10 recommendations for online gamers fresh to the medium

Have fun.

Although this advice might seem simple at first, you might be shocked at how frequently players appear to ignore it. Playing games helps people, and all mammals, stimulate and exercise their brains, which are their most vital organs. Games aim to experiment and have new experiences without dealing with the adverse effects of failure and defeat in the real world. Games are intended to reduce stress, not increase it, as life is already difficult. Therefore, unwind, breathe deeply, and enjoy yourself.

Perform your task.

While first-person shooters (FPS) like Fortnite and Call of Duty and massively multiplayer online role-playing games similar to World of Warcraft and Elder Scrolls Online are most frequently associated with the word “online gaming,” they are not the only genres of games accessible.

Some of the most well-liked games that don’t make headlines are based on classic board games, well-known card games, or brainteasers. If you and your pals play poker once a month, keep doing it—play online. Don’t believe the hype; you don’t need to play the “famous” game that everyone else is purportedly playing.

Make yourself ready

There is no bigger novice sin than launching a game without knowing what it’s about, regardless of the game you choose to play. Before entering the game world, it’s vital to see the game, especially with FPS and MMORPG titles.

There are sizable, active online communities for most online games that are a terrific resource for learning the basic plot, the fundamental gameplay, and the technological pitfalls to avoid. To understand how everything works before starting a game, look at the related websites, read the forums on the official website, and watch an hour or 2 of streaming play on Twitch or YouTube.

Invite friends over and make new ones

Bringing pals along is one of the most entertaining ways to play an online game. Memories that can last a lifetime are made when learning a new game with real-life pals. One of the finest methods to meet new friends in the game is through this; the more fun you and your buddies have, the more people you will draw to you.

Take it easy and learn the ropes.

Naturally, it depends on the game, but generally speaking, any online game involves different levels of player ability. Hardcore gamers may want stronger competition in the advanced ranks, while less experienced gamers should stick to the instructional and beginning classes. When entering the scene, stick to levels that fit your ability level before moving on to the advanced competition. You’ll benefit more from experience and enjoy it a lot more.

Use the controls offered

Unfortunately, there is a small but visible group of jerks in the online world, just like in the real world. You know the type—those who can only appear to be joyful by sucking some of your joy away. It would help if you avoided toxic individuals like these whenever and wherever you come across them.

Most online games provide tools for identifying, reporting and blocking harmful behavior. You owe it to the gaming community to identify and report these jerks; therefore, treat it as such.

Create a kid-friendly web presence

Prior to allowing younger people into the game world, you should take steps to make the online experience kid-friendly, in addition to recognizing and reporting toxic jerks there. Regardless of the age or temperament of another gamer, toxic people don’t appear to have filters.

For instance, when other players are considered, MMORPGs are frequently a secure gaming environment for preteens with a certain level of maturity. The majority of games feature tools to disable open and general chat channels, isolating younger players from the game’s wider player community. Children (and anyone else) can limit interaction to recognized friends and acquaintances with a few adjustments. Utilize these resources when necessary.

Limit your spending and gaming.

Many online games have a feature known as “pay-to-win,” which can cause problems for novice players. This is how it goes:

According to its advertising, a download is the only requirement for a “free-to-play” online game. After you begin playing, you learn that you need stronger armor, weapons, and possibly a mount to advance through the game at a fair rate. You can either spend a few honest bucks to ensure you get those products and that they arrive immediately, or you can grind for hours to obtain them.

The issue is that your initial investment in more fabulous treasure will only get you so far. You’ll shortly discover that better loot is only a few dollars away, and so on. Some players find after they’ve dropped hundreds of dollars on a game that was supposed to be free to play. Avoid falling into this possible trap.

Online games are created to appeal to your neurological drive to accomplish a task and receive a reward. Dopamine is physically released as a result of a character leveling up, acquiring new skills and equipment, and growing in strength. It feels fantastic to level, to put it simply.

Most people find this to be a pleasant experience with no adverse effects. But for other people, playing video games can develop into an addiction with actual, ongoing symptoms that call for medical attention. Although many of us spend a lot of time at home, gaming—and everything else, for that matter—should be done in moderation.

Refrain from oversharing and use common sense security.

When playing online, gamers frequently need to remember basic precautions. Perhaps you are only playing a game and simultaneously checking in to a server alongside thousands or millions of other users. Undoubtedly, some of them are out to get you. Poor security procedures could expose more than just the flashy new sword you looted the previous evening. And not just to steal your in-game items.

When creating an online account, take the following security precautions:

Create secure passwords (not the same password as any other account)
Never divulge your password.
Keep an eye out for your children sharing passwords with others.
Never reveal private information to strangers while playing a game.
Never disclose personal information online, such as your mother’s maiden name.
Only click links in emails that seem to be from the publisher of your game.
Use caution when selecting an email address for your account.
Don’t click any links from in-game strangers.
Never will the game’s publisher request your password.

Exercise class under pressure

This relates to the already described “jerk” issue. Be one of the kind guys instead.

Avoid becoming the toxic person that steals happiness from others. Be considerate. Be gracious in both defeat and success. Be prepared for loss, failure, and embarrassment because you will experience them.

Fun is the primary goal of playing games, not winning money. You want to avoid becoming one of the jerks if you lose perspective and start attaching real-world repercussions to the loss of virtual or hypothetical possessions.

Another thing to remember is that your actions in an online game leave a lasting impression on the other players. Your avatar is the persona you make. Every time you log in, it has an identity, and you build a reputation. A negative reputation makes you play by the game’s rules and has real-world repercussions.