If you haven’t had the chance to get into gaming before but want to begin now, working through what you do and don’t need can be challenging and overwhelming. If you don’t know where to start, here are seven of the most important things you need to start gaming right now.

Gaming device

The first thing you need to decide on is which gaming “device” you will use. Each of them has pros and cons, and it will almost always come down to what you are willing to spend compared to the experience you get out of it. A professional gamer may say PC is king, while others will say console or something else: the point being that it is up to you.

PC

A PC is typically far more expensive to build or buy, but it will arguably give you the best performance and experience. You can play almost every game; you can upgrade whenever you feel like it, giving you better longevity. As mentioned, gaming PC builds can be very pricey, especially if you need a top-of-the-range graphics card, whether that’s for professional gaming, graphic design or high-quality video rendering.

Console

A PS5 or Xbox will be cheaper than a PC, but you must realize they won’t have the same versatility or longevity as a PC. While a PS5 can give you an incredible gaming experience, a mid to high-range gaming PC will be better most of the time. However, if you just want a system to game on that has a wide variety of titles, a console will tick every box you have.

Handheld

Nowadays, there are only two names in the handheld space worth considering; the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck. The Nintendo Switch is the best way to play Nintendo-exclusive games, while the Steam Deck can let you play any game in the Steam library. The Switch is cheaper, but you have a smaller selection of games to choose from. On the other hand, the Steam Deck is more powerful with a bigger game library but is also substantially more expensive.

Smartphone/tablet

Finally, if you want a simpler gaming experience, you can use your smartphone or tablet. Not only are games so much more advanced nowadays, but you most likely already own a phone or tablet you can play on.

Internet

The first thing you will need is a strong and reliable internet connection. Most of the best games around today are played online, and a good internet connection will reduce lag and have you playing for longer. Online games will also help you meet new people and become part of the community of your game; this social aspect is something many gamers enjoy quite a lot.

Gaming chair

Considering gaming is something you spend a few hours at a time doing, a proper gaming chair will help protect your back, shoulders, and neck. A gaming chair is especially recommended if you play on a console or PC.

Headset

A gaming headset is only essential if you are playing a particular type of game or if you want to talk with friends. For instance, a game like Warzone or Escape from Tarkov has many auditory cues that help players figure out where enemies are.

Webcam & microphone

If you want to take your gaming to the next level and stream what you play, you will need a few additional pieces of gear. The first is a webcam; while not entirely necessary, there is no other way to show your face or hands while gaming. The next is a microphone, as you will want your audience and teammates to be able to hear you clearly. An additional monitor will also help you keep track of your stream, feed, and if your mic and camera are still working properly.

What type of games do you want to play?

Finally, you should decide on the type of game and experience you would like. While the best course of action would be to play as many as possible and find your favorite games, many are quite expensive, and that isn’t financially viable for most people. However, it is fairly easy to find the best games to play simply by looking at the popularity charts. If you want a first-person shooter/multiplayer game, Call of Duty, Warzone, and Apex Legends are for you. If you want a team-based strategy shooter, you should opt for titles such as Rainbow 6: Siege or Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Non-shooter strategy games would include the giants that are League of Legends and DOTA 2. Several sports-based games include NFL Madden, FIFA, NHL, NBA, Golf, and F1. City builders are also very popular nowadays, with the classic Age of Empires and Cities: Skylines being two of th