The Ultimate PC Gaming Setup for Couch Co-op.
If you’re looking to create a gaming setup for couch co-op experiences with friends, then the PC is the ultimate platform. From classic game genres such as fighter and first-person shooter staples to the vibrant world of indie titles available through services like Steam, gamer-friendly couch co-op is alive and well on the PC.
Creating a great couch co-op setup for the PC is no mean feat, as it can quickly become expensive. However, with a few tips and planning, you can build an awesome couch co-op gaming setup for the PC with surprisingly few resources. Let’s explore how to put together the best PC gaming setup for couch co-op in 2021.
Building a Powerful Co-Op PC Gaming Rig
The single most important factor to consider when building a PC gaming setup for co-op is the hardware. As many of the most popular co-op titles have pretty demanding hardware requirements, your PC needs to have enough power to handle a variety of games. Look out for powerful CPUs, such as Intel’s 9th gen Core i7 processor, as well as graphics cards like the Nvidia GeForce RTX series. These components should easily ensure that your setup can handle virtually any current title.
To make sure you never have to worry about dropping frames, we suggest you aim for at least 8GB of RAM. This will give you plenty of headroom to load up those demanding co-op titles without any performance issues.
Connecting Players for a Smooth Couch Co-Op Experience
When it comes to connecting players for a smooth couch co-op experience, the most important factor is networking. The only way to make sure everyone gets the most out of the gaming experience is to make sure there is enough bandwidth for everyone. The easiest way to do this is by investing in a good router.
Modern routers are more powerful than ever and can easily handle even the most demanding co-op titles. Just make sure to get a router with enough ports to connect all the players. If you want to guarantee a smoother experience, then we suggest investing in a router with an 802.11ac chipset, as this ensures the highest possible speeds.
Select the Right Monitors and Peripherals
Your monitors and other peripherals are going to have a huge bearing on your ultimate co-op experience. As many co-op games rely on face-to-face interaction, it’s vital to get a monitor or TV with a high refresh rate and a wide viewing angle. This ensures everyone can easily see the action and communicate without any problems.
We also suggest investing in quality gaming peripherals, such as gaming mice and keyboards. Not only will these games help in certain genres, but they’ll also provide a better look and feel. Finally, you’ll need to get some gamepads, such as the classic Xbox 360 controller. These will help with games that require more of an analog-style control.
Considering the Audio Set Up
The auditory aspect of the gaming experience is often overlooked, but it can be just as important. A great audio setup is key for many gaming genres and is especially important in couch co-op. Invest in a good surround sound system, as this will ensure everyone in the room can hear what’s going on.
If you’re short on space, then a soundbar can also be a great option. Think of soundbars as the audio equivalent of a flatscreen TV—they’re sleek, yet still offer great sound quality. Alternatively, consider getting some headphones for those late-night gaming sessions.
When to Upgrade the Set Up
Given that gaming hardware and titles can become outdated quickly, it’s important to keep an eye on when it’s time to upgrade your setup. If you start noticing that games are becoming sluggish or certain features don’t seem to be working, then it’s time to upgrade.
It’s also important to keep up with the new releases. If the latest titles are pushing your hardware to the limit, then it’s probably time for an upgrade. Finally, make sure to put aside some money for hardware upgrades every few years so that you can keep your gaming setup future-proofed.
Conclusion
PC gaming setup for couch co-op has come a long way in the past few years. Thanks to the continuously-rising hardware specs and a growing library of diverse titles, more people are now flocking to the couch co-op genre. All you need is a powerful PC, a good networking setup, some quality peripherals, and a quality audio setup, and you’re ready to start your gaming sessions.
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