To comfortably play multiplayer competitive games, you not only need high FPS but also low ping. This is especially true for Fortnite, as a lower data delay from server to client and vice versa results in smoother gameplay. If you're curious about how to check your ping in Fortnite and how to reduce it, this article will help you with that.

What is Ping in Fortnite

In Fortnite, "ping" is a measure (in milliseconds) of the time it takes for data to travel from your device to Fortnite's servers. Essentially, ping reflects the latency or delay in your network connection.

A lower ping indicates a faster, more responsive connection, while a higher ping can lead to noticeable delays that affect gameplay performance.

How Ping Affects Gameplay in Fortnite

• Low Ping (0-30 ms): Considered excellent. Low ping ensures smoother gameplay with minimal delays, which is especially beneficial in competitive mode.
  
  
• Medium Ping (30-60 ms): Generally comfortable for gaming, though minor delays can occur, especially noticeable in high-pressure battle scenarios.
  
  
• High Ping (60-100 ms): Often leads to more significant delays, making quick reactions more difficult, which can be a disadvantage.
  
  
• Very High Ping (100+ ms): Severe lag causing substantial delays and uncontrollability, making the game unenjoyable.

How to Show Ping in Fortnite

Step 1: Launch Fortnite

Start by launching Fortnite on your device (PC, console, or mobile). Once loaded, go to the “Settings” menu on the main screen. Here you can access various options to optimize your gaming experience.

Step 2: Open the Settings Menu

In the main lobby, find the three horizontal lines (known as the "hamburger menu") in the top right corner. Clicking on this icon opens a list of options. Select “Settings” to enter Fortnite’s advanced settings menu.

Step 3: Go to the Game UI Tab

In the settings menu, find the tab with a gear icon labeled Game UI. This tab contains options related to on-screen information, including your HUD (Head-Up Display) where ping data can be displayed.

Step 4: Enable "Net Debug Stats"

Scroll down in the Game UI section until you find an option called Net Debug Stats. By default, this feature is turned off, and network-related information like ping is not displayed. To show ping in Fortnite, toggle this feature to ON.

Step 5: Apply Changes and Return to Game

After enabling Net Debug Stats, confirm your choice by clicking “Apply” (usually this button is located at the bottom of the screen). Now, when you enter a match, your ping will be displayed in the upper left corner of the screen.

Tips for Monitoring and Reducing Ping

If you notice your ping is consistently high, here are some tips that may help reduce it:

• Use a Wired Connection: Wi-Fi can be unstable, leading to increased ping. If possible, connect your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. Contact your provider if the internet speed doesn't match the advertised speed. This can be checked on sites like speedtest.net.
  
  
• Configure Your Router: If you use the internet solely through Wi-Fi, optimize its settings if possible. Check if it supports high bandwidth for better internet connectivity, enable 5 GHz support, etc. And, of course, limit other sources that can reduce Wi-Fi speed.
  
  
• Close Background Applications: Applications using the internet in the background can consume bandwidth and increase ping.
  
  
• Play on the Nearest Regional Server:Ensure in Fortnite settings that you have selected the server region closest to you. This reduces data transfer time, thus lowering ping.
  
  
• Restart Your Router: Regularly restarting your router helps refresh the connection, which can reduce ping.
  
  
• Limit Network Traffic: Avoid downloading large files or streaming video while gaming, as this can affect connection speed.

Why Ping is Important in Fortnite

In action games like Fortnite, actions such as building, shooting, and moving need to happen instantaneously. If high ping causes delays in these actions, it can negatively impact your results, as your actions might register later than expected. This can be a significant disadvantage in combat where critical decisions are made in split seconds.