Does DNS Affect Gaming?

When it comes to fast, responsive online gaming, most players focus on their internet speed or ping. But there’s another lesser-known factor that can impact your connection quality: DNS (Domain Name System) settings. Choosing the right DNS can speed up server lookups, reduce latency, and even help you avoid lag spikes in critical moments.
Whether you’re into FPS titles like Call of Duty or MMOs like Final Fantasy XIV, using the best DNS settings for gaming can fine-tune your experience.

What Is DNS and Why Is It Important in Gaming?

DNS acts like the internet’s phonebook, translating domain names (like battle.net) into IP addresses your device can understand. Every time you connect to a game server, use voice chat, or download patches, DNS resolution plays a role.

Using a slow or unreliable DNS server can lead to:
• Increased latency (especially when connecting to new servers)
• Timeouts or failed matchmaking
• Slower patch updates or server browsing

For gamers in South Africa, optimising your DNS can bridge the gap between international game servers and local ISP routes.

💡 UrbanX Tip: By default, UrbanX customers automatically use our own DNS servers via their routers. This ensures we can respond quickly to issues if public DNS services go down or experience delays. It's one more way we optimise the gaming experience on our network.

Best Public DNS for Gaming

Here are some of the best DNS servers for gaming in South Africa, as well as globally:

1. Google DNS for gaming
   
   • Primary: 8.8.8.8
   • Secondary: 8.8.4.4
   • Known for speed and reliability, Google DNS is a solid choice with global infrastructure.

2. Cloudflare DNS for gaming   
   • Primary: 1.1.1.1
   • Secondary: 1.0.0.1
   • Cloudflare offers ultra-low latency and prioritises privacy. Often benchmarks as the fastest DNS for many locations.
   • Also offers built-in protection options (like 1.1.1.2 for malware blocking or 1.1.1.3 for malware + adult content filtering). Read more about Cloudflare DNS here.

3. OpenDNS (by Cisco)
   • Primary: 208.67.222.222
   • Secondary: 208.67.220.220
   • Offers extra security features and malware filtering. Good for family or shared home setups.

4. Quad9
   • Primary: 9.9.9.9
   • Secondary: 149.112.112.112
   • Focuses on privacy and blocks malicious domains. Ideal if you're concerned about phishing or DDoS attacks.
   • Also provides multiple DNS service variants for malware blocking, ECS support, and more. See Quad9's service options.

5. DNS.Watch
   • Primary: 84.200.69.80
   • Secondary: 84.200.70.40
   • A smaller provider, but offers neutral, uncensored DNS—useful for open web access.

Testing DNS Servers for the Best Performance

Not all DNS servers perform the same for everyone. Here’s how to test your DNS server and find the best one for your location:

Use DNS Benchmark Tools
• Namebench or GRC’s DNS Benchmark can scan your local connection and rank DNS options based on response time.
• This is especially helpful in South Africa where some DNS servers may be faster or slower depending on your ISP or city.

Try Your ISP’s DNS
• While third-party DNS can be faster, some local ISPs, including UrbanX, may have optimised DNS servers for peered services and local game servers. It’s worth testing them too.
• Plus, by using UrbanX’s default DNS, customers benefit from faster issue resolution if any public DNS options fail or become unstable.

How to Change DNS Settings (Quick Guide)

On Windows

1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Centre > Change Adapter Settings

2. Right-click on your active connection > Properties

3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) > Properties

4. Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses” and input your preferred DNS.

On PlayStation / Xbox

• Go to Network Settings > Set Up Internet Connection > Choose Manual

• Enter your chosen DNS servers when prompted.
Changing your DNS takes just a few minutes and can have a lasting impact on your connection quality.

Gaming Benefits of Optimised DNS

Here’s what you can expect from using the best DNS settings for gaming:
• ✅ Faster initial game connections and login times
• ✅ Reduced matchmaking errors
• ✅ Smoother server transitions in MMOs or open-world games
• ✅ Improved voice chat stability
• ✅ Better access to peered servers, especially with ISPs that support local peering
• ✅ Optional built-in protections from malware and adult content, depending on the DNS provider you choose

Should You Use DNS with a Gaming Router?

If you have a gaming router (like ASUS ROG, TP-Link Archer, or Netgear Nighthawk), you can set DNS directly on the router to apply to all devices. This avoids changing DNS on every console or PC and ensures uniform performance.

Gaming routers may also prioritise DNS queries with lower latency protocols like DoH (DNS over HTTPS) or DoT (DNS over TLS), offering further speed and security.

Small Tweak, Big Impact

Optimising your DNS settings is one of the easiest ways to give your gaming connection an edge—especially in South Africa, where international routing can affect server response times. Try out a few options, benchmark them for speed, and enjoy the benefits of lower latency, faster server connections, and smoother gameplay.

Want the fastest path to top-tier gaming? Pair your optimised DNS with fibre from UrbanX—South Africa’s ISP built for serious gamers.
👉 Explore our Fibre Packages for Gamers