How Much Internet Speed Do I Need for Gaming?

You need 8 Mbps minimum to game online, but for a consistently good gaming experience, 10-25 Mbps tend to be best. When looking at packages, keep in mind that download speed isn’t the only factor for gaming – upload speed and ping time matter as well. Faster, symmetrical speeds will provide the best gaming experience.

Speed is important because it’s how quickly your device transfers information from the gaming server. However, ping time, upload speed and latency also matter.

Minimum speed recommendations by video game type

First Person Shooter (FPS) Games

First person shooter games, or FPS, are played from the point of view of the main character. This genre of video games typically shows the character’s arms toward the bottom of the screen carrying their weapon of choice. FPS games like Doom Eternal require faster ping rates in order to keep players on pace with real-time action.

Recommended for Doom Eternal on Google Stadia

  • Download speed: 30 Mbps

  • Upload speed: 1 Mbps

  • Ping rate: 16 ms

Real-Time Strategy Games

Real-time strategy games are time-based and make players use available resources to defend their base and defeat an opponent who has the same goals. A real-time strategy game which features a constantly evolving game state can be played on a PC, but a gaming console like the Xbox 360 can help maximize slower internet speeds and ping rates.

Recommended for Anno 1800 on Xbox 360

  • Download speed: 3 Mbps

  • Upload speed: 0.5 Mbps

  • Ping rate: 150 ms or less

Role-Playing Games (RPG)

RPGs or role-playing video games allow gamers to control a fictional character and complete a quest in a fantasy world. RPGs typically include levels or stats that can be improved, a menu-based combat system and a quest that drives the story line of the game.

Recommended for Xenoblade Chronicles on Nintendo Wii U

  • Download speed: 1.5 Mbps

  • Upload speed: 1 Mbps

  • Ping rate: 150 ms

Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) Games

Massively multiplayer online video games take place in a fictional world where millions of people just like you are playing in a role-playing environment. The goal is not to “complete” the game, as in standard RPGs, but to build up a character’s experiences, skills and resources. Communication within the game via Skype requires more bandwidth.

Recommended for FortNite Battle Royale on Xbox One

  • Download speed: 3 Mbps

  • Upload speed: 0.5 Mbps

  • Ping rate: 150 ms or less

Pro tip:

Gaming systems and services often give minimum internet speed recommendations for optimum performance. These suggestions are usually based on a single player and are most helpful as a starting point. If your household has multiple gamers, multiply these speeds by the number of users that will utilize your connection.