SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet stands out significantly, surpassing traditional satellite services and overcoming issues often associated with cable and DSL, such as high costs and slow speeds. This service is particularly beneficial for those residing in rural areas where high-speed internet is often unavailable, and mobile coverage is weak, leaving them with extremely slow download speeds.
Unlike older satellite internet services like HughesNet, Starlink uses low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which allows for fast download and upload speeds and low latency, a crucial factor for gamers.
Given Starlink’s relatively new status and lack of direct competition, along with the general skepticism surrounding satellite internet, many gamers are wary about its performance. Can Starlink provide the low latency needed for fast-paced first-person shooter games, or will delays and lag disrupt gameplay? Many Starlink users have shared their gaming experiences, and the feedback is mostly positive.
Starlink: Good for Gaming, But Not Great
When considering reviews about Starlink, it’s important to account for the types of games being played. Games like “Animal Crossing” or “Stardew Valley” aren’t as affected by network conditions as FPS and racing games. Reviews mostly offer positive snapshots from console and PC gamers, indicating that Starlink is good for gaming, though not perfect, according to social media users.
In 2022, many Starlink customers shared their experiences through social media and Reddit. A Reddit post asking for users’ “honest experiences” garnered several dozen responses. One user noted, “Occasional issues, but not nearly often enough for me to get upset over it. Good ping, very few disconnects.” Many others echoed this sentiment, though stability was a recurring concern. While gaming sessions were often stellar, there were times when they became nearly unplayable.
Another user stated, “When it’s good it’s [very] good. When it’s bad it’s horrid.” Common issues reported with Starlink include high ping and excessive packet loss. Fortunately, multiple users mentioned that these issues usually resolved within a minute. However, this may not be satisfactory for competitive gamers.
Gaming on Starlink Will Improve Over Time
The positive news is that Starlink is still evolving, and gaming experiences are expected to improve over time. In a June 2022 blog post, Ookla – known for its internet speed tests – reported a 38% year-over-year increase in Starlink speeds in the U.S., with even more significant improvements in Canada at nearly 58%. However, during the same period, latency worsened slightly, with the median latency for Starlink in the U.S. being higher than the combined average of all providers (43ms versus 14ms).
Glad it’s working! The sheer amount of work done by SpaceX engineering, production & launch teams is amazing.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 15, 2021
Ping should improve dramatically in coming months. We’re aiming for <20ms. Basically, you should be able to play competitive FPS games through Starlink.
These latency figures might make Starlink less appealing for competitive gamers compared to local fiber or cable options, assuming those are available.
Another potential issue for gamers is Starlink’s planned daytime data cap in the first half of 2023. While large game downloads can be scheduled for nighttime, some gamers without access to traditional internet services might find Verizon and T-Mobile’s truly unlimited 5G home internet plans more appealing, though the quality of these services can vary significantly based on location.
Conclusion
Starlink offers a promising alternative to traditional internet services, especially in rural areas. While it has some drawbacks, such as occasional high ping and the upcoming data cap, the overall feedback from gamers is positive. As Starlink continues to develop and expand, it is likely to become an even better option for online gaming.
FAQs About Gaming on Starlink
- Is Starlink Suitable for Competitive Online Gaming?
- Starlink’s low latency and high-speed connectivity make it suitable for competitive online gaming, although occasional high ping and packet loss may affect some games.
- Can Starlink Handle Large Game Downloads and Updates?
- Yes, Starlink offers download speeds between 50 Mbps and 150 Mbps, which can handle large game downloads and frequent updates efficiently.
- Is Starlink Good for Streaming Gameplay on Platforms Like Twitch?
- Yes, Starlink’s reliable speeds support high-quality streaming, making it a viable option for gamers who wish to broadcast their gameplay on platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming.
- What Are the Benefits of Professional Starlink Installation for Gamers?
- Professional installation ensures optimal performance, longevity, and aesthetic appeal of the Starlink system. Installers provide custom mounting solutions, cable management, and ongoing support.
- Can Starlink Be Used for Cloud Gaming Services?
- Yes, Starlink’s high-speed and low-latency internet is well-suited for cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Google Stadia, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, providing smooth and responsive gameplay.
