For millions of passionate gamers, video games serve as a welcome respite from the drudgery of everyday life. They also give gamers a platform to connect with like-minded people and find a sense of virtual community that’s just as rewarding to be in as any social circle. As a gamer yourself, you’ll find few joys like being able to relax and unwind by your lonesome or with your in-game friends.
But problems like lag spikes, unresponsive controls, and poor-quality audio and video can quickly sap the fun out of one’s gaming experience and turn it frustrating and unpleasant. Though some of these problems can be attributed to versions of the games themselves, many times, they’re rooted in the gamer’s current setup.
Many video games, especially the latest ones, require a good setup to unlock a smooth and hiccup-free gaming experience. If you’re a gamer yourself, here are four simple suggestions for improving your setup and levelling up your gaming experience:
1) Upgrade Your Wi-Fi
Whether you’re playing online or offline, you’ll need a stable and speedy internet connection to truly enjoy your game. High-speed internet can significantly reduce lags and ensure smoother gameplay, especially during multiplayer sessions. It also enables the player to download games and game guides quickly so that the former don’t have to wait too long to enjoy their favourite titles.
The ideal internet speed for online gaming is above 25 Mbps. Anything lower than that, and you’ll fall into what’s called the “lag zone.” To achieve that, find ways to update your internet speed, for example by checking the different SIM only plans offered by Singapore’s major telco companies. Select a plan that offers good date coverage. This way, you’ll be able to play cross-platform games no matter where you are in the city.
2) Improve Your Gaming PC
If you game from your personal computer (PC), remember that it’s possible to swap any of its parts for something better. Invest in the following components to properly enjoy the most demanding PC games:
- A central processing unit (CPU). A heavy-duty CPU will boost your PC’s performance and allow you to play CPU-intensive games such as massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, strategies, and simulations smoothly.
- A graphics card (GPU). To achieve higher frame rates, switch to a more powerful GPU. A better GPU will reward you with improved visuals and smoother gameplay overall.
- A solid state drive (SSD). In terms of data access speed, an SSD will be a large improvement compared to a traditional hard disk drive or HDD. With a good SSD, you’ll get faster loading times and quicker level transitions.
- More random-access memory (RAM). Upgrading your RAM will allow you to play memory-intensive titles without worrying about long loading times and slowdowns, as well as easily open two or more programs while your game is running in the background.
- An improved cooling system. Improving your PC’s cooling system can prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance for gaming all year long. If you’re looking for components that can effectively cool your PC, consider getting an all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooling system for your CPU and a cooling fan for your GPU.
3) Get Good Gaming Accessories and Paraphernalia
Quality gaming accessories and paraphernalia can significantly improve your precision and reaction time and make your gaming experience more comfortable. Just make sure that the upgrades you’re getting are compatible with the video game platform you’re using.
- For the PC: Consider a gaming mouse with customisable buttons and adjustable dots-per-inch (DPI) settings. You can also upgrade to a mechanical keyboard for tactile feedback, as well as a high-refresh-rate monitor for smoother visuals.
- For the PlayStation: Add more utility to your console’s controllers with a button attachment. You can also get a headset that offers clear audio for better team communication.
- For the Xbox: Look for a controller that features textured grips and programmable buttons. You’ll also want to invest in a comfortable gaming headset and a play-and-charge kit to avoid constant battery changes.
- For the Switch: Choose a pro controller for better comfort and control. You should also get a portable charging dock for extended playtime and a protective case for safe travel.
4) Use a VPN
A virtual private network or VPN will allow you to game from a safe and private online environment. It will also shield you from security concerns like distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. The best VPN service providers will also help you reduce ping and lag by providing you with a more direct connection between your device and game servers. Find a VPN provider that can be set up on your gaming console of choice for added convenience.
Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone who aspires to be a serious video game streamer, these tips should help you get the best out of your gaming rig. Try these simple upgrades for smoother and more immersive gaming experiences that you’ll look forward to again and again!