Is ViaSat Good for Gaming? How to improve it? [2024]

Viasat is a satellite internet provider from America and is known for delivering secure networking connections across the globe. It offers bundles for those who live in cities and high-speed internet for those who reside in rural areas. Viasat Internet can be used for gaming in various situations, depending on the kind of games you wish to play. The bandwidth and delay of ViaSat are adequate for tasks that don’t demand extraordinarily long delays. 

Since Viasat does not require users to be connected to the host at all times while they’re not participating, it is excellent for single-player gaming. Viasat isn’t an impactful choice for those who play in multiplayer mode since it requires separate reactions due to its sluggish download speed and substantial latency. All these discoveries may confuse some tech enthusiasts. So, let’s dive right in and see is Viasat Good for Gaming and other related facts. 

Is Viasat good for gaming?

You very certainly can, in fact. Depending on the kind of games you want, Viasat Internet can be useful for gaming in various situations. Games like Angry Birds, Candy Crush, Minecraft, Roblox, or Plants vs. Zombies don’t require highly high latencies, so Viasat’s speed and latency are suitable for them. One great illustration of a successful mobile game is Candy Crush Soda Saga. Mobile gaming is also compatible with Viasat’s service as long as it doesn’t require split-second reactions. 

For your information, this includes both single-player and multiplayer games. But there are several other factors too that you must consider before deciding the effectiveness of Viasat for the games you play. The most important out of all considerations is the relationship between gaming and internet latency or satellite internet latency. Therefore, you must read all the information given below to better understand Viasat’s performance and suitability for the games you play. Let’s explore!

How does gaming latency affect performance?

Data latency is the amount of time it takes for data to move between two points. In video games, lesser latency equates to quicker reaction times and better performance in general. Milliseconds are used to quantify latency (ms). Your connection speed will be better for online gaming the lower the latency. Due to lag spikes and dropped signals during peak hours, Viasat’s latency ranges from 300-400 ms to 800-900 ms or more, which is not appropriate for fast-paced games that demand split-second reactions.

Why is satellite latency higher?

Due to the distance that data must travel while using satellite internet, latency is increased (either up or down). Your data travels to a nearby tower and is sent to the main lines when you use fixed wireless internet (such as AT&T U-Verse and Verizon FiOS), cable, fiber optic, DSL, or DSL. These lines are typically found close to highways and other densely populated places. Because of the closer proximity to the tower, these connections are frequently faster than satellite internet.

How to reduce satellite internet latency?

There isn’t much you can do to decrease latency because satellite internet is already slow. If you want to minimize latency, stick with cable internet. However, a few pointers could assist you in lowering latency and avoiding the lag hammer. Here’s how to reduce latency and eliminate lag:

• Step 1: Check to see if there isn’t a background download going on, as this may increase your internet service’s lag and response time.
• Step 2: You may wish to close any streaming applications that are open and connected to the internet. For the time you spend playing games, at least.
• Step 3: Turning off and reconnecting your router again won’t do any harm. The system might be refreshed, providing you with the best possible experience. 
• Step 4: Lastly, using an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi is an excellent practice.

What equipment is needed for Viasat?

Since the self-installation process is complex and not advised, Viasat offers free installation, which lowers the cost of moving to a new internet provider. (Viasat suggests having a Viasat-trained technician install the satellite dish; because installation is free, it’s a win-win.) The service requires a Viasat Wi-Fi Modem (modem/router combo). Your entire home will receive a Wi-Fi signal thanks to the modem/router. With satellite internet, a standard modem from Amazon or Best Buy won’t work; you’ll need a Viasat Wi-Fi Modem to decode the signal.

Which games work best with satellite internet?

Play single-player games or those that don’t require quick reflexes if your satellite connection is slow. First-person shooters and other more lighthearted or sports-focused games, like Rocket League or FIFA, are included in this. You can even play Minecraft on Viasat if you want to get back to the fundamentals and love world-building or exploration. MMO games should be avoided; instead, play single-player titles like Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood. 

With Viasat, multiplayer games are more challenging to play. However, this is more likely due to the internet connection’s slower speed than latency.  It is crucial to have a fast download speed and low ping when playing with peers because most games demand Twitch replies. It is recommended that gamers seek high-speed internet sticks with cable or fiber connections. However, Viasat functions well for single-player games or those that don’t need quick reflexes.

How do satellite internet download speeds affect gaming?

Your gaming performance is significantly impacted by download speeds, especially if you play multiplayer games online with buddies. Or, if you’re not the only person using the network with the same amount of bandwidth, your family or friends are. You’ll need a download speed of at least 25 Mbps if you want to play multiplayer games to ensure that everyone in your group can participate and enjoy the game. 

Single-player games can be played with 15 Mbps, but it’s best to have at least 25 or 30 Mbps. You’ll require faster download speeds—or more bandwidth—to maintain that internet connection operational if you want to prevent buffering or disconnections for everyone in your home. It is also advised to use ethernet for reduced latency and smooth online experiences.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this whole discussion is that satellite internet might not be the greatest choice if you want to enhance your gaming experience. Only single-player games or those that don’t demand quick reflexes are suitable with Viasat. It might still be useful for you if any of these descriptions apply to what you play. Gamers seeking high-speed internet are encouraged to remain with fiber or cable connections, though this will depend on their location with respect to the various providers.

Sajid Ali

CEO, Lead Writer

Sajid Ali is a tech enthusiast and gamer who loves to write reviews about gaming hardware. He has a passion for staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and loves sharing his knowledge with others. Sajid studied Intermediate Computer Science at Degree College and went on to earn his Bachelor's in Computer Science from GSC. In his free time, you can find him testing out new hardware and software, or playing the latest video games. Sajid's in-depth understanding of computers and his love for gaming make him the perfect author to turn to for all things tech and gaming.