How to reduce League of Legends ping and packet loss (2026)
League of Legends is a real-time MOBA where reaction speed matters. Riot provides a ping display in the corner and lets you check server status before queuing. Follow these steps in order—local network first, server selection second, and only test a VPN when ISP routing is clearly the problem.
1. Check your in-game ping
League shows your ping in the top-right corner during champion select and in-game. Below 30 ms is ideal for ranked, 30–80 ms is comfortable, and above 100 ms you will feel delay on last-hitting and dodging. Also watch for packet loss indicators (red icons) which are worse than steady ping.
2. Fix the local connection first
Use Ethernet where possible, restart the router, pause downloads and cloud backups, and avoid playing while others stream or download. On Wi-Fi, use a clean 5 GHz band close to the router. Riot recommends a wired connection for stability.
3. Check Riot server status
Before queuing, check the official Riot Games status page for outages or maintenance on your region. High ping during a known incident is not something you can fix locally—wait for Riot to resolve it.
4. Close background apps and updates
Game updates, streaming apps, and system downloads can spike your ping. Close unnecessary apps, disable auto-updates during sessions, and quit suspended games that may download in the background.
5. When a gaming VPN can help
A VPN can help when your ISP routes Riot traffic through an indirect or congested path. Test one VPN location near the League server and compare average ping, packet loss, and spikes. Keep it only if all three improve. ZeroBlock uses WireGuard and supports UDP gaming traffic, but no VPN can guarantee lower ping on every ISP.
6. When a VPN makes League worse
If your normal route is already direct, a VPN adds another hop and usually increases latency. Disconnect it if ping rises or packet loss appears. Never use a VPN to evade bans, account-region rules, or Riot’s terms of service.
7. Use Riot official support
Riot offers troubleshooting for lag, packet loss, and connection issues including DNS, firewall, and ISP route analysis. Read the official League connection troubleshooting guide before changing advanced settings.
More gaming connection guides
See our general gaming VPN and ping guide, VALORANT ping guide, and Fortnite ping guide.
Fast League of Legends ping checklist
- Watch the in-game ping display and packet loss icons.
- Restart the router and test over Ethernet.
- Pause downloads, updates, streams, and cloud sync.
- Check Riot server status before queuing.
- Close background apps and auto-updates.
- Test one nearby VPN route only when ISP routing looks poor.
- Keep the VPN only if ping, loss, and spikes all improve.
ZeroBlock is not affiliated with Riot Games or League of Legends. A VPN may improve an inefficient route but cannot guarantee lower ping and must not be used to evade account or competitive rules.