Developers of Marvel Rivals recently addressed a frustrating issue associated with low frame rates (FPS) that hindered gameplay for many players. While significant progress was made with the release of the Season 1 patch, a new challenge has emerged that negatively impacts those with high FPS.
In competitive gaming environments like Marvel Rivals, achieving high FPS is crucial for enhancing player performance. To accommodate gamers using lower-end systems, the Season 1 update introduced a new graphics setting that reduces visual demands, allowing more players on PC to enjoy the smoothness of high frame rates by sacrificing some graphical quality. However, one might assume that higher FPS translates to better gameplay experience—this assumption is now under scrutiny.
The Impact of High FPS on Gameplay
Interestingly, while high FPS generally provides smoother gameplay, it paradoxically causes increased lag in Marvel Rivals. Yes, you read that correctly—the higher your frame rate, the worse your ping may become.
As players experience an uptick in FPS, they may notice a corresponding increase in ping. This relationship could lead to confusion, especially when players are in a lobby and see their server selection ping shift from green to yellow. The culprit? It’s revealed to be the FPS settings themselves.
PSA EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW AND BE AWARE OF THIS: YOUR FPS EFFECTS YOUR PING IN MARVEL RIVALS. @MarvelRivals PLEASE FIX.Screenshot 1: capped 30fps – 33 pingScreenshot 2: capped 60fps – 41 pingScreenshot 3: capped 110fps – 46 pingScreenshot 4: uncapped fps – 66 ping (a 20-ping… pic.twitter.com/ShqKCDTqOO
— Nick (@Remy_OW) January 9, 2025
This issue captured attention prior to the Season 1 update, and upon further investigation, reports have proven to be accurate: players can observe their ping increasing as FPS escalates. After conducting my own tests in both the practice range and during actual matches, I found a distinct rise in ping, leading to a noticeably laggier experience.
One particular image from my tests depicted a spike in ping as I opted for a lower in-game resolution to maximize FPS. What became apparent is that the relationship between ping and FPS is significant, especially in connection scenarios where players already experience higher latency.
For instance, a player starting with 100 ping at 30 FPS may see that value rise to approximately 160-170 ping when pushing FPS into the 200s. This issue is particularly troublesome for those with slower internet connections, as the game may struggle to relay the increased amount of data to the server with higher frame rates.
Although some of the low FPS issues were resolved, quirks persist—such as inconsistencies in Wolverine’s damage output and other specific interactions. Gamers now face a challenging decision: sacrifice high FPS for increased lag or endure the complications of lower framerate settings.
Fortunately, a middle ground appears to exist around the 90-100 FPS range, where players experience minimal drawbacks from either extreme. For those playing with uncapped FPS and achieving 200-300, capping your frame rate can lead to a much more reliable and consistent gaming experience.
In conclusion, while high FPS may seem desirable, understanding its impact on network performance is crucial for optimal gameplay. Adjusting settings appropriately can make a significant difference in both gameplay fluidity and server response times.
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