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Guides and networking

NAT Type What is it? The difference between Open, Moderate and Strict in games

When the game says your NAT is Strict, it means the modem has restricted incoming connections from other players. The result is slow matchmaking, not finding players or lobby disconnects.

5 min readUpdated: October 11, 2026

Three types NAT

  • Open (Type 1): the least restriction and the best connection.
  • Moderate (Type 2): usuallyً enough for gaming.
  • Strict (Type 3): the most restriction and the most problems connecting to players.

How do we improve it?

  1. UPnP in the modem.
  2. If needed, forward the ports the game needs.
  3. or put the console in DMZ mode (carefully, because it lowers security).
  4. Test NAT again from the console or game network settings.
Pingura’s console connection methods can also change the connection route; test the NAT result again after connecting.

Frequently asked questions

NAT Strict Does it affect ping?

Not directly on Ping; it mostly affects finding and connecting to players and lobby stability.

DMZ Is it safe?

It frees the console from the modem’s restrictions and carries a security risk; use it only when needed.

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