Rocket League Input Delay Optimization

Network Optimization

Reducing network latency (ping) is critical for online games like Rocket League [49].

DNS Configuration

Switching to public DNS servers like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1) or Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) can improve lookup speed.

How to Change: Settings > Network & internet > Ethernet/Wi-Fi > Edit DNS server assignment > Manual > Turn on IPv4 > Enter primary/secondary DNS > Save.

TCP Optimizer Guide [59] [60] [62]

Download TCP Optimizer from SpeedGuide.net. Run as administrator.

1. Set Connection Speed slider to match your ISP speed.
2. Select your Network Adapter. Check "Modify All..." if desired.
3. Select "Optimal" radio button.
4. Go to File > Backup current settings.
5. Click "Apply changes". Reboot when prompted.

Advanced Settings (Gaming Tweaks [63]): Go to "Advanced Settings" tab > Select "Custom". Apply:

• Network Throttling Index: Disabled (ffffffff hex)
• System Responsiveness: Gaming (0)
• TCP ACK Frequency: Disabled (1)
• TCP No Delay (TCPNoDelay): Enabled (1)
• TCP Del ACK Ticks: Disabled (0)

Nagle's Algorithm Explanation: These settings disable Nagle's algorithm, which bundles small packets. Disabling it forces immediate sending, prioritizing low latency over efficiency for game updates [64] [66].

Apply changes and reboot. Restore defaults if issues arise. Impact varies.

System Responsiveness & Timers

Adjusting system timer resolution aims to improve responsiveness.

TimerResolution / ISLC

Concept: Windows default timer is ~15.6ms. Games request higher resolution (e.g., 1ms). Tools like TimerResolution [68] or ISLC force the highest possible resolution globally (often 0.5ms), potentially improving smoothness/latency [18].

Usage: Download TimerResolution or ISLC (Wagnardsoft). Run as admin. Click "Maximum" or set "Wanted timer resolution" to 0.50 and enable. Tool must run in background.

Risks & Controversies: Benefit is heavily debated [69] [72]. May be placebo or less effective on modern Windows. Slightly increases CPU usage. ISLC's primary memory cleaning function can cause stutters if not configured carefully. Generally safe from official sources [70] [71].

Recommendation: Low-risk to try. Test subjectively. Close if no benefit perceived.

Disabling Unnecessary Windows Services & Startup Programs

Reducing background processes frees resources and minimizes interference [25] [30] [73] [74] [76] [78].

• Methods: Task Manager (Startup tab), Services Console (services.msc - use caution!), Third-party tools (Autoruns [33], O&O ShutUp10++, Chris Titus Tech Utility, PowerShell).
• Commonly Disabled Services (Use with Extreme Caution - Research First!):
  • Telemetry/Diagnostics: Connected User Experiences and Telemetry, Windows Error Reporting.
  • Indexing: Windows Search (if using alternative).
  • Performance Optimization: SysMain (Superfetch).
  • P2P Updates: Windows Update Delivery Optimization.
  • Unused Hardware: Print Spooler, Fax, Touch Keyboard/Handwriting Panel, Biometric Service, Geolocation, Downloaded Maps Manager.
  • Remote Access: Remote Desktop Services, Remote Registry.
  • Other: Phone Service, Parental Controls.
• Warning: Disabling critical services can break Windows. Prioritize disabling features you explicitly don't use.

Registry Tweaks for Performance

Modifying the Registry (regedit) offers granular control but is the riskiest tweak. Back up Registry or create Restore Point first! Incorrect changes can cause severe instability [65] [67] [79] [80].

Apply these one by one and test, revert if issues occur:

• Disable Power Throttling:
  • Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\PowerThrottling
  • Value: PowerThrottlingOff (DWORD 32-bit) = 1
• Disable Network Throttling:
  • Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Multimedia\SystemProfile
  • Value: NetworkThrottlingIndex (DWORD 32-bit) = ffffffff (Hex)
• Increase System Responsiveness:
  • Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Multimedia\SystemProfile
  • Value: SystemResponsiveness (DWORD 32-bit) = 0 (Hex) or 10 (Decimal)
• Prioritize Games (Scheduling):
  • Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Multimedia\SystemProfile\Tasks\Games
  • Values: GPU Priority (DWORD)=8, Priority (DWORD)=6, Scheduling Category (String)=High, SFIO Priority (String)=High
• Disable Nagle's Algorithm (Registry Method):
  • Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\Interfaces\{NIC-ID} (Find your adapter's subkey)
  • Values (Create DWORD 32-bit if absent): TcpAckFrequency=1, TCPNoDelay=1, TcpDelAckTicks=0
• Optimize Foreground/Background Thread Scheduling:
  • Path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\PriorityControl
  • Value: Win32PrioritySeparation (DWORD 32-bit). Common values: 26 (Hex), 2A (Hex). Default often 2.

Debated Effectiveness: The impact of many registry tweaks is debated on modern Windows. Test carefully.