Steam Cloud is a service that stores your save data on select titles to a cloud. How this works is that the service will copy the files the game uses on your computer once you have exited. Then it uploads your saved data to Steam servers. When you change the system you play on, the new computer then downloads the saved data from the Steam Server. The process is the same every time you switch consoles. Steam Cloud allows you to play on different systems with synchronized save states. It is also set to work globally.
Steam Cloud Play is still in beta, and it allows you to play games in your Steam Library through the Cloud. NVIDIA GeForce Now is the first company that is being used. Those who do not want to use Steam Cloud can opt out by not enabling the feature. One common problem with cloud gaming is the lag involved. The main issue comes from the strength of the connection between the player and the hosting server. In this post we will teach you how to fix lag with a VPN.
How to Fix Lag Spikes in Steam Cloud Play
Here is the quickest way to improve Steam Cloud Play lag on PC and Mac.
- Sign up for ExpressVPN (includes a 30-day money back guarantee)
- Download the ExpressVPN app and connect to a server in the region you wish to play in.
- Test to see if your ping has lowered from your normal response time.
- Launch Steam and enjoy!
You can also use ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer service for a faster experience.
- Sign up for ExpressVPN (includes a 30-day money back guarantee)
- Log into Expressvpn.com and go to the “DNS Settings” tab.
- Click the button to register your IP address.
- You can also set dynamic DNS (more technical users)
- Click on the “Dashboard” tab
- Look for the “Set up on all your devices” section and click on the “see all devices” link.
- Click on the set up guide for your system.
- Make note of the IP address given in the set up box to the right of the screen.
- Set the DNS on your system to the IP given on the ExpressVPN site.
Why Does Steam Cloud Play Lag?
The popularity of Steam is both a blessing and a curse. As we mentioned, you will playing with users with differing Internet connection speeds. If you have performance issues when using the Internet in general then you can expect lag spikes when playing games through Steam Cloud Play. The two main considerations for lag are your Internet speed and hardware. PC gamers will want to focus on CPU, memory, and graphics card. Everyone needs a fast Internet connection.
More Tips to Fix Lag Spikes in Steam Cloud Play
Let’s start by looking at the best way to increase your Internet speed and lower ping times. In doing so you can expect less lag and a better gaming experience. One way to increase speed is using a LAN cable. Being wired directly into your internet will typically provide more stable and faster connection than WiFi. We recommend testing a VPN to improve ping and reduce your lag. The key is to find a better route between your system and the game server. Your ISP isn’t focused on this issue as much as VPN providers. They know that it’s a competitive advantage if they can offer you a faster router to key locations. Most of the game developers host regional game servers in the same locations. This allows VPNs to offer better routes and will give you a boost in performance.
Steam Cloud Play Server Locations
Valve has not released specific server locations. However, it is theorized that they use Akamai to host many of there servers. This company has thousands of servers located throughout the world. Based off this information we can recommend better locations to connect to.
Here are some key VPN servers locations for ExpressVPN.
- United States – Washington DC and Los Angeles
- Europe – Frankfurt and London
- Asia Pacific – Sydney, Singapore, and India
- South America – Sao Paulo
- Africa- South Africa
Here is a little more information on using a VPN for gaming.
How to Use Steam Cloud Play with ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our favorite VPN for reducing lag. It will help by allowing you to connect to any of the 160 different server locations across 94 countries. You will be able to reduce lag for practically any game you play online. All you have to do is connect to a location close to where your game is hosted. ExpressVPN allows you to reduce ping and make your overall experience better by allowing you full use of as much bandwidth as you need. You can easily change your location to play with others form around the world. You will also be able to have up to five connections active at a time. This will allow you to play a game in one location, while talking to friends under a different location on another device. ExpressVPN will help you reduce lag and unblock geo-restrictions.
ExpressVPN has an exciting exclusive discount of 49% off a year subscription of VPN with an extra 3 months for all our readers. You can play online with less lag and improved privacy. Take advantage of regional exclusives and play with friends internationally through the over 160 server locations. It is easy to use and available across a variety of devices. ExpressVPN offers a 30 day money back guarantee. This gives you a full month to see how a VPN can help your gaming experience.
