BULKHEAD is tightening regional restrictions in WARDOGS, announcing a 175ms maximum server ping alongside work on region locking. The studio says the changes aim to protect players from cheating, although the restrictions could also make it harder for friends in different parts of the world to play together.
The decision puts pressure on one of WARDOGS’ core priorities, which is its social experience. BULKHEAD acknowledges that trade-off but says protecting the largest share of its players has to come first.
In brief:
- BULKHEAD announced plans to reduce the maximum server ping to 175ms.
- Region locking is being implemented on the backend, with further work needed.
- The studio says the restrictions are intended to address cheating associated with cross-region play.
- Some players are unhappy that the ping limit could prevent them from joining friends overseas.
WARDOGS Introduces a 175ms Maximum Ping
In its announcement on X, BULKHEAD said it had begun controlling regions and would lower the maximum server ping to 175ms over the following hours.
The studio attributed the decision to an influx of players from regions it considers more prone to cheating. That is BULKHEAD’s explanation for the policy, although the supplied statement does not identify those regions or provide supporting cheating statistics.
If connecting to a distant server puts their ping above 175ms, the new limit could restrict their ability to play there. BULKHEAD has yet to explain in the statement how temporary ping spikes or connections hovering around the limit will be handled.
WARDOGS Region Locking Is Still Being Implemented
The ping cap is part of a broader push to restrict cross-region play. BULKHEAD also confirmed that region locking was being worked on behind the scenes.
However, the studio explained that implementing meaningful regional restrictions involves more than simply flipping a switch. Its announcement describes an ongoing rollout, rather than confirming that every region is already fully locked.
BULKHEAD also apologised for allowing the situation to reach this point. The developer said it had wanted to give less restrictive regional access a chance, but the outcome had pushed it toward stricter controls.
Players Worry the Ping Limit Will Separate Friends
Some players are unhappy with the ping limitation because it could stop them from playing with friends in other countries. An international group may need to use a server where someone’s connection exceeds 175ms, even when everyone is playing fairly.
Understandably, that makes the restriction a frustrating prospect for people who bought into WARDOGS for its social experience. Their ability to squad up could now depend on where each friend lives and which server they can all reach within the limit.
BULKHEAD acknowledges that regional divisions clash with that social focus. However, the studio’s position is that protecting the larger player population takes priority.
The announcement does not outline exceptions for international friend groups or a timeline for reconsidering the restrictions.
