Gaming is no longer simply a leisure activity. For many years, professional competitive gaming has gained ground as a serious sport. Today, there are a number of esports leagues around the world, and lots of major tournaments with enormous cash prizes. Even if you are not aiming that high, you may be looking for some advice on how to get the edge on your gaming adversaries.
We have gathered together some valuable advice on how to significantly improve your gaming skills. The suggestions in this article range from some quick technical fixes, to guidance on how to manage your psychological state so that you stay at the top of your game. For another type of gaming, we also have some tips on how to make the most of online real money casinos Canada. So, let’s get to it and see how you can become a pro-level gamer – or at least a very skilled amateur.
Optimise your PC
Before you work on your own skills, it’s essential to make sure that your PC or laptop is performing at its best. This includes keeping the keyboard spotless and dust-free, making sure that all your drivers are up to date, and closing all non-essential background processes. It is also worth keeping laptops plugged in to a power supply and adjusting the power setting for optimal performance. Consider using an Ethernet cable for the best network speed as well. If you are willing to sacrifice a bit of the resolution for better performance, then this can be adjusted in the settings for the graphics card.
Train in different ways
Playing the same games against the same opponents is not a very efficient way to improve your skills. The only way to get consistently and rapidly better is to mix it up and leave your comfort zone. Consider finding players who are considerably better than you in order to challenge yourself and learn from their technique. If losing becomes to demoralising, then watch some pros show off their prowess on a video streaming site.
Another way to train specific skills is through certain games. For example, the classic game of Tetris requires very quick thinking, and can help to develop this ability. Similarly, a game like VVVVVV will seriously challenge you to refine your split-second timing. Many games have transferable skills, so if one thing is letting you down in your preferred game then the answer to the skill gap may lie in another title entirely.
Healthy body and mind
You may not associate gamers with having the healthiest lifestyles, but rest assured that the professionals are as focused on their physical and mental wellbeing as any athlete. All the same things apply, so limit your consumption of alcohol, caffeine and sugar. Physical exercise and time spent outdoors are also very important, as is getting enough sleep.
On the mental side of things, it is easy to become agitated, frustrated and even angry when playing. Keeping a cool head is central to a good performance, so you need to learn to manage your emotions. If you find yourself becoming frustrated to the point of anger, take a break and do something different to cool down. If you are having trouble with a specific level or task, it can be very helpful to take day-long timeout and come back refreshed.
One little trick to help your self-esteem when it is low is to practice a particular level to perfection. When you have beaten the computer enough times, challenge your friends and leave them in the dust. OK, it may be cheating a little bit, but it is worth it for the bump in confidence, which will also have a positive effect on your gaming.
Spend some time offline
There are plenty of IRL activities that you can do that will also help with gaming. Switch off and play a game of tennis or badminton with friends, or learn how to juggle. Both these things are great for hand-eye coordination, and you’ll be getting some exercise in at the same time.