How to Take Your Video Gaming to the Next Level

Video games are a fun way to pass the time. However, if you find they’re becoming more than just a fun hobby, it may be time to take your game to the next level. If you’re ready to take the step from casual gamer to hardcore enthusiast, there are a few things you’ll need to do. In addition to upping how much you play (practice makes perfect), learning how to improve ping, getting the best equipment, upgrading your video card, staying active in the video gaming community, and studying up on your game are all crucial.

Up Your Ping Speed

One of the best things you can do to up your game is to learn how to improve ping. Ping speed is an indication of how fast your Internet is. Obviously, the faster the better. Ideally, you’ll want a ping speed of fewer than 20 milliseconds for clear visuals and quick action. Anything higher than 50 milliseconds, and you’ll likely experience lag, dips in responsiveness, and inconsistent movements.

Some tips for improving ping include choosing a game server that’s geographically close to you, turning off updates and other non-essential downloads, and using a wired connection for your Internet.

Upgrade Your Equipment

While having the right equipment won’t enhance your skill, it can help you perform your best each and every time you log on. Pick a keyboard that fits your hands well and includes a wrist-rest to avoid injuries. Keyboards with LED lights and mechanical keys are also great for playing in the dark. The Vengeance K70 LEDS or the Logitech G910 Orion Spark are two great examples.

Your mouse is another essential tool. Configurable buttons can go a long way in helping you perfect certain moves or attacks. Mouses with adjustable weights are also helpful so you can find the drag you like. Consider the Razer Epic Chroma or the Logitech G502 to get you started. Your audio rig is essential as well. We recommend getting a soundbar for immersive gameplay, but remember that placing the soundbar subwoofer in the right place is crucial to the listening experience.

Of course, all of these upgrades mean nothing if your video card isn’t up to snuff. Without a quality video card, you can expect freezing and crashing during intense moments, especially in highly detailed games. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti is good for 4K graphics. For a good all-around card, try the AMD Radeon RX 5700.

Join the Community and Research Your Game

You aren’t alone in your video game pursuits. Millions of people across the globe are also fervent gamers, and chances are, they have plenty of advice and support to offer. Follow the top gamers on social media to stay abreast of the latest news and happenings in the industry, and watch as many YouTube channels and Twitch streams as you can. Not only will you gain a great network of friends, but you’ll also begin building up a fan base in case you want to become a professional gamer.

That said, if going professional is your goal, you’ll need to become a master of one or two games. Focus your time on these by researching as much as possible. GameFAQs is an excellent resource for game walk-throughs, tips, and hacks.

Stay Focused and Have Fun

With these upgrades, you’ll be able to improve your game and work toward becoming a master of the craft. That said, don’t forget to have fun! While being a pro takes work, at the end of the day, it’s all about the in-game experience.