Looking to become a master gamer? If so, a word of advice: it might not be as easy as you think.
First things first: what does it take to become a master at games? Well, it means you need to know your game of choice exceptionally well. You’ll also need to practice a lot, make sure you have the right gear, and learn from better players.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick guide to getting better at video games!
Play Regularly
This may seem obvious, but it bears mentioning. The best way to improve at a video game is to play it every day.
By doing so, you improve both your technical skills and game knowledge. Depending on the game, you may also improve your reaction times. For best results, stick to competitive modes and track your progress during each session.
While you’re gaming, you may feel like chatting with a friend or listening to a podcast. This turns your attention away from the game, impeding your progress. If you can afford to avoid distractions and focus only on the game, do it.
Another thing to avoid while practicing is harming your body or burning out. Once an hour, you should take a break to reset your body and prevent eye strain. If you don’t feel like playing more than a few hours, don’t force yourself to do it.
Do Your Research
Thanks to the wonders of the internet, we have a lot of information at our fingertips. Make use of that by learning more about your game.
Start by finding your game’s online communities and soaking up their resources. Every popular game has its Fandom site, along with plenty of tips, tricks, and guides. Gaming subreddits are another great way of pooling information.
In some games, you’re expected to memorize certain patterns and obstacles. Instead of relying on muscle memory, consider practicing by making flashcards. For example, here’s how you can create flashcards on a Mac.
Finally, you’ll also want to be able to identify your mistakes. To do that, record your game sessions and review them once you’re done playing. Both PC and consoles have built-in recording functions, and you can also splurge on a capture card.
Change the Settings
If you’re a PC gamer, you know that new video games have higher system requirements. This means you may not be able to play games at the highest settings.
The simplest solution to this issue is to buy a new PC. If this isn’t an option, you can still improve your game’s performance by lowering the graphics quality. The lower you go, the more frames per second (FPS) you’ll be able to get.
Of course, every game comes with its own graphical fidelity settings. Sometimes, you’ll get the biggest boost by turning shadows off. Other times, you’ll be better off turning off V-sync or motion blur. Keep experimenting to find the best value.
Upgrade Your Gear
As mentioned above, having the right gear can make all the difference. The good news: gear upgrades tend to be a simple matter.
If you’re using a video game console, consider investing in a high-quality controller. Stock controllers are fine, but there’s a good chance you can find something that’s a better fit for you. Look for an ergonomic controller with decent weight distribution.
For online games, a good headset will help you hear other players more clearly. Having a microphone helps you with communication as well. Even in singleplayer games, the right headset can do a lot to improve the experience.
If you’re gaming on a PC, get a mouse with more buttons on the side. This lets you bind important keys to them, making them easier to hit. You’ll also want your mouse to support a wide range of DPI for accurate movement.
Finally, you may want to get a mechanical keyboard. These keyboards have physical switches under each key, which makes them more responsive. If you’re planning on having long gaming sessions, this is a big advantage.
Watch the Pros
Streamers who focus on playing a single game tend to be very good at it. Watching them play is a great way to pick on strategies you can use.
To find the right streamer for you, go to twitch.tv and search for your game. You’ll get a list of everyone playing the game, so pick a few streams to get started. The most popular channels are often the best, but they may not pay attention to the chat.
Another way to learn the game is to watch pre-recorded footage at YouTube. This is not as helpful, since Twitch revolves around competitive gaming. The live environment is a big help if you’re trying to improve at a game.
Don’t Blame the Game
When we make a mistake while gaming, it’s often tempting to blame the game. This is the easy way out, though, and it won’t help you improve your skills.
The thing about blaming the game is that it makes the analysis of your behavior pointless. If you don’t accept responsibility for your mistakes, you won’t know what you’re doing wrong. Even if it is the game’s fault, you don’t have control over it.
In these situations, you should take a deep breath and try to relax. While you’re at it, take your hands off your keyboard or controller for a few seconds. If you still feel that you’re not having fun, stop playing and go do something else instead.
More on Becoming a Master Gamer
Like with most other things, becoming a pro gamer is all about consistency. By following some of the above tips, you can get there as well.
The one thing you shouldn’t resort to in your quest of becoming a better gamer is cheating. Though cheating gives you certain advantages, it won’t make you better at games. In online games, it may also lead to you getting a permanent ban.
Looking for more tips on how to become a master gamer? Interested in the latest video game news and updates? Check out our Lifestyle section!
