With around 3 billion active online gamers worldwide, online gaming has reached its peak in popularity, with no signs of slowing down. There are many amazing games to choose from, and whether you spend £300 for the cheapest console or £3,000 for a high-end PC, everyone can join in on the fun. This article will cover some essential tips for enhancing the online gaming experience.
Optimal gaming setup and equipment
The gaming industry is fairly developed, so you have a lot of options regarding your gaming setup and equipment. You should base your choice on the games you want to play and how intensely you plan to engage with gaming.
For casual online gaming, you can get by with an entry-level console and a monitor, which will likely cost around £500, depending on your location. If you want to max out the latest games with the best graphics, you will need a more substantial investment, ideally a gaming PC. A solid PC with the latest tech will cost anywhere from £1,000 to £3,000.
Another decision you need to make is whether to use a keyboard and mouse or a controller. The type of game you want to play is essential here. Controllers are ideal for sports games, while keyboard and mouse provide an advantage in first-person shooter games.
Your internet connection also has to be on point for online games. This is where a virtual private network (VPN) can help you by reducing lag and improving connection speeds. It will also give you access to geo-restricted games in specific countries. For example, you can engage in fantasy sports via FanDuel with a VPN, which is restricted in some regions.
Game selection
There is a huge selection of games across all platforms. There is something for everybody, from sports and racing to RPGs and strategy. Some exciting co-op story-based games exist if you want to play with your buddies. You can play a quick game of FIFA or NBA 2k for something more relaxed. Cross-platform is also slowly becoming a standard, allowing everyone to play together, whether on Playstation, Xbox, or PC.
Competitive games
For those who thrive on competition, you can challenge yourself with games like Rocket League, Fortnite, and Apex Legends. These games offer a dynamic, fast-paced environment where quick thinking and sharp reflexes are key to success. You will be competing against random players online, so there’s also an opportunity to make friends (or enemies).
How to improve gameplay
Your gameplay quality will mainly depend on your hardware and internet connection. However, there are some things you can do to compensate for lag or choppy gameplay.
First, you should adjust your game settings to optimise performance and comfort. Tweaking graphics settings, adjusting control sensitivity, and customising key bindings can significantly improve your play.
Another aspect of gameplay quality is how good you actually are at the game. Typically, the better you are, the more fun you’ll have. You could watch streams or YouTube videos on the game you’re interested in to get better. You could also join online forums and communities that discuss tips and tricks about the game.
Choosing a VPN provider
We have already highlighted the benefits of using a VPN to improve your gaming experience. The most important thing is to choose the right VPN provider. You should consider factors like:
- Device compatibility: Your VPN should be compatible with all the devices you plan to game on, whether it’s a PC, console, or mobile device. Easy-to-use apps are a bonus.
- Performance: Look for a VPN that offers fast speeds and low latency, which is critical for reducing lag and improving your overall gaming experience. Providers that provide dedicated gaming servers are a plus.
- Server network: A vast network of servers worldwide will give you more options to connect to game servers that might not be directly accessible from your location.
If you want to evaluate market options, check Reddit’s VPN comparison table to find the VPN that best fits your gaming needs.
Conclusion
Online gaming is a great way to have fun, connect with friends, or test your skills. To maximise your level of fun, you must choose the right environment and equipment for gaming. You should also look at ways to improve gameplay, which will make you a better player and enhance your overall experience. A VPN is a great tool that helps with all of these things.
