Me: What’s the theoretical limit of how far away two people can be for them to play a fighting game and for the game to feel playable, maybe three small stutters at most during a three minute match?
Bard: Unfortunately, there’s no single, definitive answer to this question because many factors contribute to the “playability” of a fighting game with high latency:
**1. Latency Tolerance:** Different players have different tolerances for latency. Some can handle occasional stutters with minimal impact, while others find even slight delays frustrating and unplayable.
**2. Netcode:** Different fighting games use different netcode solutions, which significantly impact how they handle latency. Traditional delay-based netcode suffers more at higher latencies, while rollback netcode can smooth out gameplay even with higher ping (up to a point).
**3. Game Genre:** Faster-paced fighting games (e.g., Guilty Gear) are generally more sensitive to latency than slower, more methodical ones (e.g., Street Fighter).
**4. Individual Matchup:** In any given matchup, different characters and playstyles may be more or less affected by latency.
**5. Personal Connection:** The quality of each player’s internet connection is crucial. High jitter (variable latency) and packet loss can exacerbate the impact of even lower latencies.
**6. Mental Fortitude:** Players’ psychological state can also affect their perception of latency. Feeling frustrated or tilted can make even minor stutters seem unbearable.
However, some general guidelines can help estimate the limit:
* **Delay-based netcode:** Generally unplayable above 150-200ms ping. Even occasional stutters might be noticeable.
* **Rollback netcode:** Playable up to 200-300ms with good rollback implementation. Stutters may occur depending on the specific game and matchup.
* **Ideal scenario:** For a smooth, stutter-free experience with minimal impact on gameplay, aim for below 100ms ping with good rollback netcode.
In practice, individual experiences will vary considerably based on the factors mentioned above. Ultimately, the best way to determine your personal limit is to experiment and see what feels playable for you.
Additional tips:
* Utilize wired connections instead of Wi-Fi for more consistent latency.
* Use gaming routers or prioritize gaming traffic on your network.
* Look for fighting games with good rollback netcode implementation.
* Try regional matchmaking to find opponents closer to your location.
By optimizing your setup and choosing games with robust netcode solutions, you can push the limits of online fighting game playability and enjoy engaging matches even with some distance between you and your opponent.
Remember, it’s all about finding a sweet spot that balances latency with a smooth and enjoyable playing experience. Happy fighting!