Well, start your next battle with a proxy server! If still unsure which provider to choose, try 9Proxy. If you still feel unsure, contact the customer service for the free trials like I did! 

What Is Proxy? Proxy Explained

Real story, the first time I heard the word proxy, I thought it was something only hackers or IT people used. But turns out, a proxy server is way simpler than it sounds. It's basically an intermediate between your computer and the internet.
Here’s how it works: when you connect to a website or an online game, your request usually goes straight from your device to the server. But with a proxy, your request goes to the proxy server first, then from there to the game or site. That means your real IP address stays hidden, and the site or game only sees the proxy’s IP.
So why does that matter? A lot, actually, especially if you play games online (like me!).

Why You Need a Proxy Server when Gaming?

Okay, imagine this: you’re downloading a game on Steam and the speed is crawling. Or maybe you’re trying to play an online match, but your ping is all over the place. Super frustrating, right?
That’s where a proxy server can seriously help. For gamers like us, it’s not just about hiding our IP address, it’s about making the gaming experience smoother, faster, and even more secure. Whether it’s Steam, Epic Games, or some MMORPG, using a proxy can help avoid ISP throttling, reduce lag, and even connect to regions where servers are better.
And if you travel a lot or use public Wi-Fi often? A proxy can give you a more stable, private way to game from anywhere.

Benefits of Proxy for Gaming

Here are some real-life benefits I’ve personally experienced since using a proxy for gaming:
Lower ping & reduced lag: When I connect through a proxy server closer to the game server, the gameplay is noticeably smoother.
Bypass server restrictions: Some games or content are locked to specific countries. A proxy can make it look like you're in a different region.
Avoid IP bans or rate limits: Ever got temporarily banned just because your IP acted up? Proxies can help dodge that.
Better download speeds: Steam downloads can get throttled by ISPs. With a proxy, you might bypass those limits.
Privacy and security: This one’s underrated. A proxy keeps your IP private, which adds an extra layer of protection when gaming online.

Games that Might Need Proxy Servers

You don’t need a proxy for every game, but here are some where it can make a noticeable difference:
Steam games with regional servers, like CS:GO, Dota 2, or PUBG.
MMORPGs like Black Desert Online or Final Fantasy XIV, especially when you're trying to join a server in another country.
Mobile/PC hybrid games like Genshin Impact, where updates roll out by region.
Games with IP-based restrictions, like beta tests or early access that’s only in certain countries.
Basically, if you’ve ever had connection issues, access problems, or wanted to switch regions for any reason, a proxy might be just what you need.

How to Choose a Proxy Provider for Gaming?

Not gonna lie, I went down the rabbit hole of sketchy proxy sites before I found something that actually worked. So here's what I learned when choosing a gaming-friendly proxy provider:
Speed is important: You want low latency and high-speed connections, especially for real-time games.
Location options: Make sure they have servers in regions you actually care about (like US, EU, Asia).
Residential proxies: These are IPs from real devices, so they’re much harder to detect or block.
IP rotation (if needed): Useful for some games or when managing multiple accounts.
Trustworthy provider: Read reviews, check their uptime, and see if they have support that actually replies.
Avoid the free ones unless you like lag and random disconnects (been there, done that — not fun).

I Am Using 9Proxy's Residential Proxies

I asked around, and I chose 9Proxy. My budget does not allow me pricier choices. But I am happy with my option. They are cheap, but reliable! They offer residential proxies, which means the IPs come from real users, not data centers. That’s important because game platforms like Steam are smart, they can sniff out datacenter IPs easily.
With 9Proxy, my ping is more stable, downloads are faster, and I haven’t had issues with access or region locks. I can switch between regions smoothly, which helps a lot when some updates hit Asia servers before US ones (looking at you, Genshin).
What I like most is that it's super easy to set up, their customer service agent guides you through it, and if you’re stuck, support is actually helpful (shocking, I know). If you're into gaming and want a smoother experience, especially with Steam, I’d say give them a try.