PlayStation 5 is the console which provides online gaming experience like no other but if you choose to go that path, you must either set your system up to the absolute top or it This console guarantees a unique online gaming experience. A set of equipment, among which a router, a computer, a shifted mouse,a screen, and a pad are connected to a LAN Switch. now the gaming platform is ready for this type of gaming.

This guide has been designed to explain every single step in the process of setting up your PS5 for online competitive gaming so that it ensures the best possible outcome.

Use a Wired Connection for the Best Internet Stability

Wi-Fi may be faster, but wired cable connection is always the better choice of the two for online competitive gaming due to the following reasons:

Lower latency (ping): reducing lag and improving response times are practical ways of coping with a high ping gaming network environment.

More stable connection: no signal drop or interruption risk will happen.

KDR (kill death ratio) is the percentage of dead enemy kills in the previous round. The higher it is, the higher the contribution to your team. When you contributed more to the match, it means that you have a higher KORate. It does not say much if your team gets destroyed, yet you have a nappy KDRate.

How to Set Up a Wired Connection on PS5:

Purchase an Ethernet cable. Acquisition of a CAT6 or CAT7 cable is the best for this purpose because it has the fastest speed and is the most stable.

Attach one of your routers to the other one to the PS5’s LAN (ethernet) port in the back, and the PS5 and router through this. Now connect the other end of the same cable to a port on the front of the Ethernet switch.

Settings → Network → Settings → Set up Internet Connection path, and the port into which you inserted the Ethernet cable will already have its status as connected.

The PS5 and the modem know how to do it, so just stand by and, in a few seconds, be prepared to press Login.

Compare the download speed, upload speed, and ping to the theoretical maximum values if they do not differ a lot from the latter, then set up your router to the less crowded frequency band.

If your Wi-Fi is slow and you experience delays, go for Powerline Adapters or use a long Ethernet cable.

1. Optimize Wi-Fi If a Wired Connection Isn’t Possible

If you have to use Wi-Fi because of the absence of a wired connection, you should follow these steps to make your lag minimal:

Wi-Fi Best Optimization Tips:

Use the 5GHz band. It is quicker and suffers less interference than 2.4GHz.

Reduce network traffic—aloof other devices from the network (phones, and tablets).

Get Closer to the Router: Make sure the Wi-Fi signal from the router is direct and clear from anything that could be blocking it.

Use a Gaming Router: The Netgear Nighthawk Pro Gaming, which is one of Associate Press Gaming’s top picks, is a perfect example of a router that prioritizes gaming traffic thanks to QoS (Quality of Service).

How to Set Up Wi-Fi on PS5:

Go to Settings → Network → Settings → Set Up Internet Connection.

Choose Wi-Fi, then select your 5GHz network.

Enter the password and connect.

Run a connection test to check your speed and ping.

If you have an unstable connection, look at using a Wi-Fi range extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system.

2. Configure Your PS5 Network Settings for Lower Latency

In order to get the best results when playing competitors, you may want to make the following adjustments:

DNS Settings (Faster Server Response Time)

Manually setting a faster DNS server is likely to make the Internet faster; thus, it does that by reducing the amount of time required by the server to react.

Go to Settings → Network → Settings → Set Up Internet Connection.

Select your active connection (LAN or Wi-Fi).

Choose Advanced Settings → DNS Settings → Manual.

Enter one of these DNS servers:

Did you know you could set the domain name server of your wireless internet to either Google DNS, with IP of 8.8.8.8 as

Save the settings and restart your PS5.

Enable Quality of Service (QoS) on Your Router

Quality of service, better known by the acronym QoS, uses a feature presented by the router, to give maximum priority to the gaming network packets among all other internet services such as streaming or downloads.

Press the Default Gateway or the IP address of the web-based utility in the address bar of the browser to access the router’s settings.

Look for the QoS settings (differs among different routers).

First of all, make the PS5’s IP address the main priority rather than the gaming applications.

Still and yet to refresh the router.

There are internet service providers who offer gaming-friendly internet plans at a lower level of latency—be it a consideration when resorting to overhauling the internet connection.

3. Adjust PS5 Display and Performance Settings

For a very smooth and responsive play, it is paramount to alter these settings as follows:

Enable Performance Mode (more frames per second (FPS) = smoother gameplay)

Tap on Settings → Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

Select Game Presets → Performance Mode or Resolution Mode.

Click Performance Mode to see the game in a high FPS mode (frames per second).

Disable Motion Blur and Reduce Input Delay

Some games have motion blur on, which can make it more difficult to see moving objects. You can turn it off in the following way:

Press the Menu (Esc) key in-game.

With the help of the motion blur, the technologies film grain, and of course, the chromatic aberration, which is turned on, can be switched off.

Then, you can choose the 120 HZ refresh rate to be used in the PS5 video output setting for getting that real smoothness you are looking for if you possess the right equipment. 

4. Use a Gaming Monitor or Low-Latency TV

A gaming ultrahigh refresh rate monitor or a gaming TV can help to reduce the input lag significantly.

At 120 Hz refresh rate, there will be no jerky movements, and the blur will be minimized.

Little to no input lag: The delay between the button and the game executing the action is very short.

Varied Refresh Rate (VRR): This will prevent the tearing on your screen.

Best Display Settings for Competitive Gaming:

Go to Settings → Screen and Video → Video Output.

Choose to set 120 Hz output to automatic.

Turn on a VRR (variable refresh rate) mode on your TV/monitor that has the careful treatment of it.

With regard to monitors, here are the ones that we suggest using for competitive gaming:

ASUS VG27AQ (165Hz, 1ms response time)

BenQ Zowie XL2546K (240Hz, ultra-low latency)

LG C2 OLED (Best for console gaming with VRR support)

5. Use a High-Performance Gaming Controller

Your controller settings are as important as your internet connection when it comes to competitive gaming.

Reduce Input Delay on PS5 Controllers

Connect your controller via USB-C, and it will execute commands immediately due to the absence of the delay of a wired connection.

Remove Bluetooth Devices: Get rid of the devices that might be causing interference by going to Settings → Accessories and disconnecting all devices besides your controller.

Recommended competitive controllers:

DualSense Edge: its functionality can be enhanced with additional paddles.

Scuf Reflex Pro: includes some of the most advanced paddles available and has a better grip for FPS games.

6. Use a Gaming Headset for Better Audio Awareness

Getting closer to your goal in the background of enemy footsteps, gunfire, and audible forces that are in fields of positional sounds that say you are certain of the aforementioned.

Enable 3D Audio: It will let your mind stay in the right place every time with the best weapon in 3D audio that requires the shortest time for one to respond to the image.

Use Wired Headsets: The lower the latency, the lesser the time of a wired headphone compared to Bluetooth ones.

Best Headsets for Competitive Gaming on PS5:

Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset (best for 3D audio support).

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (low-latency and excellent sound quality).

Astro A40 TR + MixAmp Pro (best for customizable audio settings).

Final Thoughts

When arranging the audio settings, pickup detail of the location and enable the waypoints to access the target area. Your personal situation will get better when you adjust your internet, display, controller, and audio settings. A good connection, a fast monitor, and a quick feedback system will contribute significantly to success.

Would you like recommendations for specific game settings like Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Apex Legends? Let me know.