> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # MTA Server Lag: Sync and Bandwidth Settings Explained > Reduce MTA server lag with the right sync and bandwidth settings: Bandwidth saving, player sync, bullet sync, vehicle extrapolation and the Competitive preset. MTA:SA sync settings decide how often your server sends updates to players. On FREAKHOSTING you change them in **Game settings** under **Sync and bandwidth** and **Network and downloads**. For smoother fights and races, apply the **Competitive** preset (frequent sync, no bandwidth saving). For many players on a calm server, apply **Save bandwidth**. Review, save and restart after each change. | Fact | Value | | - | - | | Panel sections | **Sync and bandwidth**, **Network and downloads** | | Presets | **Competitive**, **Save bandwidth** | | Unit of sync settings | Milliseconds between updates (lower = more often) | | Applies | After a restart | ## Which preset should I use? | Preset | What it does | Good for | | - | - | - | | **Competitive** | Frequent sync, no bandwidth saving, keeps the client version up to date. | Deathmatch, race, PvP | | **Save bandwidth** | Maximum bandwidth saving, slower distant syncs. | Large freeroam or roleplay servers | Click **Presets** in **Game settings**, pick one, check **Changed** to see what it set, then **Review and save**. Most sync settings are advanced; click **Show advanced settings (16)** to see them. ## What do the sync settings do? Values are on a fresh FREAKHOSTING server. Ranges are from the MTA wiki. | Panel field | Key in mtaserver.conf | Fresh value | Range | What it does | | - | - | - | - | - | | **Player sync** | `player_sync_interval` | 100 ms | 50 to 4000 | Time between player updates. | | **Distant player sync** | `lightweight_sync_interval` | 1500 ms | 200 to 4000 | Time between updates of players far apart. | | **Camera sync** | `camera_sync_interval` | 500 ms | 50 to 4000 | Time between camera updates. | | **Ped sync** | `ped_sync_interval` | 400 ms | 50 to 4000 | Time between updates of peds (non-player characters). | | **Empty vehicle sync** | `unoccupied_vehicle_sync_interval` | 400 ms | 50 to 4000 | Time between updates of vehicles nobody is in. | | **Bullet sync** | `bullet_sync` | On | On / off | Makes shots more reliable, at the cost of bandwidth. | | **Vehicle extrapolation** | `vehext_percent` | 0 % | 0 to 100 | How much clients predict other players' vehicle movement. It can hurt some game modes. | | **Vehicle extrapolation limit** | `vehext_ping_limit` | 150 ms | 50 to 500 | The most time the prediction makes up for. Only matters above 0 %. | | **Latency reduction** | `latency_reduction` | Off | On / off | Shows other players' actions about 50 ms sooner. Experimental. | Lower sync values feel smoother but use more bandwidth and CPU. Change one setting at a time and test with players. ## What does Bandwidth saving do? **Bandwidth saving** (`bandwidth_reduction`) saves bandwidth with optimisations that make the game slightly less precise. | Option | Meaning | | - | - | | **None** | No optimisations. Most precise. | | **Medium** | The value on a fresh server. | | **Maximum** | Most saving. The MTA wiki warns it can cause de-sync with mapped objects. | ## How to fix common lag problems | Symptom | Try | | - | - | | Shots don't register | Keep **Bullet sync** on. | | Cars jump or warp in races | Raise **Vehicle extrapolation** in small steps and test. Set it back to `0` if your game mode behaves oddly. | | Players far away move in steps | Lower **Distant player sync**, or set **Bandwidth saving** to **Medium** or **None**. | | Lag spikes with many players | Apply **Save bandwidth**, then check CPU in [Statistics](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/game-panel/how-to-view-server-statistics.md). | | Lag from one resource | Check the console and `server.log` for script errors, and stop the resource to test. | Low FPS on a player's PC is not network lag. See [FPS limit](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/configuring-fps-limit.md). ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best player sync interval? The fresh value of 100 ms suits most servers. Lower values send more updates per second and use more bandwidth. ### Should I turn on Latency reduction? It is experimental. Try it on a test evening and turn it off if players report odd movement. ### Can I change sync settings while the server runs? Some can be changed by scripts with `setServerConfigSetting`, but use **Game settings** and a restart for permanent changes. ## Related guides > [card] [MTA server guide](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/multi-theft-auto-server-hosting-guide.md) > > Every MTA page in one place. > [card] [Change server settings](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/how-to-change-mta-server-settings.md) > > Presets, review and save. > [card] [mtaserver.conf explained](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/mtaserver-conf-explained.md) > > Every setting and its key. > [card] [FPS limit](https://help.freakhosting.com/games/multi-theft-auto/configuring-fps-limit.md) > > Client frame rate limit. *** > [!NOTE] > > **Tested by the FREAKHOSTING team** on our Game Panel on 2 November 2026 (MTA:SA server 1.6, 64-bit). Steps may differ slightly if the game changes. Ranges checked against the official [Multi Theft Auto wiki](https://wiki.multitheftauto.com/wiki/Server_mtaserver.conf). > [!NOTE] > > ### Need Extra Help? > > If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist: > > * **Live Chat:** Quick assistance via our website. > * **Support Ticket:** [Open a Ticket](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) > * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting) > * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com) > [!TIP] > > ### Save on Your Hosting > > Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order! *** **Last Updated:** November 2026 This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.