Guides · Apr 27, 2026
How to Reduce Input Lag: PC & Console Guide
Every millisecond matters. Here's how to eliminate input lag from your monitor, system, and network for instant response times.
You click. The game reacts. The time between those two events is input lag — and it's the invisible enemy killing your performance. On a poorly configured setup, you might have 80-100ms of total system latency. With the right optimizations, you can cut that to under 20ms. Combine this with our FPS settings guide for the complete competitive edge.
Monitor: The Biggest Culprit
A 60Hz monitor with 'Game Mode' off can add 20-40ms of display lag. Fix: 1) Enable Game Mode or lowest latency preset on your monitor. 2) Use a 144Hz+ panel — higher refresh rate = lower frame persistence. 3) Use DisplayPort over HDMI when possible (lower protocol overhead). 4) Disable any post-processing like dynamic contrast or motion blur.
System Latency: PC Settings
On PC: enable NVIDIA Reflex (Low Latency mode) if available — it's free in most shooters and cuts render queue latency by 30-50%. Set your graphics to prioritize framerate over quality. Cap your FPS at your monitor's refresh rate to prevent frame queuing. Disable V-Sync and use G-Sync/FreeSync instead.
System Latency: Console Settings
On console: enable Performance Mode (120Hz) over Quality Mode. Use Game Mode on your TV. If your TV has an 'Auto Low Latency Mode' (ALLM), enable it. Connect via Ethernet, not Wi-Fi. Disable HDR in competitive games — it adds processing overhead on some displays.
Network: Wired Is Non-Negotiable
Wi-Fi adds 5-30ms of variable latency plus jitter. Ethernet is consistent. If you can't run an Ethernet cable, use a powerline adapter or MoCA adapter — both are better than Wi-Fi for gaming. Set your DNS to 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google) for faster lookups.
Peripheral Lag: Mouse & Controller
Use a wired mouse or one with a dedicated 2.4GHz dongle (not Bluetooth). Set your polling rate to 1000Hz. For controllers, use a wired USB connection during competitive play — even on wireless controllers. Check our controller settings guide for more. And optimize your headset settings to complete the chain.