What is input lag and how does it affect games?

If you are a gamer or even understand technology, you have probably heard of the term “input lag”. This expression refers to one of the biggest problems faced by players, especially in competitive titles, who need the best performance and responsiveness in their games.

But what exactly is input lag, how does it impact the gaming experience, and what can you do to minimize it? Let’s explore all these points in this article.

Also read:

6 tips for choosing the best monitor for competitive gaming
The 4 best 4K monitors with unbeatable value for money

What is Input Lag?

Input lag is the delay between the moment a command is made/entered (such as pressing a button on the controller or keyboard) and the response visible on the screen. In other words, it is the time it takes the device to interpret and execute the action.

This delay can happen at different points in the processing chain, including the controller (keyboard, mouse or gamepad), the operating system, the graphics card and the screen.

This problem can be quite frustrating in competitive games, where fractions of a second make all the difference. First-person shooters (FPS), fighting and racing games are some of the categories most affected by input lag.

How does Input Lag affect games?

When input lag is present, it can have a direct impact on the player’s performance. In games where precision and speed are crucial, like Fortnite, Call of Duty or Street Fighter, even a small delay can end up being responsible for unexpected defeats. This is because commands can be interpreted too late, compromising the player’s and character’s reaction time and agility.

Imagine trying to perform a combo in a fighting game, but the character’s response isn’t quick enough. Or, during an FPS, shooting at an enemy and realizing that the shot only happens a fraction of a second after the click. These delays not only harm performance, but also end up affecting immersion and fun.

Furthermore, input lag can also be a problem in single-player games, especially in titles that require precision, such as platformers or puzzle games. The lack of synchronization between what you do and what appears on the screen can create a frustrating and disjointed experience.

Main causes of Input Lag

Input lag can be caused by different factors, from hardware problems to inadequate settings. Some of the main causes include:

• Slow televisions or monitors: Screens with high response time may add delay in image display.
• Low refresh rates: Monitors with a refresh rate lower than 60Hz tend to have more input lag.
• Inadequate cables and connections: Old or poor quality HDMI cables can affect response time.
• Vertical Sync (V-Sync): Although V-Sync eliminates screen tearing, it can also increase input lag as it waits for the screen to be ready to display the next frame.
• Image processing: Picture enhancement functions on TVs, such as smoothing modes, can also add delay.

How to reduce Input Lag?

Reducing input lag is an ideal point to improve the gaming experience, especially in competitive titles. Here are some practical tips to minimize this problem:

1. Use monitors and TVs with low input lag: Invest in devices that have a high refresh rate (120Hz or more) and a response time of less than 5ms.
2. Activate game mode on your TV: Most modern TVs have a “Game Mode”, which disables unnecessary image processing, reducing lag.
3. Evite o uso de V-Sync: If possible, disable V-Sync in your game settings. Instead, you can use technologies like G-Sync (NVIDIA) or FreeSync (AMD), which reduce screen tearing without adding as much lag.
4. Use high quality cables: Make sure to use high-speed, well-sourced HDMI or DisplayPort cables.
5. Adjust resolution and graphics: Reducing resolution and decreasing graphical effects improves frame rate (FPS), which can minimize lag.
6. Update drivers and firmware: Keep your video card drivers and monitor firmware up to date.
7. Use quick response mode on monitors: Many monitors have response time adjustments. Enable the “Fast” or “Extreme” option to further reduce lag.