What exactly is ping?
The delay between your client and the Fortnite server is measured as ping.
So it’s the lag or network delay you’re experiencing while playing Fortnite.
Consider the following scenario: you’re trying to build a wall in Fortnite. The speed with which the input is transferred to the server and returned to your screen is determined by your ping.
A millisecond (ms) is a thousandth of a second, and your ping is measured in milliseconds (ms). A ping of 100 milliseconds corresponds to a 0.1-second delay.
You want your ping to be as low as possible since the lower it is, the faster your game will respond to the server and the less delay you will experience.
As a result, your builds will be completed faster, your editing will be faster, and aiming at targets will seem more responsive, allowing you to hit more shots. In other words, decreasing your ping will help you have a better overall Fortnite gaming experience.
Low ping is a competitive advantage, especially when you’re box fighting in Fortnite, because it makes it easier to tear down and replace walls.
The fact that 0 ping is so good is actually unfair.
Enabling the net debug stats setting in Fortnite allows you to monitor your ping. You can see my instructions for how to show your ping in Fortnite here.
Now that you know what ping is and why it’s crucial to lower it, the next step is to figure out how to achieve it.
This post will provide you with important recommendations to help you minimize your ping, and if you follow every step in this tutorial, your ping will be significantly reduced.
Use a wired connection
Let’s start with the most obvious ping improvement tip.
When compared to a wireless connection, a cable connection is more stable and reliable.
Because a wireless connection will experience slower connectivity owing to interference, your ping will almost always be better on a wired connection.
For example, here are the results of a speed test I performed on my phone while connected to the internet through a wireless connection:
Here are the results of my tests, which I did on my PC, which is connected to my router by Ethernet cable:
My mobile results with a wireless connection are now excellent (I have no idea why the upload speed is actually faster on the wireless test). However, I am sitting right close to my router, and the results would be worse if I were further away.
And just by using a wired connection, I was able to reduce my ping by over 40%.

Use a powerline adaptor if you can’t use a wired connection
Powerline adapters are devices that use your home’s electrical wiring to deliver data messages. They’re easy to operate, and all you need is a nearby power outlet.
Powerline adapters, in general, are fast enough for high-speed internet, and they are more reliable and have lower latency than wireless connections.
However, if your home’s wiring is old or inadequate, your internet speed and ping may suffer. So make sure you purchase your Powerline adaptor from a store that offers a decent return policy in case it doesn’t work out.
A Powerline adaptor with two Ethernet wires is available for purchase on Amazon. One Ethernet cable should be connected to your adapter and router, while the other should be connected to your console.
Get closer to your router if you use a wireless connection
If you can’t utilize a wired connection or a Powerline adaptor for whatever reason, simply moving closer to your router can help you minimize your ping.
Because moving closer to your router reduces the distance that the signals must travel, the connection becomes stronger.
Also, make sure that nothing is blocking the wireless signal between you and your router, as other equipment can degrade your connection’s strength.
Optimize your network adapter settings
We’ll change your network adapter settings in this stage to get the optimum performance when playing Fortnite. This will only function if you have an Ethernet cable connected to the internet.
The first step is to go to your Windows desktop’s Network and Sharing Center. You may reach there by pressing the Start button and typing network and into the search box.
You may also access to Network and Sharing Center from Control Panel by going to the Network and Internet category and then clicking Network and Sharing Center.
If you’re in icon mode, all you have to do is click Network and Sharing Center.
You’ll see your active network once you get to the Network and Sharing Center. You want to click the blue Ethernet lettering where it reads Connections.
This will display your Ethernet Status, after which you should click Properties, then Configure.
Now switch to the Advanced tab, where you’ll find a slew of different properties for your network adapter. The properties differ depending on the network adapter you’re using.
Here are the settings you should use to optimize your network adapter for Fortnite:
- ARP Offload – Disabled
- ECMA – Disabled
- Energy Efficient Ethernet – Disabled
- Flow Control – Disabled
- Interrupt Moderation – Disabled
- IPv4 Checksum Offload – Disabled
- Jumbo Frame – Disabled
- Maximum Number of RSS Queues – It depends on how many cores your CPU has. Go to Task Manager and select the Performance tab to see if this is the case. If your CPU has four or more cores, select four RSS Queues. If your CPU has two cores, choose two RSS Queues.
- Network Address – Not Present
- NS Offload – Disabled
- Receive Buffers – 1024
- Receive Side Scaling – Enabled
- Shutdown Wake Up – Disabled
- Speed & Duplex – Select the highest Mbps available and Full Duplex. For most this will be 100 Mbps Full Duplex
- SWOI – Disabled
- TCP Checksum Offload – Disabled
- Transmit Buffers – 1024
- Wake on magic packet – Disabled
- Wake on pattern match – Disabled
Read this for an explanation of why you should use these settings.
After you’ve made these adjustments, click OK. To update to the new modifications, your internet may disconnect and rejoin.
Change your DNS Server
Your DNS (Domain Name System) is a vital component of your internet connection, and upgrading to a better DNS server can improve the speed, security, and even ping of your connection.
Cloudflare’s DNS Servers will be used because they are the fastest publicly available DNS servers.
You’ll need to return to the Network and Sharing Center to change your DNS Server.
Click Change adapter settings on the left, open the adapter you’re using, and then click Properties.
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) from the list of connections and check the box that says Use the following DNS server addresses change your DNS servers to these:
- Preferred DNS server: 1.1.1.1
- Alternative DNS server: 1.0.0.1
Now you may click OK, and your DNS servers will be changed.
To speed up and optimize things for that DNS, you’ll want to clear the DNS Resolver Cache.
You’ll need to open Command Prompt to do this, which you can do by hitting Start and typing cmd.
Hit Enter after typing ipconfig /flushdns. “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache” will appear.
You can now exit Command Prompt.
Download and run Malwarebytes Adwcleaner
Malwarebytes Adwcleaner is a free application that removes adware and improves the performance of your computer.
Now, I know you use the internet securely and take good care of your computer, but there’s still a chance you have some PUPs on your machine.
Spyware and adware are examples of potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). PUPs can use up some of your computer’s resources (especially the CPU and GPU) and disrupt your network connection.
PUPs may be running in the background of your computer right now, and by uninstalling them, you may be able to achieve better FPS and lower ping while playing Fortnite.
I know others who have cut their ping in half by using Malwarebytes Adwcleaner, so don’t skip it.
All you have to do to get the program is go to the Malwarebytes website and click the free download button.
You can run Malwarebytes Adwcleaner and click the scan now option once you’ve downloaded it.
It will now perform its job and search your computer for any malicious apps.
In my situation, it discovered two PUPs. I take good care of my computer, so this caught me off guard.
After the scan is complete, you’ll want to choose and disable the objects you want to quarantine. Then, to permanently delete the objects, click the Quarantine button to move them to Quarantine.
Check that you’re connecting to the best matchmaking region in Fortnite
It’s possible that your high ping is due to you playing in a less-than-ideal location.
For example, if you live in New York and connect to the Oceania servers, your ping will be high.
Fortunately, changing your matchmaking area in Fortnite is really simple.
Here’s what you need to do to change your matchmaking region in Fortnite:
- By clicking the escape key on your keyboard or the start button on your controller, you can access the Fortnite menu.
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- To access your Game options, click the Cog symbol.
- Choose the lowest ping matchmaking region for you.
I’ve previously been linked to the incorrect matchmaking zone, resulting in pings in the hundreds. This does not make for a pleasant Fortnite experience, so take the time to complete this step and ensure you’re using the optimum matchmaking area for you.
This is also why it’s a good idea to have your settings to show your ping in Fortnite so you can observe if there are any anomalies that could be caused by selecting the incorrect matchmaking location.
Close any background programs and websites
Close any other programs that may be running in the background before you start playing Fortnite.
These programs can use up your computer’s memory, leaving fewer resources for Fortnite, and they can also degrade your connection and raise your ping.
You also don’t want to simply close the programs on the device you’re using. Because any programs or services operating on other devices on your network may have an impact on you.
Downloading or using streaming sites such as Netflix and YouTube consume a lot of bandwidth, which can degrade network performance and ping.
To achieve the finest network performance, if you’re sharing your internet connection with others, you’ll want to negotiate with them so that no huge downloads occur while you’re gaming.
Restart your network equipment
I can’t tell you how many of my computer issues have been resolved by simply turning something off and on.
It’s possible that your network equipment (router and/or modem) isn’t working properly if it’s been left running for a long period without being restarted.
So, try turning them off for a few minutes and then turning them back on to see if that improves your internet connection and lowers your ping.
Are your router and modem old and out of date?
It is possible to improve the strength, speed, and ping of your connection by replacing them with new and better equipment.
Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
If you’ve tried everything in this post and still don’t have a satisfactory ping, you can contact your ISP and inform them of your troubles.
It’s worth calling your ISP to see if they have a solution to your problem.
Also, an internet speed test is recommended because if your speeds are lower than the claimed minimum, your ISP is obligated to assist you.
Upgrade your internet
If none of the techniques above have reduced your ping to an acceptable level, you may want to consider switching internet service providers or increasing your internet subscription.
As you can see, excessive ping might be caused by a bad internet connection. Games like Fortnite demand a particular internet speed, and if that speed isn’t met, you’ll have a slew of network issues.
Many ISPs now provide internet packages tailored to gamers who want high speeds and minimal latency.
You could upgrade your internet subscription to improve your performance.
Relocate somewhere closer to the Fortnite servers
The distance between you and the Fortnite servers could be the source of your high ping.
Because data takes time to travel, your ping will be substantially higher in regions that are further distant from you (like my experience on the Oceania server).
So, if you moved closer to a Fortnite server, your ping would decrease. A list of the known Fortnite server regions is shown here.
This may appear to be extreme, but it’s exactly what a few competitive players have done to improve their chances of qualifying for the Fortnite World Cup.
This isn’t viable for the majority of individuals. However, if you’re serious about becoming the best Fortnite player you can be and want the lowest ping possible, it’s something to think about.
What’s a good ping for Fortnite?
Now that you’ve completed each of the steps, your ping should have decreased (if it hasn’t, check over them again carefully to ensure you completed each one). I thought it would be amusing to make some Fortnite ping benchmarks.
- Ideal ping is 0-30 ms – If you’re a professional and competitive Fortnite player, you want your ping to be between 0 and 30 milliseconds. Your structures and alterations will be as smooth as butter, and you’ll be able to replace most players’ barriers.
- Good ping is 30-60 ms – Building and editing will still feel excellent with a ping of 30-60 ms. However, you can run into issues with exceptionally tough modifications or wall replacements.
- Playable ping is 60-100 ms – At this point, you may start to have problems with your building and editing. Taking a player’s wall will be nearly impossible, and in most circumstances, your walls will be taken. To compensate for your high ping, you may need to adjust your playing style.
- Bad ping is 100+ ms – If your ping is greater than 100 milliseconds, you’re at a major disadvantage and will struggle to compete. Even if you’re holding down the turbo build, your walls will be changed every time, and you may take damage if people spray at you.
Of course, these are simply broad recommendations intended to help you figure out where you stand with your ping.
Most Fortnite players that use a wired connection and follow the recommendations in this tutorial should be in the Ideal or Good group, in my opinion.
Conclusion
If you want to play Fortnite with more fluidity and get a competitive advantage, you should reduce your ping as much as possible.
I hope your ping is now at a level that you’re happy with after using a wired connection, improving your network adapter settings, setting a fast DNS server, and uninstalling any undesirable apps.
Lowering your ping isn’t the only way to improve your gaming experience, of course. Low frames per second (FPS) is another cause of latency, and here’s my guide for increasing your FPS in Fortnite.
It has been proved that increasing your FPS in Fortnite while lowering your ping makes you a better player.
If you found this post about lowering your ping in Fortnite useful, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel for more Fortnite material and following me on Twitter for the most up-to-date information.