As of 2019, there were 2.5 billion gamers across the globe. Now, thanks to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, that number has likely continued to rise as more people are spending a lot of time at home.
The great thing about gaming is that it evolves all the time, so it’s never too late to get into PC gaming and completely immerse yourself in the world. Even better? You certainly don’t have to be an expert in order to enjoy it right from the beginning.
What you will benefit from, however, are a few tips that will help you to get started. PC gaming is a different ballgame from playing on a console. It’s actually a great way to get started in the gaming world, and many seasoned players prefer it over console play.
So, if you’re interested in PC gaming but you’re worried about how to get started, let’s go over a few tips you can use to get your feet wet and start having fun right away.
Make Sure You Have the Right Gear
This might seem obvious, but it’s a mistake many first-time gamers make. In order to really get the most out of PC gaming, you need the right tech in your corner. That means making a bit of an investment upfront, but it is so worth it if you really want to enjoy your experience from the start.
If you already have a strong PC or a gaming PC, you’re way ahead of the game. But, you’ll still benefit from a gaming mouse. A gaming mouse is specifically regulated to register your actions faster than a traditional mouse when you’re in the middle of a game. For multiplayer games, especially, that is an absolute necessity and can mean the difference between a victory or defeat.
The important thing is to have a gaming mouse that fits your needs and comfort level, especially if you’re going to be gaming a lot. For example, if a traditional gaming mouse causes your hand to cramp up after a while, try a vertical mouse instead. It will allow you to rest your hand in a different position, and maybe people find them to be more comfortable.
Start With Steam
If you’ve had any interest at all in online gaming, you’ve probably already heard of Steam. But, if you haven’t downloaded it yet, it’s one of the first things you should do in order to get started. Steam is a digital distribution site. It allows you to start playing games right when they come out and keeps all of your data in one convenient location. It also automatically updates any games you’re playing, so you’ll always have the latest and greatest version of your favorites.
Steam also provides a great sense of community, which can be incredibly important for new gamers who might be feeling a bit lost. Currently, there are over one billion accounts on Steam, and over 90 million active users. Out of those users, you can find groups of people who are just as new as you. You can also instant message people or use in-game voice chat to meet new friends and learn the ropes from those who have been doing it for a while.
Don’t Only Rely On Steam
Although Steam is a great place to get started and will likely be your central hub of gaming, don’t feel like you’re stuck only using that particular platforms to make game purchases. Do a little research and feel free to look at different places online for great sales, or even bundles! Some websites sell games in bulk. While there might be some titles in there that you’re not crazy about, it could give you the opportunity to get a game you’re interested in at a fraction of the cost.
Everyone has their own favorites when it comes to online gaming stores. So, don’t be afraid to dig in deep, do some active searching, and find your new favorite platforms. You can save a lot of money and time, especially if you’re not looking for a specific game and you’re interested in learning about different offerings.
Take Care of Your PC
Whether you’ve invested a lot in your gaming PC or it was a hand-me-down from someone else, you’ll get the most out of it if you treat it with respect. That’s right, treating your PC with a little bit of love will help it last.
It’s no secret that technology changes at a rapid pace. So much so, in fact, that it’s becoming harder to keep up. That notion is true in the gaming world, too. While gaming PCs are built to last and withstand the test of time, they can go out through wear and tear just like any other object. And, purchasing a new one could cost you a pretty penny.
Thankfully, regular maintenance is a great way to take care of your PC, and it’s very easy if you take the time to do it at least once a week.
Regular cleaning of your PC won’t only keep it protected, but it will improve performance. Everything from dust to hair to food particles can affect the inner workings of your PC, so it’s important to remove them frequently. The easiest way to do that is with a can of compressed air. A few squeezes should blow out any debris that is causing performance issues. Try to avoid vacuuming anything out of your PC as it can cause static. Additionally, you don’t want to blow on it like you might’ve done with your old NES games. The moisture from your breath could create problems.
Try Different Genres
Chances are, you got into the idea of PC gaming because you were intrigued by a specific game or genre. While that’s great for getting started, don’t pigeonhole yourself into one specific genre. One of the best things about online gaming is that it’s a vast world with many different varieties and niches. You never know what you’ll find when you’re willing to do a bit of exploring.
With that in mind, make it a point to try a genre you’re not experienced with. It will keep you from getting bored, help you to stay motivated, and you might even meet some new friends along the way. Remember, this is a gaming world, and there are many different lands to visit!
Stream Your Sessions
Many people get into the world of online gaming by watching streams on Twitch. While many of the players who stream tend to focus on sports games, RPGs and battle games are coming into popularity, too.
Watching livestreams of other gamers on Twitch can actually help you to become a better gamer, too. You can see what they are doing, tactics they’re using, and any tips and tricks that you hadn’t thought of before. If you’re trying to improve your skills on a specific game, watching others play can feel like watching a lecture on your favorite subject. It’s a great way to learn and grow.
Additionally, you can stream your own gaming sessions on Twitch. It’s a fun way to interact with people, and because users that are watching you can leave comments, you can use your own gameplay as a learning experience, too.
Don’t Fall Into Gamebooster Scams
Gamebooster apps might be tempting to some, especially if you’re new to the world of PC gaming and you’re looking for a bit of an edge. But, they aren’t worth it most of the time. There are other ways to improve your performance and speed, including ending some processes in your task manager.
In fact, some platforms don’t like it when their users have gamebooster apps installed. On Steam, for example, they can be interpreted the wrong way by the system and could even get you banned from the platform. If you’re worried about performance issues, do your research on how to resolve them rather than looking for a quick fix that doesn’t work well.
Enhance Your Experience
Once you’ve been in the gaming world for a while and you’ve realized how much you love it, it’s time to start upgrading your gear and enhancing your overall experience. A few additional pieces can make a big difference in your entire gaming setup. Some of the best additional pieces to purchase for your setup include:
- An additional (or larger) monitor
- A gaming keyboard
- A console controller that can connect to the PC
- Speakers/a headset
Remember, online gaming is really all about fun. While some people get seriously into it, that doesn’t mean you have to be so serious, yourself! If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’re not going to stick with it. So, find games that appeal to you, talk to people who are willing to support you and have fun with you, and utilize this awesome source of entertainment as a way to get away for a while. You might just find your new favorite hobby that you’ve been missing out on for far too long!
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