Struggling with a Strict or Moderate NAT Type in Black Ops 7 or Battlefield 6? You’re not alone. An incorrect NAT setting can be the silent killer of online multiplayer gameplay: lag spikes, failed connections, and the inability to join lobbies are just the beginning.
But don’t rage-quit just yet. Whether you’re on Xbox, PlayStation 5, or PC, there’s a way to force that NAT Type to Open, giving your system the freedom to chat, host, and connect with players worldwide.
What is NAT Type and Why It Matters
NAT, or Network Address Translation, determines how easily your console or PC can communicate with others online. There are three types you’ll typically encounter:
- Open NAT: No restrictions. You can chat, host, and join any game. This is what you want.
- Moderate NAT: Some restrictions. You can communicate and join most games but may not be selected as host.
- Strict NAT: Heavy restrictions. You can only connect with players who have an Open NAT Type, and you’ll rarely, if ever, be selected as host.
If you’re serious about online play, you need your NAT Type to be Open. Here’s how to make that happen across your favourite platforms.
How to check Your NAT Type
On Xbox
- From the Home screen, scroll left to open the guide.
- Select Settings > All Settings > Network.
- Your NAT Type will be visible on this screen.
Note: Sometimes Xbox shows “Open” even if Call of Duty lists it as Moderate or Strict. Keep reading to troubleshoot this inconsistency.
On PlayStation 5
- Go to Settings > Network > View Connection Status.
- Your NAT Type will be displayed there.
How to set your NAT Type to Open
Let’s get hands-on. What you need to do is enable something called UPnP and/or port forwarding through your router. Don’t worry if that sounds like rocket science—we’re walking you through step-by-step.
Step 1: Access Your Router
- Open your web browser and type in your router’s IP address (commonly
192.168.1.1or192.168.1.254). - Login using your router credentials (usually “admin” / “admin” unless changed).
Step 2: Enable UPnP
Inside your router settings, navigate to the Advanced section and look for UPnP (Universal Plug and Play). Make sure it’s enabled.
Step 3: Port Forwarding Settings
Each platform requires specific ports to be opened. Here’s what you need to enter under the port forwarding section:
For Xbox
- TCP: 3074
- UDP: 88, 500, 3074, 3075, 3544, 4500
For PlayStation 5
- TCP: 1935, 3478-3480
- UDP: 3074, 3478-3479
For PC
- TCP: 3074, 27014-27050
- UDP: 3074, 3478, 4379-4380, 27000-27031, 27036
Each port will usually ask for these fields:
- External Port
- External End Port
- Internal Port
- Internal IP Address (your console or PC)
For example, if you’re opening Port 3074, input that number in all three port field boxes, and assign it to your console’s static IP address. Naming each rule with a simple format like “CoD_TCP3074” makes tracking easier.
Still seeing NAT Type as Strict or Moderate?
Sometimes even after port forwarding and enabling UPnP, your NAT Type might not budge. Here are a few extra things you can try:
- Ensure your device has a static IP address set in your router’s DHCP settings.
- Turn your router off and on after saving port settings.
- Contact your ISP – sometimes they block ports at a deeper level.
If you’re still stuck, drop your router brand and model in the comments and we’ll try to guide you through it.
Optimise, don’t compromise
Call of Duty and Battlefield demand split-second decisions and lightning-fast connectivity. Having a Moderate or Strict NAT can undermine your skills with random disconnections, lobby glitches, or failed host migration. But with the steps above, you can finally game the way it was meant to be played — seamlessly, socially, and stress-free.
Now go forth and dominate. And remember — if “Strict” shows up again, you’ve got the tools to fix it.