DOTA 2 relies on having an incredibly fast connection to ensure that you outplay your opponent. If you’re struggling with high ping and lag spikes then you will ultimately be losing more games than you win. Ensure you follow the steps below to fix the issue.
DOTA 2 Lagging and Latency Fix Guide
It’s the bane of Gamers everywhere and we’re almost certain everyone has experienced it at one point. You’re rocking your high score, or your on the lead score board however your game starts lagging.
You will find certain abnormalities like frames skipping, glitching, your character hopping places, gameplay reversing and many other issues. You will also find that the commands or buttons that you’re pressing are delayed in activating.
It’s incredibly frustrating but Lag is basically in which your connection is a couple of MS behind every other player so you see things slightly delayed.
If you’re struggling with DOTA 2 Lagging or if you’re experiencing Lag spikes then we’re here to help.
Lag and Latency Fixes for DOTA 2
The Fix Guides below have been compiled together as they have solved other users in resolving their Lag issues and pin spikes. The fixes may not relate to DOTA 2 or your situation however there is no harm in trying.
It’s also important to note that it’s very rare that Lag spikes or poor connection is due to a game fault. So before you reach out to the developers lets try some trial and error!
Is your Wireless Causing Lag?
It’s a well known fact that a steady Ethernet connection will provide a lot more reliability and signal strength when it comes to delivering your internet connection for DOTA 2.
If you’re having problems with DOTA 2 lagging or disconnecting. Or if you simply cant connect to the DOTA 2 servers. Then your Wireless Internet may be a problem.
An easy way to isolate or fix the issue with your wireless internet is to plug an ethernet cable into your console or gaming device. Just for the time being and then attempt to play DOTA 2 again.
Even on a wired connection if you’re still lagging then move on.
Attempt to Reset your Internet for DOTA 2.
Turning it off and on again… It’s a sure fire way to refresh your Net settings and ensure you’re internet is delivering a steady connection.
Simply press the reset button on your Network Hub. Wait for roughly 10-30 seconds before logging into DOTA 2. Hopefully this will fix your Lag issue.
If you still see no performance increase move on!
Are other Users using your Bandwidth?
Bandwidth is a term used for your available internet feed. Regardless of your download or upload speed you will have limited bandwidth to share throughout your household.
It’s important you ask yourself. Who else is using the internet currently on your network.
How many wireless devices are connected to your network hub? How many Ethernet cables are leeching bandwidth from DOTA 2.
Guide : Check how Stable your Internet Connection Is.
It may be an idea to discuss with those you live with. It’s likely if you’re experiencing sudden Lag spikes that someone may be leeching your bandwidth.
This will present you with all manners of issues while your gaming. Any laptops or other devices which automatically update may also cause an issue. We know that Windows 10 has a nasty habit of automatically downloading without notice.
Is your Console or PC Updating?
If you’re running Windows 10 then you can be sure to check the Windows Update Center to see if your gaming rig is actually downloading updates.
Updates from windows will dramatically slow down your gaming bandwidth.
If you’re playing DOTA 2 on a console then it maybe possible that your console is still currently downloading either a game update or a software install.
It’s important to turn off any updates and downloads while you play DOTA 2 to ensure that you don’t suffer from excessive lag.
Check your Internet Connection Before Playing DOTA 2
We talk about this a lot on Chaos Hour. However it is so – so important. Ensure that you check that your Internet connection is not only strong, but obviously stable.
GUIDE : Check Internet Connection for DOTA 2
There is a powerful website which will inform you of your download speed and upload speed while playing DOTA 2.
Fibre-Optic Broadband seems to be the go to for gaming these days so if available be sure to upgrade if your download speed is way too slow.
Doing this you may also identify if your Connection issue may be linked with your provider. Reach out for your internet providers activity as they may report some issues or faults within your area.
Guide : Best Internet Provider for Gaming.
It might be time to upgrade to a different provider as currently Broadband and Fibre-Optic packages are pretty cheap now compared to what they used to be.
Open DOTA 2 firewalls to Fix Lag.
Okay so you may need access to a desktop or Laptop which is connected to your home or Business Network Hub for this one.
Sometimes if the Correct Firewalls are not open for DOTA 2 you may encounter connection issues or severe lag errors.
It’s always ideal that you open the specific ports for DOTA 2. In most cases if you’re using a Gaming Rig then the install file of DOTA 2 will do this for you.
If you’re using a console your Consoles should instantly detect the firewalls and disable them for you to play. If you find that the correct ports aren’t open then we highly suggest you put them on your exclusion list.
For more information on how to do this. Check your manuals with your specific network hub.
If you’re unsure of which ports are required to be open then be sure to reach out to the developers for support regarding the issue and they will guide you further.
Close Third Party Software
While your playing it is an option to have a multitude of applications running in the background while you play. These applications may contribute to your game play and we get that.
However some applications are known to be complete resource hogs when it comes to bandwidth.
If you’re streaming DOTA 2 to Twitch or Youtube. We recommend using OBS or XSPLIT as the streaming platform as some applications have been known to burden your connection.
It’s hard to narrow down which applications are using your bandwidth. So it’s best to trial and error close each one and see if you see any kind of results.
DOTA 2 Lagging However Ping is Fine?
Not always but some users have complained that they have experienced Lag however their ping has been at a relatively low number.
It’s important to remember that sometimes In-Game Ping readouts may not always be 100% correct. So if you’re playing DOTA 2 and it’s telling you your ping is strong.
Then either the ping readout is incorrect or delayed or the lagging that your experiencing? May not even be a lag problem and more so a bug or frame rate issue.
Conclusion and User Submitted Fixes
Over time we will update this DOTA 2 Lag Fix Guide with user submissions. We will crawl the internet to identify if any users are having problems. If those problems are fixed we will be sure to update this guide.
High Latency and Lag issues are a real pain but sometimes it can be best just to play through it and endure. More often than not they are literally lag spikes for a reason. You may suffer high pings for a moment and it may return to normal.
Also be sure to check DOTA 2’s social media. Sometimes developers will announce if their online servers are struggling and will aim to release a patch or update to fix the issue.
However if they don’t know about the issue they cannot act so be sure to get in touch with them!
Until then happy gaming.
