“Exploring the Amazing World of PC Gaming.”
The world of PC gaming is one of the most immersive, engaging and truly groundbreaking experiences out there. It’s no surprise then, that PC gaming continues to grow in popularity by the day, introducing an ever-growing community of passionate gamers to the art of gaming on a personal computer. Whether you’re taking part in fast-paced shooters, exploring a vast open world of fantasy, or causing mayhem in a fast-paced multiplayer arena, there’s something out there for everyone.
For those new to the world of PC gaming, it’s no secret that starting up can be a bit intimidating. Thankfully, this article will provide a handy guide to anyone interested in taking the plunge and diving straight into the PC gaming experience. We’ll take a look at some of the hardware, software, and hardware/software combinations that can take your gaming experience to the next level and we’ll also take a look at some of the games available to get you started.
It all starts with the equipment.
When it comes to PC gaming, your experience will vary greatly depending on the hardware you have. Thankfully, most gamers are just looking for a smooth and competent experience, so a good starting point is a mid-range gaming PC. On the simplest of levels, a computer needs two main components to be considered as a gaming PC:
• The CPU: This is the processor that carries out all the calculations necessary to run a game. For a smooth and competent experience, something like an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 processor will largely suffice.
• The GPU: This is the graphics processing unit which is responsible for generating high-quality 2D and 3D visuals for your games. GPUs come in various shapes and sizes, but for a decent gaming experience, we recommend choosing a modern GeForce GTX 1050 or Radeon RX460.
So now that we’ve taken a look at the main components of a gaming PC, it’s onto the type of configuration you should be aiming for. Consider purchasing a pre-built gaming PC such as a CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme or one of the entry level gaming laptops such as the Acer Aspire V 15 Nitro.
Now, even with the right hardware, you’re still going to need the right software. While the most obvious choice here is Windows, there are actually a number of operating systems available that have been optimized for gaming. For example:
• Linux: Despite being an open-source operating system, modem distributions of Linux come with the necessary drivers and applications necessary to run almost any PC game. We’d suggest choosing a distribution such as Ubuntu or Mint.
• SteamOS: This is a free Linux-based operating system created by Valve Corporation and optimized for gaming. It’s a great choice for those looking to get into PC gaming with little to no fuss.
• Mac OS X: is Apple’s proprietary operating system, and it also has a huge gaming library available, with a lot of games offering Mac versions alongside their Windows counterparts.
So now that you should have a good idea of the equipment, hardware and software you’re looking for, it’s time to talk about the games. There’s no doubt that the most popular games on the PC right now are the big-budget blockbuster titles such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that these titles are the only games available – a vast library of casual, independent and retro classics also exist, giving gamers of all ages something to enjoy.
For shooter fans, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch and Rainbow Six: Siege offer intense online and team-based gameplay whilst Rocket League and DOTA 2 provide a more accessible alternative. Then there’s the open-world RPG genre, with favourites such as Fallout 4, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Skyrim providing sprawling gaming experiences that can take months to complete. As for those looking for a more engaging experience, multiplayer titles such as World of Warcraft, Overwatch and Magic: The Gathering offer some of the best competition in the gaming world.
That just about covers all of the essentials for those looking to get into PC gaming. If you’ve got yourself a good gaming PC, have installed the right operating system and grabbed yourself a few titles, you’ll be steadily on your way to becoming a professional PC gamer in no time. Just make sure you get plenty of practice! PC gaming is constantly evolving and many of us don’t even realise it, so make sure you take the time to experiment and explore the massive gaming world out there. Once you get involved, you won’t look back!
“Discovering the Thrills of PC Gaming: Exploring the Amazing World of PC Gaming.”