access games that haven’t arrived in Spain yet, a few hours or days earlier. This is a trick for very impatient users , but it certainly works and can be a good way to get ahead of other players.
Overcoming network blocks
You might be at work and have stayed for lunch at the office. You have an hour or two to spend doing something you’d like before returning to work, but you find that your company’s network configuration doesn’t allow you to play. This is common in many environments and is intended to prevent employees from being distracted by games or other content. However, in those two hours of your free time, you’d like to play. To do this, you could use a VPN connection to overcome any network limitations you encounter.
Increase your privacy
With a VPN connection, you can better protect yourself and increase your privacy , not only while browsing, but also while gaming. While you may think you don’t need it while playing online games, the reality is that protection never hurts. If you’re experienced with multiplayer online games, you’ve probably encountered users who get angry with you, get annoyed, or even stalk you with malicious intent.
Therefore, it’s best to try to protect your identity and personal data as much as possible. While most of these incidents in online worlds are related to in-game events, you never know what might happen in other situations .