Getting Started with PC Gaming: What You Need to Know
PC gaming has come a long way in the past few decades, becoming an increasingly popular choice for gamers around the world. If you’re considering joining the community of PC gamers, here are the basics you need to know to get started.
1. Gather the Necessary Equipment
At the very least, you’ll need a computer and a monitor. What type will depend on your budget and how serious of a PC gamer you plan to be. If you’re hoping to play games at top performance levels, be prepared to invest in more expensive components such as high-end processors, graphics cards, and video cards.
You’ll also need a comfortable gaming chair, gaming headset, and gaming keyboard/mouse. Additionally, many people purchase specialized gaming routers and cables for faster connections and better latency.
2. Choose Your Platform
Unfortunately, not all games are created equal. Cross-platform games, such as Fortnite, can be played on any standard PC, although Xbox and PlayStation fans may be able to get good graphics performance on their consoles as well. However, many games are exclusive to either Windows (the most popular) or Mac, so if you’re hoping to play a particular title, you’ll need to make sure you get the right platform.
3. Find the Best Deals on Games
Before you start splurging on the latest titles, remember that there are plenty of ways to save money on PC games. Steam, GOG, and Humble Bundle are all great places to look for discounted games, and sometimes you can even take advantage of special deals through Amazon or your favorite gaming store. Consider signing up for sites like IsThereAnyDeal, which notifies you of the most recent deals across numerous stores.
4. Join an Online Community
Getting involved in an online PC gaming community is a great way to find out more about the games you’re playing, get tips and tricks from experienced players, and find people to game with. There are dedicated forums and discussion boards for most titles, and you can also find players to play with through services like Discord and Battlefy.
5. Tune Your Setup for More Performance
Once you’ve got the basics, you may want to consider making small upgrades to your gaming setup. Consider overclocking your processor, adding extra RAM, or replacing your internal cooling system. These kinds of tweaks can help you gain small increases in frame rate, picture quality, and overall gaming experience.
Finally, remember to have fun! PC gaming can be an incredibly rewarding hobby, but it’s still just a game, so don’t take it too seriously. Use these tips to get started, but most of all, enjoy the experience!
