Beginner’s Guide to Your Gaming Setup

The great thing about gaming is that anyone can get into it anywhere in their lives. So whether you’re looking for games to play with your child or are interested in playing games to pass the time, you need a gaming setup. Luckily, your setup can be as simple or robust as you want it to be as long as you have a few basic components. Your gaming setup depends on the type of games you play. For example, if you play video games on a console like Xbox or Playstation, your setup includes the console and television with optional tools like microphones and chairs. However, your gaming setup can get more complicated if you play computer games. While there are a few things you need for each type of gaming, this guide will focus primarily on PC gaming setup to ensure you have everything you need to play computer games.

Why Is Gaming Setup Important? 

Your gaming setup can affect how well you play, even if you’re an amateur. A bad setup can make sitting in front of your computer for hours at a time uncomfortable and may even contribute to health problems like back and neck pain and carpal tunnel. Playing games should be as comfortable as possible to allow you to play as best you can. 

What Equipment Do You Need?

Before you can start designing your gaming setup, you need to know the types of equipment you need. These include:

• High-quality desk
• Ergonomic chair
• Robust PC
• High-quality monitors
• Ergonomic keyboards
• Comfortable gaming mouse and mousepad
• Headset with sound and microphone
• Speakers
• Lighting

How to Build Your Gaming Setup

Once you have all the necessary equipment, you can begin putting together your gaming setup. First, of course, you should give yourself enough space for everything. Most people prefer using an extra bedroom, but you can set up your computer and accessories in the basement or part of another room. Here are steps for putting together your gaming setup:

Set Your Desk

While monitors are relatively light, your desk should still be sturdy enough for all your accessories. Your desk is your foundation for the entire gaming setup, so it should look and feel nice. You don’t want your desk to be too tall or too short. If you already have a gaming chair, you can measure it to find the right desk height that allows you to sit comfortably without straining your neck or back. There are several types of desks to choose from, including:

• Corner desks: Many people prefer gaming desks because they work great with dual monitors and allow you to save on space. Since they’re shaped like an L, you can easily add them to any corner of any room, making them ideal if you have limited space.
• Standing desks: If you’re someone who doesn’t like sitting for long periods, you can invest in a standing desk. However, since most people need to sit to concentrate, you might try a standing desk converter that allows you to use your desk when sitting or standing.

Find Your Chair

The wrong chair can lead to all types of body aches and pains, so the chair may be the most important aspect of your gaming setup if you plan to spend hours in front of the computer. There are several types of chairs you can use when gaming, but the standard office chair won’t cut it for professional gamers. Gaming chairs are designed for comfort and support for many hours, and many people use them in an office setting because they’re ergonomic and can prevent pain. 

Your PC

All serious gamers need a robust PC that’s capable of running their games. You can play most computer games with standard PCs, but it’ll be challenging to play at the professional level because prebuilt PCs designed for gaming are faster and have better reaction times. They’re also more expensive, so if you don’t plan on going pro, you should be just as happy with a standard PC. However, if you plan to spend lots of time playing games, it may be worth it to invest in a gaming PC that can offer high GB RAM for storage and premium core processors. 

Monitors

High-quality monitors are essential to your gaming setup and experience. You can work with one monitor or dual monitors, depending on your preferences. However, what’s more important than the number of monitors you have is their quality. Gaming monitors should be large and have high-quality graphics and refresh rates. High resolution is also important and can help you compare different models of monitors. 

Keyboard

Keyboards are an essential tool you need for gaming, often controlling many aspects of the game and character movements. Unfortunately, not all keyboards are the same. When looking for a keyboard for gaming, you need responsive keys that can help you move quickly. Keyboards that are light can also improve visibility while you play in the dark. 

Mouse and Mousepad

Any mouse and mousepad will work for amateur gamers, but professional gamers like corded mice because they have increased sensitivity, allowing you to move quickly and precisely. Of course, your mouse should also be comfortable in your hand. Ergonomic mice can help you stay comfortable while preventing wrist injury while you play. 

Headsets

If you prefer to play solo, you can skip this component of your gaming setup. However, headsets are always a great idea if you don’t want to disturb others while you play. Headsets are primarily used to communicate when playing with others online and allow you to pay attention to small sounds in the game that can affect your ability to play. If you play with others, you can get a headset with a built-in microphone that allows you to talk to your teammates as you play. 

Speakers

Unless you plan on playing video games with headphones, you need a high-quality speaker that can pick up even the smallest sounds in the game. Of course, many gamers prefer surround sound that gives them a fully immersive experience, but it’s not necessary if you’re shopping on a budget. 

Lighting

Lighting is another important but often overlooked component of a proper gaming setup. Poor lighting can cause eye strain, making it more difficult to play your games. Many gamers prefer LED lights around their setup, but you can use any type of lighting to support your eye health and prevent strain. Of course, when planning your lighting, you’ll need to place lamps strategically so they don’t cause glare on the screen. In addition to lighting, consider decorating your space with some of your favorite gaming shots turned into canvas prints to highlight some of your best moments of play. 

Your Gaming Setup

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on equipment if you’re an amateur gamer. Instead, look for ways to save on your gaming setup, including using standard PCs. Your gaming setup should provide you with comfort and the ability to play games without experiencing discomfort; it doesn’t matter what it looks like, so choose items based on your budget instead of how they look. 

Megan Isola

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.