Hey guys! If you're a League of Legends player on the EUW (Europe West) server, you've probably wondered about the actual location of the servers you're connecting to every time you queue up for a game. While Riot Games doesn't directly publish the IP addresses of their servers for security reasons, understanding the general location and how it impacts your gameplay is super useful. Let's dive into everything you need to know about the EUW servers!

Why Knowing Server Locations Matters

Okay, so why should you even care about where the EUW servers are located? There are a few key reasons:

• Latency (Ping): The closer you are physically to the server, the lower your ping will generally be. Lower ping means less lag and a smoother gaming experience. High ping can cause delays between your actions and what you see on screen, which can be super frustrating, especially in a fast-paced game like League of Legends.
• Routing Issues: Sometimes, internet traffic can take weird routes to reach a server. Knowing the general location can help you troubleshoot if you're experiencing unusually high ping. You can check if there are any known issues with internet providers in that region.
• Understanding Downtime: If there are major events or outages in the server region, it can give you context for why the game might be experiencing issues. Server maintenance and unexpected outages happen, and knowing the location helps you understand the potential reasons behind them.

Where are the EUW Servers Located?

Alright, let's get to the main question: Where are the League of Legends EUW servers actually located? While Riot Games keeps the exact IP addresses under wraps (again, for security!), the EUW servers are primarily located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This location is strategic because it provides relatively low latency for a large portion of Western Europe. Amsterdam boasts excellent internet infrastructure and connectivity, making it an ideal hub for online gaming services.

Why Amsterdam?

Amsterdam's central location in Western Europe ensures that players from various countries, such as the UK, France, Germany, and Scandinavia, can experience relatively low ping times. The city's robust internet infrastructure and numerous data centers further contribute to its suitability as a server location. Additionally, the Netherlands has a stable political and economic environment, making it a reliable choice for hosting critical gaming infrastructure.

Impact on Ping:

If you live closer to Amsterdam, you're likely to have a lower ping. For example, players in the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Germany might experience ping times as low as 10-20ms. However, players in more distant locations, such as Spain, Portugal, or Eastern Europe, might see ping times of 30-50ms or higher. While these ping times are generally playable, they can still impact your performance, especially in competitive matches. If you're consistently experiencing high ping, there are a few things you can try to improve your connection, which we'll discuss later.

How to Check Your Ping in League of Legends

Okay, so you know where the servers are, but how do you check your actual ping in the game? It's super simple! Here’s how:

1. In-Game Display: During a match, you can display your ping by pressing Ctrl+F. This will show your current ping and FPS (frames per second) in the top right corner of your screen. Keep an eye on this number to see if your connection is stable.
2. Practice Tool: Before jumping into a ranked game, hop into the Practice Tool. This allows you to test your ping without affecting your ranked standing. Just load into the game and use Ctrl+F to check your ping.

Understanding Ping Values:

• 0-50ms: Excellent! You should have a very smooth gaming experience.
• 50-100ms: Good. Most players find this range perfectly playable.
• 100-150ms: Playable, but you might notice some slight delays.
• 150ms+: High ping. You'll likely experience noticeable lag, which can significantly impact your gameplay.

Troubleshooting High Ping

Experiencing high ping can be incredibly frustrating, but don't worry! Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially improve your connection:

1. Check Your Internet Connection:

   • Restart Your Router: This is the oldest trick in the book, but it often works! Restarting your router can resolve temporary connectivity issues.
   • Run a Speed Test: Use a website like Speedtest.net to check your internet speed. Make sure you're getting the speeds you're paying for. If your speed is significantly lower than expected, contact your internet service provider (ISP).
   • Check for Other Devices Using Bandwidth: Streaming videos, downloading files, and other online activities can consume a lot of bandwidth. Try closing unnecessary applications and devices to free up bandwidth for League of Legends.

2. Optimize Your Network:

   • Use a Wired Connection: Wi-Fi can be convenient, but it's often less stable than a wired (Ethernet) connection. Connect your computer directly to your router for a more reliable connection.
   • Close Background Applications: Some applications can consume bandwidth even when you're not actively using them. Close any unnecessary programs running in the background.
   • Update Network Drivers: Outdated network drivers can cause connectivity issues. Make sure your network drivers are up to date.

3. Contact Your ISP:

   • Report Issues: If you've tried the above steps and are still experiencing high ping, contact your ISP. There might be an issue with their network in your area.
   • Ask About Routing: Inquire whether they can optimize your routing to the League of Legends servers. Sometimes, ISPs can make adjustments to improve your connection.

4. Use a VPN (with Caution):

   • Routing Optimization: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can sometimes help improve your ping by routing your traffic through a different server. However, this isn't always the case, and it can sometimes increase your ping.
   • Choose a Server Wisely: If you decide to use a VPN, choose a server location that is geographically closer to Amsterdam. Test different servers to see which one provides the lowest ping.
   • Terms of Service: Be aware that using a VPN might violate the terms of service of League of Legends in some cases, so make sure to check the rules before using one.

Factors Affecting Your Ping

Even if the EUW servers are in Amsterdam, several factors can influence your ping. Here’s a breakdown:

• Distance: As mentioned earlier, the physical distance between your location and the server plays a significant role. The farther you are, the higher your ping is likely to be.
• Internet Service Provider (ISP): Your ISP's network infrastructure and routing policies can impact your connection to the game servers. Some ISPs have better connections to gaming servers than others.
• Network Congestion: During peak hours, internet traffic can increase, leading to network congestion. This can result in higher ping and lag.
• Hardware: Your computer's hardware, including your network card and router, can also affect your connection. Make sure your hardware is up to date and functioning properly.
• Background Processes: Other applications and processes running on your computer can consume bandwidth and resources, leading to higher ping. Close unnecessary applications to improve your performance.

Why Riot Doesn't Publicly Share Server IPs

You might be wondering,