Level Up Your Setup

Add some gains to your game

It’s always satisfying to level up in a video game. Leveling up requires a lot of time and effort and usually makes the game more enjoyable. So, it only makes sense that gamers would want to level up their gaming experience. It can be easy to simply suggest getting a new console, so I’ve decided to talk about other ways to expand the fun.

Tip # 1 - New Game +

If you’re looking to enhance a game you’ve previously played, New Game + is a possibility. Although not offered with every title, New Game + allows players to start a new save file that carries over all unlocked abilities and skills from the previous playthrough. This can make some parts of the game easier or allow access to additional levels. It can even provide new game difficulties.  Additionally, players can create their own personal challenges, such as getting through a game without dying or seeing how quickly one can complete the entire game. While it can be tempting to consistently buy new releases, it’s important to consider the replay options that may exist in your game library.

New Game Plus for this title includes new armor sets and difficulty challenges.

Tip # 2 - Gaming Headset

A gaming headset might seem superfluous but is often one of the easiest improvements one can make to a setup. When I was younger, I never used a specific headset, as I wasn’t sure if it was necessary. A few years ago, I decided to try out an entry level headset and immediately realized what I’d been missing out on. It became easy to pinpoint enemy locations and audio cues were clear. They instantly made games feel more immersive. Since there’s such a wide range of headsets, it’s fairly easy to find one that meets your needs and fits your budget. If you live with other people, a gaming headset can quickly turn into an important piece of a setup.

I currently use the Steelseries Nova 7 headset. It's comfortable and has an excellent battery that lasts for several gaming sessions

Tip # 3 - Interactive Lighting

One of the more recent gaming trends is interactive lighting. Essentially, these are light strips that stick to the back of your TV or monitor and react to the action on screen. There are several different companies that provide this type of lighting, each with their own pricing structure. I personally use Govee lights, as I feel they are a nice budget friendly option for people looking to try out interactive lighting. Some gamers might find it distracting, but most agree that it enhances the experience by allowing the colors on screen to bleed beyond the borders of the screen. This video clip below shows Govee lights in action.

Tip # 4 - Pro Controllers

Pro level controllers are not for every gamer, but they are incredibly important to a niche market. Pro controllers are often used by individuals who play a lot of action games that require precision, such as Call of Duty or Fortnite. They are often customizable, allowing the player to switch between different joystick styles or button layouts to find what fits their play style. They are also a lot more expensive than a standard controller. If you know that it would fit well with the types of games you play, it might not hurt to look into a pro controller when you want to splurge.

Tip # 5 - Virtual Reality Headset

This last gaming upgrade also happens to be the most expensive one on the list and that is a Virtual Reality headset. There are several different options of headsets based on the platform where you game, such as PSVR 2 or Meta Quest 3. Once again, I'm aware this option is not for everyone, but it is quickly becoming a popular way to have the most immersive experience possible for some games. And thanks to a rise of accessibility options, virtual reality is quickly becoming available for players of all abilities.

I want to make it clear that none of the options I've suggested here are necessary to have a good gaming experience. But being able to explore different options might allow players to enjoy games in all new ways. Since gaming is all about having fun, it's important that everyone enjoys the experience in the best way they can. So, if you're wondering how to elevate your gaming time even further, I urge you to give these suggestions a try. Level up and game on!

This post was written by Vanessa Hart, creator of Deep Dive Gaming.