Why ExitLag Can Increase Ping
ExitLag is a routing optimisation service. It redirects your traffic through its own servers to find a shorter or more stable path to the game server. But sometimes this approach produces the opposite effect.
Main reasons for ping rising with ExitLag active:
- Wrong route. The automatically or manually selected route passes through an ExitLag server that is farther from the game server than your direct path.
- Overloaded relay server. If the ExitLag server is congested at that moment, it adds latency instead of reducing it.
- ISP incompatibility. Some ISPs already use optimised routes to game servers. In this case, adding ExitLag creates an unnecessary detour.
- Geographic mismatch. If you're already playing on the closest server to you, ExitLag may offer no advantage — the direct path is already optimal.
Diagnosis: When ExitLag Helps and When It Doesn't
ExitLag is effective when:
- You're playing on distant servers (e.g., from Russia on US servers).
- Your ISP uses an unstable route with packet loss.
- Your direct ping has a high jitter component.
ExitLag won't help — or will make things worse — when:
- You're playing on a server in your own region with already-low ping.
- Your ISP uses direct peering connections to game CDNs.
Step-by-Step Fix
Step 1. Measure Your Baseline Ping Without ExitLag
Disable ExitLag, launch the game and record ping values across different game servers. This is your baseline.
Step 2. Try Different Routes Manually
In the ExitLag interface, go to route settings and switch between available servers. After each change, launch the game and compare ping.
Step 3. Enable Multipath
If your plan includes the Multipath feature, turn it on. ExitLag will use multiple paths simultaneously and pick the best packet per hop.
Step 4. Change the Protocol
In ExitLag settings, try switching the protocol from UDP to TCP or vice versa. This can sometimes make a significant difference.
Step 5. Check MTU Settings
An incorrect MTU value can cause packet fragmentation and increased latency. Set MTU to 1400–1420 in ExitLag settings.
Step 6. Contact ExitLag Support
If none of the steps helped, write to support with your ISP name, region and game. They may be able to suggest a specific route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ExitLag always reduce ping? No. ExitLag is only effective when your ISP uses a suboptimal route. If the direct path is already good, ExitLag will offer no benefit.
Do I need ExitLag for games in Russia on Russian servers? Generally no. Russian CDNs and game servers are well-connected to local ISPs. ExitLag is mainly useful for foreign servers.
Can I use ExitLag and a VPN at the same time? Not recommended. Running both together creates double overhead and typically makes ping worse.
An ExitLag subscription can be purchased on Marix — with instant activation code delivery and payment without a foreign card.