Yes, you should use a VPN for gaming. VPNs can instantly double the fun of playing Dota 2, Fortnite, Rocket League, Forza, Final Fantasy, Minecraft, The Witcher 3, Elden Ring, or any other game you fancy playing over the Internet. And as a bonus, they ironclad your online security and privacy. It is truly a win-win!
VPN stands for virtual private network, and it creates an encrypted tunnel through which your Internet traffic passes. This tunnel is hidden from view, so snoopers and third parties cannot spy on your online activity with your ISP and government agencies. Hence, investing in a VPN as part of your gaming gear makes sense. Surfshark and HMA VPN are popularly used by gaming enthusiasts, but there are also other VPN options available (see below).
Don’t believe us? Have doubts? Keep scrolling for compelling reasons to support VPNs for gaming.
Use a VPN while you Game for the Following Reasons:
Protection from Cyberattacks
DDoS attacks are common in online gaming. This is done to prevent others from playing the game. DDoS attacks are performed when players have access to the IP address of the gamer they want to stop from playing.
Using VPN while gaming means not allowing competitors to find the exact IP address. This will protect you from DDoS attacks when you are playing online.
Preventing Swatting
Swatting happens when your component uses your IP address and other information to find out your physical location. Then, the opponent sends a SWAT team to your home or wherever you are on a made-up emergency call.
Swatting can be pretty dangerous because the SWAT teams come into your property, thinking it is an actual emergency. This may hurt someone in the process.
Although VPN cannot completely prevent swatting, it will help reduce the risk.
Accessing Geo-blocked Games
By using a VPN, you can access games that are otherwise restricted in your geographic location. With the VPN enabled, you can choose which server you want to use when playing the game.
Avoiding Bandwidth Throttling
ISPs are blamed for throttling or slowing down bandwidth, and it can be one reason or another. Basically, throttling is done during specific times to ease network congestion.
Others may automatically throttle bandwidth if specific traffic is detected on the network, especially streaming and gaming. ISPs also throttle when they see a huge amount of data being transferred.
Reducing Risks While Gaming on Public Wi-Fi
Do you access public Wi-Fi to play games online? If so, you must use VPN to stay safe. Accessing unsecured Wi-Fi puts you at risk, but a VPN can protect your information from hackers, snoopers, and other bad actors using the same Wi-Fi network.
This also protects you from spyware, malware, and other cyber threats that might be posed by others connected to the same network.
Overcoming IP Bans
Games can sometimes ban or block an IP address if they do not approve of the player’s behavior. Or if they detect the player from a specific IP address has broken the rules of the game. You can get around the IP ban using a VPN because this will make it appear that you are playing from a different IP address.
But you must note that overcoming an IP ban means breaching the terms of service of the game you are playing.
Additionally, VPNs let gamers play anonymously. So, nobody will know the games you play online. Even your opponents cannot identify you. This means you can bring in your A-game and beat your friends without any backlash, or you can have bad days and don’t have to worry about your opponents embarrassing you for your losses.
As a bonus, you can enjoy new game releases earlier if they are released in other areas. For instance, you are in the USA, but the game you are eagerly waiting for is released in the UK first. You can use VPN to change your server location so you can play the latest release the day it comes out.
Which are The Top VPNs for Gaming?
Surfshark
Surfshark offers split tunneling and multi-hop connections. Also, there’s no limit on the number of simultaneous connections, and it has a strict no-logs policy. Considering its advanced security features and vast network of 3,200 servers in 100 countries, the subscription is budget-friendly. Plus, as mentioned, you can connect multiple devices with a single subscription.
So, if you need to spoof your location to enhance online gaming experiences, Surfshark is the ideal option. It offers a 30-day trial period with a money-back guarantee.
NordVPN
NordVPN has a long-standing history in the VPN space. It provides split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and access to the Tor anonymization network over VPN. It also has a new Meshnet feature added that ensures easy and fast file sharing.
However, this is one of the most expensive VPNs on this list. If you are pressed for cash, this might not be the best solution. But its features and a wide network of servers offer value for money.
The Meshnet feature is not only great for sharing files, but it is also interesting to gamers because it can be used for LAN gaming remotely.
HMA VPN
HMA VPN is another popular VPN for gaming, with an enormous collection of servers worldwide. It has servers in 190 countries, and it is an excellent choice for gamers wanting to spoof their location. However, please note that out of the 190 countries, 79 of them are physically located, and the rest are virtual locations. The subscription plan is within reach for most average customers.
Besides these, IPVanish VPN, AVG Secure VPN, Proton VPN, and Mozilla VPN are some other great options for gamers.
Summary
To reiterate what’s already been said, gamers must use VPN for gaming. VPNs protect gamers against DDoS attacks, reduce the risk of swatting, and are a fantastic workaround for IP bans placed by certain games if players break the rules or notice some anomalies from the specific IP address. Also, using a VPN means accessing geo-restricted games and the latest releases.
If you are not using VPN for gaming, you are missing out on a lot of fun.
