If you’ve been grinding ranked matches in Valorant, you already know how important every millisecond is. A split-second delay between your action and what happens on-screen can decide whether you clutch the round or end up spectating your teammates. That’s where ping comes in. In simple terms, ping (also known as latency) measures the time it takes for your computer to send data to Riot’s servers and receive a response back.

For competitive shooters like Valorant, having low and stable ping is just as important as having good aim. High ping means your bullets might register late, your abilities might feel unresponsive, and you’ll always be a step behind your opponents. That’s why players constantly search for answers to questions like:

• How to ping Valorant servers before starting a match?
• How do I check my ping inside Valorant?
• Why is my ping high even though my internet speed looks fine?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ping in Valorant—from checking it in-game, testing Riot’s server response times, to troubleshooting high latency issues. We’ll also show you useful resources like the Valorant Ping Test Tool and the Valorant Server Status Tracker so you can keep an eye on your connection before hopping into a match.

If you’re still confused about the difference between ping and latency, don’t worry—we’ve also covered that in detail in our blog on Ping vs Latency in Valorant. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear idea of how to check your ping, why it fluctuates, and what you can do to improve it.

2. How to Ping Valorant Servers

Before jumping into a ranked match, it’s always a good idea to test your ping. Knowing your connection stability ahead of time can save you from frustrating lag spikes or packet loss mid-game. Below are several reliable ways to ping Valorant servers and make sure your connection is stable.

2.1 Using the In-Game Ping System in Valorant

Riot has made it easy to check ping inside Valorant without needing any external tools. By default, the game displays your ping during matches, usually at the top-right of your screen.

• Step 1: Launch Valorant and go to Settings > Video > Stats.
• Step 2: Enable the Client Network Latency option.
• Step 3: Your ping will now appear in-game, updating in real time.

This is the simplest method for beginners. It gives you an accurate reading of how responsive your connection is to Riot’s servers while you play. Many players often ask, “How do I check my ping in Valorant without third-party apps?” — this is the answer.

2.2 Checking Server Ping Before Launching the Game

Sometimes you want to know your ping before queueing up, so you don’t risk joining a laggy match. Riot’s client allows you to preview ping to each available server region.

• On the Play screen, click the server list icon (above the “Start” button).
• Valorant will display your estimated ping to different Riot data centers like Singapore, Frankfurt, or Virginia.
• You can even lock your server preference, ensuring you connect only to servers with the lowest latency.

Pro tip: Always pick the server with the lowest ping, even if it’s slightly farther away, to avoid packet loss from overloaded local servers.

2.3 Command Prompt Method (Pinging Riot’s Server IPs)

For tech-savvy players, using the command prompt (CMD) is a more hands-on way to check latency.

• Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
• Use the command:

ping 162.249.72.1 -t

(This is one of Riot’s North American server IPs; you can find lists of Riot’s regional IPs online.)

• The result shows your ping in milliseconds (ms) and whether any packets are lost.

This method is especially helpful if you want to test outside of the game client and directly check network stability.

2.4 Using Third-Party Ping Test Tools Safely

If you prefer a quick solution, you can use safe, trusted online tools like the Valorant Ping Test Tool. These tools simulate a connection to Riot’s servers and instantly show your ping results.

Key benefits of online ping tests:

• Fast and beginner-friendly.
• Lets you compare ping across different regions.
• No installation required.

However, always make sure you use reliable sources. Avoid shady third-party software downloads that might harm your system.

2.5 Pros and Cons of Manual Ping Testing

Each method to ping Valorant servers has its strengths and weaknesses:

• In-game display → Accurate, real-time results, but only works after you’re in a match.
• Server list preview → Quick glance before queueing, but sometimes shows estimated rather than actual ping.
• Command Prompt → Reliable and advanced, but requires manual IPs and basic technical know-how.
• Online ping tools → Simple and effective, but depends on the website’s reliability.

3. How to Check Your Ping in Valorant

Once you’re inside the game, keeping an eye on your ping is essential. A low and stable ping means your actions are happening in real time, while a fluctuating or high ping can cause delays that completely throw off your gameplay. Riot has included several ways to check and monitor your ping directly within Valorant, so you never have to guess how strong your connection is.

3.1 Enabling Ping Display in Valorant Settings

The easiest way to monitor your ping is through the in-game settings. Valorant allows players to turn on a live ping counter that updates as you play.

Step 1: Launch Valorant and head to Settings.
Step 2: Go to the Video tab and then open Stats.
Step 3: Enable Client Network Latency.

After enabling this option, your ping will appear on the screen during every match. This real-time display helps you immediately notice if your connection is becoming unstable or if lag spikes are happening during crucial rounds.

3.2 Understanding Ping Numbers Shown on Screen

Ping in Valorant is measured in milliseconds (ms). The lower the number, the better your connection. Anything under 40ms is considered excellent, between 40–70ms is usually playable, while anything over 100ms can make your shots feel delayed. Many players confuse ping with FPS, but they’re two very different things. FPS (frames per second) relates to how smoothly your computer runs the game, while ping measures your network delay. Both matter, but they affect gameplay in different ways.

3.3 Network Statistics Tab – Reading Detailed Metrics

Valorant also provides a network statistics tab that shows more than just ping. If you enable advanced stats in the settings, you’ll see details like packet loss, jitter, and network round-trip time. These metrics are important because sometimes your ping number looks fine, but packet loss can still make abilities or shots fail to register properly. By checking these stats, you’ll have a better idea of whether the problem is your internet connection, your server choice, or something else entirely.

3.4 Real-Time Ping Fluctuation During Matches

One of the most useful features of Valorant’s in-game display is the ability to watch how your ping changes during a match. If your ping suddenly jumps from 40ms to 120ms, you’ll feel the difference instantly in-game. This fluctuation often points to background apps using your internet, server congestion, or temporary ISP issues. Keeping an eye on these spikes can help you figure out when to pause and troubleshoot before your next match.

3.5 Why Both Ping and FPS Matter

While this guide focuses on ping, it’s worth remembering that FPS and ping go hand in hand when it comes to smooth gameplay. Even with a 20ms ping, if your FPS drops, the game will still feel sluggish. Likewise, if you’re running at 200 FPS but your ping is 150ms, your bullets won’t land where you expect them. This is why Valorant gives players the option to track both stats together, giving you a complete picture of your performance.

4. Factors Affecting Valorant Ping

Your ping in Valorant isn’t just about your internet speed. Multiple factors behind the scenes can influence how quickly your game communicates with Riot’s servers. Understanding these factors helps you troubleshoot lag and make smarter adjustments before a ranked match.

Let’s break down the main elements that affect your latency.

4.1 Internet Connection Type (Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet)

One of the biggest influences on ping is how you’re connected to the internet.

• Wi-Fi connections are convenient but more prone to interference, signal drops, and unstable latency. Even simple things like someone microwaving food or streaming Netflix in the same house can cause ping spikes.
• Ethernet (wired) connections are always more stable. Plugging your PC or laptop directly into the router eliminates most signal interference and ensures a smoother, more consistent connection.

Pro tip: If competitive gaming is your priority, always go wired. Wi-Fi is fine for casual play, but Ethernet gives you that edge in ranked.

4.2 Geographic Distance to Riot Servers

The farther you are from Riot’s data centers, the longer it takes for your packets to travel back and forth. This naturally increases latency.

For example:

• A player in Germany connecting to the Frankfurt server might see a ping of 15–20 ms.
• The same player connecting to a Virginia server could see pings above 100 ms.

This is why Riot gives players the option to select preferred servers. Always pick the closest server to minimize travel distance and reduce ping.

4.3 ISP Routing and Bandwidth Allocation

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) also plays a major role in ping stability.

• Some ISPs take longer routing paths to reach Riot’s servers, which adds unnecessary latency.
• During peak hours, your ISP might throttle bandwidth or reroute traffic, causing sudden spikes.
• Budget ISPs may prioritize streaming services over gaming, making your ping worse while someone else in the house is binge-watching Netflix.

If you consistently face high ping, you may want to contact your ISP and ask if they provide optimized routes for gaming traffic.

4.4 Background Applications Consuming Bandwidth

Even with a strong internet connection, background apps can silently eat up bandwidth and ruin your ping.

Common culprits include:

• Streaming apps (Netflix, YouTube, Twitch)
• Cloud services (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox syncing)
• Large downloads or Windows updates running in the background
• Voice/Video calls (Zoom, Discord with video enabled)

Closing or pausing these before playing Valorant ensures that your bandwidth is dedicated to the game, giving you more stable ping.

4.5 Server Load and Regional Congestion

Sometimes the issue isn’t on your end at all — it’s Riot’s servers.

• If too many players are connected to the same server, it may become congested, leading to lag and packet loss.
• Riot occasionally performs server maintenance or upgrades, which can cause temporary instability.
• Regional demand spikes (for example, during a new season or event) can overload popular servers.

In these cases, switching to another nearby Riot server may temporarily solve the issue until the load balances out.

6. Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Ping might look like just a number on your Valorant screen, but it has the power to decide the outcome of your matches. Understanding how to test it, monitor it, and improve it is a skill every serious player should develop.

Why Consistent Ping Matters for Competitive Ranking

A stable ping isn’t just about smooth gameplay — it directly impacts your performance in ranked matches. High or fluctuating latency can cause missed shots, delayed abilities, and miscommunication with teammates. In competitive play, every millisecond counts, and players with stable connections often gain an advantage simply because their inputs register faster and more reliably.

Next Steps for Players Facing High Latency

If you consistently face high ping, don’t get discouraged. Start by checking your connection type, limiting background apps, and selecting the closest server. If problems persist, contact your ISP for gaming-optimized routing or consider upgrading your plan. You can also explore guides like our Ping vs Latency in Valorant breakdown for a deeper understanding of network behavior, or use our Valorant Ping Test Tool to check servers quickly before playing. For real-time service updates, keep an eye on the Valorant Server Status page.