Network Buffering is a Valorant setting for all those players that have an internet connection where they constantly lose packets. The feature should be enabled for all players and it helps when someone suffers from packet loss.
Before we dive deeper, it might help to have a bit of background information on what we mean when referring to “network buffering” or “processing delays.”
If you are suffering from packet loss, it can be an unpleasant experience as you will be lagging on other players’ screens. Riot Games addresses this problem by using Network Buffering in Valorant.
Why do you need the Network Buffering in Valorant?
An internet connection that keeps losing speed is an Online gamer’s worst enemy. Regarding low-TTK and tactical first-person shooters like Valorant, it can be pretty irritating to see your opponents teleporting from one part of the map to another.
This is called ‘player popping’ and is by far one of the most annoying problems to deal with in competitive shooters.
This is where the Network Buffering settings come into play. In Valorant, each player has a 7.8ms “buffer” time when rendering the rest of the players on their screen.
If Network Buffering is turned off it will cause a lot of problems for your and your gaming experience. So if you have a packet loss problem this setting will make your gaming experience a lot smoother.
If you have recently encountered the TPM 2.0 ‘This Version of Vanguard Requires TPM 2.0’ error you can check out our guide HERE.
How does Network Buffering Work in Valorant?
In online games such as VALORANT, you send your inputs to the Server to be executed because the Server’s view of the game is correct. Inputs from your game Client must be played for your Agent every time the Server updates the game simulation (which happens 128 times per second).
If your inputs are delayed while traveling over the internet, the Server will not wait and will have to simulate a move for you.
This Server-predicted move frequently contradicts the one that is still on its way. These disagreements result in Move Corrections, which appear as small teleports to the correct location on the client.
It’s important to first play-test each of the buffering settings- Minimum, Moderate and Maximum- to see if your performance improves at all.
Riot Games maintains a buffer that makes the gameplay experience fair for all players even if one or more players are facing packet loss in-game. You should keep the setting enabled at all times as it leads to a much smoother experience whether you suffer from packet loss or not.
