Can You Play Online Games with Satellite Internet?

James Patrick Begley

Updated:23/07/2024

Published:17/04/2019

A review on how using satellite internet providers like Hughesnet and Viasat affects online gaming and how to improve gaming experience.

Can You Play Online Games with Satellite Internet?

Playing online games with satellite internet is possible, but there are important factors to consider. Here’s an expanded guide on how satellite internet affects online gaming and what you can do to optimize your experience.

Latency Issues

Latency is the delay between sending a command to the game and receiving a response. Satellite internet typically has higher latency (600-800 ms) compared to cable or fiber (20-50 ms). This is due to the distance data must travel to the satellite and back. High latency can result in lag, making fast-paced games difficult to play.

Bandwidth and Data Caps

Bandwidth: Satellite internet provides decent download speeds (25-100 Mbps), sufficient for many games. However, upload speeds can be slower, affecting activities like live streaming.

Data Caps: Most satellite internet plans have data caps, usually ranging from 10 to 150 GB per month. Online gaming can consume a significant amount of data, especially with downloads, updates, and patches.

Types of Games

Suitable Games:

Turn-based games: These games are less affected by latency.
Casual games: Games that don’t require real-time reactions, like puzzle games or single-player RPGs.

Challenging Games:

First-person shooters (FPS): Require low latency for quick reactions.
Real-time strategy (RTS) games: Need real-time decisions and actions.

Optimizing Your Gaming Experience

Prioritize Bandwidth: Ensure no other devices are using bandwidth during gaming sessions.
Use Ethernet: Connect your gaming device directly to the router via Ethernet for a more stable connection.
Update Off-Peak: Schedule game updates and downloads during off-peak hours to avoid data cap issues.

Conclusion

While satellite internet can support online gaming, it may not be ideal for fast-paced multiplayer games due to high latency and data caps. Understanding these limitations and optimizing your setup can help improve your gaming experience.