Skip to content 
As an experienced gamer and technology enthusiast, Iโve delved into the world of internet service providers to decipher their true potential when it comes to online gaming. The question Iโll tackle today is: Is Viasat good for gaming?
TL;DR: Viasat can be a suitable option for gaming, but it largely depends on the specific games you play. Lighter, turn-based games run smoothly, but fast-paced, competitive games may face latency issues due to the nature of satellite internet.
Scroll down to get a detailed answer
Letโs get into the nitty-gritty.
Table of Contents
Understanding Internet Requirements for Gaming
Before we dive into the specifics of Viasat, it might be worthwhile to understand the general internet requirements for gaming. Online games, as many gamers have come to find out on their own, its typically required to use a steady and fast internet connection to function optimally.
Hereโs what you need:
- Ping Rate/Latency: A low ping rate (the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the server and back) is critical. A ping rate of 20-100 milliseconds (ms) is considered good for gaming.
- Download Speed: Higher download speeds allow for faster game downloads and smoother gameplay. Generally, a download speed of at least 3-6 Mbps is recommended for most online games.
- Upload Speed: This is the speed at which data is sent from your gaming device to the game server. For most games, an upload speed of 1 Mbps is usually sufficient.
Viasat and Gaming: The Reality
Viasat is a satellite internet provider known for offering service in areas where traditional ISPs may not reach. Itโs a lifeline for those living in remote locations. However, when it comes to gaming, the results can be mixed.
Latency: Satellite internet is known for high latency. It is an inherent limitation of the technology as data must travel to space and back, resulting in a latency of around 600 ms. Therefore, fast-paced, real-time games (like first-person shooters or racing games) may not perform optimally on Viasat.
Download Speed: Viasat offers various plans with download speeds ranging from 12 Mbps to 100 Mbps. Therefore, you can achieve satisfactory download speeds for most games.
Upload Speed: Upload speeds on Viasat are relatively low, usually around 3 Mbps. While this is adequate for many games, it may cause problems if multiple devices are using the internet simultaneously.
Overall, I recommend Viasat for gamers who mainly enjoy slow-paced or turn-based games (like chess or strategy games), and not so much for fast-paced, competitive games. However, for those in rural areas with limited options, Viasat can serve as a viable solution for lighter gaming activities.
Gaming Experience on Different Viasat Plans
Viasat offers several plans, each with different data limits and download speeds. If youโre considering Viasat for gaming, I recommend opting for a plan with higher speeds and data caps, such as Viasatโs Unlimited Platinum 100 plan.
This offers download speeds up to 100 Mbps, which should provide a satisfactory experience for most online games, barring latency-sensitive ones. However, keep in mind that all Viasat plans have a โsoftโ data cap โ once you exceed your planโs priority data, Viasat may slow down your speeds during periods of congestion.
Optimizing Your Gaming Experience on Viasat
A useful suggestion would be to try and optimize your Viasat connection for a better gaming experience. Here are a few tips:
- Use a Wired Connection: Using an Ethernet cable to connect your gaming device directly to the modem can provide a more stable connection and slightly improve your ping time.
- Limit the Number of Connected Devices: The more devices connected to your internet, the slower your speed. Try to disconnect unnecessary devices while gaming.
- Game at Off-Peak Hours: Internet congestion can slow down your connection. Try gaming during off-peak hours (typically early morning or late night) for better performance.
Alternative Options and Tips
If youโre a hardcore gamer residing in a rural area, a useful suggestion would be to explore other alternatives like DSL, if available, or consider using a mobile hotspot for gaming. While these solutions have their own limitations, they might provide lower latency than satellite internet.
Itโs also important to note that reducing the number of devices connected to your network and playing games during off-peak hours can help optimize your gaming experience on Viasat.
Conclusion
While Viasat can enable online gaming, its performance largely depends on the types of games you play and your specific needs. It is certainly not the best option for latency-sensitive games but can support more relaxed, turn-based gaming experiences. Exploring other options, optimizing your connection, and understanding your gaming habits can help you make the best decision.
FAQ
Can you do gaming on Viasat?
Yes, you can do gaming on Viasat, but it is more suitable for slow-paced, turn-based games due to higher latency inherent to satellite internet.
Is Viasat good for Call of Duty?
Given the high latency of satellite internet, Viasat might not provide the optimal experience for fast-paced, real-time games like Call of Duty.
What is the best satellite for gaming?
While satellite internet isnโt ideal for gaming, Viasat and HughesNet are the two main providers, with Viasat generally offering faster speeds.
Is there any satellite internet good for gaming?
Satellite internet can be used for gaming, but itโs more suited to slower, turn-based games. For fast-paced gaming, other forms of internet connection are preferable.
