Gearing up for First-Person Shooter Games

Aside from tactical skills, quick reflexes, and good hand-eye coordination, there are a few other factors that an aspiring FPS player should consider if they want to improve – or even compete in leagues – such as hardware, strategy, training, and insights from fellow gamers. 

Good gaming hardware

How smoothly a game runs depends on the components that make up one´s personal computer (PC) or laptop build. 

Mapúa Gaming Society (MGS) Spades’ member Ammiel “Kumeleo” Gimpayan elaborated that “generally, having a lot of frames per second (fps) help in playing video games especially FPS games.” He mentioned that in order to have a smooth gaming experience, at least an average of 120 fps is recommended for users playing matchmaking. “You will need something like GTX 1650, Ryzen 3 or 5 3rd gen or Intel i3 or i5 10th gen, and proper mouse and keyboard,” Gimpayan expanded.

Mechanical keyboards are often recommended as they are more durable and easier to clean compared to other types. Meanwhile, a gaming mouse is a must, since it is built with more buttons for controls and adjustable mouse sensitivity – high dots per linear inch (DPI) for minimal physical movement and increased sensitivity or low DPI for better precision and accuracy in aiming.

“You want to gradually upgrade your hardware like a 144hz monitor, a system that can produce higher than 150 fps, [and] good peripherals. A GTX 1660 or higher will achieve this, assuming you have a decent processor to support this.”  Gimpayan advised for those aiming to have an even greater edge.

Strategizing 

In playing solo, utilizing communications and focusing on objectives are a good start. “It might be your first time playing them and [that] you [still] don't know their playstyle [and vice versa] so you or they have to adjust,” MGS Spades’ member John Raeniel "ziRenyr" Aberia discussed.

For multiplayer mode, being cooperative and maintaining good communication with teammates form the sturdy foundation for executing strategies. “Getting to know how your team plays and knowing their strengths and weaknesses by playing together goes a long way,” MGS member Kodi Ilagan said.  

Furthermore, in enhancing tactical skills and having a consistent playstyle, Spades member Nicouli Vincent "Ghost" Cagampan considers that it is a matter of learning and improving from mistakes. “Just copy how pro players play and through that, you could create your own playstyle,” he added.

Training tools

Most beginners with unaccustomed reflexes and untrained accuracy will encounter frustrations from continuous losing streaks – be it due to not racking up enough kills or being prey for the more seasoned players.

Practice makes perfect, as the common saying goes. Even pro players started off as beginners, but they invested time in practicing and gaining experience to reach their current peak. “If you enjoy the game and keep playing, you will keep getting better and better,” Ilagan said.  

Many FPS games provide a training mode for beginners. Valorant allows players to practice their characters’ skills, the game’s basic commands, and hotkeys in “The Range.” Apex Legends and Overwatch have training rooms for players to practice the use of different armouries or characters.

There are also software for FPS games that allow players to train their aim outside matches such as Kovaak 2.0 and Aim Lab. As for in-game tweaks, the crosshair can be configured according to preference.  

Lastly, player preference also plays a role in finding the right FPS game, as some may be particular about the mechanics and gameplay. Nicouli Vincent “Ghost” Cagampan recommends Valorant because it is beginner-friendly. Other pros also suggest Valorant and Overwatch for the gameplay, CS: GO for old-school and realistic graphics, and Apex Legends for a more chaotic battle royale experience. However, with comfortable gaming hardware, strategies, and constant practice, anyone can gear up and work to be the best shooter they can be.