diff --git a/src/server.cpp b/src/server.cpp
index b8a99f6ae..456edfeb8 100644
--- a/src/server.cpp
+++ b/src/server.cpp
@@ -653,7 +653,12 @@ void Server::AsyncRunStep(bool initial_step)
 	}
 	m_clients.step(dtime);
 
-	m_lag_gauge->increment((m_lag_gauge->get() > dtime ? -1 : 1) * dtime/100);
+	// increase/decrease lag gauge gradually
+	if (m_lag_gauge->get() > dtime) {
+		m_lag_gauge->decrement(dtime/100);
+	} else {
+		m_lag_gauge->increment(dtime/100);
+	}
 #if USE_CURL
 	// send masterserver announce
 	{