If you’ve never played video games before, you’re missing out. Video games allow you to enter new worlds, let your imagination run wild, and connect with real people across the world.
The gaming industry has also become more and more popular over the years. It is now worth more than $100 billion, which is more than the entertainment industry.
But how can you get into gaming?
If you’re wondering how to start gaming and are looking at building a gaming setup for beginners, keep reading. This article will go over everything you need to consider and do.
Create a Budget
If you’re wondering how to start gaming, the first thing you need to do is create a budget. Gaming costs money, and while it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, you should still have an outline of how much you plan to spend.
You can easily spend thousands of dollars and build a killer system with the latest games. But often, that isn’t necessary. Consider looking for used games and hardware, which will give you all the benefits of new pieces but for less money.
Setting a budget can also help you determine which games you’ll play. If you decide you want to play Red Dead Redemption II, calculate how much a system that can handle it will cost. If the cost is out of your budget, consider holding off on buying it.
Websites such as Can You RUN It show the minimum and recommended settings to play popular games. You can also use the website to check if your current computer can handle the game.
Know Which Games You want to Play
If you can imagine it, odds are there is a game out there for it. Knowing which types of games you plan on playing will give you a better sense of what kind of setup you should have.
If you’re a fan of rich stories, consider playing an RPG, or role-playing game. Games such as The Witcher III and Mass Effect let you take control of a character. You’ll meet new characters, explore worlds, and become immersed.
If you’re an action fan, consider playing an FPS, or first-person shooter. FPS games such as Overwatch, Call of Duty, and Team Fortress II let you play against the computer or real people.
If you’re unsure as to which type of game you think you’d enjoy the most, explore around on YouTube. You’ll find a huge number of videos of people playing games. If you think one looks fun, consider starting there!
Decide on a Platform
Choosing a platform to game on is a big decision. Keep in mind that some games are platform-exclusive. Costs can also be different between the different options.
When people talk about console gaming, they generally refer to playing games on the Playstation 4, the Nintendo Switch, or the Xbox One. The pricing for each one is similar, and deciding on one is a matter of personal preference.
Consoles are cheaper than PCs and can last for several years, but often require you to pay online gaming service fees. Games are also more expensive.
PC gaming is broad. Depending on what kind of setup you’re playing on, you can spend hundreds of dollars to thousands. Games on the PC looks better than on consoles, provided you have the latest hardware. You can also take advantage of game sales on programs such as Steam.
What You’ll Need to Build a PC Gaming Rig
If you do decide on building a PC, you’ll need to get a variety of different hardware parts. Here are 5 of the most important ones.
A Multi-Core CPU
CPU stands for central processing unit. Consider it as the brain of your computer. If you have a faster CPU with multiple cores, your computer will do a better job at multi-tasking. It’ll also complete tasks faster.
A speedy processor will also allow you to browse the internet faster, and use programs such as Flash. To learn about how to use Adobe Flash Player on Chrome, check out this guide: https://setapp.com/how-to/enable-flash-player-on-chrome.
Don’t worry about choosing the latest and best processor on the market. Any quality multi-core processor should be enough.
A Powerful GPU
GPU stands for graphics processing unit. Also known as your computer’s video card, its job is to make the games you play look beautiful and realistic, without causing lag or stuttering.
Keep up with modern game requirements means being prepared to update your GPU regularly.
Sufficient Ram
RAM, or random access memory, lets your computer remember things and multitask without a problem. Investing in more RAM will let your computer operate faster. For modern games, you should have at least 8 GB of RAM.
A Motherboard
Like a real mother, the motherboard’s job is to make sure everything is working together without issue. It holds other hardware pieces together.
Make sure that the motherboard you decide on can fit your other components, such as your GPU and CPU.
Enough Power
To get everything working and turned on, you’ll need a PSU, or power supply unit. Different PSUs come with different amounts of wattage. If you have a gaming rig decked out with powerful and demanding hardware, you’ll need a higher wattage that can accommodate it all.
Build the Ultimate Gaming Setup for Beginners
Making a great gaming setup for beginners can seem challenging. However, by following this guide and getting everything you need, you’ll be enjoying the latest games in no time.
Do you have any other tips for gaming for beginners? Let us know in a comment!
For more guides and tips, don’t forget to check out some of our other blog posts.
