FixedLag

FixedLag is a networking technique used in multiplayer games and simulations to reduce perceived latency and improve gameplay consistency. The method works by simulating the network delay between clients and servers, ensuring that all players experience events at the same time regardless of their actual connection speeds. This approach is particularly useful in games where precise timing and synchronization are critical, such as first-person shooters or competitive multiplayer titles.

In traditional client-server networking, players send input commands to the server, which processes them and broadcasts the results to other clients. However, network delays can cause discrepancies, where a player’s actions appear to happen out of sync with others. FixedLag mitigates this by predicting where a player’s character would be after a set delay, typically around 50–100 milliseconds. The server then adjusts the game state to match this prediction, ensuring a smoother and more consistent experience for everyone.

The technique relies on interpolation—estimating a player’s position based on their movement history—and extrapolation—predicting future positions. While FixedLag improves responsiveness, it can introduce minor inaccuracies if a player’s input is delayed beyond the predicted window. Some games combine FixedLag with other methods, such as server-side prediction or client-side extrapolation, to balance performance and fairness.

FixedLag is commonly implemented in games like *Counter-Strike: Global Offensive*, *Team Fortress 2*, and *Apex Legends*, where low latency and fair matchmaking are prioritized. Critics argue that it may not fully eliminate lag for high-ping players, but it remains a widely adopted solution for reducing the perceived impact of network delays in competitive multiplayer environments.