New test data shows: Treyarch keeps its word and continues to work on server performance. The tick rate in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 has been significantly improved. Only in the Blackout mode does it remain unchanged.
Shortly after the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 numerous fans raised a fuss. Because the game’s multiplayer servers were performing worse than during the beta, with the tick rate reduced from 60Hz to 20Hz. Treyarch attributed this to the launch phase and has been continuously working on improving network performance since then.
Server Tick Rate in Black Ops 4 Multiplayer Back to Beta Level
New tests from the community: The Redditor soybean92 reportedly examined the servers for the regular multiplayer part on PC and PS4 and tested them in Team Deathmatch and Control modes.
This is how server performance in regular multiplayer has improved: After the developers already increased server performance with an update on 23.10. from 20Hz to 30Hz, new tests by soybean92 show that performance has increased once again since 27.10. It now appears to be back to beta level. In both modes on PC and PS4, 62Hz was recorded.
What about Blackout? Blackout continues to run with a tick rate of 20 Hz. There has been no improvement here. Some fans speculate that this mode might remain as is, as the higher player count could put additional stress on the servers. Others suspect that over time, a higher tick rate could also be possible there.
By the way: Custom matches also run with a tick rate of 20Hz. However, this is usual for private games in Call of Duty titles.
What should be noted about the test results: soybean92 explained that he did not know whether these values were already valid worldwide. In his region, the northwest of the USA, this is already the case. At the same time, there are reports from other users who have not yet experienced such an increase in tick rate.
It could therefore initially be a test region or a staged rollout of performance updates that are not yet available everywhere in the world.
Will the online experience in Black Ops 4 now improve for everyone?
What is tick rate? The tick rate is the rate at which a server sends updates to the clients – in this case, to the PS4, Xbox One, or PC. The higher the tick rate, the better the general hit feedback, as servers provide information more frequently.
What does this mean for players? However, this does not mean that all players will have a better experience or will now become killing machines. Because the tick rate is the same for all players – regardless of whether it is 20Hz or 60Hz.
The individual experience can vary due to many other factors, such as the quality of one’s own connection, WLAN quality, the router, or the input lag from player to player.
Moreover, less skilled players will not necessarily benefit from a higher tick rate. Because with a lower tick rate, they might avoid some potential hits due to the reduced information flow.
With a higher tick rate, the exchange of information takes place more frequently, so that more hits can be registered. While one can hit more often oneself, one can also be hit more often, which primarily benefits more experienced players.
