Fix VPN High Ping and Packet Loss in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Zombies Mode

Nothing ruins a Zombies run faster than rubberbanding enemies and delayed shots. If you’re experiencing high ping and packet loss in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Zombies, your VPN could be the culprit—or the solution. This guide will help you diagnose the cause of your connection issues and provide actionable steps to stabilize your game, reduce latency, and eliminate frustrating lag spikes.

What you’ll learn:

• Why your VPN might be causing high ping and how to fix it
• Step-by-step settings to optimize for gaming performance
• How to choose a gaming-friendly VPN to actually improve your connection

Why Your VPN Causes High Ping in Black Ops 6

High ping is essentially a measure of delay. It’s the time it takes for data to travel from your PC or console to the game server and back. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic takes a detour through a VPN server before reaching the game server. This extra hop can add precious milliseconds, resulting in the lag you feel in-game.

Several factors contribute to this high ping:

• Server Distance: The farther the VPN server is from both you and the Call of Duty game server, the longer the data has to travel.
• Server Load: An overcrowded VPN server can struggle to process data quickly, causing bottlenecks and packet loss.
• Encryption Overhead: While essential for security, the process of encrypting and decrypting your data requires processing power, which can slightly increase latency.
• Suboptimal Routing: Sometimes, your ISP’s route to the game server is inefficient. A good VPN can provide a better path, but a poor one can make it worse.

What is Packet Loss and How Does a VPN Affect It?

Packet loss occurs when pieces of data sent between your device and the game server fail to arrive. In Zombies mode, this looks like zombies teleporting, your bullets not registering, or your character stuttering. A VPN can cause packet loss if its servers are unreliable or congested. Conversely, a premium VPN can sometimes reduce packet loss by providing a more stable and direct route than your standard internet connection, especially if your ISP has network congestion.

How to Fix VPN High Ping and Packet Loss

You don't have to choose between security and a smooth gaming experience. Follow these steps to troubleshoot and optimize your VPN for Call of Duty Black Ops 6.

1. Connect to a Closer VPN Server

This is the most impactful change you can make. The golden rule is to connect to a VPN server that is geographically close to the actual Call of Duty game server you’re playing on. For example, if you're on the East Coast of the US and connecting to a North American game server, choose a New York or Miami VPN server, not one in London. The reduced physical distance dramatically lowers ping.

2. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection

Wi-Fi is susceptible to interference and signal drops, which can cause jitter and packet loss. For the most stable gaming connection, always use an Ethernet cable to connect your PC or console directly to your router. This eliminates a major variable and ensures your VPN has the best possible foundation to work with.

3. Change Your VPN Protocol

VPN protocols are the methods used to secure your connection. Some are faster than others. For gaming, you should prioritize speed-optimized protocols:

• WireGuard: This is the modern champion for speed and low latency. If your VPN offers it, use it.
• Lightway (ExpressVPN): A proprietary protocol designed for speed and reliability.
• NordLynx (NordVPN): NordVPN's implementation of WireGuard, offering excellent performance for gaming.

Avoid older protocols like OpenVPN for gaming, as they tend to have higher latency. You can usually change the protocol in your VPN app's settings menu.

4. Enable a “Gaming Mode” or “Speed Boost” Feature

Many top-tier VPNs now include features specifically designed for gamers. These might be called “Gaming Mode,” “Speed Boost,” or “Threat Protection” that blocks ads and malware, freeing up bandwidth. Check your VPN's settings and enable any performance-enhancing options.

5. Close Background Applications

Bandwidth is a finite resource. Applications like torrent clients, video streams, and large file downloads can consume your bandwidth and cause ping spikes. Before jumping into a match, close any non-essential applications on your device.

Choosing a VPN to Minimize High Ping

If you’ve tried all the fixes and still have high ping, it might be time for a new VPN. Not all VPNs are created equal for gaming. Look for these features:

• Extensive Server Network: A large selection of servers means you can always find one close to your game server.
• Speed-Optimized Protocols: Native support for WireGuard or a similar lightweight protocol is essential.
• Reliability: The VPN should have a reputation for consistent uptime and minimal packet loss.
• Dedicated Gaming Features: Look for modes that prioritize gaming traffic.

Top VPN Picks for Call of Duty Black Ops 6

Based on our performance tests for low latency and stability, here are the VPNs that excel in gaming environments.

• ExpressVPN: Renowned for its lightning-fast Lightway protocol and ultra-reliable global network. It consistently delivers low ping, making it a premium choice for competitive gaming.
• Surfshark: Offers great value with its WireGuard protocol and unlimited simultaneous connections, perfect for gaming on multiple devices without breaking the bank.
• NordVPN: As mentioned, its NordLynx technology provides top-tier speeds and its Meshnet feature can even be useful for hosting private games with friends.

For a deeper dive, check out our full gaming VPN guides and comparisons.

Final Thoughts: Secure Your Game, Slay the Lag

High ping and packet loss don't have to be a permanent part of your Zombies experience. By understanding the causes and taking proactive steps—like choosing a closer server, switching to a faster protocol, and selecting a gaming-optimized VPN—you can secure your connection and enjoy a buttery-smooth, lag-free game. A quality VPN should protect your privacy without sacrificing performance.

Ready to eliminate lag for good? Get NordVPN now and experience the difference a fast, gaming-ready connection makes.