How to Play Video Games

Choosing a video game or learning how to navigate a game might feel overwhelming for beginners. Luckily, there are numerous options available, making it almost certain you'll find a game that suits you. With a few tips and guidance, you can start exploring the virtual world right away.

Select a platform. Playing video games no longer requires a specialized gaming console or the latest gaming PC. More and more high-quality games are available for laptops, desktops, smartphones, or tablets. Try these games before spending a fortune upgrading your console or PC. When you're ready to dive into new worlds, remember:

• For the most game options, use a desktop with the latest OS and install a high-quality graphics card.
• If you're after an affordable, easy-to-setup game, buy a console. Go for the latest console generation (PS4, Switch, or Xbox One) to play both new and older games (PS3, Wii, Xbox 360, or even more recent models) with many affordable, pre-owned options.
• Choose a portable console for games that aren't available on your phone.

Check the game ratings. Game rating systems differ from country to country, but you'll always find instructions on the packaging or online. Games rated M for mature or 17+ often contain extreme violence or disturbing content.

Read the system requirements. If you're using a console, you can play any game designed for that system. Gamers need to check their system configuration and compare it with the requirements listed on the game’s packaging or website. Typically, there are two categories of requirements:

• The "minimum" list shows the basic specs. If you don’t meet these, don’t buy the game. If you barely meet these, the game may run slow and look worse than the promotional videos and images.
• The "recommended" list gives the ideal specs, allowing the game to run with faster load times, no lag, better visuals, and smoother performance.

Watch review videos. Video games are a major business, and the gameplay often doesn’t match the marketing hype. Be sure to watch at least one review before buying an expensive game, preferably a video so you can see the gameplay for yourself.

Discover new games and old classics. If you have gamer friends, you’ll probably hear about new games, even if you’re not interested. Other sources include gaming blogs and magazines where you can quickly search online or browse the large collection of computer games available on free game platforms like Steam.

Play the next game in the series. Don’t feel pressured to start with the first game in a series. Sequels often feature improved gameplay and graphics, and they usually don’t continue the previous story.

Be cautious with competitive games. If you're not an experienced gamer, some game genres might not be your cup of tea. First-person shooters, fighting games, "battle arenas" like League of Legends, and to a lesser extent, sports games, tend to be highly competitive. Beginners often struggle with these games.

• If you want to dive into one of these genres, try single-player modes that allow you to learn at your own pace, like Halo.
• Some specific games from various genres fall under this category. The Starcraft and Dark Souls series are not recommended for novice players.

Try before you buy. If you're unsure about a game, search for a free demo. If no demo is available, consider renting the game from Gamefly or a reputable store.

Play free demo games. If you've never played a video game before, you might want to try a few free games to see what you enjoy. You can quickly search online or in app stores for "free games," which will yield thousands of results. Here are some suggestions you may find when searching online:

• Puzzle games are easy to find in app stores or on online game recommendation websites. If you're into classics like Tetris and Minesweeper, try Loops of Zen, 3D Logic, Lightbot, and many more.
• Most free action games on mobile devices or online are not ideal demos for games aimed at more serious "gamer" audiences. If you have a quality PC, Path of Exile is a more expansive demo.
• If you prefer strategy, try Hearthstone (a card-collecting game), Plants vs Zombies (a tower defense game), or Battle for Wesnoth (a turn-based strategy game). All three are available on both PC and mobile platforms, and most versions are free.

Explore more puzzle games. Popular puzzle games for your "coffee break" include Candy Crush and 2048. For a 3D twist, add a quirky story and solve puzzles while collecting fragments at Main Gate and Gate 2. If you enjoy challenging logic and problem-solving, give Braid a try.

Search for action games. This is a vast and popular genre. If you enjoy combat and platforming (jumping and climbing around), look no further. The atmosphere and setting of these games range from horror (The Last of Us) to family-friendly (Legend of Zelda) and historical (Assassin’s Creed). If you want to test your reflexes without caring much for the story or role-playing experience, try a competitive first-person shooter (like Call of Duty) or a family-friendly platformer (like Super Mario Galaxy).

• If you prefer messing around with friends rather than following a story, try Super Smash Brothers (family-friendly) or Grand Theft Auto (the opposite of family-friendly).

Play story-driven games. Do you enjoy complex, imaginative settings? Play Dragon Age or Skyrim for a medieval fantasy experience, or one of the more recent Final Fantasy games. Bioshock 2 or Bioshock: Infinite offer twisted, dystopian experiences.

Pick up some strategy games. Build an empire with turn-based strategy in Civilization V or Civilization: Beyond Earth. Test your reflexes with fast-paced "real-time strategy" games like the challenging multiplayer Starcraft II. Try any Total War game to test your single-player tactical skills or role-play as famous historical figures.

Try exploration and creative games. If graphics don't matter much to you, few games are more engaging than Minecraft, which leads you through a world-building storyline. Maybe you'd prefer managing a home and family in The Sims 2, or perhaps you'd enjoy a more detailed world and atmosphere in Sunless Sea.

Play a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). World of Warcraft popularized this genre, where you play online with thousands of other players. WoW is still active alongside Star Wars: The Old Republic, Lord of the Rings Online, and many others. Most of these offer free-to-play options, but make sure to check the payment mechanics for the full version before you dive in. These games are highly addictive, and once you're hooked, you'll find yourself spending quite a bit on monthly subscriptions or in-game purchases.

Study the gameplay. Most games include tutorials that guide you through the gameplay step by step. If you prefer to learn on your own, check out the user manual or look for the "documentation" section in the main menu or website.

Dim the lights (optional). This is especially recommended for adventure and horror games. In addition to enhancing the experience, it will reduce the glare that can hinder your ability to see the screen.

Lower the difficulty if needed. Games aren't meant to cause frustration or push you to your limits. If you're playing a video game to relax, choose the Easy mode. Harder levels are often associated with challenges for players who have been gaming for years.

• If the game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, the single-player experience is usually easier.

Adjust the controls if necessary. You can skip this step until you encounter difficulty, but if you keep hitting the wrong buttons or need to stretch your fingers to control, check the options menu. There's almost always an option to remap controls to keys that are most comfortable for you.

• The touchpad on laptops can make playing certain games extremely challenging. A separate mouse for control is a significant improvement.
• If you prefer the feel of a handheld controller, be prepared to plug it into your computer with the appropriate adapter. However, not all games support this feature.

Save frequently. Most games feature an autosave function that helps you save your progress regularly. If the option to save manually is available, use it often. There's nothing worse than losing hours of progress due to a system crash or a power outage.

• If you choose to save in multiple slots, create three or four rotating save files. This lets you load an older save to explore a different storyline or recover your game even if a recent save gets corrupted.

Explore and experience. One of the most exciting features of video games, compared to other art forms, is the ability to insert hidden content that you need to actively seek and discover. Here are a few tips to maximize your gaming experience:

• In games where a character runs and jumps through levels with floating platforms or fixed ground levels, such as RPGs or even racing games, try moving through or attacking walls that seem out of place in the environment.
• In strategy and action/adventure games, experiment with new tactics even if they don't seem ideal. Later stages of the game (or tougher competitive levels) often require recognizing when unconventional weapons or strategies can shine.
• In games where you can interact with "NPCs" (non-player characters), use every dialogue option and pay close attention to hints.

Ask for help when you're stuck. Unless your sole goal is bragging rights, why spend hours failing in the same fight or getting stuck in the same puzzle? Search for the game title and the word 'guide' online to find tips or strategic answers for every part of the game. If you prefer to solve it yourself, ask friends or gaming forums for hints and advice. Hints and advice can make the game easier!

• If you can't follow a guide's advice (like talking to a dead character), or if you're following a guide but nothing happens, it might be a bug. Search online for your situation; you might find other players who can help you fix it.

• Carefully read the game description to ensure it's the one you want. Many games have variations for different systems (for example, five different types of Nintendo DS) or more expensive limited editions with extra rewards.
• Older games often come with confusing guides or frustrating gameplay. It's best to start with games from the mid-2000s onwards.
• Handheld controllers tend to break easily. Consider applying a screen protector and using a protective case.
• Check the source! You might be able to download an ad-supported version or a "free" game app.
• Sometimes systems offer backward compatibility. If you're looking to continue playing older generation games but also want to keep up with trends, check if your system has backward compatibility or offers game collections that bring past games back to life.

• Video games can have a psychological impact on those with epilepsy. If you have a history of seizures, it's important to consult your doctor before playing.
• Video games are meant for fun and entertainment. If you become frustrated or angry while playing, take a break and rest. Even when you're enjoying the game, be sure to pause periodically to prevent muscle strain or eye fatigue.