Gaming is a fun and engaging hobby that’s enjoyed by more than a third of the world’s population. Its popularity has grown exponentially in recent years as more and more people discover the benefits it has to offer, including the opportunity to spend quality time with friends, meet new people, blow off some steam, and challenge yourself.
But as more and more people discover the excitement that gaming has to offer, the competitiveness of many games has ballooned. To try to level up and grab a high score, many players are looking for ways to improve their skills.
If you’re one of them, here are a few tips to help you improve your own XP.
Set Realistic Goals
Firstly, it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t expect to become a pro gamer overnight. Start with smaller, achievable goals and gradually build your skills over time.
Having goals is important though, as it allows you to structure your approach and measure your progress. You should also use this to celebrate your successes, no matter how small.
Learn the Rules of the Game
Knowing the rules of the game is essential to success. It’s not just about having a basic grasp, though; you need to fully understand all the nuances of the game so you can identify opportunities to outsmart your opponents and make strategic decisions.
There are plenty of sources you can use to do this. For example, if you’re interested in playing card games like poker, leading online poker platforms like PokerStars provide in-depth guides that cover key details like hand rankings, betting rounds, and etiquette.
Similarly, publishers of popular video games like Fortnite have dedicated pages for the rules of their competitions and tournaments. If you’re planning to take part in one of these, you definitely need to review them.
Seek Out Online Strategy Guides
Once you understand the rules, the next step is to develop your strategy. In the past, this would require buying a physical strategy guide like the ones published by Brady Games.
However, there’s now an abundance of online resources that cover almost every game imaginable, often with more detail, more visuals like screenshots and annotations, and even video demonstrations.
These guides are an invaluable source of information when trying to learn more advanced strategies.
Watch Talented Gamers Play Online
One of the best ways to learn is to watch others. By watching talented gamers play online through platforms like YouTube and Twitch, you can pick up new strategies, techniques, and even learn from their mistakes.
Pay attention to their decision-making processes, how they approach different situations, and what techniques they use.
Join a Gaming Community
When you watch other players, you’ll likely begin getting exposure to online gaming communities. If you want to explore this further, connecting with other gamers can be a great way to improve your skills and have fun.
Join online forums, Discord servers, or gaming communities to connect with like-minded players. You can learn from their experiences, share tips and tricks, and even find teammates for multiplayer games.
Just remember to ease yourself in. Don’t dive right in with a bunch of trash talk, or if you do, expect to be met with at least the same amount back.
Practice Makes Perfect
As with any skill, practice is key to improvement. The more you play, the better you’ll become. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies and tactics. The more you play, the more comfortable you’ll become with the game’s mechanics and the better equipped you’ll be to make quick decisions under pressure.
Take Breaks and Avoid Burnout
Gaming is fun, but it’s important to take breaks and avoid burnout. Just like any activity, be it work, exercise, or reading, you can have too much of a good thing.
Make sure to balance your gaming time with other activities and get enough rest. Whilst you may wish you could just keep playing, having a rest will actually help to make you feel more relaxed and refreshed, ensuring you’re alert and sharp for the next time you pick up a controller.
Having your mind focus on other things can also let it process the things you’ve learned and may allow you to stumble on a new creative idea for your gaming strategy.
Dad. Broadcaster. Writer.
Three time Guinness World Record Holder.
I run the world for Team Diabetes.