For many Marvel Rivals players, the appearance of “InLost” on their network statistics, or even a sudden spike after a particularly chaotic moment in a match, has become a source of confusion and frustration.
Often a harbinger of lag, frustrating rubberbanding, or even abrupt disconnections, this enigmatic term signals a critical underlying issue affecting your gameplay. So, what exactly is “InLost,” and why is it so vital to understand for a smooth Marvel Rivals experience?
Defining “InLost”: The Silent Saboteur of Data
At its core, “InLost” in Marvel Rivals refers to incoming packet loss. In simpler terms, it’s the percentage of data packets that are sent from the game server to your device but, for various reasons, never actually arrive.
Think of online gaming as a constant conversation between your computer and the game server. Tiny bundles of information, called packets, are continuously exchanged to keep your character’s movements, abilities, and the entire game state synchronized. When some of these crucial packets go missing or are severely delayed on their journey from the server to your device, you experience “InLost” or incoming packet loss.
How Does InLost Impact Your Game?
High “InLost” values are a direct cause of a multitude of infuriating in-game issues, severely degrading your competitive edge and overall enjoyment:
- Lag and Rubberbanding: This is the most common and immediately noticeable symptom. Your character might inexplicably snap back to a previous position, or their movements could become erratic and jerky, making precise aiming or dodging impossible.
- Delayed or Missed Actions: Imagine hitting an enemy with an ability, only for it to not register, or a critical shot failing to connect. High “InLost” can cause abilities to have delayed activation, or even prevent your inputs from reaching the server in time to register correctly.
- Disconnections: In severe cases, prolonged or extreme packet loss can lead to being abruptly kicked from the match, or in some particularly frustrating instances, preventing you from respawning after a death, leaving you stuck observing. Players have reported “InLost” spikes reaching alarming levels (e.g., 40% or even 73%) after dying, rendering the game completely unplayable.
What Causes High InLost? Unpacking the Roots
Understanding the common culprits behind high “InLost” is the first step towards troubleshooting:
- Network Congestion: A common culprit is simply too many devices simultaneously hogging your internet bandwidth. If multiple people are streaming, downloading large files, or gaming on the same network, it can overwhelm your connection.
- Faulty Hardware: Outdated or malfunctioning networking equipment can be a silent saboteur. This includes your router, modem, Ethernet cables, or even your computer’s network card.
- Wi-Fi Instability: Wireless connections, while convenient, are inherently more susceptible to interference and packet loss compared to wired (Ethernet) connections. Obstacles, distance from the router, and other wireless signals can all contribute to instability.
- Server Issues: Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end at all. Marvel Rivals’ own servers can experience issues, especially during peak player times, during unexpected overloads, or if undergoing maintenance.
How Can You Fix InLost Issues? Taking Back Control
While not all “InLost” issues are within your control, there are several effective steps you can take to mitigate the problem and improve your Marvel Rivals experience:
- Use a Wired Connection: This is almost always the most effective solution. Connecting your gaming device directly to your router via an Ethernet cable provides a significantly more stable and reliable connection than Wi-Fi.
- Update Hardware and Drivers: Ensure your router’s firmware is up to date, and check for the latest drivers for your computer’s network card. Outdated software can often be a hidden source of performance issues.
- Optimize Network Settings: Review your firewall and security software settings. Sometimes, these can be overly aggressive and inadvertently block or throttle legitimate game traffic. Ensure Marvel Rivals is whitelisted or given priority.
- Monitor Server Status: Before diving into extensive troubleshooting, quickly check official Marvel Rivals channels (social media, dedicated status pages) to see if the game’s servers are experiencing known issues. If it’s a widespread problem, you might just need to wait.
- Utilize Network Diagnostic Tools: Marvel Rivals often provides in-game network stats. Pay attention to these and consider using external network diagnostic tools to pinpoint where the packet loss is occurring—whether it’s between your device and router, or further down the line to the game servers.
The Bottom Line
“InLost” in Marvel Rivals is a critical indicator of incoming packet loss, signaling that data from the game server isn’t reliably reaching your device. High “InLost” values directly translate to frustrating gameplay disruptions like lag, rubberbanding, delayed actions, and even disconnections.
By understanding these causes—from network congestion and faulty hardware to Wi-Fi instability—you can take proactive steps to improve your connection, ensuring a smoother, more responsive, and ultimately more enjoyable Marvel Rivals experience.
Written by:
Christian