If you’re a first-time gamer, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options available and the mind-boggling world of gaming. Various aspects can lead to confusion and indecisiveness, from consoles to PCs to what genre of game you want to invest your time in. But don’t fret; this ultimate guide will walk you through every detail you need to know to get started as a gamer.
So, let’s get started:
Choose Which Hardware Suits You Best
First things first: you’ll need to choose a platform. There are three main options: consoles, PCs, and mobile devices.
1. Consoles
Consoles are dedicated gaming devices that connect to your TV. They come with a wide variety of games and are generally user-friendly. The most popular consoles are the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. They all have exclusive titles and unique features, so it’s best to research which one fits your preferences the most.
The advantage of using consoles is that their operating system is designed for gaming and offers an easy and intuitive system. The disadvantage, however, is that consoles tend to be quite expensive and aren’t particularly useful outside gaming.
2. PC
A PC (personal computer) can be used for gaming, but it often requires more setup and technical know-how than a console. However, PC gaming offers more flexibility and can upgrade components for better performance. It means that the performance you get on a PC can be more powerful than any console, with you being able to play on the highest graphics setting at a high frame rate.
There are also a wider variety of games available for PC, both triple-A titles and indie games. You can also connect your PC to a VPN for gaming to gain access to an even larger catalog of titles that aren’t available in your region.
3. Mobile Gaming
Many modern smartphones and tablets are capable of running games, which is a great option for casual gaming on the go. It means you no longer need to invest money in expensive hardware to enjoy gaming. Rather, it is available to you in a device in the palm of your hand.
Several games have free and paid versions that are quite engaging and can be played with friends. Popular mobile games include titles like Pokémon Go and Candy Crush. The advantages of mobile gaming are that it’s inexpensive, easily accessible, and the most carry-friendly form for outdoor adventures. The disadvantages are that these games tend to be much simpler than complex triple-A titles released on consoles or the PC. Mobile Games, especially free ones, also incorporate a lot of ads into the game and can often be annoying and hamper the game’s immersive aspect.
Choosing a Genre of Games
Once you’ve decided on a platform, you’ll need to choose a game. This task might prove difficult, as there are thousands of options to choose from. If you’re interested in competitive gameplay and want to test your skills against the rest of the world, first-person shooters like Fortnite and Apex Legends might be a great place to start. If you’re more interested in exploration and want a big world you can run around in, games like Skyrim and the Witcher may suit your fancy. If you’re a fan of real-time strategy and want to best your opponents due to the might of your mind, consider playing a game like Dota 2 or Civilization.
For mobile gaming enthusiasts, for shooters, you can play PUBG; for world exploration, there are games like Genshin Impact; and for a real-time strategy game, you can play Clash Royale.
Connect to The Community
As with any hobby, gaming can be more enjoyable when shared with friends or a community. Whether it’s joining a clan, a gaming community, or playing with friends, it adds a social aspect to the experience, which is usually positive. Most games will have functionality that allows you to interact with other players, add them to your friend list, and queue games with them.
There are also thriving discord communities for popular game titles where you can meet players at a roughly similar level to yours and play and grow at the game with them. Finally, the most popular games will have a large presence on streaming sites like Twitch. Here you can get tips and tricks from players at a much higher level than you, interact with fans of the games you love, and get into the activity of watching twitch streams and e-sports.
Make Sure You Have Time
If you’re considering getting or upgrading your hardware to make it more gamer-friendly, one thing to consider is whether or not you will have the time for it. Buying a gaming console or getting a good graphics card or processor for your PC will prove expensive. So, consider whether this is a worthwhile investment with your existing schedule and responsibilities. Often we make impulsive purchases without taking the time to consider whether it is possible to incorporate the activity into our lifestyles.
Make sure you can squeeze in time for gaming before getting a console or PC. If you work a tiring 9-5 and come home to a family that needs your attention, perhaps your best option for gaming is a mobile or a Nintendo Switch, as it allows you to play during your transit times (assuming you’re not driving) or in between breaks at work. If you work from home or spend a lot of time at home, a PC or console like the PS5 may be best suited for a high-quality gaming experience.
Conclusion
Undeniably, gaming is an exciting and fun hobby, but it can be overwhelming for first-time players. By considering your options and doing your research, you’ll be able to find a platform and a game that’s right for you. With the right tools and patience, you’ll be a pro gamer in no time. But don’t forget to ensure that you have the means and time to squeeze the passion for gaming into your life. Pay heed to this guide, and you’ll be well on the path to becoming an expert gamer.
