Why Would You Need a VPN for Gaming? – 5 Reasons

Many know how a VPN can be super useful for streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or similar services. However, when it comes to gaming, the perks of a VPN might not be so clear. Even though a VPN won’t magically make you a gaming superstar or boost your rankings, it can still bring some advantages to your gaming experience. These benefits may not be crystal clear, so let’s dive into what you can get from a VPN and explore a few drawbacks.

5 Reasons to Use a VPN for Gaming

Boosting your security, ensuring your privacy, and staying anonymous online are fantastic reasons to hop on the VPN train. But hold on tight because there’s a whole bunch more goodness that a VPN brings to your gaming world.

1. Protect Yourself Against Swatting

Though it’s not common, there have been a few instances, especially in multiplayer games, where gamers get so upset that they cross a line and begin stalking fellow players.

Imagine this: if one of these disgruntled players manages to get hold of your IP address, they could potentially breach your social media accounts or, worse, track you down in the real world and become an offline stalker.

In rare, extreme cases, there’s something called “swatting.” It’s a frightening form of harassment where someone falsely reports a hostage situation, bomb threat, or other emergencies at your home, prompting emergency services to show up uninvited.

2. Get the Jump on New Games Releases

When it comes to new game launches, they don’t always hit the global scene simultaneously. It’s a real downer when you’re all pumped up for a fresh game release, only to discover it won’t grace your gaming den right away, especially after a long wait.

But thanks to the magic of VPNs, you can dive into the latest release on day one, even if it’s not officially dropping in your neck of the woods.

For instance, some slot games’ new releases are served for a few countries first before the rest of the world. So, to be one of the first to try them, players connect to a VPN server in a region where the slot game’s already out, and they’re free to game to their heart’s content! While we’re talking about slot games, if you are one of the folks who play them occasionally, consider looking for the best tips for winning at slot machines; it would be helpful.

3. Shield Yourself from DDoS Attacks

Ever heard of a DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attack? It’s a nasty tactic where someone hurls a barrage of requests from compromised computers at a single target to knock it offline.

In the past, DDoS attacks were mainly aimed at websites and occasionally online games. However, these days, DDoS software is shockingly easy to access, meaning almost anyone can attempt a DDoS assault on a website or other players. That’s right – even those you’re gaming against could try to DDoS you.

But with a trusty VPN in your corner, your IP address stays hidden. This means that anyone attempting to DDoS you won’t be able to trace your connection and flood it with unwanted data. You can game on worry-free!

4. Bandwidth Throttling Won’t Be an Issue Anymore

Internet service providers (ISPs) often tinker with your internet speed for various reasons. Some slow things down during specific times to ease network congestion, while others hit the brakes if they spot certain types of online traffic, like gaming, streaming, or file sharing. Some ISPs may even put the brakes on when they notice you’ve moved a hefty amount of data.

Now, the data appetite of games can vary widely based on the title, genre, and how you play. If you’re an avid gamer who spends hours in-game and diligently downloads updates, you might hit a data cap sooner than you’d like.

But here’s where a VPN steps in to save the day. It encrypts your data, throwing a cloak over your online activities. This makes it trickier for your ISP to snoop and determine whether you’re diving into a game or just casually browsing the web.

What’s more, some top-notch VPNs can shuffle the ports you use, adding an extra layer of complexity for your ISP to decipher. So, with a VPN, you’re in the fast lane, bypassing those pesky data-throttling roadblocks!

5. Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Whether you’re gaming on your phone, tablet, or trusty laptop, chances are you’ll connect to public Wi-Fi at some point.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots are scattered everywhere – hotels, eateries, airports, and shopping malls. They’re your ticket to internet access while on the go. However, there’s a catch: most of these public Wi-Fi setups are about as secure as a screen door on a submarine. They come with a host of risks, like:

Unencrypted Networks: Many public Wi-Fi networks use unencrypted connections. This means that the data traveling between your device, the router, and the great world of the internet is wide open for anyone to take a peek.
Wi-Fi Eavesdropping: Cyber troublemakers have handy tools and tricks to eavesdrop on Wi-Fi traffic. It’s like they’re listening in on your online conversations. They can spot which websites you visit and even snatch up your sensitive info. With this loot, they can go on a spree with your social media, credit cards, and bank accounts.
Man-in-the-Middle Shenanigans: Have you ever heard of a “man-in-the-middle” attack? It’s a crafty trick where an attacker sneaks in between your computer and the internet’s doorstep. Once there, they can do all sorts of mischief: spy on you, swipe your personal data and login details, mess up your data, or disrupt your online chats. And it’s not picky – this attack can strike your laptops, tablets, and smartphones. So, even if you’re just relaxing with a game of Bejewelled at the airport, you’re not immune.
Nasty Malware: Public Wi-Fi is often full of cracks and holes, making it a playground for hackers. They might exploit these gaps to slip malware onto your device without you even knowing.

Now, here’s where the superhero cape of a VPN comes into play. Most top-notch VPNs work across various devices and come armed with top-of-the-line encryption wizardry. So, even if you’re sailing on the shaky seas of public Wi-Fi, a VPN wraps your data in an unbreakable code. Sure, a hacker might still manage to intercept your data in extremely rare cases, but good luck trying to crack that VPN seal!

That’s it for our VPN for gaming guide. Just make sure you choose the right VPN for your needs. While NordVPN is one of the most trusted VPNs out there, it wouldn’t hurt to do research to check all the best options and choose the one that fits your situation.

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