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In The BloodVampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines at 20: A masterpiece of RPG storytelling which might just have a blighted bloodline of its ownSeriously vamily, we probably shouldn't have made all those jokes about cursed legacies.Image credit: VG247 / Troika Games / Activision Article by Rebecca Jones Guides Writer Published on Nov. 16, 2024 There was a lot working against Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines when it launched on this day back in 2004. Nobody wants to launch up against a game as hotly anticipated as Half-Life 2, let alone be pushed out half-finished due to a bizarre corporate mandate to launch on the same day as said game which, incidentally, used the same brand-new engine as V:TM-B was built in, but as proprietary in-house technology rather than via a third-party licence, and so very much getting the better end of the deal.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Ultimately, looking back on the launch debacle that surrounded Bloodlines just shows you how radically the games industry has changed in the past 20 years. If the same scenario were to play out today, you'd probably see the publishers overseeing a video game tie-in to a relatively niche TTRPG doing everything in their power to avoid launching on the same day as such an obvious GOTY candidate. In fact, the launch would likely be pushed back several months to minimise clashing over the audience's attentions, which ironically would have been exactly what Bloodlines' developer Troika Games wanted and needed but never got.But there's also the fact that Bloodlines managed to gain a fair amount of popularity quite quickly despite its underbaked launch state. Even before it gained the cult classic status it's best known for today, this wasn't a game that required reassessment from a later generation of players, and its reputation initially grew out of perseverance from the fans who were already there at the time. Many fond memories of Bloodlines owe a debt to the dedicated modders whose work on post-launch patches was crucial to ensuring its legacy. However, I really must stress that this screenshot comes from a totally unmodded version of the game. | Image credit: Troika Games / ActivisionAgain, that's something that wouldn't happen in 2024, when a theoretically decent game with performance issues not patched out on Day 1 is more often than not dismissed as "mid" and consigned to the status of a minor historical footnote, as players turn their attentions to any of the dozens of other games that launched that week. And honestly, who can blame them?The world of two decades ago was quite different: fewer games doing the rounds, and slower access to the games there were (digital distribution was still in its infancy, remember: Steam was a mere year old at this point, and still only sold games made directly by Valve) meant that something like Bloodlines could still emerge with a respectable 80% average critical score, rapidly become something of a darling among players, and even pick up a modest handful of end-of-year awards despite launching in mid-November on top of everything else that it had to contend with. Shout out to my main gal, the female Tremere PC, one of the 14 playable character archetypes you choose from in Bloodlines. What she lacks in raw physical strength, she more than makes up for in her ability to suspend her enemies in mid-air using the blood she magically boils in their veins. | Image credit: Troika Games / ActivisionSadly, the purgatorial status of the Bloodlines IP continues to this day. Given that Troika Games folded not long after Bloodlines' launch, most fans knew better than to expect a sequel. So when one was announced in 2019 with an initial release window that would broadly coincide with the original game's 15th anniversary, but also risked clashing with the then-intended launch date for the hotly-awaited, GOTY-tipped Cyberpunk 2077 the pleasant surprise was tempered by nervous jokes about generational curses.Five years and numerous delays later, of course, Bloodlines 2 still hasn't launched and has changed almost beyond recognition, morphing from a closely-moulded direct sequel developed by Hardsuit Labs to a looser spiritual successor rebuilt from the ground up by The Chinese Room. By the sounds of things, 2025 might just be the year we finally get our hands on V:TM-B2, but it's fair to say that those half-joking predictions of a troubled production proved more accurate than even the prognosticators themselves anticipated. One of V:TM-B's many strengths on display: an early example of digital tourism via the game's loving rendition of a seedy late-night Los Angeles spread across four hub maps. | Image credit: Troika Games / ActivisionIn truth, though and speaking from the heart here, as someone who still considers Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines quite possibly their single favourite video game of all time even two decades later I'm not that worried about Bloodlines 2.Not because it's better viewed in the context of the fact that there have actually been 11 official VTM video games (plus numerous sanctioned VTM game jam titles) released in the past two decades that weren't Bloodlines sequels, but which did demonstrate that the IP is versatile enough to support a steady supply of good games, even if they mostly don't have the scope and reach to set the world on fire. And not because I have faith in The Chinese Room to deliver a decent World of Darkness-flavoured Dishonored-style imsim that bears little relation to the original but stands up well enough on its own although, for what it's worth, I do actually think that'll be the case. To say nothing of the half-dozen non-VTM World of Darkness games that have launched over the past 20 years, including several from Werewolf: The Apocalypse. | Image credit: Troika Games / ActivisionI've mentioned this already in our end-of-year video round-ups for 2023, but last year's resounding Game of the Year winner Baldur's Gate 3 has in many ways already scratched my itch for a modern Vampire: The Masquerade follow-up. As a deeply engrossing RPG based on a popular tabletop setting, made exceptional by the strength of its writing, world-building, and performances (and even with a hot-yet-troubled vampire in a key role), BG3 already proved that the V:TM-B formula could be one of the most winning concepts in video games if a developer was given the time, space, and crucially funding and resources needed to make a game that lived up to all that truly excellent potential.Viewed through this more holistic lens, Bloodlines' legacy has already come full circle. A throwback title in the same vein became the first video game ever to win all five major GOTY awards; if ever a point could be comprehensively proven in a field as subjective as art and entertainment, this one has been now. Bloodlines 2 can be what it needs to be whether it ends up being beloved, reviled, or just quickly forgotten and at the end of the day, the original Bloodlines will still be that messy but wonderful cult classic that set the bar for RPG storytelling in video games.

I'll PassAfter a leak suggest Assassin's Creed Shadows will be getting a battle pass, Ubisoft sets the record straight on what you'll actually be paying forOr what you won't be paying for, rather.Image credit: Ubisoft News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Nov. 16, 2024 After an Assassin's Creed Shadows battle pass appeared to leak online, Ubisoft sets the record straight on if you have to pay for it or not.While a lot of players might engage with them, battle passes aren't exactly a universally loved thing, as it's essentially just homework designed to keep you playing while nothing else is going on. They suck, honestly, and when a leak earlier this week seemed to suggest that the incoming Animus Hub, the hub area for Assassin's Creed games starting with Shadows, would have a battle pass that unlocks things like cosmetics, red flags were obviously raised at the prospect. It wasn't clear if it would be paid or not, with people obviously concerned that a paid battle pass attached to a single player game existed at all.A Message From the Team on the Animus Hub byu/Ubi_Waldo inassassinscreedTo see this content please enable targeting cookies.Now, over on the Assassin's Creed subreddit, Ubisoft has shared a statement on the matter clarifying whether you will need to spend extra money to collect said rewards or not. "Hello everyone. It has come to our attention that inaccurate rumors have been circulating online regarding the upcoming Animus Hub (ex-codename Infinity)," reads the post. "We wanted to take this occasion to clarify that all the rewards available in the Animus Hub will be entirely free. There are no paid subscriptions or paid battle pass featured in the Animus Hub. Players will have access to regular content & missions at no extra cost. We will unveil more details about it closer to the launch of Assassins Creed Shadows. Thank you!"To see this content please enable targeting cookies. With Assassin's Creed Shadows being important as it is for Ubisoft (a developer who might be acquired by Tencent because it's doing so poorly), it's not surprising that it would want to set the record straight on something like this. It is good news that anything battle pass adjacent in the Animus Hub will be free, so let's just hope it stays that way.Assassin's Creed Shadows was delayed in September, so it's now set to be released February 14, 2025, where it'll be available on PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S.

Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube785kVampire Survivors recently rolled out new DLC titled 'Ode to Castlevania' on the Switch. It seems there were some bugs in the initial build, but a patch has now been released addressing some of the problems.There are some fixes for crashes, respawns, missing unlocks and more. Here's the full rundown from the official Vampire Survivor's account:- Crash when loading certain adventure stages- Librarian merchant not spawning- Missing unlock for Relic Ebony Crimson Stone- Black disk is unlocking librarian instead of pile of secretsSubscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube785kWatch on YouTube Developer Poncle is also aware of multiple other problems including "Ferryman unlock is missing" and how "high memory usage can sometimes lead to crashes". Another patch is scheduled for later this month and it will also include "lots more"."We will have another patch coming at the end of the month... thank you all for being patient with us"Although there have been some bugs, this new DLC for Vampire Survivors is still "utterly essential" if you're a fan of this indie hit (as well as Castlevania)."Its easily the best DLC for the game, which acts as an incredible tribute to one of our favourite franchises while retaining and expanding on Vampire Survivors' endlessly addictive loop. The pile of secrets waiting for you is anything but miserable, and we guarantee you'll be gobsmacked." Finally, some vampire killers"I want to stay on the same level"Have you tried out this new DLC for Vampire Survivors yet? Leave a comment below.[source x.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNew Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Update Leaves The Switch BehindLa-li-lu-le-lower resolutionVampire Survivors: Ode To Castlevania: All Weapon EvolutionsHow to evolve every new weapon in the DLCVampire Survivors: Ode To Castlevania: How To Unlock All CharactersHow to unlock every single character in the DLC

This also includes remakes, remasters and new seasons.Ahead of the nominees being revealed for The Game Awards this year, it seems there's some debate online about the new eligibility rules.According to the FAQ on the official website, "expansion packs, new game seasons, DLCs, remakes and remasters" are now eligible to be nominated across "all categories". This also factors in if the jury deems it "worthy of a nomination" and also considers the overall "newness" of the content, price and value.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

When Brynn Putnam sold her last company, Mirror, to Lululemon for $500 million at the start of the pandemic, it looked to this editor like shed sold the smart fitness company too soon.Instead, the timing proved brilliant. The home fitness craze crashed nearly as abruptly as it peaked during that first year of lockdowns. Meanwhile, after a year as a general manager at Lululemon, Putnam had new operating insights, a big win under her belt, and a fresh idea that she has since turned into a new company that will launch publicly in 2025.The venture firm Lerer Hippeau has already participated in a highly competitive round for that stealthy startup the firm led Mirrors $3 million seed round years ago, too and on Wednesday night in New York, I sat down with both Lerer Hippeau managing partner Ben Lerer and Putnam to talk about what she is building. We also talked about a broader rebound thats happening at long last for consumer tech some of it being led by founders who led the last wave of successful consumer startups.Following are excerpts from that chat, edited lightly for length. You can also watch the full interview below.Ben Lerer on writing that first check: When we invested [in Mirror], Brynn had a very convincing but totally janky demo, which was basically a sort of like a two-way mirror with a computer screen behind it to show you what a mirror would look like if she was able to raise tens of millions of dollars to actually produce such a thing. Really interestingly, she had designed a contraption that was proprietary to her [own line of boutique gyms at the time] . . . and when we saw it, it was just clear that Brynn was not just a clever business builder who had built a good gym brand for herself but was also an inventor. Brynn won us over very, very quickly, and maybe we looked crazy for a few years, but eventually less so.Brynn Putnam on selling Mirror just four years after founding it:We werent for sale. We werent looking for an acquirer. We had just really launched. But we had a longtime partnership with Lululemon. I had worked with them at my gyms for about a decade, and we had been spending a lot of time with them, making content and doing interesting events with them, and it just felt like the right fit for us to be able to really take Mirror into homes across the world with speed and certainty. We really just felt like it was this opportunity we couldnt pass on.As for whether Lerer weighed in with advice on that sale, he said:I did have an opinion on it. Look, venture is a funny business because of the power law and the idea that youre supposed to take these moonshots and youre going to have a bunch of losses but your big wins are going to change the whole world. I believe in the power law, but I also think sometimes venture loses sight of just really basic, good, sound business decision-making. And there are some general truths in business, like: sell when others are greedy, and buy when others are scared. You dont always have to continue to go back to the casino again and again and again. In this case, when Brynn came and said, Hey, I got this offer, Im really thinking about taking it, I said, Yeah, you should do this for you; this is amazing for us. And if youre getting pushback from other folks [like later-stage investors with a different cost basis], Im happy to try to be helpful, but youre frankly much more forceful and powerful than I am and youll take care of this. For a year or two after, I think Brynn probably got some people who second-guessed it, and now I think people see the arc of the entire category and realize it was just a totally brilliant move.Putnam on working afterward as an exec at Lululemon, which later threw in the towel on Mirror:An investor who I admire . . .told me at the time that I should be gracious and learn, that throughout the life of your company, youre selling your company. Youre selling it in small pieces, or youre selling it in bigger pieces, but youre always selling your company. And the best thing you can do once you have made the decision to sell, is to really learn as much as you can from this business that youve chosen to sell to and try to tackle something with purpose in this new role. And that is what I did. And I learned an incredible amount in the year that I was there, and it was incredibly interesting. But I think ultimately, when you go from being a founder and CEO to effectively the general manager of a division, its a very large change, and for some people, its a fit. And for me, it just was not. Im really a builder.Putnam on what led her to develop her new startup:When I left Lululemon, I was really just at a different stage of my life. I went from being pregnant to then having two children, and really, I just took stock of what was important to me at that point. Mirror was very much about me. It was my reflection, my performance, it was about making your own self better. At that next phase, my life was really just much more about my family and my friends and my relationships and those things that I was finding important. I was really struggling to find quality time with my loved ones the way that I had growing up you know, we would sit around the table and have a meal, play a board game, look each other in the face. For my kids who have grown up glued to iPads or smartphones, the experience of quality time was more challenging.So I really started to think about, how could I take what I learned at Mirror and apply those lessons to the category of play? How could I use tech to build better social relationships and connections? And thats what Im working on now. Its a new consumer hardware company, but in the gaming space rather than fitness, really geared towards how we spend time together face to face, where technology is not the experience but really an enabler to building better relationships.Asked if her new product is for children (or if it fits in ones pocket, or one wears it on their face), Putnam answered:Its for everyone. Its for friends and families spending time together. Its not a kids company, although we do hope youll participate with your kids. Its not an education company, although we do hope that people find it interesting and strategic and creative, but its really about using tech to connect people to each other. (Here Lerer declared he was sworn to secrecy by Putnam.)Putnam on the confluence of AI and hardware and software that seems very much top of mind for founders and investors suddenly:I think were about to enter a golden age of hardware. All the VCs here are going to be so excited to invest in hardware founders soon, hopefully [because a] few things are happening. The iPhone came out 17 years ago, and we havent really had a mainstream consumer hardware success story since Oculus. I think theres an opportunity on the market for something new. A lot of the core components of these technologies are becoming a lot more mature and therefore affordable, so being able to build, in our case, display technologies, is possible in a way now that it wasnt 10 years ago. And then obviously AI is opening the door for how we interact with our devices. So naturally, there will be new devices on the market. Were betting on this idea of not another personal computer but rather a new shared device in the home, which is what we did with Mirror and what were doing again here. This idea that there will be a piece of tech that helps bring your house and family together is where we think the future is headed.On not focusing too much on the technical specifications of hardware but focusing more on the overall experience being created, Putnam said:I learned recently about Nintendos design philosophy. They have this concept that they use withered technology with lateral thinking. So the idea is using mature, affordable, more readily available technologies but creating a really interesting experience around them, and that is what we did with Mirror. It was rather commodity hardware. It wasnt frontier tech. And [thats] what were doing again now.On bringing family and friends together as an investing theme (here, this editor brought up the new startup of Bonobos co-founder Andy Dunn, Pie, which focuses on bringing people together offline), Lerer said:Im an investor [in Pie]! Look, I have young kids and I have the same challenges that all my friends have and everyone has: were all hopelessly addicted to these devices, and at a high level, were interested in alternatives to that addiction and new formats of entertainment or opportunities to get people off of screens or out in the world. We very recently did a [related] deal thats not yet announced in an application layer AI company in the travel space that Im really excited about. And we just announced a deal this past week in another application layer company in the aftermarket automotive space, which is actually the biggest hobbyist area by spend in the U.S.Finding ways to tap into peoples passions is always a good bet in the consumer space.On the feeling that consumer as a category is swinging back including thanks to a new $500 million fund announced this past week by the well-known consumer-focused firm Forerunner Ventures, Lerer said:As a fund, were founder first, but were also New York first, and [with] the first [founder] generations of New York in the early 2010s, there was a lot of consumer, a lot of media, a lot of direct to consumer commerce. And there were a few trends that really drove that. You had the rise of the iPhone and the App Store. You had social media exploding and the arbitrage ad ecosystem opportunity to go and grab customers faster than ever. Maybe the rise of Shopify as well created a great time to go build consumer businesses with a wide open imagination.Over the last four, five, six years, theres been very little in terms of big tech changes that inspire people to do anything that doesnt feel incremental. And I do think that AI is that catalyst right now. Were seeing a very high quality group of founders saying, Nows the time to get back in the pool. There are things that are possible today that werent possible six months ago or a year ago, and the slope is steep right now in terms of using your imagination. So Im more excited about consumer than Ive been in a long time, which is really exciting for me because thats my passion. I built a consumer business. I love investing in consumer founders, and its been pretty crappy the last few years, quite frankly.

Whats the best gift you can get someone? Why, the gift of travel, of course. The next best is something to enhance the travel experience. As fun and enlightening as seeing new places is, the whole part of getting there can detract from the overall experience, especially for those who find themselves traveling a lot for work.Thats a camp I fall into, and as such, Ive been curating a selection of gadgets that help make the process of getting from point A to point B a little less arduous. Everything included below is something I use myself and will happily recommend to anyone youre shopping for.Apple AirTag $29; 4 for $99Image Credits:James D. Morgan / Contributor / Getty ImagesAirTags and Find My have reprogrammed my brain to a degree that probably isnt healthy. Any time I misplace something now, my first thought is to reach for my phone. Sadly, the technology isnt quite that ubiquitous for now.Even so, these little watch-battery-powered accessories deliver a lot of peace of mind when it comes to keeping track of your valuables. Pop an AirTag on your luggage, and thats one less thing to worry about while traveling.Bose QuietComfort Ultra $429Image Credits:Brian HeaterThe latest (and priciest) entry in Boses perennial favorite travel headphone line look, feel, and sound great. As far as travel companions go for long trips, you cant beat the QuietComfort Ultra.Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M3 $1,099Image Credits:Brian HeaterIf you really want to treat someone this year, the current MacBook Air is a truly excellent travel companion. In fact, the Air is the best laptop Apple has ever made. My one hesitation in recommending it for the holidays is that Apple has yet to introduce an M4 version of the machine. The truth is, however, the M3 is more than enough for most. Heck, even the M2 version which starts at $999 is fully capable of running Apples new AI suite.Native Union Voyage 2 charger $100Image Credits:Brian HeaterThis versatile and extremely slim little charger can manage your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch. For those who appreciate the freedom of checking in without checking luggage, accessories dont get much smaller than the Voyage 2. At $100, the price is perhaps a bit steep, but isnt the whole point of gift-giving getting something for someone they wouldnt get for themselves?Nintendo Switch Lite $199Image Credits:Brian HeaterWith Nintendo set to announce its latest console sometime next year, the 2024 holiday season may well bring some deep discounts on products getting a bit long in the tooth. In fact, the portable-only Switch Lite has already had around 10% of its price shaved off on places like Amazon.Ozlo Sleepbuds $299Image Credits:Brian HeaterI put these earbuds in last years guide, even though they hadnt actually come out yet. Hardware is hard, and the launch was pushed back several times. Now the Ozlo Sleepbuds are here, and Im happy to include them again. Im not the sleepy type, but these buds have me out like a light. I plan to take them on all future trips.Kindle Paperwhite $160Image Credits:AmazonThe Colorsoft is a fun novelty, but I currently cant recommend it over Amazons tried-and-true Paperwhite. Its the best-selling Kindle for good reason, and a recent upgrade brings faster page turns and more storage.

TRUMPF, a German leader in machine tools and laser technology, is set to debut its enhanced TruPrint 3000 3D printer at Formnext 2024, the international exhibition dedicated to additive manufacturing, scheduled for November 19 to 22. The enhanced system incorporates new dual 700-watt fiber lasers and an advanced cooling system. It is engineered to meet the high-output demands of sectors such as automotive and aerospace that require durable, precision-manufactured components.The upgraded TruPrint 3000 is equipped with Automatic Multilaser Alignment (AMA), which keeps the power of its dual 700-watt lasers stable, a necessary feature for producing consistent, high-quality parts. An integrated cooling system provides precise temperature control within the build platform, allowing full laser capacity operation without risking material degradation from overheating. This thermal stability is particularly significant for working with heat-sensitive metals, such as aluminum alloys, that can experience reduced strength under uncontrolled temperature fluctuations. Roland Spiegelhalder, Product Manager for Additive Manufacturing at TRUMPF, explained, The TruPrint 3000 is engineered for volume production of high-quality parts, serving industries with stringent durability standards.TruPrint 3000 with dual 700-watt lasers for high-precision 3D printing. Photo via TRUMPF.The cooling integration also enhances solidification rates, enabling parts with better durability and repeatabilitytwo factors critical to applications like crash-resistant automotive components, which require uncompromised material integrity. The enhanced system reduces the need for manual adjustments, supporting consistency across production runs and addressing high-throughput manufacturing needs.TRUMPFs engineers also increased the laser spot size from 80 to 200 micrometers, optimizing the systems speed by allowing it to cover a larger area on the build plate without sacrificing precision. This adjustment enables faster production cycles while maintaining part quality, ensuring the TruPrint 3000 meets the efficiency requirements of high-volume applications in industries with stringent quality standards.TruPrint 3000s laser bed in action, manufacturing metal parts. Photo via TRUMPF.The Future of Additive Manufacturing at Formnext 2024Formnext 2024 will feature around 860 exhibitors showcasing additive manufacturing advancements. In a recent interview with Mesago, the event organizers discussed strategies to maximize the event experience and highlighted industry perspectives on additive manufacturings trajectory. Despite global economic pressures, the sector remains optimistic, with many companies projecting growth in both domestic and international markets.Central themes for this years event include the adoption of high-performance polymers and metal alloys, advances in sustainable manufacturing practices, and the increasing role of artificial intelligence in streamlining production processes and improving quality control.Another major exhibitor, 3D Systems, will launch a range of new 3D printing technologies and materials at Formnext 2024. The company will introduce the PSLA 270, a high-speed SLA system designed for industrial workflows, alongside post-processing solutions like the Wash 400/Wash 400F and Cure 400. These systems aim to streamline operations in regulated industries such as energy and healthcare by automating resin cleaning and enhancing UV curing processes.The company will also present advanced materials, including Figure 4 Rigid Composite White and Accura AMX Rigid Composite White, which are engineered for applications requiring high stiffness and durability, such as wind tunnel testing and tooling. The companys selective laser sintering (SLS) and multi-jet printing (MJP) material portfolios will be expanded, alongside the Delfin INVAC 3D powder management system for metal 3D printing.3D Systems PSLA 270 solution accelerates time to part for production applications. Image via 3D Systems.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured Image showcases the TruPrint 3000 with dual 700-watt lasers for high-precision 3D printing. Photo via TRUMPF.

Published November 16, 2024 6:00am EST close How VPNs shield your identity and secure your financial transactions from theft A VPN could be your secret weapon to protect your identity and finances. Many people turn to VPNs virtual private networks for added privacy and security online, only to find that their internet speeds suddenly slow to a crawl. But what exactly does a VPN do, and why might it cause this slowdown?A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted pathway between your device and the internet, keeping your data private from hackers, advertisers and anyone else trying to monitor your activity. This encryption process also allows you to browse as if youre in a different location, which can help access content that may be restricted where you are.Just ask Terry from Reno, who recently reached out with this frustration:"My VPN slows down my phone to the point where I can't open the apps! Help!"Youre not alone, Terry. VPNs are fantastic tools for safeguarding data and unlocking restricted content, but that extra layer of protection and location masking can sometimes slow things down. The good news? There are several ways to keep your VPN running smoothly without sacrificing security. Let's dive in. A woman using a VPN on her laptop. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Make sure it's actually the VPNBefore we blame the VPN, let's make sure it's really the culprit. Here's a quick test:1. Disconnect from your VPN: Close your VPN application completely or turn off the VPN connection in your device settings.2. Run a speed test at Speedtest.net and note the results: Click the "Go" button and wait for the test to complete. Write down your download and upload speeds, as well as the ping.3. Connect to your VPN: Open your VPN application and connect to your preferred server. Wait until the connection is fully established.4. Run the speed test again: Refresh the Speedtest.net page to ensure it detects your new location, then run the test again. Note down the new results.If your VPN-connected speeds are less than about 60% of your normal speeds, then Houston, we have a VPN problem. If the difference is minimal, you may just need to optimize your base internet connection first. A woman using a VPN on her cellphone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Fixing VPN speed issuesWhen encountering slow speeds while using a VPN, it's crucial to approach the problem systematically. Assuming the VPN is indeed the bottleneck in your connection, there are several steps you can employ to potentially boost your speeds and improve your overall experience.1. Switch VPN serversThe physical distance between you and the VPN server location plays a significant role in connection speeds. Opting for a server closer to your geographical location can often result in a noticeable improvement. If you need to connect to a specific country for content access or other reasons, experiment with different cities within that country. Many VPN providers offer multiple server options in popular locations. Additionally, some VPNs display server load information, which can be incredibly useful. Connecting to a less crowded server typically yields faster speeds, as you're sharing fewer resources with other users.CLICK HERE FOR MORE U.S. NEWS Various server locations available on VPN. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)2. Tweak VPN settingsAdjusting your VPN settings can lead to performance enhancements. If your VPN service allows for customization, consider lowering the encryption level from 256-bit to 128-bit AES. While 256-bit encryption is incredibly secure, it can sometimes impact speed. The 128-bit AES encryption is still considered very secure for most purposes and may offer a speed boost. Another setting to look for is the WireGuard protocol. If your VPN provider offers this newer protocol, enabling it could significantly improve your connection speed, as it's designed to be both faster and more efficient than older protocols. For those using the OpenVPN protocol, switching from TCP to UDP can often result in faster speeds. However, approach these changes cautiously, especially if you're not entirely sure about their implications. Avoid disabling critical security features in your quest for speed.3. Change VPN protocolsDifferent protocols offer varying levels of speed and security. Generally, protocols like PPTP, L2TP and IKEv2 are known for their speed but may not provide the highest level of security. OpenVPN is often the default choice as it strikes a good balance between speed and security. If you decide to stick with OpenVPN, which is recommended for most users, try switching from TCP to UDP. This simple change can potentially provide a noticeable speed boost without compromising security.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE4. Update your VPN appKeeping your VPN application up to date is essential for ensuring optimal performance and security. VPN providers frequently release updates that not only enhance the overall functionality of their software but also address any bugs or vulnerabilities that may have been discovered. An outdated VPN app can lead to compatibility issues with your operating system, which can hinder performance and reduce connection speeds. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly check for updates within your VPN app's settings or visit the provider's official website to download the latest version. Additionally, many VPN services offer an automatic update feature, which you should enable to ensure that you are always using the most current version of the software without having to remember to do it manually.5. Close background apps and optimize your deviceTo improve your VPN speed, it is important to minimize the load on your device by closing unnecessary applications running in the background. Many applications consume bandwidth and processing power, which can significantly affect your VPN's performance. For instance, streaming services, file-sharing programs or even software that automatically updates can slow down your connection. Before connecting to your VPN, take a moment to close these apps and consider disabling any auto-sync features temporarily.Also, restarting your device before initiating a VPN connection is also a good practice, as it clears temporary files and frees up memory, allowing for a smoother experience.6. Consider a faster VPN serviceIf you have tried various troubleshooting methods and your current VPN service still fails to deliver satisfactory speeds, it may be time to explore other options. The market is filled with numerous VPN providers that emphasize speed and reliability, so conducting thorough research is essential. Look for services that boast a large network of servers strategically located around the world, as this can significantly enhance connection speeds. Many top-tier VPN providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees, allowing you to test their performance without any financial risk. When evaluating potential new services, consider not only their speed but also their security features, privacy policies and customer support options. By making an informed choice, you can find a VPN that meets both your speed requirements and security needs effectively.Remember, while these strategies can help optimize your VPN speed, it's important to have realistic expectations. Your base internet speed, provided by your internet service provider (ISP), will always be the ultimate limiting factor. No VPN can make your connection faster than the maximum speed your ISP provides. However, by implementing these techniques, you can ensure that you're getting the most out of your VPN connection and minimizing any unnecessary slowdowns. A woman using a VPN on her tablet. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Find the perfect VPNRegardless of whether you are new to VPNs or in need of a faster, more secure option, youll want to choose trusted VPN providers known for robust encryption and no-log policies to ensure your privacy. Whether for sensitive tasks or everyday use, reputable VPN services will boost both your security and speed.For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devicesKurt's key takeawaysVPNs are incredible privacy tools, but they shouldn't cripple your internet experience. With a bit of tweaking, you should be able to find a sweet spot between speed and security. And Terry, I hope these tips help get your phone apps running smoothly again. Remember, a good VPN might slow things down a tad, but it shouldn't make your device unusable. If nothing here helps, definitely reach out to your VPN's support team or consider trying a different service.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWhat challenges have you faced when trying to balance VPN security with connection speed, and how did you overcome them? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterFollow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." 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