There’s a lot being said (and we really mean a lot) about gaming at the moment – people are fascinated by this space, with articles aplenty exploring the most exciting trends, and tons of guides on how you can get better – most of them aimed at beginners who are only just starting to dip their toes into this space. What about those who aren’t, though – those who have been there from the word “go,” who had a controller or mouse in their hands in their infancy? Where are your guides? How do you get better at gaming?
First, let’s acknowledge you know a lot of the tips and tricks already; you’re a master of many how-to guides. You may already have come across plenty of ideas for honing your game and you likely know that ultimately, it’s practice that makes the difference between those who are good at gaming and those who are truly great. Even so, we all know it pays to never stop learning – so let’s spend a bit of time sussing out how you can “level up” (pun intended) your gaming skills.
Challenge Yourself
How much time do you spend playing games you’re already great at because – let’s face it – it feels good to be in the top tier players? How much time do you put into new, hard games that assess your skills?
If you answered, “a lot” followed by “very little,” you know where this tip is going. You need to expand your horizons! You need to look for new games that will challenge you and let you think in different directions. Yes, practicing your favorite gems is good, but it’s not going to get you anywhere new.
It’s time to diversify your game library and your approach. The great thing about this is that it will also help to refresh your brain and reduce your risk of burnout. After all, if you do too much of something, even something you enjoy, you get weary of it – so mixing up your library is critical. You’re going to want to think outside the box here – if you’re a big fan of MOBAs, maybe it’s time to try FPS games, or if you prefer RPGs, dip your toes into a racing challenge.
Alternatively, think even more creatively. Add something like casino games to your repertoire – these will use many of the same thinking skills but in different contexts, allowing you to sharpen them, identify weaknesses, and maximize your strengths. Games like poker that require tactical approaches, and situational assessments have tons of transferable skills, and they’re ideal for practicing! And when you’re just after a bit of a break but you don’t want to quit gaming altogether, why not try choosing the best online slots? They’ll still tick the satisfaction box with the spinning reels and flashing lights, but you won’t be losing brain energy here. Sounds good to us!
Join A Community
Gaming may once have been a pretty solo activity, but no longer. Now, even if you’re not playing with friends, you’ve still got tons of opportunities to engage with others. There are some phenomenal gaming communities out there and if you find one dedicated to the pros, you might be amazed at the tips you pick up.
This helps particularly if you’re looking for assistance with a specific game. It’s staggering what some people have done, discovered, and achieved in certain games, and this can be one of the best ways to give yourself a boost. After all, we learn from each other – but when you’re near the top, you’re probably going to get the most benefit by approaching the other pros and getting their thoughts on things. Maybe you can even set up a game with them and spend some time teaching each other! Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help!
Set Aside Specific Learning Time
In a constantly changing landscape, it’s wise to dedicate time to learning! This doesn’t mean actually playing; it means watching tutorials, listening to other gamers, and attending to alterations, new tech, new breakthroughs, new approaches. Staying abreast of important news in the gaming space will help you recognize what skills are needed, where you should practice, whether new games are currently of particular interest to you, and more!
Don’t forget that tutorials are unquestionably your friends in terms of learning – you can get a lot by engaging in gaming communities, but it never hurts to just sit back and see how somebody else handles something you’re finding difficult.
Optimize Your Setup
It’s not just you in there, striving against the enemies and aiming for the top score. You’re working in partnership with your gaming gear… so make sure it’s not letting you down. You want to make sure that first off, you’ve got the right kinds of gear to maximize your gaming approach – a good controller, an ergonomic keyboard, a supportive chair, and the necessary specs – and second off, that the gear is optimized correctly for great playing. If you’re on a PC, this is particularly important, so don’t skip and don’t skimp; the right setup makes all the difference in tense moments.
