certain games aren’t able to connect to the internet

Troubleshooting Internet Connectivity Issues with Specific Games After Router Upgrade

Upgrading your router can significantly enhance your online experience, resulting in smoother browsing, streaming, and gaming. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter connectivity issues with certain applications or games following such a change. If you’ve recently replaced your router and find that some of your favorite games are struggling to connect — despite others working perfectly — this guide aims to help you diagnose and resolve the problem effectively.

Understanding the Issue

In some cases, not all online games are affected equally. For instance, after a router upgrade, you may notice that titles like Valorant and Fortnite continue to function normally, while other games such as Brawlhalla, Bloons TD 6, and Among Us are unable to connect to their servers. Interestingly, some games like Shellshock Live may still work without issues. Such variability can be perplexing but often points to configuration or network routing specifics.

Possible Causes and Solutions

Firewall and Security Settings
Modern routers come with default security features that may block certain game traffic.
Check your router’s firewall settings to ensure that the necessary ports for the affected games are open.
Consult the game’s official support documentation for specific port requirements and ensure they are permitted through your network.
Port Forwarding and NAT Configuration
Many multiplayer games rely on proper Network Address Translation (NAT) setups.
Enable port forwarding for the relevant game ports to improve connectivity.
Consider setting your router’s NAT type to “Open” (if applicable) for optimal multiplayer performance.
DNS and Network Settings
Sometimes, updating DNS servers to public options like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) can resolve connectivity issues.
Verify your network settings to ensure they match the recommended configurations for gaming.
Router Firmware and Compatibility
Ensure your router firmware is up to date, as updates often include bug fixes and improvements.
If certain games still fail to connect, try resetting your router to factory settings or consulting the manufacturer’s support resources.
Testing and Isolation
Test the affected games on a different device connected to the same network to determine if the issue is device-specific.
Use troubleshooting tools to see if ports are open and accessible.
Additional Network Configuration
Disable any VPNs or third-party security software that might interfere