Getting Started with Gaming as a Beginner

Gaming is a fun and engaging hobby that can be enjoyed by beginners and veterans alike.

With so many gaming platforms, genres, and options available, it can feel overwhelming trying to dive into the world of gaming as a total newbie.

By starting with beginner-friendly games, choosing the right platform, learning gaming lingo, setting up your equipment properly, and utilizing tips from experienced gamers, you’ll be conquering levels and building skills in no time.

Choosing the Right Gaming Platform as a Beginner

With so many gaming platforms to choose from these days, it can be difficult to decide which is the best for beginners.

Here are some tips on selecting the right platform as you start your gaming journey:

Consoles – Consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch provide a plug-and-play gaming experience perfect for tech novices. They offer ease of use, and straightforward controls, and are beginner-friendly by design. Modern consoles have many games great for gaming newbies.

PC – Gaming on PC has more options and customizations but can be more complex to set up. As a beginner, a pre-built gaming desktop or laptop can provide the power you need to play the latest games without the advanced technical know-how required.

Mobile – Mobile gaming on smartphones and tablets can be the most accessible way to start since you may already have a compatible device. Games in the App Store and Google Play range from casual to more immersive for beginners. The touch controls tend to be intuitive.

Cloud – Cloud gaming through services like Google Stadia lets you play high-end games by streaming through an internet browser or app. The convenience can be ideal for novices without needing expensive equipment. Just ensure you have a strong internet connection.

Evaluate your budget, preferred games, technical skill level, and how involved you want to be to narrow down the gaming platform that aligns with your needs as a beginner gamer. Prioritize simplicity and approachability as you get your feet wet.

Beginner-Friendly Video Games to Start With

When just starting with gaming, you’ll want to choose titles that are easy for newcomers to pick up. Here are some of the most beginner-friendly video games across various genres and platforms:

• Minecraft – This popular world-building game has simple controls and gameplay perfect for new gamers. You can be as creative as you want while also exploring, crafting items, and interacting at your own pace.
• Portal 2 – The puzzle-based gameplay in Portal 2 doesn’t require quick reflexes or mastery of complex controls. It eases you into using portals to solve problems and defeat robots.
• Animal Crossing – If you want a relaxing, low-pressure game, Animal Crossing allows you to develop your town at your own pace by fishing, collecting items, and chatting with animal villagers.
• Plants vs. Zombies – The tower defense style gameplay in Plants vs. Zombies provides a gentle learning curve for understanding strategy without too much complexity. Defeating the zombies is accessible for gaming beginners.
• Super Mario Bros – Classic Super Mario platformers like Super Mario Bros offer simplified run and jump gameplay that helped define the 2D side-scrolling genre. They’re still great for introducing new gamers to the hobby.
• The Sims – Controlling simulated people in a virtual dollhouse-style world is an easy introduction to gaming. The Sims lets you be as creative or structured as you want without needing quick reflexes or mastery of complex mechanics.
• Fortnite – A battle royale game that’s free to play and easy to learn. Available on various platforms, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The game gained immense popularity due to its unique combination of shooting mechanics and building structures.
• The Elder Scrolls V – Skyrim: An open-world role-playing game that’s easy to pick up and play, with a rich storyline and plenty of side quests.

These games represent just a small sample of the beginner-friendly options out there excellent for helping new gamers ease into the pastime while learning gaming principles.

Gaming Terminology Beginners Should Know

Like any hobby, gaming comes with its unique language. Here are some examples of terminology that will help you communicate more effectively as a gaming newbie:

• NPC – Non-player character. Any character not controlled by a human player.
• Campaign – The complete storyline or quests in a game. Finishing the campaign means completing the full narrative experience.
• Grinding – Repeating actions like defeating enemies to gain experience points or resources. Grinding helps level up your characters.
• PvP and PvE – Player versus player and player versus environment. PvP involves competing against human opponents while PvE involves computer-controlled opponents.
• RNG – Random number generator. The randomized numbers are used to calculate statistics like loot drops, damage inflicted, and other variable gameplay elements.
• Meta – The strategies or setup considered to be the most effective at a given time based on the game’s current balance. Using the meta gives you an advantage.
• MMORPG – Massively multiplayer online role-playing game. An online game focused on leveling up characters and obtaining loot through questing with other human players.
• FPS – First-person shooter. A game presented from the visual first-person perspective centered around gun-based combat.

Knowing these key gaming terms will help demystify conversations with other gamers about popular titles. They may seem confusing at first but will become second nature with more experience playing games as a beginner.

Tips for Setting Up Gaming Equipment as a Beginner

Having the proper gaming equipment set up goes a long way in creating an enjoyable experience for a beginner. From your chair to your screen to your peripherals, make sure you follow these tips when configuring your gaming space:

• Position your chair and screen for optimal comfort. Having to slouch or strain to see the screen can interfere with immersion and gameplay.
• Reduce screen glare. Face the screen away from windows and use anti-glare filters if needed so you can see the visuals.
• Use proper lighting. Low light can cause eyestrain while too much light washes out on-screen images. Find an ambient lighting balance.
• Place gaming peripherals within easy reach. Your keyboard, mouse, or controller should be close at hand to access controls quickly.
• Adjust ergonomics. Chairs and desks at the proper height reduce strain on your wrists and neck during long gaming sessions.
• Set up speakers or headphones with surround sound capabilities so you can hear directional in-game audio cues.
• Keep cables organized. Use cable ties or wraps to prevent tripping hazards and allow unobstructed movement.
• Calibrate and configure settings properly. Take time to adjust things like mouse sensitivity in settings menus to optimize the experience.

Following best practices when organizing your physical gaming space removes barriers to enjoying games as a beginner and allows you to focus on playing.

Recommended Gaming Strategies for Beginners

Jumping into gaming without much background can lead to frustration as you try to pick up strategies organically. Leverage the following tips from veteran gamers to maximize your skills as a newbie:

• Start on the easiest difficulty. Don’t worry about ego. Lower difficulties let you learn mechanics without punishment.
• Follow the story and tutorials. Pay attention to tutorials and let the story introduce concepts organically before trying advanced techniques.
• Stick to one character or class. Master one style before bouncing between multiple characters and playstyles.
• Repeat easier levels to grind the experience. Build your skills on early levels before tackling harder challenges.
• Save often and in multiple slots. Frequent saves reduce lost progress if you fail or want to backtrack to retry sections.
• Take breaks to avoid fatigue. Marathon gaming sessions lead to burnout. Step away periodically to stay sharp.
• Analyze those who excel. Watch streamers or videos to observe and learn from those excelling at the game.
• Practice, practice, practice. Good aim, timing, memorization, etc. only improve through repetition and experience.

Adopting proven strategies like these accelerates progression along the learning curve so you can start excelling faster as a gaming beginner.

How to Improve Your Gaming Skills as a Newbie

Your gaming abilities won’t improve overnight. Have patience with yourself and utilize these methods to gradually enhance your skills as a beginner:

• Experiment with settings – Don’t just use default options. Tweak things like sensitivity and controller layouts to find what feels best.
• Watch tutorial videos – Seeing mechanics and tactics in action helps commit them to memory through visualization.
• Analyze your mistakes – Think about why you died or failed an objective. Learning from errors is key.
• Engage the community – Join forums, subreddits, and discussion boards to get tips from more seasoned players.
• Study the metagame – Understand the evolving optimal strategies and current balancing to adapt your approach.
• Observe skilled gamers – Spectate matches featuring top players to learn tricks from the best.
• Practice fundamentals – Drill essential skills like aiming, reaction time, and resource management in focused sessions.
• Challenge yourself – Seek out tougher scenarios that push your limits and build competency.
• Review game replays – Look for small refinements and alternative approaches you could have taken.

With regular, deliberate practice using techniques like these, your gaming abilities will improve dramatically compared to just playing casually without the intent to get better.

Common Gaming Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginner

When first starting in gaming, some common novice mistakes can develop bad habits and show slow progress. Be mindful to avoid:

• Button mashing – Randomly pressing buttons instead of learning combos/commands hurts dexterity.
• Ignoring tutorials – Skipping learning tools results in a lack of core skills needed down the line.
• No exploration – Not investigating the areas can cause you to miss key items, lore, and hidden routes.
• Saving infrequently – Neglecting to save often enough risks losing significant progress when you die.
• Spreading your focus – Trying to play all characters and classes prevents mastering anyone.
• Getting overwhelmed – Jumping into PvP too fast can be discouraging versus experienced opponents.
• Not taking breaks – Playing for too long leads to fatigue, reducing reaction times and enjoyment.
• Skipping side-quests – Optional objectives unlock gear and experience that aids the main progression.
• Ignoring narrative – Disregarding story and lore deprives you of full immersion and context.
• Rushing ahead – Advancing too quickly leaves you underpowered for upcoming challenges.

Remaining mindful of these miscues and being patient with the learning process helps beginners adopt sound fundamentals from the start.

Resources That Offer an Introduction to Gaming

If you need a primer on gaming basics as a total newcomer, reference these helpful resources:

• How-to Gaming YouTube channels – Channels like TheRelaxingEnd explain concepts clearly through videos.
• The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Gaming – This book by Shawn Seavers covers gaming principles, history, platforms, and more.
• Gaming forums and subreddits – Discuss gaming online with peers who will answer beginner questions.
• Local gaming meetup groups – Find like-minded people to play with and chat about gaming in an accessible social setting.
• Gaming conferences – Attend gaming expos like PAX, E3, or Gamescom to immerse yourself in gaming culture.
• Informative gaming websites – Sites like IGN, Polygon, Kotaku, and PC Gamer contain extensive gaming guides.
• Gaming classes/camps – Some coding boot camps and recreation centers offer structured gaming workshops for skills building.
• Arcades – Play classic arcade games to understand the roots of modern gaming in a hands-on environment.
• Gaming museums – Visit institutions like The Strong Museum of Play and the National Videogame Museum to explore gaming history.

With the wealth of introductory gaming content available, it’s easy to pick up the gaming context needed as a complete beginner.

Choosing Suitable Games as a Gaming Newbie

The staggering array of gaming titles now available can overwhelm newcomers trying to decide which games align with their needs and interests as beginners. To make suitable choices, follow this criteria when selecting games as a newbie:

• Simple control scheme – Games with fewer buttons like mobile titles accommodate gaming novices.
• Clear objectives – Games where goals and progression are explicitly laid out help first-time players.
• Checkpoint system – Frequent save points prevent beginners from losing large chunks of progress.
• Adjustable difficulty – Options to change difficulty prevent roadblocks and let you ease in.
• Minimal punishment – Games allowing you to quickly respawn reduce frustration.
• Bright visuals – Vibrant graphics keep your attention and are easier on new eyes.
• Intuitive mechanics – Games that intuitively adhere to natural conventions require less of a learning curve.
• Forgiving physics – Lenient physics and character movements allow more margin for error.
• Little pressure – Games that don’t impose time limits or penalize mistakes let you learn.
• Positive reinforcement – Games that reward small wins keep motivation high.

Evaluating games through the lens of these beginner-centric attributes makes narrowing down options much more manageable as a newcomer to the gaming scene.

Connecting with Other Gamers as a Beginner

Entering the established social landscape around gaming can feel intimidating for a novice. Leverage these approaches to start connecting with the passionate community:

• Introduce yourself on forums – Make posts highlighting you’re a beginner looking for friends and you’ll find receptive audiences.
• Use gaming nicknames consistently – Having a recognizable handle helps others remember you.
• Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask for help or clarification from fellow gamers willing to assist newcomers.
• Watch Twitch streamers and engage – Streamers are performers happy to interact with viewers.
• Join gaming groups on social media – Facebook and Discord groups unite gamers who share common interests.
• Attend gaming conventions – Surrounding yourself with gamers makes introductions natural – wear your newbie status proudly.
• Play co-op games – Playing together fosters natural bonds and gives veterans a stake in helping you.
• Play at gaming cafes or arcades – The IRL proximity to others breeds gaming-centric socialization.
• Offer to spectate matches – Volunteering to watch skilled players compete gives learning opportunities.

Gaming communities are passionate about sharing experiences with fresh faces. With the right approaches, you’ll quickly make connections leading to friendships and mentorships.

Final Tips for Beginning Your Gaming Journey

Starting a new hobby like gaming can sometimes feel like trying to board a moving train.

By taking gaming at your own pace, being kind to yourself throughout the learning process, and utilizing the many resources available for beginners, you’ll find yourself up to speed and having fun sooner than you think.

Gaming offers an engaging escape with enough depth to be endlessly rewarding. Let your curiosity and playfulness guide you – rediscovering your inner childlike sense of joy and wonder makes gaming an elixir from the stresses of daily life.

With an open and positive mindset, you might just find your new favorite pastime. The world of gaming awaits – it’s time to play!

FAQs – Getting Started with Gaming as a Beginner

What are some great games for people of all ages?

There are hundreds of great games that appeal to people of all ages. Some popular titles like Animal Crossing, Lego Games, The Last of Us, Untitled Goose Game, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Mario Odyssey have become household names.

What are the 10 best video games for beginners?

The 10 best video games for beginners include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch), Stardew Valley (PC/Mac/Linux/PS4/Xbox One), The Last Of Us Remastered (PS4), Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Xbox One/PS4/Switch), Untitled Goose Game (Switch/PS4/Xbox One), Toca City-Building Game (iOS & Android), Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS4/Xbox One), Stardew Valley Mobile (iOS & Android), People Playground (PC & Mac) and Minecraft Dungeons (PC).

What is the best console for beginners?

When it comes to choosing a console for beginners, it depends on what type of games you prefer. For example, if you’re looking for strategy games like Civilization or Total War series then PC gaming might be best. If you’re looking more for action adventure-style games, then PlayStation 4 or Xbox One would be better suited.

What are some cooperative games that I can play with my friends?

There are many cooperative multiplayer titles available on consoles and PCs. Popular cooperative titles include The Last of Us Remastered (PlayStation 4), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) Red Dead Redemption 2 Online Mode (PlayStation 4 / Xbox One), and Minecraft Dungeons (PC).

“The Game” – what game is this referring to?

“The Game” is usually used as a generic term when talking about any video game title or genre – it doesn’t mean it’s a specific game in particular.

Are there any good handheld video game systems out there?

Yes! Nintendo has released several handheld video game systems over the years including their original Game Boy system in 1989, their DS line of portable systems starting in 2004, Nintendo 3DS starting in 2011, New Nintendo 3DS XL starting in 2014, Nintendo Switch Lite in 2019, and their latest system Nintendo Switch which was released in 2017.

What kind of amazing gaming experiences can I enjoy on PC?

PC gaming has become increasingly popular over time thanks to its wide variety of amazing titles ranging from indie gems like Celeste or Hollow Knight, AAA releases such as GTA V or Cyberpunk 2077, classic retro hits such as Super Mario Bros. 3 or Sonic the Hedgehog, hundreds of free – to – play battle royale shooters such as Fortnite, MMRPGs such as World Of Warcraft, survival sandboxes such as Ark: Survival Evolved, MOBA’s such as Dota 2 or League Of Legends, strategy war simulations such as Starcraft II. Plus, there’s something here for everyone no matter what type of gamer you are!