Reducing hops to the game server

[Max2110]

Is it possible to reduce hops to the game server to help better the gaming connection? Would a VPN help? I currently have 13 hops to the server

[Newfie]

Unfortunately that’s down to peering and not something you can alter. There are services available that claim to lower pings through peering contracts which may lower them but and a VPN may increase your travel time depending on service.

Are you using PingPlotter to look at the hops?

[Max2110]

4 hours ago, Newfie said:

Unfortunately that’s down to peering and not something you can alter. There are services available that claim to lower pings through peering contracts which may lower them but and a VPN may increase your travel time depending on service.

Are you using PingPlotter to look at the hops?

Yes I am. Do you know of any services I could use? 

[Netduma Fraser]

I responded in your other topic but I'll post what I said here, basically echos Newfie and I've closed the other post so it can be continued here.

"Hops to a server isn't anything a router can help with, this depends on the routing from the ISP, you could try talking with them but it is unlikely you'll get anywhere. In some cases a VPN can help if they have better routing so maybe something to try but those are your only two options unfortunately."

[Max2110]

I've tried express VPN and my ping fluctuates so much. I'm on the hybrid VPN. 

[Netduma Fraser]

20 minutes ago, Max2110 said:

I've tried express VPN and my ping fluctuates so much. I'm on the hybrid VPN. 

That is what can happen with a VPN - given what you're trying to do I would suggest you choose a VPN server very close to you to reduce the ping and you may still benefit from improved routing