Even if you have no aspirations to become a professional gamer, you might still want to become better at it. After all, a hobby becomes more enjoyable if you are good, and video games are no exception.
The question is how you can make it happen. Long training sessions and too much dedication might not be a possibility due to your other commitments, such as work and school. However, it does not mean that you cannot make a change.
Below, you will find 6 tips that are meant to be used for those who are interested in becoming better at playing video games without going overboard.
Watch Your Replays
Let’s start with studying your own gameplay. It is true that you should watch guides and the point of view of other players, but it is also worthwhile to pay attention to what you do in games.
It is easier to spot mistakes and identify areas that need improvements when you are not under pressure playing a video game live.
Some games have replay systems that let you download and study the gameplay. DOTA2 and Age of Empires are good examples of this.
If a video game does not record replays automatically, you will need to find a different way to approach the problem. For instance, you could learn how to film your screen and check the video after, though it might take a toll on the overall computer performance. Screen recording would consume quite a lot of resources, particularly if you have a low-end computer.
Find Competitive Communities
Seeking a competitive community for a video game you are playing might feel like a step to take if you are interested in becoming a professional. However, that is not the case.
Joining organized tournaments and other events opens doors for new experiences. Playing against good players will keep you on your toes and push toward improvements.
A lot depends on what kind of a game you are playing, but there should be online forums, subreddits, and especially Discord servers that urge players to join and participate in various community events.
Communities also work as a way to discuss and share strategies and other information about the game, which is another benefit for those who wish to improve.
Create a Practice Schedule
A practice schedule should not be treated as work. No, when it comes to playing video games and creating a casual approach to improve, you should still have a schedule that you can follow.
Dedicating specific hours during the weekend or weekday, depending on your other commitments, should not prove too difficult.
At the end of the day, consistency is one of the keys if you seek to become better at any hobby, and gaming should not be treated as an exception to this rule.
Optimize Computer Performance
You should not expect to have a good time playing video games if your computer is poorly optimized. Constant lags, random crashes, FPS drops, and other issues create an environment in which you struggle to play the game, so there is no need to tell how much of a hindrance it is if you actually want to improve.
Now, overspending on expensive hardware just because you want to play video games might not be the best approach. Sure, if you have the money to spare, then go for it, but you should also consider other means to improve a computer’s performance.
For starters, make sure that there is as little clutter on the computer’s drive. Keep an eye on the state of the drive and take action when you notice that there is not enough free storage.
Next, manage background processes. Running redundant applications in the background means having more resource hogs. Quit processes you do not need.
Cleaning the dust inside a computer is also worth a shout. You might be reluctant to take on the task and do it regularly, but it is a big part of keeping a computer in good condition.
Take Breaks When Necessary
Despite treating video games as a hobby, you might still find yourself spending too much playing them. Feeling burned out is common among gamers, and you should not hesitate to take a break when you feel like it becomes necessary.
Once you return after a while, you will feel fresh and more eager to play. In the meantime, try to find a new hobby that you can have fun with before your passion for video games returns.
Invest in Gaming Accessories
Investing in video game accessories is pretty much a necessity if you are a gamer. It is hard to imagine someone playing and enjoying a game without a proper keyboard, mouse, and headset.
A gaming chair is a popular choice as well. Since you have to sit for hours, it makes sense to invest in a proper chair and have fewer worries about your health, particularly concerning back problems.
