9 Tips for Anyone Just Getting into Gaming

So, you’ve finally decided to join everyone else in the 21st Century and pick up a gaming pad. You want to ensure that you have a great time playing the best games, whether it’s epic fantasy quests, chaotic battle royals or casual puzzle games that you’re looking to get into. It’s going to be great fun, right? But before you start blowing $600 on that amazing mouse that will surely give you the competitive edge, there are a few tips you should know, which will make your entry into the gaming world a fun and sensible one…

1. Start With Games You Actually Like (Not What’s Trending on Twitch)

Everyone’s playing the latest open-world shooter, but that doesn’t mean you need to. If you like cozy games about befriending frogs and planting pumpkins, lean into it. There’s no “right” type of game to enjoy. Ignore the noise, and play what feels fun to you. Nobody hands out awards for suffering through something you secretly hate just because it’s popular.

Remember, you’re supposed to enjoy gaming, not turn it into a second job with performance reviews.

2. Don’t Buy Everything on Day One

This is a marathon, not a credit-card-crushing sprint. It’s tempting to go on a wild shopping spree and grab every new title and gadget. But try before you buy where possible. Use demos, free-to-play games, or check out gameplay videos first.

And if someone tells you that you absolutely must buy a high-end chair that cradles your spine like a cloud, ask them if their chiropractor is sponsoring their opinion.

3. Learn the Lingo (Or at Least Pretend You Know It)

Gamers love their jargon. You’ll hear things like “nerf,” “grind,” “fps,” “noob,” and “GG” thrown around like confetti. It can feel like stumbling into a secret club where everyone’s speaking in acronyms and yelling at each other.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• FPS = First Person Shooter or Frames Per Second (yes, it’s both. Have fun.)
• GG = Good Game
• Nerf = When a character or weapon gets weaker in an update
• Noob = New player, often yelled at by 12-year-olds with faster reflexes than Navy SEALs

You don’t need to memorize it all, but a little lingo can help you blend in like a stealthy ninja. Or at least not embarrass yourself in the first lobby.

4. Your Gear Doesn’t Need to Glow Like a Christmas Tree

Contrary to influencer lore, gaming doesn’t require a desk full of gear that lights up like a Vegas casino. Fancy setups are nice, but they’re not essential. If your current laptop can run Solitaire and you’re enjoying it, you’re technically gaming.

That said, if you do want to level up, start slow. A decent mouse and headset can make a difference, but don’t feel pressured to drop five grand on a gaming PC unless you know exactly what you want. Your computer doesn’t need to hum like a jet engine to deliver a good time.

5. Play Solo, Co-Op, or Against the World—Just Know What You’re Getting Into

Some people love teaming up with friends. Others thrive in the chaos of online competition. And some folks just want to chill alone in their fantasy world with zero human contact. All of these are valid.

That said, if you do go online, brace yourself. The internet can be, well, the internet. Muting people is not rude. It is self-care. And don’t worry if you’re not the MVP. Someone has to finish last, and today, it’s you. Own it.

Fantasy RPG AI Generators with ChatGPT+

Make life as a Game Master easier.... If you play Dungeon & Dragons, Pathfinder, or other fantasy tabletop role-playing games, check out my DND character backstory generator and other fine AI RPG tools at LitRPG Adventures Workshop today.

6. There’s No Shame in Easy Mode

Repeat after me: difficulty settings exist for a reason. You’re not less of a gamer if you choose the “relax and vibe” option instead of “punish me with pain.” If a game lets you scale the challenge, adjust it to suit your mood, not your pride.

And anyone who says “real gamers play on hard mode” can come over and do your laundry. Real gamers play whatever makes them happy.

7. Join a Community (Preferably One That Isn’t Toxic)

The best part of gaming is connecting with others. The worst part is… also connecting with others. Find your people. Reddit threads, Discord groups, Twitch chats—somewhere out there is a little corner of the internet full of weirdos just like you.

Just be picky. If a group starts feeling like a high school cafeteria with extra rage, walk away. Good gaming communities feel welcoming, not like you need a flame-proof suit just to say hi.

8. Watch, Read, and Lurk Before You Rage Quit

Getting stuck is part of the journey. When a boss keeps destroying you, don’t yeet your controller across the room. Instead, check out a walkthrough, watch someone else beat it, or just take a break. Half the internet is made up of people explaining how to defeat that one awful boss with two swords and anger issues.

There’s no medal for suffering in silence. Use the resources, and keep your furniture intact.

9. Expect to Suck at First (And That’s Fine)

This might be the most important one. You’re going to be terrible at some games. Possibly most of them. You’ll lose, miss obvious clues, fall off cliffs, get roasted by strangers, and accidentally throw a grenade at your own team.

And you know what? That’s part of the fun.

You only get to be new once, so enjoy it. Laugh at your mistakes. Take screenshots of ridiculous glitches. Celebrate your first win like you just took gold at the Olympics. Everyone starts somewhere, and nobody forgets their first chaotic, glorious disaster.

It’s Your Game. Play It Your Way.

At the end of the day, gaming should be a fun part of your life, so if you want to make the most of it. Please do ignore the gatekeeping the gear snobs, and all of the people online who waste too much time arguing about optimum frame rates (unless you care about any of that stuff, of course) and do things your way. Gaming is what you make it!