Even if you don’t dream of being an esports champion, gaming is competitive no matter what genre you play. Online games attract millions of players from every corner of the world, each using skill and strategy to try to outdo their opponents. Whether you’re battling it out in a first-person shooter or strategizing in a MOBA, there are most likely things you can do to improve how well you play. Becoming a better gamer isn’t just about putting in more hours in front of a screen, although that can help. What really matters is developing a thoughtful approach to practice, mastering key techniques, and implementing strategies that work. In this article, we look at a few of the methods every gamer can use to unlock their full potential.
Mastering the Fundamentals
There’s no getting around it: if you want to improve as a gamer, you must master the basics. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or picking up a controller for the first time, getting the basics down and refining your understanding of game mechanics and controls is essential if you want to improve. Every game you play is based on a set of rules and specific mechanics, and the better you understand them, the better you’ll do while playing that game.
Let’s take poker as an example. As one of the most famous card games in the world, poker has always had a large following. Not long ago, people had to organize game nights or travel to a casino to play this game. All of that began to change as online casinos began to make inroads into the online gaming space. Today, there are resources available online explaining how to play poker for players who aren’t familiar with the game, and people can practice the game online.
Practice is a must for mastering the fundamentals of poker or any game a person wants to play.
What the fundamentals are will vary from game to game. In a first-person shooter, learning how to aim is a priority; in a MOBA like League of Legends, players must master the cooldown, while strategy games are all about understanding patterns of movement. Spending time reading tutorials or using practice modes can help give players the foundation they need for success. Unfortunately, many players want to dive right into a game and overlook these steps. However, practicing in a controlled environment can help you learn the rules and improve reaction times and muscle memory.
Developing Game Sense and Awareness
What separates a good player from a great one often comes down to game sense. When we talk about game sense, we’re referring to a player’s ability to anticipate in-game events, make strategic decisions, and predict how their opponents will react. Having a high level of game sense is what separates casual gamers from top-tier players in competitive games like strategy titles, FPS, or MOBAs. Depending on the game, game sense may also include map awareness, understanding how different characters or units function, and being able to predict enemy movements.
The best way to develop this skill is by watching game replays and studying the gameplay of experienced players. You can analyze these sessions to identify patterns and mistakes, which will help you understand what makes professional gamers so effective. You should also review your own gameplay and look for areas you can improve, which will help you grow as a player.
Communication and Teamwork
While old-school games were often a solo pursuit, many of today’s most popular titles are team-based, including first-person shooters, MOBAs, and battle royale games, where communicating with teammates can make or break a match. Effective communication in these games is clear and concise, which allows gamers to better coordinate their moves so they can execute strategies when needed and secure victories. When playing a team-based game, you must know your role and understand the role of your teammates as you all work together to achieve a common goal. Poor communication can torpedo the success of even the most talented teams.
