In order to put in your best gaming performance, you need to make sure that you’re comfortable and that your hardware and software is optimized for success. From upgrading your internet to playing around with in-game settings, below are just 8 ways in which you can elevate your gaming experience to the next level.
Upgrade your internet
When playing online games, a strong internet connection is a necessity. Start by assessing your internet plan. If you’re using a basic broadband plan, consider upgrading to something faster like a fiber-optic or high-speed cable plan. A speed of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps is ideally needed if you want to compete with the pros, but 25 to 50 Mbps download if you’re just casually gaming.
To help prevent lagging, place your router somewhere high up where it won’t be obstructed. For even stronger connection, use an ethernet cable – plugging your PC or console into the router will greatly reduce latency.
Get a gaming chair
A proper throne makes all the difference – you don’t want to be shuffling around or getting a sore back during long gaming sessions. Gaming chairs are ergonomically designed to provide ultimate comfort, sporting features like adjustable lumbar support and high-density foam padding.
Pricing varies a lot depending on the quality and brand. To save money, look into lesser known brands. If you don’t mind investing extra into a gaming chair, consider exploring customizable options. This could allow you to explore different colors and fancy features like RGB lighting.
Optimize your screen
The type of screen you’re playing on makes a big difference. A better resolution will provide a sharper image, while a higher refresh rate can provide smoother motion. Your average player uses a 1080p monitor with 60Hz, but pros are more likely to use a 1440p or 4K monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher. This can push your visuals from meh to mesmerizing.
Think carefully about the size of the screen and where it is located. Bigger is not always better – for PC monitors at arm’s length, aim for screens between 27 inches and 32 inches, so that you’re able to take in the whole screen at once. If you’re sat further away, a larger screen may provide a more immersive experience. Avoid anything over 65 inches unless you’re at least 2 meters (6.5ft) away from the screen.
Update graphics drivers
Regularly updating graphics cards can help to encourage smooth gameplay by squeezing out extra FPS, while also ensuring compatibility with all the latest games. You can check for updates monthly via the manufacturer’s app.
You can even consider installing a better graphics card for a notable performance upgrade. This could also allow you to access newer technologies like realistic lighting and AI upscaling, which can make games even more visually impressive. Some people modify their graphics cards to get even more visual power out of them (known as ‘overclocking’) but this should be done with caution to avoid overheating.
Invest in a new controller/keyboard/mouse
Let’s now consider the input devices. A good controller or keyboard is key to helping you react fast and play with accuracy.
For console gamers, consider upgrading your controller if the thumbsticks are worn or are drifting. You can buy elite controllers with customizable paddles and hair-trigger locks that provide ultimate precision. The appearance of these controllers can also be customized to match other gear within your gaming setup.
When it comes to PC gaming, consider upgrading to a mechanical keyboard and gaming mouse. Mechanical keyboards provide tactile feedback and can come with cool aesthetic features like RGB lighting. Gaming mouses are meanwhile built for better comfort and often have a faster polling rate in order to give you faster reactions.
Look into surround sound solutions
A surround sound speaker system could help to make games much more immersive. You can feel as if you’re truly walking through RPG worlds and you may even be able to more accurately pinpoint attackers when playing shooters. Look into 5.1 speaker systems for a truly cinematic experience or consider a sound bar.
Of course, if you prefer to use a headset, there are also specialist headsets that can provide a more immersive experience. By tuning EQ settings, you can further improve the sound quality of each game and determine which sounds you want to focus on.
Explore mods and hacks
Mods and hacks are fun fan-made enhancements that can be worth exploring. Hacks such as these Arc Raiders hacks could improve your performance, while other mods for RPGs like Skyrim can add new spells or make NPCs act more realistically.
Be careful when looking into the world of mods and hacks – only download from trusted sources, and understand that using certain hacks could get you banned from certain games if it is detected that you are using them.
Play around with in-game settings
Don’t forget to look into in-game settings. Every game has its own options, which can be used to completely transform the gameplay. For example, some games may allow you to lower shadows for higher FPS, enable V-sync for added smoothness or turn on anti-aliasing for crisper edges. You may even be able to change the controls or completely alter the field of view.
Playing around with screen settings such as lighting, contrast and volume can also improve your gaming experience. Consider the environment that you’re playing in and the time of day – certain rooms may benefit from a brighter screen, or you may find turning it down is better to reduce eye strain.
These are just 8 of the most notable tweaks that you can make to your gaming setup, but there could be other improvements you can make too. Making these adjustments could be key if you want to get more serious and compete with pro players, or if you just want to make games more immersive. Just be careful when it comes to modifications that could damage hardware or lead to bans.
Daniel is a Cinnamon Hollow author passionate about house and home, renovations, homesteading and DIY.
