How to Fix Packet Loss in Valorant

Packet loss in Valorant—dropping data between you and Riot servers—can ruin your game: lag spikes, rubberbanding, delayed shots, even disconnects. This guide is packed with vetted fixes and SEO keywords like Valorant packet loss, reduce lag, and optimize network, ensuring both readability and research-backed reliability.

1. Diagnose Packet Loss & Network Lag

Enable in-game stats (Shift+F3) to check packet loss and jitter.
Perform a Windows ping test using:

nginx

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ping -n 50 1.1.1.1

or

nginx

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tracert login.riotgames.com

This helps identify intermittent drops between your system and Riot’s servers.

2. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection

Wi-Fi is prone to interference. Ethernet via CAT5e/CAT6 provides stable and consistent performance and significantly reduces packet loss in Valorant. Many players have found that switching to Ethernet resolved most of their packet issues.

3. Restart Router & Power Cycle

Unplug your modem and router for 30 to 60 seconds to refresh your internet connection. This simple trick often clears temporary bugs or background ISP throttling that can cause packet drops.

4. Update Network Drivers & Firmware

Keep your Ethernet or Wi-Fi drivers updated through Device Manager or your hardware provider’s official site.
Also, log into your router’s admin panel and check for firmware updates. Outdated firmware can restrict data flow and result in packet loss.

5. Set DNS, Disable IPv6 & Flush DNS Cache

Disable IPv6 in your network settings and switch to IPv4.
Use stable DNS services such as Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
Flush the DNS cache by running this command in CMD:

bash

CopyEdit

ipconfig /flushdns

This helps reduce name resolution delays and packet issues caused by corrupted DNS entries.

6. Optimize Router Settings & QoS

Enable Quality of Service (QoS) in your router settings and prioritize Valorant or your device’s MAC/IP address.
Ensure your NAT type is Open or Moderate, as Strict NAT can affect game connectivity.
Switch between 2.4GHz and 5GHz to see which offers more stable performance for your network.

7. Replace Faulty Cables & Ports

Check for damaged or low-quality Ethernet cables. Replace with CAT5e or higher standard cables.
Switch to a different router port if you suspect hardware faults. Poor cables or ports can lead to physical layer data loss.

8. Close Background Bandwidth-Hogging Apps

Use Task Manager or Resource Monitor to close apps using bandwidth in the background, such as YouTube, Netflix, torrent clients, or auto-updates.
Valorant requires low latency, and background usage can cause spikes in packet loss and lag.

9. Test Alternate Connections & VPNs

If you’re facing persistent packet loss, try connecting to a mobile hotspot to determine if your primary ISP is the cause.
In some regions, VPNs or gaming tunnels like ExitLag or NoPing help bypass congested ISP routes and stabilize packet delivery.

10. Monitor ISP & Riot Server Status

Check Riot Games’ service status page to confirm if their servers are operational.
Use tools like PingPlotter to determine if the packet loss is happening between your router and Riot servers.
If loss appears outside your home network, contact your ISP with diagnostic reports for resolution.

Summary Quick‑Fix Checklist

Step	Action
1	Switch to Ethernet, update drivers
2	Restart router & power cycle
3	Disable IPv6, set Google DNS, flush DNS
4	Update router firmware, configure QoS/NAT
5	Replace cables, close bandwidth apps
6	Test VPN/mobile hotspot; contact ISP

By systematically applying these steps—wired connection, router and DNS optimization, firmware updates, QoS configuration, and driver maintenance—you can significantly reduce or eliminate packet loss in Valorant. This ensures a smoother and more competitive experience for ranked or unrated play.

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