Did you know that over 2.5 billion people play video games on a regular basis? That’s a lot of gamers, and for good reason, and there isn’t anything quite like getting lost in your favorite game for a few hours.
With that in mind, there are a few gaming essentials that you need to have in order to take your experience to the next level. This is especially true if you love gaming and want to have a setup that is on par with professional gamers.
Not sure what you need to get to make your setup complete? Want to start over and rebuild your setup from the ground up? You’re in the right place!
In this article, we’ll tell you all about 10 things that you need to pick up in order to have an awesome gaming setup. We’ll also explain how to divide up your budget, and where you can afford to go the affordable route, so you can stretch your money further.
1. Desk
When it comes to gaming setup essentials, few items are more important than a desk. After all, you need something to set everything on so you can play comfortably. And since you’re going to be using your desk a lot, you can’t afford to go the budget route and get something that leads to back pain after a few hours of use.
We get it. You want to spend as much of your budget as you can on things like your PC and monitor. But those pieces can all be upgraded over time, which is why we recommend that you invest heavily in your gaming desk first and foremost.
2. Gaming Chair
Once you have a desk picked out, it’s time to pair it with a comfortable gaming chair. Sure, you could just use any old office chair, but those aren’t designed for long gaming sessions, so you’ll get uncomfortable rather fast.
A gaming chair will help support your back and keep your arms free so you can play your favorite games without any issues. They also look awesome, and come in a variety of colors, allowing you to pick a chair that fits your style and setup.
A pro tip? No matter how good your chair is, try to get up and stir around every hour or so. This will improve your blood flow, and keep you feeling your best while you play, which is important.
3. Gaming PC
Now it’s time to talk about the heart of your gaming setup: your gaming PC. Depending on what type of games you want to play, a specific type of PC may work better for you than others.
That’s why we recommend that you ask people in your favorite game’s community what they’re playing on, so you can know what PCs are right for you. After all, who would know more about what PCs play your favorite games the best than people who also play your favorite games?
Remember, you can upgrade your PC slowly overtime to improve performance. You don’t have to break the bank to get into the game, you can start with a budget-friendly PC and then work your way up as more funds become available.
4. Keyboard and Mouse
Regardless of the types of games you play, odds are you’re going to be using a keyboard and mouse to do so. Because of this, a keyboard and mouse is one of the more essential pieces of gaming equipment that you can buy.
This is especially true if you’re playing games online competitively, where a slow keyboard or mouse could slow you down. If those are indeed the type of game that you like to play, don’t go the budget route when picking up your keyboard or mouse for your setup.
Again, it never hurts to ask around and see what types of equipment other people are using to play certain games. And you can find deals on all gaming equipment at https://www.lenovo.com;, allowing you to stretch your budget even further.
5. Gaming Monitor
If there’s one piece of equipment that you can afford to go the budget route on, especially at first, it’s your monitor. Because while it’s nice to have a multiple monitor setup, it’s not a must-have in order to start playing games on your PC.
The good news? HD gaming monitors are quite affordable now, so you can still game in 1080p without hurting your wallet too much.
When the time comes, upgrading to a 4k monitor has gotten cheaper over the years, too. That means that in a few years, you’ll be able to pick one up at an affordable price.
6. Gaming Headphones
Want to create an immersive PC gaming experience? Looking to feel like you’re actually inside of your favorite games? If the answer is yes, then you need to make sure that you invest in a proper pair of gaming headphones.
Like the other gear on this list, going for headphones that weren’t made for gaming isn’t a good idea. Gaming headphones help combat outside noise, gives you a quality sound, and can be worn for hours at a time without issue.
Other headphones not made with gaming sound in mind can hurt after an hour or two of wearing them, especially over-the-ear headphones. But gaming headphones are made for long periods of use, which means you can game while wearing them without getting a headache.
7. Steam
Once you have the core pieces of your setup squared away, the only thing missing is your games. Now, while some games need to be played on their own separate applications, many games can be found on Steam, which makes it worth downloading.
The best part? Not only is Steam free to download, but you can find tons of awesome free-to-play games on the app, too. It’s also easy to find great games for sale on Steam, making it a must-have for any PC gamer.
8. Controller
We touched on this earlier, but for the most part, PC gamers prefer to use a mouse and a keyboard. This allows them to play games at a bit faster pace, which means that if you go with a traditional controller, you’re going to be behind most other gamers.
However, for single-player experiences, a traditional gaming controller can improve the overall experience. This is especially true if you don’t have a ton of experience with a mouse and keyboard, and thus, aren’t comfortable using them to play games.
If you own a USB controller for an Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo console, you should be able to get it to work on your PC after a bit of research. In fact, most USB controllers are plug-and-play, meaning they’ll work as soon as you plug them into your PC.
9. Webcam and Mic
Did you know that the average full-time streamer makes $3,000-$5,000 per month? If you’re someone who is interested in streaming, there are a few pieces of equipment that you need to pick up to get started.
Of course, if you want viewers to see you, you need to pick up a webcam. Getting an HD webcam is affordable, so you can produce a high-quality stream on a budget.
Once you have a webcam, you need to pick up a microphone so you can talk to your viewers. A gaming headset with a microphone is recommended, that way you can listen to and produce sound with one single device.
10. Snacks and Drinks
This one might sound a bit crazy but hear us out…
In order to have the best gaming experience possible, you need to make sure you’ve got plenty of drinks and snacks nearby. After all, you’re going to get thirsty and hungry while playing games, and having stuff there for you means you can keep the fun going.
So, if you’ve got some room left in your budget, consider investing in a mini-fridge for your game room. That way you can keep drinks, and even cold snacks, right beside your gaming PC.
Also, try to go the healthy route with at least some of your drinks and snacks. That way you can make sure you have enough energy to play without feeling weak or tired.
Still, Need Help Purchasing Gaming Essentials?
Remember, when it comes to gaming essentials, few items are more important than your desk and chair. Being comfortable is the key to having a positive gaming experience, which is why you need to invest heavily in your desk and your chair.
Also, buy gear specifically made for gaming essentials. That way you can make sure you have the best stuff possible for the job.
Looking for more gamer tips? Check back with our blog often, as we’re always talking about the latest news and information on all things which used as gaming essentials.