Thinking about switching to PC gaming? Buckle up — you’re about to enter a whole new world of power, performance, and, yes, a bit of bragging rights.
PC gaming purists often joke about being part of the “master race,” and truth be told, when it comes to graphics, speed, and customizability, they’re not wrong. Compared to consoles, PC gaming delivers next-level visuals, smoother gameplay, and the kind of upgrade freedom console players can only dream of.
But if all the talk about CPUs, GPUs, and frame rates feels overwhelming, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start strong — no tech degree required.
So, where do you start? Let’s break it down!
Why choose PC gaming?
PC gaming offers flexibility, stunning graphics, and access to a massive library of games across genres. Some games are console-specific (such as the more recent Halo games or the Legend of Zelda series). Still, there’s enough choice between casual indie games and intense AAA shooters for practically anyone.
What’s more, having a great PC gaming rig is also a great excuse to personalize your setup, such as in-tower LED lighting, custom mousepads, and artwork on your walls.
What you need to start gaming on PC
Because PC gaming can be customized to such a high degree based on your gameplay ambitions, there are quite a few specs you should know about to get exactly the right setup.
Here’s a breakdown of the must-know areas to kickstart your PC gaming saga:
1. Essential hardware
- PC Tower: This is the computer part of your computer. It’s what houses your hard drives, RAM, CPU, and GPU. For beginners, something with at least an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and an Nvidia GTX 1660 Super (or similar) is a great start.
- Monitor: Go for a 1080p display (minimum) with a refresh rate of at least 60Hz. 144Hz is better if you’re into fast-paced games like Counter-Strike, because there will be crisper action (meaning it’ll be easier for you to reflexively act).
- Keyboard & Mouse: Mechanical keyboards are great for gaming because they’re quite durable and very tactile. It’s also worth opting for a mouse with adjustable DPI and extra buttons – shortcuts always come in handy!
- Headset: A comfy headset with a mic is key for online multiplayer games where you need to communicate with other players.
- Game controller: This one’s optional (most PC games are keyboard+mouse) but can be handy for platformers and racing games due to the generally better ergonomics of, for example, Xbox controllers.
2. Software must-haves
- Windows OS: most games are optimized for it.
- Game launchers: Apps like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and Battle.net manage game purchasing and updates. Steam is a particularly great place to start due to its massive user-base and wide catalog of games.
- Communication apps: This isn’t essential to begin with, but if you’re planning to game with some friends, an app like Discord is the go-to for voice chat.
3. Optimization tips
- Drivers: Games are constantly being improved, so it’s crucial to keep your GPU drivers updated.
- Background tasks: Disable unnecessary startups to free up RAM and CPU power.
- Game settings: Most games with stunning graphics don’t need to be played with everything at max if your system can’t handle it. Use the visual and performance settings to find a happy middle ground between performance and visuals.
Is $500 enough for a gaming PC?
The short answer to this is: kind of. If your starter budget is $500, then this is enough for an entry-level build that can run most games at 1080p with medium settings. If you’re okay with tweaking settings and avoiding the latest AAA games at max settings, you’re golden.
That said, if you can stretch your budget to the $700-800 range, you’ll notice a real bump in performance that should also mean you won’t need to upgrade anything in a hurry. Undersizing your CPU or RAM, for example, often looks attractive from a price point, but then usually needs upgrading within a year or so.
What should a beginner gaming setup include?
Aside from the essential hardware, think about comfort and aesthetics:
- Chair: Your back will thank you. Look for ergonomic designs.
- Desk: Get something sturdy with enough room for dual monitors.
- Lighting: RGB strips or a cool lamp add flair.
- Decor: Make your space truly your own with Displate metal posters.
For inspiration, check out our blog on gaming setup ideas for the best and most personalized experience!
Top games to get you started
Choosing the right first game can make or break your PC gaming experience. Here are some titles that are beginner-friendly but still offer deep, engaging gameplay:
Stardew Valley
Relaxing, addictive, and surprisingly deep. Great for unwinding.
Portal 2
An all-time classic. Hilarious, puzzling, and perfect for new players. It starts quite straightforwardly to give you time to ease into the mechanics, and then gradually gets harder – but always rewarding (with some cake, at least)!
Minecraft
Minecraft has really low system requirements but with endless creativity. There’s a ton of community servers and mods, so you never get bored of any one map.
Valorant
If you’re into competitive shooters, this one’s free and runs well on mid-range PCs. It’s sort of like a more sci-fi version of Counter Strike, but with a lot of the same game round mechanics (i.e. you stay dead until the next round) so it’s really high-stakes action – that rewards a lot of strategy.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
When you’re ready for a more immersive experience. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt features a gorgeous world with an amazing story. Just be mindful that the violence and nudity in the game may not be appropriate for younger players.
Hades
Hades is fast-paced, beautiful, and super satisfying. It’s a great intro to rogue-like games – which are dungeon crawlers with high stakes, as they feature something called “permadeath”, where you start the round back at a previous checkpoint.
Among Us
This is what’s called a “social deduction” game – where you have to play through the game while another player (or more than one) is tasked with killing other players without being seen. It’s really easy to pick up and great fun with friends.
Terraria
Terraria is like a 2D Minecraft but with more action and exploration, as well as a core progression through the game. It’s really addictive and can run perfectly well on practically any modern computers.
Make your space your own
The best thing about PC gaming is that it’s all about choice. Whether you’re building your own rig or buying a pre-built one, your setup should reflect you. So don’t stress too much about having the perfect specs or the latest GPU – the goal is to just enjoy yourself.
And when you’re ready to show off your new battle station, add some personality to your space with a few Displate metal posters. We offer a huge collection of official designs printed onto durable metal posters – and they’re super easy to put on your walls because they mount using a magnet strip!
