Have you made a new year’s resolution to take up a new hobby? Throwing yourself into a new activity is an excellent way to relieve stress and give your confidence a boost. Better still, you could choose a hobby that encourages skill development or self-improvement. 

When you think of self-improvement, gaming may not be the first pastime that springs to mind. However, when done in moderation, gaming is a tremendously enjoyable and stimulating activity that has been linked to improvements in cognitive function and attention span. So why not bite the bullet and dip your toes into the gaming universe? If you’re unsure where to begin, take a look at this absolute beginner’s guide to gaming. 

Consider Your System Options

The age-old battle between console and PC continues to divide gamers. What you choose is entirely a matter of personal preference. There is no clear-cut winner, and while both have advantages and disadvantages, it is vital you weigh up your options before making a decision. 

Consoles are arguably the better option for gamers who prioritise affordability and simplicity. Console gamers enjoy the benefit of not worrying about their hardware becoming obsolete. That said, you may end up spending more in the long run, having to purchase new consoles once the next generation is released. 

Gaming PCs have the advantage of personalisation and upgradability. You can future-proof your system by selecting and later upgrading your components to create a PC that aligns with your budget and gaming preferences. While this may be the more expensive option initially, the ability to hand-pick your hardware can prove tremendously cost-effective. 

Watch Reviews And Streamers

The best way to decide on the type of games you want to play is to watch reviews and gaming streamers, so you can get an idea of what is available. You can catch entertaining and informative reviews on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch, providing you with everything you need to make informed decisions regarding your game choices. While the safest options may be the current chart toppers, there are numerous streamers and reviewers specialising in retro and indie games. 

Talk To Your Gamer Friends

While streamers and reviewers may be a relatively fair source of gaming information, many have paid partnerships with games developers and companies; therefore, they may be biased. To receive completely impartial advice, you may be better off asking your gamer friends for game and system recommendations. One of the main selling points of highly popular titles like Fortnite, Call Of Duty and Counter-Strike is their excellent multiplayer functions, making them ideal for playing with friends. Your gamer pals will probably be more than willing to walk you through their favourite titles and have you as part of the team on multiplayer or co-op mode. 

Join Gaming Forums 

Gaming forums are excellent places to discuss everything from in-game tactics to new releases. Use gaming forums as a community-based method of keeping up to date with the latest news; you will find tips, walkthroughs and advice to help you get the most out of your gaming library. Whether you’re looking for a recommendation for a cheap gaming pc bundle or a step-by-step guide for beating a particularly tricky boss, you will find all manner of resources on discussion sites like Steam Discussions and even Reddit. 

Peripherals

Your peripherals are one of the primary defining factors of your gaming experience. You could have a high-quality CPU and a top-of-the-range graphics card, but it will all be for nought if you don’t have the right peripherals to support your powerful gaming setup. Opt for a monitor with a high refresh rate – 75 hz for the best performance – and a maximum response time of 5ms. Your mouse and keyboard should be comfortable and feature the ability to customise key functions. Finally, for ultimate game immersion, select a good quality noise-reducing headset that delivers crisp and clear audio.

Play A Variety Of Games

The type of games you choose to play is up to you – after all, gaming is a hobby that prioritises fun and enjoyment. That said, it is always advisable to switch up your gaming library to keep things exciting and engaging, potentially discovering new favourites along the way.