Lockstep VS Predictive

In Path of Exile there are three networking modes, that each use a different way to keep the game client and server synchronized. Players can choose which one to use in the main menu game settings.

Path of Exile Lockstep VS Predictive

Lockstep Auto Predictive
The deterministic lockstep mode perfectly synchronizes the client with the server, and will stop potential unfair deaths caused by desync. Bear in mind that this mode may cause stuttering, depending on the player’s latency, like in strategy games such as Starcraft and MOBAs like Dota 2.

When the player performs an action, it is sent to the server for confirmation before it is shown to the player. In this mode everything will stay completely in sync, including all monsters. There is a delay equal to the player’s latency to the server. If they suffer from an internet lag spike, everything stops moving until the player receive more data. This mode is recommended for players with low latency to the server.

 This mode automatically switches between predictive and lockstep mode, depending on the player’s latency. The threshold ping is around 150 milliseconds. In predictive mode, actions appear to occur immediately but can get out of sync under some circumstances. While things appear to happen immediately, the actual actions are still delayed by the player’s latency behind the scenes. This mode may cause desync, but is probably the best choice for player with more than 100ms of latency to the server.

With Predictive, if you tell the game client you’re moving your character, it will show your character moving at the same time that it sends the command to the server. With Lockstep, the game client will not begin showing your character moving until the server authorizes the action.

If you have a stable, low latency connection to the server then Lockstep is hands-down the best option. If your ping is stable but high – or you get spikes, like you’ve mentioned – then Predictive can offer a smoother experience.

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