Are you getting ready to buy a brand new gaming PC or console? Maybe you want to introduce your best friend to gaming but you’re worried that they might not know all of the gaming slang terms that you’ve come to know over the years.
If you want to start playing the best online games right away and don’t want to look like a noob while doing so, it’s likely a good idea that you should take one step back in order to take two steps forward by avoiding the following mistakes like the plague.
Forgetting to Set Goals
If you live a busy lifestyle, then it’s likely that your attention is spread thin. Do your best to set specific gaming goals by allocating time not just to gaming, but to specific games as well. Why waste time trying to figure out which game you want to play when you can make that decision while doing the other, more menial tasks that don’t require as much attention.
Make goals about how far you’d like to progress in a game. Game progression can consume a lot of time, but if you set specific goals that will help you level faster beforehand, then you’ll be able to accomplish your goals with relative ease.
Forgoing Proper Health and Hygiene
As engaging and competitive as gaming can be, it should never take the place of healthy eating habits and exercise, as well as adequate hygiene. If you do this, then at worst you’re helping propagate the common gamer stereotype, and at best you are ruining your physical and mental health.
Always look after yourself and take breaks when gaming. There will never be a round or gaming experience that is more important than your mental and physical wellbeing. Furthermore, if you’re not in the right state of mind, your gaming performance will reflect negatively on the leaderboards as well.
Overextending Your Equipment Investments
Unless you’re a professional eSports gamer, there’s no reason why a $1,200 gaming chair will improve your gaming performance. In fact, this is one of the most common mistakes that new gamers tend to make. Remember, it’s not the gear or equipment that turns you into a well-skilled gamer, rather it’s the time it takes to refine your gaming craft.
It’s generally a good idea to avoid overpriced gear and equipment no matter what the reviews or aesthetic appeal tells you. It’s okay to settle for a mid-range gaming PC and dial down the settings a bit until you get good. You can always upgrade, but you can’t always downgrade and get your hard-earned money back.
Not Performing Due Diligence
As a new gamer, one of the best free tools at your disposal is the ability to do some through online research. If a friend of yours recommends a new game or piece of equipment, don’t just take their word for it by making rash decisions that you might regret later.
Doing the necessary research will put you in the best possible position for gaming success, as it could help save you a lot of time, money, and heartache that you may not be able to recoup otherwise.
There are plenty of resources online that you can use that are completely free. Remember that most gamers don’t even know what the most common mistakes are, or whether they themselves are making them. In other words, you’re already many steps ahead of some of your more seasoned gaming peers.
Ignoring Teamwork
Teamwork makes the dream work. A proper gaming headset can help you and your team plot the perfect flank on your opponents or strategize on a football play that will outrival that of your rival. Never take teamwork for granted and try to not be a lone wolf as heroics never tend to work well.
Grinding Instead of Playing
Some games require you to grind and perform menial tasks that may not be as much fun. While this may be necessary to progress, remember that you may always be able to buy the in-game resources or gear in order to go on the next raid.
You should also consider taking breaks after prolonged sessions of constantly grinding for materials or experience points. Try switching between a few game titles in order to mix things up, or go outside for a brief walk in order to loosen up.
Gaming Mistakes Recap
Gaming should be competitive and fun, not another task to be dealt with. However, as a new gamer, there are some common mistakes that you should try your best and avoid. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can save yourself a significant amount of time, money, and heartache.
Remember to always do your own research before settling on a new game, one that you may realize that you might regret after you’ve been a lot of time into playing.