A Guide to Enjoying the Best of PC Gaming – Whether You’re a Beginner or Advanced Gamer.
Do you consider yourself a gaming enthusiast but feel completely overwhelmed by all the different types of PC gaming out there? Are you unsure about where to start or what the best PC gaming options are for newcomers and experienced gamers alike? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, we will go over the basics of PC gaming, from necessary hardware and software setup to game genres and popular titles. Whether you’re new to gaming or already have some experience with PC gaming, you’ll be able to find something here that appeals to you. So let’s jump right in and explore all the wonders that PC gaming has to offer.
Understanding the Basics of PC Gaming
When most people think of PC gaming, the first thing that comes to mind is playing a game on your computer or laptop. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. To truly understand PC gaming, you need to understand the different types of hardware and software you need to get the most out of it.
Hardware
If you’re considering gaming with your PC, there are several components that you will need in order to ensure the best gaming performance. While each of these components may vary depending on the game you’re playing and the hardware you already have, the most basic components you’ll need for PC gaming include a PC itself, a graphics card, a monitor, and a gaming mouse.
PCs: Obviously, you need a PC to game on. PCs that can handle gaming need to be more powerful than those used for everyday tasks. You’ll want to consider the processor, RAM, and storage when picking out a PC for gaming.
Graphics Card: This is a specialized type of hardware that is used to render images and handle video. When it comes to gaming, a powerful graphics card is a must.
Monitor: The size and resolution of your monitor plays a big part in determining how good a gaming experience you will have. You should focus on getting a monitor that has the highest resolution and refresh rate your budget can afford.
Gaming Mouse: A gaming mouse will allow you to navigate and control your favorite games more accurately and quickly than a regular mouse, as it typically has more buttons and higher design quality.
Software
Your hardware is only one part of your gaming setup—the software is the other. In general, you’ll need some type of operating system to run the games, graphics and sound drivers to ensure the best graphics and sound, and a game engine if you want to make your own games. Operating systems that can handle gaming range from Windows to Linux, though Windows is the most popular choice. Graphics and sound drivers, on the other hand, can be found online and are usually specific to the type of dedicated graphics card or sound card you have, though most modern computers don’t even require separate drivers in order to get the best sound and graphics.
Game Genres
Now that you’ve got the basics of PC gaming, it’s time to explore the different game genres. PC gaming offers a wide variety of genres, from first-person shooters to turn-based strategy games. In general, the game genres you’ll find most commonly on PCs include:
Action
Action games are fast-paced and involve quick reflexes and a good eye. Examples include first-person shooters, fighting games, platformers, and hack-and-slash games.
Adventure
Adventure games are for the more narrative-focused gamers who enjoy a good story and an immersive world. Examples include point-and-click adventure games and visual novels.
Simulation
Simulation games offer players a chance to be the real thing, from city-building sims to flight and car simulators.
Strategy
Strategy games require clever thinking and careful planning to succeed. These games span a range of genres, including turn-based strategy and real-time strategy.
Role-Playing
Role-playing games, or RPGs, allow players to create their own characters and explore the world they inhabit. Some are story-driven, while others require players to build characters and develop them over time.
Popular PC Gaming Titles
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of hardware and software you need to get started with PC gaming, as well as the various game genres you can find for PC gaming, let’s take a look at some of the most popular titles available for PC gaming.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
This popular action role-playing game is set in a massive open-world, where you take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a witcher whose job is to hunt monsters and other supernatural beings. With hundreds of hours of gameplay, an engaging story, and a stunning open-world setting, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an absolute must-play title for any RPG fan.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim is a beloved role-playing open-world game. In it, you explore a detailed fantasy realm as you take on the role of the “Dragonborn”. With hundreds of side quests, immersive story elements, and a thrilling combat system, many consider this to be the greatest role-playing game of all time.
Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is a popular action-adventure game, set in the fictional state of San Andreas. It features a large open-world where you can explore, do various activities, and commit crimes. With an engaging storyline and a wealth of content to explore, Grand Theft Auto V is a great game for action fans.
The Sims 4
The Sims 4 is a life simulation game where you create a family and manage their lives. While the game offers lots of creative freedom and plenty of activities, what makes it special is the degree of control and detail it provides for managing a family, from detailed character customization to the various relationships and goals you can set for your Sims.
Minecraft
Minecraft is a sandbox game unlike any other. It’s a game of exploration and creativity where you can build whatever structures you can imagine in a world of procedurally-generated cubes. With its variety of game modes, Creative being the most popular, this is easily one of the most popular and beloved games of all time.
Final Thoughts
PC gaming is a great way to get the most out of your gaming experience. With the right hardware, software, and genres of games in mind, you can have an enjoyable time even if you’re a beginner or an advanced gamer. In this guide, we’ve discussed the different hardware and software components you need for PC gaming, the different game genres you can find, and some of the most popular titles for PC gamers.
Now that you’re armed with the information you need to get started, you can begin your journey into the world of PC gaming. Have fun, and enjoy the best that PC gaming has to offer!