If you’re new to gaming, it can be easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out what games you like and how to get good at playing them. Not only is gaming enjoyable, it can be a social activity you can partake in with your friends and family too. Depending on your level of interest, gaming can be a fun hobby or an industry where you’re hoping to work one day. No matter what your long-term plans are, there are a number of benefits to getting good at some of the more challenging video games out there right now, from social benefits to improvement of skills like hand eye coordination and logical reasoning. If you’re a newer gamer and are struggling to compete online or with your friends, read on for five of our ultimate gaming tips for beginners.
1. Invest in the latest equipment.
In order to keep up with the gaming industry, you need to stay current. That means investing in the latest consoles and technology, as much as you’re able to. The PS5 is making waves for offering what many say is the best game controller in years, despite being hard to obtain. The DualSense controller, an upgrade from the PS4’s DualShock model, offers sensory feedback in-game. You may feel the a little push back on the analog sticks when aiming a bow, for example, or feel vibration when you pull the trigger on a gun. The DualSense also works with your PC, and many gamers rank it as their best PC controller as well.
2. Practice smart, not hard.
A lot of gamers put in a significant number of hours in order to improve, but don’t actually see meaningful improvement in their gameplay. Just playing the game over and over again isn’t going to help you get better, particularly if you’re letting yourself make the same mistakes over and over again. Watching professionals is a great way to improve, and you can find pros streaming all your favorite games on platforms like YouTube and Twitch whenever you have time to spend online.
3. Take care of yourself.
If you find yourself with persistent pain or soreness, you may want to search for a doctor who can help, like these neck and back doctors in Mount Laurel, NJ. Ignoring back pain and allowing problems to worsen can end with potentially avoidable spinal surgery, so make sure you call a doctor as soon as you start feeling repeated or consistent discomfort in any part of your body. Your doctor can talk to you about whether your level of neck pain or back pain should concern you, and talk to you about options that can range from pain management to physical therapy to, in rare and more serious cases, different types of surgery.
4. Don’t worry about making money.
When you first start out, you shouldn’t be worried about a career or getting involved in intense competition. If you decide to try streaming, build your audience. Having reach and a group of supporters is more valuable for your early career than cash, and over time you can turn those fans into paying subscribers to your channels. Focus on learning how to play well and have fun. You’ll have plenty of time to consider going pro in the future.
5. Explore the next steps when you’re ready.
If you want to be involved in gaming in a more material way, keep your eyes open and look for any opportunities that might be beneficial for you. For those interested in e-sports, consider entering a competition or attending one to learn more about how they work. No matter what game you’re interested in, the best way to improve is simply to play and compete against other people at or above your skill level.
At minimum, learning how to play games well will impress your friends and help you have a lot of fun both on and offline, but for some, gaming is just the first step towards an eventual career in the video game industry. Whether you want to get involved in the industry or just rack up some kills in Call of Duty, you can improve your skills in a noticeable way. A lot of the skills that will help you in one game will also help you in others, so be consistent with your practice and soon you’ll be beating your buddies at almost anything. No matter how you play, remember to take care of yourself. Sitting in front of PC or a console for long periods of time can be hard on the body and may cause painful health conditions, so make sure you’re healthy and you’ll be fully prepared for those long, late-night gaming sessions.
