Getting put into high ping matches

[2Fort2Tough]

Match number was 53736844

Just started today; playing in the Eastern US, being put into matches where I'm freezing for 20 seconds on spawn. Whatever's going on, it's not selecting any servers even remotely close to me.

Last game I bailed out of, even though it was even. I don't mind playing losing games, even bad games. But I absolutely can't tolerate a LAGGY game. Please fix matchmaking; the game is completely unplayable with lag and freezing. I caught a temp ban for quitting out, and TBH I have no regrets; I'd rather not play at all than suffer through a laggy match

Should be mentioned - in the top right before the match, I saw some red text that said something like "High ping detected". So the game client was aware of the issue. I would've absolutely canceled the match at that notification if I'd had the opportunity

 

[playeremers]

can you do something for me quick? open console (default is F7) and type "net_print_sdr_ping_times"
post results
bonus: do the same thing using a vpn server from your own country

post just like i posted here:

P

Post in thread 'High Pings due SDR'

Jan 30, 2026

not sure if its related, but im getting weird relay/matchmaking server behavior with vpn enabled
when i try to use vpn now, no matter what country, the relay always picks the same servers
even if i choose a vpn server from my own country, still get those same servers

using "net_print_sdr_ping_times" command on console (using vpn, server from any random country):



using "net_print_sdr_ping_times" command (without vpn):



vpn used to work flawlessly, but after todays patch or whatever the fuck, this weird behavior is happening now

• playeremers

 

[2Fort2Tough]

I'm in the eastern US, so this checks out

Obtained direct RTT measurements to relays in 30 POPs. Closest 15 are:
atl: 24ms
iad: 25ms
dfw: 39ms
ord: 40ms
lim: 109ms
ams4: 110ms
ams: 121ms
sto2: 123ms

 

[playeremers]

looks normal

next time, if you get another high ping match, open the steam overlay (shift tab)
you can see what server the match is using on top right

 

[2Fort2Tough]

Another laggy match, but not as bad as the last one. I was connected to Chicago this time - ORD on the ping list; chat was completely invisiable to me the entire time.

I'd prefer to wait and be connected to better servers than have to deal with a shit match due to lag. At the very least offer me a choice rather than screwing me over and penalizing me for deciding I can't deal with the lag when I quit out