Best NAT Type Settings by Game (COD, Fortnite, Valorant, EA FC)
If your queue times are inconsistent, party invites fail, or voice chat drops randomly, your NAT configuration may be part of the problem.
This guide breaks down the best NAT type settings by game and gives you practical router-level fixes that work globally.
Quick Answer: Which NAT Type Is Best?
For most games, you should aim for:
- Open NAT on Xbox
- Type 2 NAT on PlayStation
- Open or Moderate NAT on PC (depending on game and anti-cheat/network model)
A strict/closed NAT is where issues usually begin: failed lobby joins, one-way voice chat, and limited matchmaking pools.
Why NAT Type Affects Different Games Differently
Not every game uses the same networking model:
- Some rely heavily on peer-to-peer (P2P) sessions
- Others use mostly dedicated servers but still require direct player-to-player signaling for party/voice
- Cross-platform games often combine multiple services (publisher account, platform party, anti-cheat, relay)
That is why a NAT setup that feels fine in one title can feel broken in another.
If you're new to the basics, start with What Is NAT Type?.
Best NAT Type by Game
1) Call of Duty (Warzone / MW)
Target NAT: Open (ideal), Moderate (acceptable)
Recommended settings
- Enable UPnP first
- If NAT stays Moderate/Strict, set up manual port forwarding for your platform
- Avoid double NAT (ISP modem + your router both doing NAT)
Why this matters in COD
COD party formation and voice channels are sensitive to port availability. Strict NAT often causes:
- trouble joining friends
- failed party migration
- unstable voice sessions
See: How NAT Type Affects Multiplayer Matchmaking
2) Fortnite
Target NAT: Open or Moderate
Recommended settings
- Keep UPnP enabled
- Prefer wired Ethernet on console/PC if possible
- Keep one active router as your NAT gateway (avoid cascaded routers)
Why this matters in Fortnite
Fortnite relies heavily on Epic’s infrastructure, so strict NAT may hurt social/party behavior more than raw match entry. You may still get into games, but voice and squad connectivity can degrade.
3) Valorant
Target NAT: Moderate/Open (Strict can still cause voice/party issues)
Recommended settings
- Start with UPnP
- Do not overexpose your network with blanket DMZ unless testing
- Check ISP-level restrictions (CGNAT can mimic strict NAT behavior)
Why this matters in Valorant
Valorant is mostly server-based for gameplay, but account services, social systems, and voice can still be impacted by restrictive NAT/firewall combinations.
4) EA FC (FIFA)
Target NAT: Open/Type 2
Recommended settings
- Ensure NAT is not Strict
- Stabilize your network path (wired + low bufferbloat)
- Verify console network test and in-game connection status
Why this matters in EA FC
EA FC players commonly report connection asymmetry (you can join some players, not others). NAT restrictions increase this behavior and can affect co-op/party reliability.
Console Mapping: NAT Terms by Platform
- Xbox Open ≈ best state
- PlayStation Type 2 ≈ normal best-practice state behind a router
- PlayStation Type 3 / Xbox Strict ≈ problematic state
If you need platform-specific fixes:
Router Settings That Matter Most (In Order)
1. UPnP (first step for most users)
UPnP lets devices request temporary port mappings automatically.
- Fastest way to improve NAT status
- Lower maintenance than manual forwarding
- Works well for homes with multiple gaming devices
Related comparison: DMZ vs Port Forwarding vs UPnP
2. Port Forwarding (when UPnP is insufficient)
Use this when NAT remains strict or when a specific game consistently fails.
- More predictable than UPnP
- More manual upkeep
- Use only required ports for your platform/game
Guide: How to Port Forward for PS5
3. Double NAT Cleanup
If your ISP modem/router and your own router both do NAT, you get double NAT.
Fix by using one of these:
- put ISP device in bridge mode
- set your router as access point (if needed)
- place your router in ISP modem DMZ (intermediate workaround)
Guide: Double NAT Issues and Solutions
Global Considerations (US, EU, APAC, LATAM)
NAT behavior is local, but outcomes differ by region due to ISP architecture.
CGNAT and regional ISP policies
Some ISPs place users behind carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT). Even with a perfect home setup, you may still see strict-like behavior.
Cross-region parties and matchmaking
When you play with friends in different countries, NAT + latency + relay choice all combine. A clean NAT setup reduces failed joins and fallback relay overhead.
Mobile and 5G hotspots
Mobile networks frequently use aggressive NAT. Great for browsing, not always ideal for stable gaming party traffic.
Fast Troubleshooting Checklist
If your game NAT is not ideal, do this in order:
- Reboot modem + router + console/PC
- Enable UPnP
- Disable duplicate routers / mesh router NAT layers
- Retest NAT on platform settings
- If still strict, add manual port forwarding
- Ask ISP if your line is behind CGNAT
If needed, follow the full workflow: NAT Type Troubleshooting Guide
FAQ
Is Open NAT always required to play online?
No. Many games work fine on Moderate/Type 2. But Open NAT gives the fewest restrictions and best compatibility for party features.
Should I use DMZ for my console?
Only as a controlled test or advanced setup. DMZ can improve connectivity but increases exposure. UPnP or targeted port forwarding is usually safer.
Why is my NAT strict even after forwarding ports?
Common reasons: double NAT, CGNAT at ISP level, wrong static IP assignment, firewall conflict, or forwarding rules bound to the wrong device.
Does NAT type affect ping?
Not directly in the same way distance and routing do, but restrictive NAT can force less optimal connectivity paths and cause more session instability.
Final Takeaway
For COD, Fortnite, Valorant, and EA FC, the practical target is the same: avoid Strict NAT and maintain a stable Open/Type 2 setup.
Start simple:
- UPnP on
- eliminate double NAT
- use port forwarding only when needed
If you want to test your current setup first, use our NAT checker and then apply the game-specific steps above.