How to Fix Lag
Try these first — they're free and solve the problem for most people.
01 Use Ethernet instead of WiFi
1. Connect a cable from your PC to the router 2. In Windows Settings > Network, disable WiFi to prevent dual-path confusion 3. Launch Helldivers 2 and press F2 to verify ping stability 4. WiFi jitter worsens as a guest — the host receives irregular packet timing from you
Eliminates the most common cause of co-op desync for P2P games. WiFi packet timing irregularity directly translates to rubberbanding for squadmates.
General network tips (not Helldivers 2-specific)
02 Press F2 to check your real-time ping
1. Join or host a mission 2. Press F2 on your keyboard during gameplay 3. A small box appears showing your current ping/latency 4. Watch the number during active combat — consistent high numbers (150ms+) indicate a network issue 5. If it's stable but high, your ISP routing to the host's region is suboptimal 6. If it spikes erratically, your local connection has jitter
Confirms whether lag is your network or the host's performance. Essential first diagnostic step.
03 Forward ports to get Open NAT
1. Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1) 2. Find Port Forwarding settings 3. Add UDP rule: ports 27015, 27031-27036 pointing to your PC's local IP 4. Optionally enable UPnP if your router supports it 5. Restart the game and check if 'Failed to Join' errors decrease
Open NAT allows you to connect as a guest to any host regardless of their NAT type. Moderate/Strict NAT causes connection failures with many potential hosts.
04 Resolve GameGuard conflicts before launching
1. Temporarily disable antivirus real-time protection before launching 2. Close fan control software (NZXT CAM, Argus Monitor, SpeedFan) 3. Close Discord overlay if experiencing GameGuard errors 4. Launch Helldivers 2, verify it starts without GameGuard errors 5. Re-enable antivirus and add helldivers2.exe as an exception
GameGuard initialization failures cause immediate disconnects or prevent joining sessions. Resolving these prevents 'lost connection to host' errors caused by local software conflicts.
05 Quickplay instead of hosting when your connection is poor
1. Choose Quickplay when matchmaking 2. As a guest, your experience depends on the host's connection quality 3. If you are the host, all 3 other players bear the cost of their latency to you 4. On a slow or congested connection, being a guest (not host) produces better results for the squad
In P2P games, hosting on a poor connection causes lag for everyone. Quickplay assigns you as a guest to a host with a better connection.
06 Press F2 to display your in-game ping overlay
During a mission, press F2 to toggle the ping display box. This shows your real-time latency to the session host. Watch during intense firefights — spikes here confirm network issues.
Diagnostic — confirms whether lag is network-related or performance-related
07 Ensure NAT Type is Open for best P2P connectivity
Forward ports UDP 27015, 27031-27036 on your router, or enable UPnP. Open NAT allows you to connect to any host regardless of their NAT type. Strict NAT limits who you can connect to.
Reduces failed connection attempts and improves ability to join sessions quickly
08 Close background applications that conflict with GameGuard
Before launching: close Avast/Kaspersky, fan control apps (Argus Monitor, NZXT CAM), and OBS if not streaming. This prevents GameGuard initialization failures that result in disconnects during missions.
Prevents mid-mission crashes and GameGuard errors that can strand squadmates
09 Set QoS priority for helldivers2.exe on your router
In your router's QoS settings, add helldivers2.exe or prioritize UDP traffic on ports 27015-27036. This ensures your game packets are prioritized over downloads, streaming, and other devices.
Reduces jitter during peak household internet usage (evenings, weekends)
Still lagging? The problem is likely your ISP's routing to the game servers.
PingAim detects Helldivers 2 automatically
No manual config. PingAim identifies Helldivers 2 by process name and routes it through your fastest connection using a kernel-level WFP driver.