Have you ever noticed a sudden increase in ping during your game and wondered if you’ve been placed on a server far from your location? With initiatives like Global Play on platforms such as Battle.net, it’s becoming more common for players to connect to datacenters across the globe. If you’re aiming to play on an American server, but suspect you might be connected to a server in Korea, this guide will help you understand how to check your server location and what factors influence your connection.
One of the first steps to understanding your connection is to identify the datacenter you are currently connected to. Most games provide a way to view network statistics in real-time. For instance, on the Battle.net platform, you can easily check your server location using a simple in-game command.
To find out your datacenter location, follow these steps:
-
In-Game NetGraph: While you are in a live game (not in the lobby or menu), press Ctrl+Shift+N. This will bring up the NetGraph display, which shows detailed network information.
-
Locate the Server Code: Look at the top left corner of the NetGraph. Next to the IP address, you will see a four-letter code enclosed in brackets. This code represents the datacenter your game is currently running on.
-
Identify Your Datacenter: Compare the code you found with the list below to determine the geographical location of your datacenter.
| CODE | Datacenter Location |
|---|---|
| LAX1 | US West – Los Angeles |
| ORD1 | US Central – Chicago |
| GRB1 | Brazil 2 – Rio De Janiero |
| SYD2 | Australia 3 – Sydney |
| GTK1 | Japan 2 – Tokyo |
| GSG1 | Signapore 2 – Signapore |
| ICN1 | South Korea – Seoul |
| CDG1 | France – Versalles |
| AMS1 | Netherlands – Amsterdam |
| MES1 | Bahrain – Manama |
If you find the code ICN1, it indicates that you are currently connected to the South Korea – Seoul datacenter. This is crucial information if you are trying to understand why you might be experiencing higher latency than usual when aiming for an American server.
It’s important to understand that even if you typically play from America or prefer American servers, the game’s matchmaking system might place you on a different server for various reasons. Here are some common questions and explanations regarding server selection:
Why Am I Connected to a Korean Server When I Selected Americas Region?
With the introduction of Global Play, especially on platforms like Battle.net, the regional restrictions have been relaxed for PC players. This means that the game can connect you to any available datacenter, regardless of the region you initially selected in the launcher. This system aims to improve matchmaking times and accommodate players from different parts of the world playing together.
Can I Manually Choose to Play Only on American Servers?
Unfortunately, in most matchmaking games, you cannot manually select a specific datacenter. The matchmaking system automatically places players on servers based on factors such as:
- Group Composition: If you are playing with friends from different regions, the server location might be chosen to provide a somewhat balanced connection for the group, potentially leading to a server outside your preferred region.
- Matchmaking Rating (MMR): To ensure fair matches and reduce queue times, the system might prioritize placing you on a server with suitable opponents, even if it’s geographically distant.
- Server Load and Availability: During off-peak hours in your preferred region, the matchmaker might place you on a more active server in another region to start games faster.
Manual datacenter selection is generally only available in custom games, not in standard matchmaking modes.
Playing with Friends from America: Which Server Will We Connect To?
When grouping with players from different regions, predicting the exact datacenter becomes complex. The system attempts to find a server that offers the best compromise for the entire group. This often means that the server might shift between datacenters depending on the group’s geographical distribution, potentially causing higher ping for some players. If you are in Korea and playing with friends in America, it’s possible the server will be located somewhere in between or even in Korea, depending on the matchmaking algorithm’s assessment.
Can I Block IP Addresses to Avoid Korean Servers and Force American Servers?
While technically possible to block IP ranges associated with specific datacenters, this is strongly discouraged. Attempting to block server IPs can lead to:
- Technical Issues: Game instability and malfunctions.
- Penalties: Receiving leaver penalties due to disrupted connections.
- Ineffectiveness: Server IP addresses can change, making this method unreliable and requiring constant updates.
- Connection Problems: Blocking necessary communication pathways.
It’s important to play within the game’s intended system to avoid these negative consequences.
Will a VPN Help Me Connect to American Servers from Korea?
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can influence your perceived location and potentially steer you towards servers in your preferred region, like America. However, VPNs are not a guaranteed solution.
- Potential Influence, Not Guarantee: A VPN might increase the likelihood of connecting to an American server, but the matchmaking system still has its own logic that can override VPN influence.
- Latency Considerations: VPNs can add extra latency due to the routing of your connection through a VPN server, which might negate the benefit of connecting to a geographically closer server.
- Terms of Service: Be aware of the game’s terms of service regarding VPN usage, as some games may discourage or prohibit VPNs.
- Use at Your Own Risk: If you choose to use a VPN, do so with the understanding that it’s not a foolproof solution and may come with its own drawbacks.
High Latency Even When Connected to a Server Near Me?
If you are connected to a server that should be geographically close (like an American server if you are in America), but still experience high latency, the issue might not be server location related. Consider these possibilities:
- Local Connection Issues: Problems with your home network, internet service provider, or routing between you and the datacenter. Troubleshooting guides can help diagnose local issues.
- Datacenter-Specific Problems: Occasional issues can occur between your ISP and a specific datacenter. A WinMTR test can help identify network bottlenecks and where latency is being introduced.
In conclusion, understanding how to check your server location is the first step in diagnosing potential connection issues and understanding the complexities of modern online gaming networks. While manually forcing connections to specific American servers from Korea or elsewhere is generally not feasible or recommended, knowing your server location helps you troubleshoot and adapt your gameplay experience.
