Is Starlink Good for Gaming?

Starlink provides an internet connection via satellite. It is an entity of SpaceX. Currently serving 50 countries, Starlink has amassed as many as 3580 small satellites in the LEO (Low Earth Orbit).

Starlink is definitely a very competitive option for you to have with its affordable pricing, but is it any good for gaming? Let’s find out.

Is it A Good Idea to Use Starlink for Gaming? – Pros and Cons

Well, the answer is complicated as it is a both yes and a no! Let’s get one thing straight,

Starlink performs very well in the latency test and the packet loss test. There is absolutely no problem with the speed of the connection as the download and upload speeds are pretty darn good too. 

Casual Gaming

If you are a casual gamer, then Starlink is more than good enough for you. You won’t face lag or packet loss which is the main reason for the lag.

You can play games for hours and you won’t face any problems. You can use the connection on multiple consoles too and you won’t face any hitch.

As we said, Starlink is a very solid option for gaming, especially for casual gaming.

Competitive Gaming

This is where it becomes a bit tricky!

In competitive games like Call of Duty, Warzone (COD), Destiny, and other heavy FPS games you are likely to face packet loss and fluctuations in latency.

Now, these two things are really the most important factor when you are looking for an internet connection and Starlink somewhat lags behind in this sector which is why most gamers, the hardcore ones, prefer fiber internet connection over Starlink. 

You can manage a relatively high ping between 50ms to 70ms if the connection is consistent and constant, but if it starts to fluctuate higher and lower that is when your gaming experience starts to suffer.

A big drawback: Starlink right now cannot provide consistency in its connection for competitive gaming.  

Using Starlink as Your Gaming Connection

If you have made up your mind and decided to use Starlink as your gaming connection, then it is still a solid option. 

Our advice for you would be to use the Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi as you are less likely to face latency issues with the Ethernet connection.

Also, avoid playing games during rush hour. If you play during non-peak hours, then you are likely to have a good smooth experience but if you play during rush hours then there is no guarantee you won’t face connection issues and this is true for any internet connection facility.

You can also try and avoid playing during bad weather like heavy rains or storms as it is likely the satellite service is bound to get affected by it which in turn will affect your internet connection and speed.

ALSO READ: What Does Packet Loss Mean in Gaming