If lag, throttling, or DDoS attacks are ruining your Apex Legends matches, Private Internet Access can help fix that.
This guide walks you through setting up PIA on PC and console, lowering ping, securing your connection, and switching regions for smoother lobbies.
Let’s set it up and get you back in the fight.
How to Set Up PIA for Apex Legends on PC?
Follow this stepwise guide to set up PIA for Apex Legends on PC:
- Buy a PIA subscription.
- Download and install the PIA app on your PC. I’ll use a Windows computer for this guide.
- Launch the PIA app and log in with your account credentials.
- Click the three vertical dots on the top right and click “Settings” from the dropdown.
- From the Settings page, click “Privacy” and tick the box beside “VPN Kill Switch” to stay secure if Wattson’s strategic fences inadvertently disrupt your VPN.
- Click “VPN Server” to select your preferred server location. For optimal performance, choose a server nearest to your physical location or closer to an Apex Legends server. I’ll connect to the Czech Republic server.
- Click the connect button to establish a VPN connection.
- Launch Apex Legends and start playing. With PIA, your online battles in Apex Legends become as fortified as Gibraltar’s shield, ensuring a secure and seamless gaming experience.
How to Set Up PIA for Apex Legends on Console? (Windows Virtual Router)
You can play Apex Legends on your console with PIA by using your Windows PC as a virtual router and routing your console traffic through the PIA VPN connection.
Here’s how:
- Sign up for PIA. Enjoy these amazing PIA discounts! I recommend the PIA multiyear plan to save more.
- Download and install the PIA app on your Windows PC.
- Launch the PIA app on your computer and log in with your account credentials (email and password).
- Click “VPN Server” to choose your preferred location. For improved speed, select a server nearest to your physical location. You can also connect to Apex Legends server locations like Sydney or Singapore. I chose the Canada-Toronto server for this instance.
- To turn your Windows Computer into a virtual router, open Settings on your PC.
- Click the “Network & Internet” settings.
- On the left sidebar, select “Mobile Hotspot.”
- Toggle the Mobile Hotspot button to turn it on.
- Click “Edit” under the network session to configure your hotspot settings.
- Set a name for your hotspot in the “Network name” field. This is the network your console will connect to.
- Create a password for your hotspot in the “Network password” field.
- Under the “Network band,” choose your preferred frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). Then click “Save” to save your settings.
- On your console, go to Network Settings or Network Setup. Set the network connection to use the Wi-Fi hotspot you set up above.
- Launch Apex Legends and enjoy anonymously channeling Pathfinder’s curiosity without DDoS attacks.
What PIA Server Reduces Ping for Apex Legends?
There are no specific PIA servers recommended for Apex Legends.
However, you can choose a server closest to Apex Legends server locations, such as servers in the US or Amsterdam, for optimal performance.
I used PIA’s Netherlands, Frankfurt, and Singapore servers with Apex Legends and the WireGuard protocol to test this.
I got the best result with the Netherlands server, with a ping of 40ms.
My gameplay felt fluid with minimal delay when I battled Revenant in Skulltown.
The Singapore server was more distant from my physical location and had the highest latency during the Final Ring Showdown combat with a ping of 40ms.
Another way to reduce ping for Apex Legends while using Private Internet Access is to modify the settings of the PIA app. Follow these steps:
- Launch the PIA app and click the three vertical dots at the right. Click Settings.
- Click Protocols from the left-side menu.
- From the “WireGuard Protocol” tab, click the dropdown under “MTU” and select “Small Packets.” This helps optimize your connection and reduce ping so you can navigate Kings Canyon with minimal latency.
- Connect to your preferred PIA server location.
- Launch Apex Legends and savor smoother gaming sessions with lower pings to snipe targets as accurately as Bloodhound tracks enemies.
How to Find the Best PIA Protocol for Apex Legends?
For the best experience, I recommend the WireGuard protocol because it offers better speed than OpenVPN, especially since Apex Legends is a fast-paced game.
However, I tested both protocols and shared my results below.
Here’s how to choose the best PIA protocol for Apex Legends.
- Connect and Compare protocols. Click “Settings.”
- Select “Protocols.” I also activated the Kill Switch to protect my High-Octane Firefight gameplay data in case of a VPN drop.
- I chose the OpenVPN protocol for the first test using Speedtest.com. I got a ping time of 40 ms, and I noticed my shots weren’t accurately registered during the 3v3 Clutch Showdown in Artillery.
- I also tested the WireGuard with the FrankFurt server and got a ping time of 25 ms. I fought intense battles in Skulltown without any stutters. This is why WireGuard is the best PIA protocol for Apex Legends.
Can You Use PIA to Get Easier Lobbies in Apex Legends?
Yes – and while it’s not guaranteed, using PIA to switch regions can definitely improve your chances. I’ve tried this myself when daily challenges get tedious or I just want a break from getting third-partied every two minutes.
Here’s how to try it with Private Internet Access:
- Open the PIA app and log in.
- Connect to a distant server – for example, New Zealand, South Africa, or India, depending on your location.
- Launch Apex Legends. On the login screen, confirm your region. If it doesn’t match your VPN server, press Escape (on PC) or the right thumbstick (on console) to select a new data center.
- Queue into Solos mode, or disable Auto-fill in Duos/Trios. This helps avoid matching with other players.
- Load in and give it a go. If it still feels sweaty, try a different server or queue at a quieter time.
This trick has helped me reset on rough days – and with PIA running in the background, you’re also protecting your connection from DDoS attacks and ISP throttling.
Why Gamers Use Private Internet Access for Apex Legends?
Once you’ve got PIA set up, here’s what it actually helps with in-game:
- Less lag, more wins – Connecting to the right server can shave off ping and help your shots land when it matters most.
- Protection from DDoS trolls – Your real IP stays hidden, so no one can target your connection mid-match.
- Access on restricted networks – Whether you’re at school, work, or a hotel, PIA helps you get past network blocks.
- No more throttling from your ISP – If your provider slows down game traffic, PIA keeps things running smoothly.
- Easier region switching – Want to squad up with friends overseas or dodge sweaty lobbies? Just change your server location.
Not sure it’ll make a difference? You can test it out for 30 days. If PIA doesn’t improve your connection or help your Apex matches feel smoother, just get a full refund – no questions asked.
FAQs
Does PIA DDoS Protection Stop Apex Legends DDoS Attacks?
PIA offers DDoS protection that stops Apex Legends DDoS attacks.
Considering the subpar “DDoS Protection” Apex Legends introduced for certain lobbies, PIA’s DDoS protection is a reliable alternative since it’s automatically activated on any server, and any player is protected.
Will PIA Port Forwarding Reduce Apex Legends Ping?
PIA port forwarding might not reduce your ping while playing Apex Legends.
This is because Apex Legends servers use specific ports to improve ping and latency, but players must use a VPN that allows them to choose which ports to forward.
Unfortunately, PIA doesn’t let you change ports. You can also only forward one port at a time.
Is It Safe to Use a VPN Like PIA in Apex Legends?
Yes – using a VPN like PIA is safe and doesn’t violate Apex Legends’ Terms of Service. Just make sure you’re not using it to exploit the game or cheat. Connecting for privacy, region switching, or avoiding throttling is completely legit.
Take Back Control of Your Apex Connection
Lag, random disconnects, or region locks don’t have to be part of the game. Private Internet Access gives you a way to fix that – fast setup, lower ping, and more stable matches.
Try it out now. If it doesn’t help your gameplay, just get your money back within 30 days.
