Gamers who dive into Call of Duty: Vanguard often encounter a term they’re not entirely familiar with — NAT type. The game’s matchmaking and connectivity heavily rely on the quality of one’s network, and when players see the words Strict NAT or Moderate NAT on their screen, it can directly impact their online multiplayer experience. Understanding what these terms mean and how to change them is essential for smooth, lag-free, and stable gameplay.
NAT stands for Network Address Translation, a key component of how devices communicate online through routers. In the context of COD Vanguard, NAT type influences how easily players can connect to others during online sessions. There are three primary NAT types: Open, Moderate, and Strict.
What Do NAT Types Mean?
- Open NAT: Best possible connection. Allows communication with any player and facilitates joining games quickly.
- Moderate NAT: Limited connectivity. Can connect with some players, but not all. Matchmaking can be slower.
- Strict NAT: Highly restricted. Only able to connect with players who have an Open NAT type. This often leads to long wait times and dropped connections.
Players with Strict or Moderate NAT types commonly face matchmaking issues, voice chat problems, or even dropped game sessions. This frustrates many, especially when they know their internet connection is otherwise stable.
How NAT Type Affects COD Vanguard
In COD Vanguard, the NAT type significantly affects the player’s ability to connect to game servers and other players. A Strict NAT might block incoming connections, meaning that even if you’re looking for a game, your console or PC might not be able to receive the necessary response from other players or servers.
On the other hand, an Open NAT type allows seamless interaction across networks, minimizing matchmaking times and maximizing server access. That’s the ideal setting for any competitive COD player looking for a smoother experience.
How to Change Your NAT Type
Improving NAT type typically involves making changes to your network setup. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both console and PC players:
1. Enable UPnP
UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) allows your router to open necessary ports automatically. This is the most convenient solution for achieving an Open NAT type.
- Log in to your router’s admin interface using a web browser.
- Find the UPnP settings (usually in the Advanced or Network Settings tab).
- Enable UPnP and reboot your router.
2. Port Forwarding
If UPnP doesn’t work, try manually forwarding the ports used by COD Vanguard:
- TCP: 3074, 27014-27050
- UDP: 3074, 3478, 4379-4380, 27000-27031, 27036
Again, this is done through your router’s admin panel.
3. Use DMZ (Demilitarized Zone)
Assigning your console or gaming PC to a DMZ can help achieve an open NAT. However, this reduces security since your device will be exposed outside of the firewall.
- Find your device’s IP address in your connection settings.
- Locate the DMZ setting on your router and input your IP address.
- Save changes and reboot.
4. Consider a Wired Connection
Sometimes, indeed, the connection quality affects NAT type recognition. Connecting your device directly via Ethernet could improve stability and reduce NAT-related complications.
Final Thoughts
While many players overlook the technicalities behind their gaming experience, understanding and optimizing NAT type in COD Vanguard can make a world of difference. Players struggling with lagging lobbies, dropped games, or failed chat sessions should check and if needed, improve their NAT configuration. An Open NAT ensures the lowest chance of connectivity issues, giving players a better chance to focus on the game instead of the network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How can I check my NAT type in COD Vanguard?
- A: Go to the game’s main menu, select “Settings,” and under “Account & Network,” you’ll find your current NAT type listed.
- Q: Will using a VPN help open my NAT type?
- A: Not usually. In fact, VPNs can sometimes make NAT issues worse. It’s better to configure your router directly.
- Q: Is changing to Open NAT safe?
- A: Enabling UPnP is generally safe and widely used. However, using DMZ should be approached cautiously as it poses security risks.
- Q: Does NAT type affect ping?
- A: Not directly. NAT type affects connectivity and matchmaking speed more than the latency you experience in-game.
- Q: Can I use mobile data and still get Open NAT?
- A: It’s unlikely. Mobile networks assign shared IP addresses and typically offer Strict NAT types. Use a broadband connection for better results.