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GMod packet loss: What is it and how to fix it?
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
GMod, short for Garry’s Mod, is a popular sandbox game that was first released as a mod for the Valve Source game engine. The mod was created by Garry Newman.
However, the standalone game was developed by Facepunch Studios, and published by Valve.
The principle of thegameis quite simple. It’s a physics sandbox and you get to make all the rules. If you choose to play all by yourself or on your own server, that is.
GMod throws a plethora of tools your way and lets you have fun with them. However, players have gotten creative and developed servers with a higher aim than goofing around in a physics sandbox.
For instance, there are a lot of RP (roleplay) servers around, and are quite popular, too. Even RP servers have their own subgenres such as DarkRP, Purge RP, SCP RP, and WW2 RP. If you love chaotic fun, you’ll definitely enjoy playing GMod online.
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What is packet loss in GMod?
The less fun part is that every onlinegamefaces a series of technical challenges. These may include high ping,jitter, and the awfulpacket loss. Packet loss occurs whenever data packets never make it to their destination.
And it can go both ways, too. So data packets that you forward never make it to the server, and packets sent by the server leak somewhere on their way and never make it to you.
This, obviously, can cause brief de-syncs. Notice the brief there; more often than not, packet loss fixes by itself and has what we call a comes-and-goes type of behavior.
That’s mainly becausenetwork congestionis one of the main causes of packet loss, even in GMod. So the best way to fix it is simply avoiding peak hours or taking a break for a few hours.
On the other hand, sometimes packet loss might last for quite a while and becomes increasingly noticeable. Rubberbanding, sluggish movement, inability to use the voice chat feature, and even disconnections; these are all symptoms of severe packet loss.
In which case, it might be wise to take action.
How to find packet loss in GMod?
If you choose to save the results to a log file on your computer, simply append the> C:packetloss.txtargument after theIP addressof the server. The full command should look likepathping x.x.x.x > C:packetloss.txt.
After the test comes to an end, your log file should look like the screenshot above. Keep in mind that each node (hop) corresponds to a segment of your connection, as we’ve explained in the image annotations.
As the hop number increases, the connection goes further away from the source, which would be your PC.
How to fix packet loss in GMod?
1. Use a VPN
Private Internet Access is a great all-roundVPNfrom Kape Technologies. It can help you get rid of the packet loss situation in GMod.
However, keep in mind that using aVPN can improve packet lossonly if it’s your ISP that’s causing the packet loss (bandwidth throttling or improper routing).
Private Internet Access
On the other hand, even if it doesn’t fix your packet loss, aVPNcan help you in several other ways. For instance, it can boost your online privacy,circumvent geoblocking, and even secure your connection.
2. Troubleshoot your connection manually
GMod packet loss can be avoided, and even fixed
All things considered, it’s safe to say that leaking packets in GMod is not the end of the world. This situation can sometimes be easily avoided by keeping yourhome networkin top shape.
More so, you might want to avoid peak hours or switch the server if you notice congestion.
If you considered investing in aVPN, now is a perfect time. Not only will a trustworthyVPNfix your packet loss situation, but it can also help youcircumvent geoblocking, give you a much-needed privacy boost and secure your connection.
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More about the topics:Fix network issues,gaming,packet loss,VPN
Vlad Constantinescu
Vlad might have a degree in Animal Husbandry and Livestock Management, but he’s currently rocking anything software related, ranging from testing programs to writing in-depth reviews about them.
He spent 3-4 years as a software editor at Softpedia and another year as a VPN specialist before he landed his current job as an author at Windows Report.
In his free time, Vlad enjoys playing guitar, doing jigsaw puzzles, researching cybersecurity, and even having a good read on rainy days.
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