With the VALORANT Manila server now live, it’s a big win for Filipino gamers who have long struggled with high ping and unstable connections. But Riot’s tactical shooter isn’t the only title giving Pinoys a smoother online experience. Let’s take a look at other games that also have servers hosted in Manila, and how they’ve shaped the local gaming scene.
RELATED: [Pinoy Representation in Video Games, From Extras to Main Characters]
VALORANT: Manila Server
Riot Games officially launched a dedicated Manila server for VALORANT in August 2025. This marked a huge milestone for the Filipino gaming community. Before this, most players were stuck connecting to the Hong Kong server, which wasn’t always stable for local internet conditions.
The new Manila server promises lower ping, improved stability, and better matchmaking quality. It’s also a sign that Riot sees the Philippines as a growing hub for esports, especially since VALORANT has become one of the country’s most played shooters. Filipino players can now queue into matches with more confidence, whether it’s casual or competitive play.
League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics
In 2023, Riot Games announced plans to improve connectivity for League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics players in the Philippines by deploying local servers. At the time, Riot explained:
“Our teams are working hard to deploy the PH local servers and running all the required tests and checks. Players can start to experience improvements from the middle of August onwards. We don’t anticipate any server downtime and there won’t be any special steps that players have to take, but do keep sharing your feedback as we go along!”
Classic Titles with Local Servers
Some older games also made history by hosting in the Philippines. RAN Online, a popular MMORPG in the 2000s, launched a Philippines server in 2006. It became a cultural hit among students and internet café gamers, though it has since shut down.
Meanwhile, Ragnarok Online—one of the most beloved MMORPGs—also had official servers in the Philippines until 2021. Today, several private servers hosted in Manila continue to thrive, catering to nostalgic fans who want to relive the golden age of MMORPGs.
A Growing Hub for Gamers
The arrival of more Manila servers signals that the Philippines is becoming a key player in the global gaming scene. Low latency not only makes casual gaming more enjoyable but also empowers local players to compete at a higher level in esports.
With Riot leading the way, and Filipino gamers pushing for more localized options, we can expect even more games to bring servers closer to home. For now, Manila’s gaming community can finally say goodbye to lag—and hello to fairer, smoother, and more exciting gameplay.
RELATED: [Beyond the Game: How Video Games Inspire Pinoy Youth to Aim Higher]
