Starlink Gaming: What You Need to Know About Gaming on Satellite Internet

Starlink gaming is the new norm, and every gamer wants to try it out. Gamers dream of having the ideal gaming setup, including high-speed internet, a fast CPU, and a comfy chair. This is not …

Starlink’s Internet antenna

Starlink gaming is the new norm, and every gamer wants to try it out.

Gamers dream of having the ideal gaming setup, including high-speed internet, a fast CPU, and a comfy chair.

This is not always the case because if you don’t have reliable internet– cable or fiber connection, you will encounter big challenges in your gaming experience.

With Starlink Internet, players can start gaming from anywhere in the world.

This includes places without cable or fiber internet. Starlink technology connects players worldwide, allowing them to play their favorite online games regardless of location. 

This article guide sheds light on gaming with Starlink satellite internet. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

The best satellite internet for gaming is Starlink. It offers high-speed internet service.

Additionally, online players use fast, reliable, and pocket-friendly internet.

However, there are other satellite providers, and it’s essential to research and choose a plan that best suits your needs.

Starlink differs from other satellite providers that use huge satellites in space.

Conversely, Starlink is a new space program that uses low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.

A few LEO satellites are in the making, but Starlink is the only one available. 

These LEO satellites work by receiving signals on Earth and relaying them into space or back to Earth for users.

Starlink provides a fast internet connection and advanced tools to help users manage their home network.

This is because it features an easy-to-use wireless connection and great online support. 

Put! Starlink will help take your gaming performance to the next level, whether casual or avid gamers.

There are many benefits of using Starlink gaming, and they include the following:

Affordable

Starlink Internet is relatively cheaper compared to cable and satellite Internet. Starlink charges $99 for unlimited speed.

On the other hand, those in rural and suburban areas pay the same amount for slower internet.

Easy to Set Up

Starlink dish installation is simple and easy. After confirming your order, SpaceX will ship the WiFi router, cables, and plate.

Setting up this internet connection requires no special skills and a clear sky view.

Starlink dish on the floor

Starlink dish on the floor

High-Speed Internet

Starlink operates under low altitudes providing faster internet than cellular and cable internet.

High-speed internet delivers high-quality graphics. It provides reduced lag time, allowing you to enjoy your favorite games.

Some disadvantages of using Starlink include the following.

Slower Connectivity in Cities

Starlink has lower speeds in cities than in suburbs because most people use the same bandwidth.

Prone to Bad Weather

You can experience interruptions in your satellite connection during rain or solar storms. It also happens with cable internet.

What Factors Affect Satellite Gaming?

Satellite internet works by sending data over long distances that is from your home to game servers.

Satellite internet providers have satellites located in geosynchronous orbit that is 44,472 miles above the Earth.

Let’s look at some major factors that affect online gaming performance when using satellite internet.

Satellite dish  antennas under a sky

Satellite dish antennas under a sky

Latency

Latency or ping is the time it takes for data to travel from your gaming device to the server and back again.

We measure latency in milliseconds (ms); the lower the number, the better the gaming experience. For online gaming, 100 ms and below is ideal.

Satellite internet experience additional latency because the signal covers more distance.

However, recent technological advancements have reduced the distance, making it much smaller. 

Starlink’s latency is under 20 ms putting it ahead of the competition. This explains why Starlink is the ideal satellite internet service for online gaming.

Here’s how you can reduce Starlink latency and fix lag:

  • Don’t use WiFi; instead, use a wired connection.
  • Stop all background downloads.
  • Restart your router.
  • Close all the programs using an internet connection.
  • Use game servers that are near your local area.

Packet Loss and Reliability

Packet loss occurs when there’s interference with data.

The Packet loss causes lagging which disrupts your gaming experience.

The higher the latency, the higher the packet loss. Starlink latency is low, thus a lower packet loss.

Regarding reliability, satellite internet is susceptible to weather events such as snow and rain.

Weather events block satellite signals leading to outages for the users.

Any satellite internet service is prone to adverse weather conditions. 

Speed

Download and upload speeds affect gaming. You need fast internet service to send and receive data on time when gaming.

When your internet is not fast enough, you will experience packet loss.

It’s worth mentioning the higher the upload and download speed, the better.

With Starlink Internet, you will enjoy downloading games and content at a faster rate.

Moreover, the high upload speed will improve your online gaming performance.

Is Satellite Internet Good Enough for Gaming?

According to our research, Starlink satellite internet is good for gaming. This is because Starlink’s latency is under 20 ms.

Likewise, the internet speeds range between 100 Mbps to 200 Mbps. 

Regarding other satellite internet service providers, using their service for gaming is impractical.

They work well with turn-based games that don’t require fast player movement.

Racing, sports, and shooter games won’t work well with traditional satellite internet networks.

A gamer racing

A gamer racing

Satellite vs. Other Internet Options

Internet services differ, and it’s essential to understand how they work to get value for your money.

In terms of online gaming, each internet has its pros and cons.

Here is how satellite compares with other internet options.

Fixed Broadband – Fiber, Cable

Fixed broadband internet includes high-speed data transmission to a fixed location.

This type of internet connection uses various technologies, including DSL, cable, fiber optics, and wireless.

Fixed broadband is faster, more reliable, and has a lower latency resulting in an improved online gaming experience.

Fixed broadband is superior to other internet options and is the best option for online gaming and business.

Fiber connection

Fiber connection

The Wireless

Wireless internet options come in many forms, such as mobile data plans, home internet, dedicated hotspot device, and mobile hotspot mode.

The Wireless internet experiences latency but is not always high enough to interfere with gaming.

Wireless internet falls short in speed throttling and limited data options.

After reaching a certain data usage amount, most wireless internet providers slow down your speeds, negatively affecting your gaming performance. 

Wireless network

Wireless network

Frequently Asked Questions

Most players prefer Starlink gaming because it offers better performance and results.

Conversely, some gamers find it doesn’t work well for them and use other options.

Whether you choose Starlink for gaming boils down to personal preference and the games you enjoy playing.

How fast is satellite internet speed?

Satellite internet speed ranges from 12 Mbps to over 100 Mbps.

But the internet speed you get depends on several factors, such as your internet package, location, and the satellite dish you have.

Can you use satellite internet to stream games?

It is possible to stream using satellite internet. But it would be best if you considered a few things.

First, ensure you have a strong signal and a good connection.

You must also consider the available data because streaming games consume extensive data.

A player streaming online games

A player streaming online games

Conclusion

Starlink lives up to its hype regarding online gaming, explaining why the service has become increasingly popular.

Starlink is excellent for hobby gaming because it’s fast. Also, the latency is within playable limits.

At the moment, Starlink gaming is not ideal for competitive gaming, as those who use fixed broadband connections are a step ahead due to less latency.

Satellite internet has room for development, and it’s only a matter of time before it catches up with fiber internet. 

Browse our blog for more information about the future of satellite internet.