In short
- Latency, or ping, is the time a message takes to reach the server and come back.
- The closer the server is to your players, the better the ping almost every time.
- It also gets worse if the server is short on memory or processor, or under attack.
What latency is
Latency, or ping, is the time a message takes to go from your computer to the server and back. It is measured in milliseconds. The lower it is, the more immediate the game feels: shots, movement and actions register sooner.
Why distance matters
Data travels over cables and passes through several points on the network. The further away the server is, the longer the path and the longer each message takes. A server close to your players almost always gives a better ping than a distant one.
Pick a server close to your players
If your community plays from Spain or nearby countries, a server in Spain is the logical choice. If your players are spread around the world, no location will be perfect for everyone: pick the one closest to most of them.
Your home is not a good place
A server at home depends on your home connection, your upload and your computer staying on. A rented one sits in a facility with a connection built for this and does not depend on your machine.
How to check your ping
Many games show ping in the server list or on screen during play. Ask a couple of players to check it while you test and compare. If everyone's ping is low and steady, the location is good.
Beyond distance
Latency also suffers if the server is short on memory or processor, or if it is under attack. Make sure the plan has resources to spare and DDoS protection.