For all those who are new to the FPS scene, or if you've been around for a while but are lost as to how to improve further, or would like to know what your doing wrong, and why you get beaten down so easily. Here are some simple Rules that will allow you to up your game a few notches and start putting the smack down on the people who have always frustrated you.
10 rules to a better FPS game. These rules can be applied to just about any FPS save for #2 which is a UT exclusive rule.
1. NEVER stop moving! Not even to do a shock combo. Stopping is the fastest way to DIE, this should be obvious. further clarification: I meant to clarify, while in a fight, don't stop moving. When you want to be silent; walk or crouch move, the ONLY time you should ever stop is if your waiting on your opponent to cross a choke point while going for a hp or a powerup. Sound is a very important part of the game and stopping momentarily will usually reveal where in the map your opponent is. I specifically meant no stopping while in a fight.
2. DON'T jump. Its slow and makes you easy to hit, this ISN'T quake, there is no strafe jumping. DODGE, DODGE, DODGE, WALL DODGE, and DODGE some more.
3. AIM, don't spam. The key to good aim is to become comfortable with the patterns of gravity and dodges to where while moving you can predict a persons movement and the path in which they move, and place your cross hair in a place which you KNOW they will pass, and time your shots. The same principle allows for midair Shock combos, a truly powerful and impressive feat to be able to pull off in some ones face. After you've mastered this start on flick shots. honing your "actuating" muscles in your wrists is essential, as well as learning the responsiveness of your mouse.
4. Time/Control Powerups They are the bane the deciding factor in most "even" matches and can also win you the day in matches where you're not quite as good as your opponent. Be there when they spawn, starve your opponents.
5. Tim/Control the weapons know your opponent best/fav weapons alter your path to assure they never get them.
6. Learn the health locations. Know intercept paths and spots, to stop your opponent from healing. Remember, hitting and hurting your opponent is useless if you let them heal. Starving your opponent makes them easier to kill. Stop wondering why you keep wailing away and they won't die, and keep them from what's allowing them to do this, health/powerups.
7. Keep the High ground when possible. But, beware shock combos when doing so. doing this allows you the advantage of use of splash damage weapons while denying the same to all but the best flak users the same.
8. Learn ALL weapons. Don't limit your self to 2-3 weapons because you Like them. Every weapon has its ideal situation in which to be used. Know the damage of each firemode of the weapons so that you can force your opponent in to the situation in which the best fits your need to use each weapon. As Stated below, the best way to learn a weapon is also the best way to improve your aim/prediction skills with it, use it alone for a week, you'll be amazed by the improvement. I suggest LG/sniper first, as shock will encourage "hitscan spam." and the sniper is slow enough as to encourage you actually aim.
9. Play smart. Don't let your emotions control you into predictable rushing, don't engage a loaded opponent with an enforcer/assault rifle. Don't allow your opponent the opportunity to control your movement by waiting at a choke, point.. allow them to see you go back around the corner, allow them to go to the cut off point then double back and go your original intended path. Control your emotions, DON'T rush/follow unless you time it right and know and are at least 90% sure that you can get the kill without sacrificing over 40% health/shield. And don't engage a hitscan crack shot who has LG /mini and AMP. You WILL die.
10. Learn your maps. Know intercept paths, learn all weapon/health/powerup locations, and the fastest/most secluded/ paths between them, not only is time a key factor in FPS games, but staying alive is as well, the better you know your map, the better you can stay alive against a powerful opponent by taking short cuts, knowing choke/cuttoff points and avoiding them appropriately. As well as using them on your opponent.
and the Golden Rule which should be obvious.
PRACTICE. All these tips mean nothing if you don't give yourself the time to learn and master them. Consistency is the key to a better game.
Good luck, and I look forward to your improvement.
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Edit:
Accuracy /Mouse Advice from the author of those "10 tips to better FPSing."
If you want high accuracy, then sadly All the "DPI" in the world won't help AIM. 400/800 is the MOST you need for high accuracy @ low sensitivity. Anything over this is just waste. Though if you prefer a small mouse pad and high sensitivity, high DPI is good for you, though you will sacrifice aim for your preference of comfort/laziness. Ask any pro what mouse they use, most will tell you a simple 400 dpi optical, NOT laser.
This is because most pros use Low sensitivity, preferring accuracy over a speed and Laser mice, can't handle the extremely quick movement this requires. This does not however affect their speed for turning in most cases. If you have ever watched pros play in person you will see them pick their mice up quite often moving extremely fast all the while missing rarely. Some choose a high accel for turning and low sensitivity to keep their aim, while sacrificing "flick" shots to a degree. Others choose no Accel, low sense so they can do it all but at the cost of having to move their arm excessively to turn around. Then there are the balancers, low-medium accel, low-medium sens, this allows them to keep most of the accuracy, flick shots to a degree/length, and less arm movement for quick turns.
Most Pros are in shape and have a workout regimen, some a strict Diet, (ie. LoSt CaUsE aka Rafik Bryant he has a strict diet to stay health and keep his mind clear and to give him the energy he needs to focus and use the low sensitivity for long play sessions.) These are things that can help, but ultimately you need to choose your preference.
Concerning laser mice, there have been many accuracy tests by reviewers, most all have concluded that laser mice lose track when moved too quickly. Optical is still the preferred choice for those who have or are trying to master flick shots simply because flick shots require lightning fast movement up to or exceeding 3-4 meters per second. The MX 518 and Razer Diamondback have shown to be the best for these maneuvers. Quick 180 turns are also affected by a mouses mps accuracy and ability. Laser mice can sometimes leave your crosshair far from where it should be.
If you doubt what I have said check this out: ES Reality MouseScore 2007
To improve aim, simply choose your settings to best fit your style and STICK with them, changing will only cause you to start the learning process for your muscles all over again. The time it takes you to adjust to the latest and greatest mouse, and new settings could be time used to hone and perfect your skill with the good ol trusty mouse your already using.
Need to know if your acceleration/sense is to high? Draw a circle in MS paint using a 3 inch area on your mouse pad... if its got lots of straight sections, your too high. Lower it, try again, do it FAST. when you find the sensitivity that allows you to draw a near perfect circle at high speed, (meaning no jaggies) you have a sensitivity you can work and build upon.
Port sampling is also important too, if your using ps2 ports, DON'T. get a USB mouse. download a sampling/sample changing program (like the one below) to test/change your USB port sampling speed. 1000Hz is optimal though this can kill chipsets on certain motherboards (southbridge I think). 500Hz should be good enough. go with that, but make sure your using a mouse that can handle it. Keep in mind Windows Default is 125Hz(8ms) and anything over 500hz(2ms) is overkill, you probably won't notice it.
Here is a thread (with download links of the files needed) about how to change your port sampling. Mouserate Thread
The Thread is rightly named: Overclock your mouse (your actually OCing your USB port.
Better Yet here is one of the best mouse tweaking guides I've seen, with included samples of the MS paint trick:
Mouse Tweaking Guide
note: if you want the low sense high accuracy for UT notch 2-4 are best, not 6 as stated in the post above. Oh and ignore the whole section about cs source
Now that your settings are chosen resist the urge to change them tomorrow, start playing with hitscan weapons, LG/Sniper/Shock/Mini/Secondary link/FaceFlak(this means point blank primary flak to the face, not spam. This one helps timing too) get a friend, hit up a 1v1 server with warmup on so you don't have to hunt weapons and you can constantly fight non stop.. then just hitscan each other to death for 4 hours a day. Do this for a week or two, and you will notice a drastic improvement in aim. Deathmatch and IG will only help so much, you need a Sparring partner.
Good luck, and happy fragging.
10 rules to a better FPS game. These rules can be applied to just about any FPS save for #2 which is a UT exclusive rule.
1. NEVER stop moving! Not even to do a shock combo. Stopping is the fastest way to DIE, this should be obvious. further clarification: I meant to clarify, while in a fight, don't stop moving. When you want to be silent; walk or crouch move, the ONLY time you should ever stop is if your waiting on your opponent to cross a choke point while going for a hp or a powerup. Sound is a very important part of the game and stopping momentarily will usually reveal where in the map your opponent is. I specifically meant no stopping while in a fight.
2. DON'T jump. Its slow and makes you easy to hit, this ISN'T quake, there is no strafe jumping. DODGE, DODGE, DODGE, WALL DODGE, and DODGE some more.
3. AIM, don't spam. The key to good aim is to become comfortable with the patterns of gravity and dodges to where while moving you can predict a persons movement and the path in which they move, and place your cross hair in a place which you KNOW they will pass, and time your shots. The same principle allows for midair Shock combos, a truly powerful and impressive feat to be able to pull off in some ones face. After you've mastered this start on flick shots. honing your "actuating" muscles in your wrists is essential, as well as learning the responsiveness of your mouse.
4. Time/Control Powerups They are the bane the deciding factor in most "even" matches and can also win you the day in matches where you're not quite as good as your opponent. Be there when they spawn, starve your opponents.
5. Tim/Control the weapons know your opponent best/fav weapons alter your path to assure they never get them.
6. Learn the health locations. Know intercept paths and spots, to stop your opponent from healing. Remember, hitting and hurting your opponent is useless if you let them heal. Starving your opponent makes them easier to kill. Stop wondering why you keep wailing away and they won't die, and keep them from what's allowing them to do this, health/powerups.
7. Keep the High ground when possible. But, beware shock combos when doing so. doing this allows you the advantage of use of splash damage weapons while denying the same to all but the best flak users the same.
8. Learn ALL weapons. Don't limit your self to 2-3 weapons because you Like them. Every weapon has its ideal situation in which to be used. Know the damage of each firemode of the weapons so that you can force your opponent in to the situation in which the best fits your need to use each weapon. As Stated below, the best way to learn a weapon is also the best way to improve your aim/prediction skills with it, use it alone for a week, you'll be amazed by the improvement. I suggest LG/sniper first, as shock will encourage "hitscan spam." and the sniper is slow enough as to encourage you actually aim.
9. Play smart. Don't let your emotions control you into predictable rushing, don't engage a loaded opponent with an enforcer/assault rifle. Don't allow your opponent the opportunity to control your movement by waiting at a choke, point.. allow them to see you go back around the corner, allow them to go to the cut off point then double back and go your original intended path. Control your emotions, DON'T rush/follow unless you time it right and know and are at least 90% sure that you can get the kill without sacrificing over 40% health/shield. And don't engage a hitscan crack shot who has LG /mini and AMP. You WILL die.
10. Learn your maps. Know intercept paths, learn all weapon/health/powerup locations, and the fastest/most secluded/ paths between them, not only is time a key factor in FPS games, but staying alive is as well, the better you know your map, the better you can stay alive against a powerful opponent by taking short cuts, knowing choke/cuttoff points and avoiding them appropriately. As well as using them on your opponent.
and the Golden Rule which should be obvious.
PRACTICE. All these tips mean nothing if you don't give yourself the time to learn and master them. Consistency is the key to a better game.
Good luck, and I look forward to your improvement.
--------------------------------------------------------
Edit:
Accuracy /Mouse Advice from the author of those "10 tips to better FPSing."
If you want high accuracy, then sadly All the "DPI" in the world won't help AIM. 400/800 is the MOST you need for high accuracy @ low sensitivity. Anything over this is just waste. Though if you prefer a small mouse pad and high sensitivity, high DPI is good for you, though you will sacrifice aim for your preference of comfort/laziness. Ask any pro what mouse they use, most will tell you a simple 400 dpi optical, NOT laser.
This is because most pros use Low sensitivity, preferring accuracy over a speed and Laser mice, can't handle the extremely quick movement this requires. This does not however affect their speed for turning in most cases. If you have ever watched pros play in person you will see them pick their mice up quite often moving extremely fast all the while missing rarely. Some choose a high accel for turning and low sensitivity to keep their aim, while sacrificing "flick" shots to a degree. Others choose no Accel, low sense so they can do it all but at the cost of having to move their arm excessively to turn around. Then there are the balancers, low-medium accel, low-medium sens, this allows them to keep most of the accuracy, flick shots to a degree/length, and less arm movement for quick turns.
Most Pros are in shape and have a workout regimen, some a strict Diet, (ie. LoSt CaUsE aka Rafik Bryant he has a strict diet to stay health and keep his mind clear and to give him the energy he needs to focus and use the low sensitivity for long play sessions.) These are things that can help, but ultimately you need to choose your preference.
Concerning laser mice, there have been many accuracy tests by reviewers, most all have concluded that laser mice lose track when moved too quickly. Optical is still the preferred choice for those who have or are trying to master flick shots simply because flick shots require lightning fast movement up to or exceeding 3-4 meters per second. The MX 518 and Razer Diamondback have shown to be the best for these maneuvers. Quick 180 turns are also affected by a mouses mps accuracy and ability. Laser mice can sometimes leave your crosshair far from where it should be.
If you doubt what I have said check this out: ES Reality MouseScore 2007
To improve aim, simply choose your settings to best fit your style and STICK with them, changing will only cause you to start the learning process for your muscles all over again. The time it takes you to adjust to the latest and greatest mouse, and new settings could be time used to hone and perfect your skill with the good ol trusty mouse your already using.
Need to know if your acceleration/sense is to high? Draw a circle in MS paint using a 3 inch area on your mouse pad... if its got lots of straight sections, your too high. Lower it, try again, do it FAST. when you find the sensitivity that allows you to draw a near perfect circle at high speed, (meaning no jaggies) you have a sensitivity you can work and build upon.
Port sampling is also important too, if your using ps2 ports, DON'T. get a USB mouse. download a sampling/sample changing program (like the one below) to test/change your USB port sampling speed. 1000Hz is optimal though this can kill chipsets on certain motherboards (southbridge I think). 500Hz should be good enough. go with that, but make sure your using a mouse that can handle it. Keep in mind Windows Default is 125Hz(8ms) and anything over 500hz(2ms) is overkill, you probably won't notice it.
Here is a thread (with download links of the files needed) about how to change your port sampling. Mouserate Thread
The Thread is rightly named: Overclock your mouse (your actually OCing your USB port
.Better Yet here is one of the best mouse tweaking guides I've seen, with included samples of the MS paint trick:
Mouse Tweaking Guide
note: if you want the low sense high accuracy for UT notch 2-4 are best, not 6 as stated in the post above. Oh and ignore the whole section about cs source
Now that your settings are chosen resist the urge to change them tomorrow, start playing with hitscan weapons, LG/Sniper/Shock/Mini/Secondary link/FaceFlak(this means point blank primary flak to the face, not spam. This one helps timing too) get a friend, hit up a 1v1 server with warmup on so you don't have to hunt weapons and you can constantly fight non stop.. then just hitscan each other to death for 4 hours a day. Do this for a week or two, and you will notice a drastic improvement in aim. Deathmatch and IG will only help so much, you need a Sparring partner.
Good luck, and happy fragging.
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