Why is my Overwatch ping so high: 5 common causes and updated FAQs

There are thousands of Overwatch players all over the world who reported high ping while playing the games. 

Many discussions and FAQs are given on this topic.

Why is my Overwatch ping so high? 

How to improve ping in Overwatch? 

All is disclosed in this article.

Overwatch why is my ping so high?

What is a good Overwatch Ping?

Overwatch ping refers to the network latency between a player and the Overwatch server.

Thus, low ping is always better.

When it comes to the Overwatch game, a ping of 70-90 ms is good if that's what you're used to playing at all times. 

If you have an average of 30-40 and then go to 90, you will feel it a bit. 

From 100 ms to 150 ms, there are concerns with individuals escaping hooks and other strange consequences. 

Higher than 150 ping ms, you can not play the game smoothly as well as a good experience.

Good ping for Overwatch

Why is my ping so high in overwatch?

Why is my ping so high Overwatch? 

Why is my ping so high in CS go?

Why is my Roblox ping so high? 

If you are finding reasons for high ping in games in general and in Overwatch in particular, here are some common reasons behind this ping issue.

1. Graphic settings

Even if your network is good but your device is not powerful enough to satisfy the Overwatch graphic settings, you still can experience internet issues such as ping spikes, lag, and choppy gaming.

Check the Overwatch system requirements as well as recommendations to make sure your PC is ready for an intensive match.

Overwatch system requirements and recommendation

2. Outdated router

Old devices or especially outdated ones (modem, PC, routers) can reduce your internet performance significantly. 

Too old devices don’t work well as they used. 

Moreover, they might be incompatible with the latest technology in signal transmission. 

It is recommended that replace a new router if your router is used for 3-5 years.

Renew your router after using it for a long time

3. Too many running background apps

By default, there are many apps running in the background even you never use them. 

These apps will consume a potions of your systems sources such as RAM, CPU cycles, etc.

Moreover, you might run multiple unnecessary apps while you are playing Overwatch.

All these apps take up a large amount of bandwidth. 

As a result, your network is weaker and ping is also higher. 

For a smooth gameplay, let’s disable them.

Disable background apps to get better performance

4. Number of devices connecting to your network

Too many devices connecting to the same network connection means your bandwidth is divided into that same quantity. 

Playing online games requires lots of bandwidth and when the amount of bandwidth is insufficient, as consequence, your game ping is high.

So, what solution for this is?

If you want Overwach ping low, avoid playing the game at peak hours as well as limit the number of connected devices.

If possible, you should have an own network connection.

Many connected devices make high ping

5. Gaming server

Selecting a server in Overwatch is also important. 

Sending a request to a local server will take a shorter time than that in another place. 

For example, a US player needs more time to deliver a data packet to the server in Germany than a German player. 

Thus, why is my csgo ping so high? 

Why is Overwatch ping so high? 

Let’s take a look at your gaming server. 

Select a close server

Besides, less common reasons can be listed such as VPN, virus, firewall configuration or distance between your system and your router, etc.

How to improve ping in Overwatch?

How to improve ping Overwatch? 

How to reduce ping in CSGO or 

How to reduce ping on Roblox 

Some solutions to high-game ping are simple and free.

You can try out these easy ways before paying money for fixes.

Solutions to high ping in Overwatch

1. Restart both your modem and router

According to Consumer Reports, your Internet provider provides each of your devices a temporary IP address that can change at any time. 

If your router does not recognize the change, your connection may become sluggish, exactly as if too many devices connect to your router.

Moreover, restarting a router/ modem is also a way to clean out short-term memory (caches).

And re-select the less-crowded channel for each band.

As a result, your internet performance is improved.

2. Update your network drivers

The network adapter is a card or built-in connection on the motherboard of your computer that allows you to connect your computer to a network via a network cable. 

The network adapter, like other hardware components in your computer, may require you to install updated drivers for improved performance.

How to update the device driver? Follow steps below:

Step 1: Enter device manager in the search box on the taskbar and select Device manager

Step 2: Double click a category and right click what you want to update

Step 3: Select Search automatically for driver.

Step 4: Select Update driver

If Windows is unable to find a new driver, you may try searching for one on the device manufacturer's website and following their instructions.

3. Replace your router

Technology develops rapidly. 

Upgrading your router on a regular basis ensures that you benefit from advancements in wireless speeds, efficiency, range, and network security. 

Replace (or at least consider replacing) your outdated home networking equipment every five years. 

That way, you can stay current with technology while also getting the most out of each router.

Consider this tips if you want to have low Overwatch ping.

4. Disable unnecessary applications running in the background 

Maybe you don’t know there are many applications running in the background even some of those you never use.

These apps still take up your system resources from RAM, CPU to bandwidth.

Thus, to get faster internet performance, disable them.

You can do it through several ways.

Here’s the easiest way, follow the guide

Step 1: Click the Start , select Setting => Privacy => Background apps

Step 2: You can turn off Let apps run in the background

Or you can still let turn on this setting but having some modifications to other apps. Turn on/off which apps that can run in the background.

5. Change DNS server

The Domain Name System (DNS) converts human-readable domain names (such as www.gospeedcheck.com) to machine-readable IP addresses (for example, 192.0.2.44).

The distance between players and the gaming server is equally crucial. 

Generally, the lower the ping, the closer you are to the server.

Thus, DNS can slightly lower your Overwatch ping and improve latency in the game.

How to change DNS settings on Windows 11? Here is the detailed guide:

Step 1: Enter Control Panel in the search box on the taskbar and select Control panel

Step 2: Click on Network and Internet.

Step 3: Click on Network and Sharing Center.

Step 4: Click the Change adapter settings.

Step 5: Right-click the active network interface and choose Properties. 

Quick tip: If an adapter is connected to the network, it will not have a "Disabled" or "Network cable disconnected" label.

Step 6: Double-click the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) checkbox.

Step 7: Confirm the primary DNS address in the "Preferred DNS server" section. 

You can use the following settings if you wish to utilize Cloudflare, Google Public DNS, or Cisco OpenDNS:

• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1

• Google Public DNS: 8.8.8.8

• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222

In the “Alternative DNS server” section, confirm the second DNS.

• Cloudflare: 1.0.0.1

• Google Public DNS: 8.8.4.4

• OpenDNS: 208.67.220.220

Step 8: Click OK

When you finish the instructions, your computer will instantly begin utilizing the chosen DNS settings.

6. Limit wireless interference sources

If you use wireless connection while playing Overwatch, you should take notice of wife interfernce.

Those factors can be the main cause of high ping Overwatch.

Wifi works at 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency, and there are many electrical devices also operate in this band.

As a result, the band is too busy with lots of things, slow internet speed is certain. 

You need to determine and eliminate them.

Some common wireless interferences are: 

Wifi interfernces

7. Using Ethernet cable

Beg you hear about the outstanding advantages of Ethernet compared to wireless connection.

It is said that ethernet brings in faster speed, reliability as well as security,

So, why don’t you use it?

Although wifi also has own benefits such as convenience, mobility, productivity, in gaming field, you still should select a wired connection if possible. 

Using a wired connection

Besides, you can apply some other effective ways to reduce ping such as 

• Optimize your gaming graphic settings

• Reset Winsock

• Using a VPN

• Using a gaming router

• ….