Whether you’ve always taken an interest in online gaming or you’ve never thought about doing it before, there are plenty of benefits to online gaming worth knowing about.
Not only that, but there are a lot of games online nowadays, much more than ever before, and as such, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to try out first.
With that being said, if you’re looking to game online for the first time, here are some useful ways to get to grips with it in 2025.
Do your research on trustworthy sites
Think about the research you’ll want to do as you dive into the world of gaming. As mentioned, that world is big and exciting, which means you’ve got a lot of exploring to do, and it can be hard to know where to start.
With that being said, take a look online. That’s the best place to find recommendations on where to game and which sites are going to be trustworthy. While most are legitimate, there are some, particularly when it comes to paying money to game or gamble, where the site might not be the safe site that it appears to present.
Take a quick look at some gaming forums to understand what the best sites are to try out new games and specific genres of games. For example, a site like this one to play solitaire is great for traditional card games.
It’s worth making a list of what options you have available when it comes to gaming online. That way, you can figure out the best place to start in exploring the gaming world.
Watch YouTubers and gamers on Twitch
If you need some guidance and advice on what games to play or you’re looking to find out what the average gamer is playing, head over to platforms like YouTube or Twitch.
YouTube has long been a platform for exploring games online and watching other gamers play games that you may be interested in or have heard about.
Twitch has recently come about in recent years due to the demand and popularity of online gamers and people watching those individuals play games. Therefore, it’s worth looking at Twitch and subscribing to a few regular gamers on this platform.
With YouTube, it’s a knowledge base that’s pretty much like a video version of Google’s search engine. You’ll find nothing short of everything to do with gaming, so it’s definitely a platform that you should explore as a new gamer.
Check that you’ve got a fast connection to the internet
One of the most important things to think about when it comes to gaming online for the first time is making sure you’re set up to do it successfully. That means checking you’ve got a fast connection to the internet, and for some people, they may have the very basics when it comes to internet speed.
Granted, you’ve got a lot more in the way of faster internet nowadays, but depending on the area you’re in, you can get some super fast connections that will enhance your gameplay and reduce the chances of the games you’re playing, delaying or even freezing.
It’s a good idea to check your speed now and consider what speeds are available to you and what you’re prepared to spend when it comes to broadband speeds. Some are going to be a lot more expensive than what you pay now, so it’s always good to be mindful of this and how much you want it to influence your gaming.
Choose a genre
A genre is something you want to think about when it comes to gaming – of which there are many. For example, here are just a few options to choose from when it comes to picking a genre of game.
- Action-adventure game
- Simulation video games
- Puzzles
- First-person shooter
- Sandbox
- Survival horror
- Educational games
- Racing
- Multiplayer battle arena
You really do have a wide selection of game genres to choose from, and it’s therefore good to scope out which ones will be your preference and which ones you might not think are the best for you.
However, like with anything in life, it’s always good to try out the game genres that you wouldn’t have thought to test out. You may end up absolutely loving it and it therefore becomes your new favorite game genre! You never know; it might be that card games are your thing and a game of solitaire brings you much joy compared to first-person shooter games, for example.
Start with one game at a time
It’s always good not to overwhelm yourself when it comes to gaming online. If you’re trying out numerous games for the first time, then you’re spreading your attention too thin and not really spending enough time and enjoyment on one game.
With that being said, start with one game at a time. Pick a genre, pick a game and spend a good amount of time on just that one game to begin with. It’ll help to keep you focused, and that way, you can slowly branch out to new games and genres that you haven’t tried as you progress.
Gaming is definitely something to take your time with. With so many games to choose from, you have a lot of choices, so it can be easy to try everything and anything.
Try out free-to-play and purchase options
When you’re exploring the different game types, you might want to consider both free-to-play and purchase options. Free-to-play games are great if you’re looking for entertainment without it costing you a single dime.
However, if you’re looking to spend some money whether it be to gamble or to download a game with more to it, then there are plenty of purchase options out there.
Free-to-play games are easy to find. Some will offer the entirety of the game for free, while others might take an in-purchase cost to make use of the game in it’s fullest.
For purchased games they tend to have a lot more to it, so it’s definitely worth exploring the options available.
Don’t skip the tutorials
Tutorials are there for a reason, so it’s important to take advantage of them in order to get the most out of your gaming experience.
When you skip the tutorial, it’s like skipping the instructions when putting together a piece of furniture. How do you know which bit goes where? The same goes for gaming in that you’re not going to know the controls or perhaps the surprise elements of the game without going through the tutorial first.
A good understanding of the game is going to make it a more fun and enjoyable experience. Rather than you trying it without, always opt to do the tutorial first before you get into the game. That way, you’re going to get more out of it for the first time than you would if you just went into it without knowing how the game works.
Be mindful of your online safety
Being mindful of your online safety is always important. While there are some great sites out there and platforms that are simply in existence for you to enjoy gaming, there are those out there who are looking to exploit your vulnerabilities.
With that in mind, know what you need to know when it comes to your online safety. What are some of the basics when it comes to protecting yourself online? Here are a few tips worth knowing
Check for signs of a legitimate website
There are clear signs of a legitimate website that you should always look out for when exploring the site for the first time. The green lock should be on the left-hand side of the URL bar. That’s an indicator that the website is safe for exchanging information.
Look for professionalism in the design and be mindful of any random links or misspelt words or grammar that may make the site’s appearance look rushed.
Read the reviews
Reviews will always be a good way of knowing whether or not you can trust a site. Other players on the site won’t really lie about their experiences on a site, so go on a third-party website to find the most trustworthy reviews.
Be wary of handing over financial information
Handling financial information is something to consider, too. While there will be times when that should happen if you’re gambling, for example, or purchasing a game for download, you shouldn’t be expected to hand over financial information just to browse the website.
Trust your gut
Trusting your gut is definitely important and something you want to listen to when it comes to gaming online. If something doesn’t seem right, click off the site.
Join a community to learn more and socialize
For those gaming for the first time, look at joining a community so that you can get to know other gamers as well as socialize with those who are in this group.
Gaming online for the first time is exciting, but make sure to use these tips to get the most out of your experience.
