How To Choose Your First Esports Game

Esports has rapidly grown from a niche hobby to a mainstream phenomenon, attracting millions of players and viewers worldwide. Whether you're considering stepping into competitive gaming as a hobby or are eyeing a potential career in esports, choosing your first esports game is an important decision that can influence your experience and progression in the industry.

With a multitude of options available, from fast-paced shooters to strategy games, finding the right title that aligns with your interests, play style, and long-term goals is crucial. In this article, we will dive deep into the factors that should guide you in selecting your first esports game.

Understand What Esports Means to You

Before choosing an esports game, it's essential to reflect on why you want to get involved in the esports scene in the first place. Your motivations will shape how you approach competitive gaming, and this self-awareness can help you narrow down your game choices.

Casual vs. Competitive Gaming

If you're looking for something to play casually with friends, your choice may differ from someone who is hoping to climb the ranks and possibly make a career out of esports. Competitive gaming can be intense and stressful, especially in popular titles with large player bases. On the other hand, casual games can provide a more laid-back, fun experience while still offering the opportunity to practice and improve over time.

Consider these motivations:

• Casual Fun: Do you want to play primarily for fun and entertainment, with a social element?
• Competitive Drive: Are you aiming to sharpen your skills and compete at higher levels, eventually working your way up in competitive leagues?
• Career Aspirations: Do you envision yourself becoming a professional esports player or content creator, making money from gaming and building a personal brand?

Your goals will influence which genre of esports you should explore and help guide your decision-making process.

Explore the Different Esports Genres

Esports games can be broadly categorized into different genres, each requiring a unique set of skills and providing a distinct playing experience. Understanding the genre you're most drawn to is a key step in finding the right game.

First-Person Shooters (FPS)

FPS games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) , Call of Duty , and Overwatch are some of the most popular esports titles. These games require precise aim, reflexes, map awareness, and team coordination.

• Pros: FPS games offer fast-paced action, team dynamics, and a focus on reflexes and tactics. The competitive scene is large and vibrant, with plenty of tournaments and sponsorship opportunities.
• Cons: High skill ceilings and steep learning curves make it challenging for beginners. FPS games often require sharp hand-eye coordination and fast reaction times.

If you enjoy games that test your shooting skills and love the rush of high-stakes battles, FPS games are worth considering.

Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBA)

MOBA games, such as League of Legends (LoL) , Dota 2 , and Smite, emphasize teamwork, strategy, and decision-making. Players control a single character with unique abilities and work together to destroy the opposing team's base.

• Pros: MOBAs are team-oriented games that reward strategic thinking and coordination. They often have huge, thriving communities, and the learning process can be engaging as you learn the nuances of different heroes and strategies.
• Cons: The games can be long and require a lot of practice to master. They also tend to be more complex, and beginners can feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters, items, and strategies.

MOBAs are ideal if you enjoy games that involve teamwork, planning, and intense strategic depth.

Battle Royale

Battle Royale games like Fortnite , Apex Legends , and PUBG have exploded in popularity, focusing on survival and last-man-standing mechanics. Players start with minimal resources and must scavenge for weapons and equipment while battling against other players.

• Pros: Battle Royale games offer exciting gameplay with unpredictable outcomes, where every match feels unique. They are generally easy to pick up, and games tend to be relatively short.
• Cons: The steep competition in Battle Royale titles can be daunting for new players. Some games also have microtransactions, which may affect the experience.

If you like fast-paced, high-stakes survival scenarios where you battle it out with dozens of players, Battle Royale games might be a good fit.

Real-Time Strategy (RTS)

Real-time strategy games like Starcraft II or Age of Empires focus on resource management, building units, and tactical positioning. These games often feature a top-down perspective and involve intense planning and multitasking.

• Pros: RTS games reward tactical decision-making, management skills, and strategic planning. They offer a deep and immersive experience for those who enjoy thinking ahead and commanding entire armies.
• Cons: RTS games can be slow-paced compared to other genres, and they require strong multitasking skills. Players must be able to manage resources, military units, and map awareness simultaneously.

RTS games are great for players who enjoy thinking several steps ahead and managing complex systems.

Fighting Games

Games like Street Fighter , Super Smash Bros. , and Mortal Kombat belong to the fighting genre. These titles are based on one-on-one combat, and players need to master combos, counters, and character-specific techniques.

• Pros: Fighting games are accessible and fun for beginners, with simple mechanics that allow for quick learning. They also offer highly competitive, skill-based gameplay and are known for their tight-knit communities.
• Cons: Combos and timing can be difficult to master, and matches may feel repetitive without a good understanding of strategies.

If you enjoy competitive one-on-one combat and mastering combos, fighting games might appeal to you.

Assess Your Personal Strengths and Play Style

Once you understand the different genres, consider how your personal preferences and gaming strengths align with each genre. Your play style, skills, and interests will significantly impact how enjoyable your esports experience will be.

Reflexes and Coordination

If you have quick reflexes and excellent hand-eye coordination, FPS and Battle Royale games may be the right choice. These games demand fast reactions and precise aim, rewarding players with sharp motor skills.

Strategic Thinking and Teamwork

If you prefer games that require long-term planning and collaboration with others, MOBAs or RTS games may be more suited to your personality. These genres involve creating strategies, coordinating with teammates, and executing plans effectively.

Adaptability and Creativity

For players who enjoy learning and adapting on the fly, fighting games or even unique game modes in MOBAs can be a great fit. Fighting games require you to quickly learn the strengths and weaknesses of different characters and use that knowledge to outplay your opponent.

Enjoyment and Longevity

Think about whether you want a game that provides a quick, casual gaming experience or one that you can sink hundreds of hours into. For instance, MOBAs and RTS games offer deeply strategic gameplay that can be rewarding over the long term, while Battle Royale and FPS games may offer more immediate gratification but can become repetitive.

Community and Competitive Scene

One of the key elements that can shape your experience in esports is the community surrounding the game. A large, active community is vital for both learning and competing. When you choose your first esports game, take the time to research the size, culture, and competitiveness of the community.

Online Tournaments and Leagues

Look into the competitive scene of the game. Does it have a professional league? Are there frequent online tournaments for amateur players? An established competitive structure can offer opportunities for you to gradually move up the ranks and get noticed in the community.

Community Engagement

Esports is not just about playing the game; it's about being part of a community. Research forums, Discord servers, and social media groups related to the game you are considering. A healthy community can provide mentorship, advice, and camaraderie, while a toxic one can detract from your experience.

Streaming and Content Creation

If you're interested in building a personal brand or becoming a content creator, check if the game is popular on streaming platforms like Twitch or YouTube. The larger the community, the more potential viewers and subscribers you can attract if you decide to broadcast your gameplay.

Accessibility and Cost

The accessibility and cost of a game are important factors to consider, especially if you're new to esports.

System Requirements

Ensure that your gaming setup is sufficient to run the game smoothly. Some esports titles, especially AAA FPS games, may require a high-performance PC or console, while others, like MOBAs or RTS games, may run on lower-end systems.

Cost of Entry

Some games, like League of Legends and Dota 2 , are free-to-play, while others, like Overwatch and Call of Duty, require a one-time purchase or subscription. Be sure to account for the cost of the game, as well as any in-game purchases that may enhance your experience.

Try Before You Commit

Before you commit to a game, take advantage of free trials, beta versions, or even community events. Playing the game for a few hours can give you a sense of its mechanics, community, and whether you truly enjoy it.

If the game you're considering is free-to-play, there's little risk in giving it a try. However, if it's a paid game, make sure to watch gameplay videos, read reviews, and participate in forums to gain more insight before spending your money.

Conclusion

Choosing your first esports game is an exciting and important decision. By understanding the different genres, evaluating your personal strengths, and considering the competitive scene and community, you can find a game that suits your interests and goals. Whether you want to casually enjoy the experience or compete at the highest level, the world of esports offers something for everyone.

Above all, remember that esports is about fun and personal growth. Whichever game you choose, the key is to immerse yourself, learn continuously, and enjoy the journey.

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