Gaming

How to Play PC Games: Start with the Basics & Expand to Xbox, PlayStation, & VR

If you’re new to PC gaming and wondering how to play PC games, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything step by step, from the basics to advanced setups.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Getting started with PC gaming
How to Play Xbox games on PC
How to Play PC games on Mac
How to Play PlayStation games on PC
How to Play VR games on PC
Playing PC games on a vertical display

This guide covers everything you need to know to get started and thrive in the world of PC gaming!

1. How to Play PC Games: Getting Started

So, how to play PC games? Let’s start with the basics. To get started with PC gaming, you don’t need a fancy “gaming PC” to get started, but your computer must meet certain requirements to run games smoothly.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

A processor (CPU) should be at least an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5. If you already have a computer, check its specs to see if it’s up to speed.

A graphics card (GPU) like NVIDIA or AMD is ideal for modern games. Older games may run on built-in graphics, but performance will be limited.

When considering RAM, 8GB is the minimum, but 16GB is much better for gaming.

Games can take up a lot of space. Aim for at least 500GB storage and consider an SSD for faster load times.

Most monitors will work for PC gaming, but gaming monitors with high refresh rates (like 120Hz or 144Hz) provide a smoother experience.

Comfort is key, especially if you’ll be gaming for long periods. A good chair, mouse, and keyboard can make a huge difference. Check out some must-have gaming accessories for ideas.

Do You Need a Gaming PC to Play Games?

The short answer is no. You can play PC games on a standard computer as long as it meets the minimum requirements for the game you want to play. For casual games like Stardew Valley or Minecraft, even an older laptop might work.

Alternatively, cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming let you stream games without needing a high-end computer. This is a great option if you want to dip your toes into gaming without committing to expensive hardware.

Where Do You Get Games?

The most popular platform for PC games is Steam, but there are plenty of other options:

Steam is a massive library of games, frequent sales, and a user-friendly interface make this the go-to choice for many gamers. You must log in to your Steam account to access your games. Steam allows installation on multiple devices, but you can only play games on one device at a time unless using Steam’s Family Sharing feature.

Epic Games Store is known for free weekly games and some exclusive titles (Fortnite, Dauntless, Unreal Tournament).

GOG (Good Old Games) is great for classic games with no DRM (digital rights management). You own the game outright and can install it on multiple devices without needing special permissions.

Xbox PC Game Pass is a subscription service that gives you access to a rotating library of games.

Tips for beginner PC gamers:

Start simple. Choose beginner-friendly games like The Sims, Stardew Valley, or Portal. They’re fun, low-stress, and work well on most PCs.

Update your drivers. Make sure your GPU drivers are up to date. You can download them directly from NVIDIA or AMD’s website.

Join communities. Platforms like Reddit’s r/pcgaming or Discord gaming servers are great for asking questions and learning from others.

2. How to Play Xbox Games on PC

One of the coolest things about modern gaming is how easy it is to play Xbox games on a PC. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started with how to play Xbox games on PC.

Method 1: Xbox Play Anywhere Titles

Xbox Play Anywhere allows you to buy a game once and play it on both Xbox and PC. This feature is perfect if you own an Xbox console but want the flexibility to game on your computer.

How to use Xbox Play anywhere:

Check game compatibility. Visit the Xbox Play Anywhere website to see a list of supported titles. Popular games include Gears 5, Resident Evil 2, Doom, and Forza Horizon 4.

Sign in using the same Microsoft account on both your Xbox and PC.

Download the Game on PC. Open the Microsoft Store or Xbox app on your PC. Search for the game and download it.

Start playing. Your progress is saved across both devices, so you can pick up where you left off.

Method 2: Xbox PC Game Pass

The already-mentioned Xbox PC Game Pass is a subscription service that gives you access to hundreds of games, including popular Xbox exclusives, for a monthly fee.

How to set it up:

Download the Xbox app for Windows.

Sign up for a game pass. Choose a subscription plan that includes PC gaming. The Ultimate plan is a great choice if you want access to Xbox Cloud Gaming as well.

Browse the library and install the ones you want.

Start playing. Launch your installed games directly from the app.

Method 3: Xbox Cloud Gaming

Don’t have a powerful PC? Xbox Cloud Gaming lets you stream games over the internet. This service is part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and works on nearly any Windows PC with a strong internet connection.

How to use Xbox Cloud Gaming:

Subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Sign up for the subscription if you haven’t already.

Go to Xbox Cloud Gaming on a supported browser like Edge, Chrome, or Safari.

Sign in using your Microsoft account to access the library of cloud-enabled games.

Connect a controller. Many Xbox games require a controller. Use a wired or Bluetooth Xbox controller for the best experience.

Start streaming. Click on a game and start playing instantly—no downloads required.

Which Method Should You Choose?

If you already own an Xbox and supported games, start with Xbox Play Anywhere. It’s straightforward and doesn’t require extra spending.

If you’re new to Xbox games and want a wide variety of titles, go with Xbox Game Pass for PC. It offers excellent value for money.

If your PC isn’t gaming-ready or you don’t want to install games, choose Xbox Cloud Gaming for instant play.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your hardware, budget, and preferences. By using these methods, you’ll know exactly how to play Xbox games on PC.

3. How to Play PC Games on Mac

how to play PC games on mac

Playing PC games on a Mac can be challenging as many PC games aren’t officially available for macOS. Additionally, Macs aren’t optimized for gaming and lack some specific Windows features, which often leads to poor performance or no compatibility at all. However, it’s not impossible.

To start playing PC games on Mac:

Choose Mac-compatible games. Before trying any of these tools, check if the game has a native macOS version on platforms like Steam or GOG.

Check system requirements. Ensure your Mac meets the minimum specs for the game.

Optimize performance. Lower graphics settings for smoother gameplay, especially on virtualization software.

With the right tools and a little know-how, you can enjoy a wide range of PC games on your Mac, regardless of whether you’re using an Intel-based or Apple Silicon Mac.

Solutions for Intel Macs (released before 2020):

Boot Camp allows you to install Windows alongside macOS, enabling you to run PC games natively.

How to set it up:

Back up your data to avoid losing important files.
Open Boot Camp Assistant (found in Applications > Utilities).
Follow the on-screen instructions to create a partition and install Windows.
Reboot your Mac into Windows mode and install your games.

Pros: High compatibility and better performance since games run natively.
Cons: Requires rebooting to switch between macOS and Windows.

Solutions for Apple Silicon Macs with M-series chips (M1 or M2)

1. Whisky (Free)

Whisky is an open-source tool that uses Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit to run Windows games on macOS.

How to use Whisky:

Download Whisky from its official site.
Install the app on your Mac and launch it.
Use Whisky to run Windows games that are compatible with its toolkit.

Pros: Free and sandboxed for security.
Cons: Limited compatibility. Check if your game is supported.

2. Parallels Desktop (Paid)

Parallels lets you create a virtual machine (VM) to run Windows on macOS.

How to use Parallels:

Download and install Parallels Desktop.
Set up a Windows virtual machine.
Install your games within the VM.

Pros: Easy to set up. Compatible with many games.
Cons: Performance may be limited, especially for graphics-intensive games.

3. CrossOver (Paid)

CrossOver is a runtime emulator that allows you to run Windows games without installing Windows itself.

How to Use CrossOver:

Download CrossOver and install it on your Mac.
Check CrossOver’s compatibility database to ensure your game is supported.
Use the app to launch and play your game.

Pros: No need to install Windows.
Cons: Limited compatibility with some games.

4. Virtual Machines (Free and Paid)

Other virtualization tools like VMWare Fusion (free for personal use) or UTM (free, open-source) can run Windows on macOS. However, these tools often require more advanced setup and may have lower performance.

4. How to Play PlayStation Games on PC

If you’ve ever wanted to play PlayStation games on your PC, you’re in luck. Whether you have a PlayStation console or not, there are ways to enjoy these games on your computer. Here’s how to play PlayStation games on PC.

Method 1: PlayStation Remote Play

PlayStation Remote Play allows you to stream games from your console to your PC. It’s ideal if you already own a PlayStation but want the flexibility of playing on a different screen.

How to set up PlayStation Remote Play:

Download the Remote Play App.
Log in with your PlayStation Network account.
Connect your console. Turn on your PlayStation and enable Remote Play in the settings. Then, link your console to the Remote Play app using your account.
Connect a controller. Use a DualShock 4 or DualSense controller via USB or Bluetooth.
Launch the app and select your console to start playing.

Pros: No need to repurchase games you already own on PlayStation.
Cons: Requires a PlayStation console and stable internet connection.

Method 2: PlayStation games available natively on PC

Sony has been releasing some of its blockbuster PlayStation titles on PC. These games don’t require a console and can be downloaded directly from platforms like Steam or the Epic Games Store.

Popular PlayStation Games on PC:

God of War

Horizon Zero Dawn

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection

The Last of Us Part I (remake)

How to play:

Purchase the game from a supported platform (e.g., Steam).
Download and install it on your PC.
Launch and start playing. No additional setup required.

5. How to Play VR Games on PC

Virtual reality (VR) gaming on PC offers an immersive experience that takes gaming to the next level. It offers a wide range of genres, from action-packed adventures to relaxing experiences.
Here are some of the best VR games to try:

Half-Life: Alyx – A groundbreaking VR shooter from Valve.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – A survival horror game with intense combat and exploration.

Beat Saber – A rhythm game where you slice beats to music.

Superhot VR – A unique first-person shooter where time moves only when you do.

No Man’s Sky VR – An expansive exploration game with VR support.

To get started with VR gaming, you’ll need the following:

A VR-ready PC. Your computer should meet the minimum requirements for VR gaming. Look for a modern processor (Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5), at least 16GB RAM, and a capable GPU like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 or better.

A VR headset. Popular options include the Meta Quest 2 (standalone and PC-compatible), HTC Vive, and Valve Index.

VR software. Install platform-specific software like SteamVR or Oculus software for compatibility.

How to set up a VR system for PC gaming:

Connect your VR headset. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the headset to your PC.
Install required software.
If using SteamVR, download it from Steam.
For Oculus headsets, install the Oculus app.
Calibrate your space. Set up a “play area” to avoid obstacles while gaming.
Test your system. Launch a VR game to ensure everything is working properly.

6. How to Play PC Games on Vertical Display

Using a vertical monitor for gaming is becoming increasingly popular, especially for genres like shoot ‘em ups, puzzle games, and retro titles. These monitors rotate 90 degrees to display content in a portrait orientation, offering unique advantages for specific gaming styles and setups.

Why use a vertical display for gaming:

Enhanced gameplay for vertical genres. Games that focus on tall, narrow action areas, such as Ikaruga, Zero Ranger, and Tetris, perform exceptionally well on vertical monitors. This setup closely resembles the arcade experience for these games.

Space and multitasking benefits. Vertical monitors are ideal for players with limited desk space or those who like to multitask while gaming.

By optimizing your setup with a vertical monitor, you can enhance your experience in games designed for this format while also making better use of your workspace.

How to set up a vertical display for gaming:

Setting up your vertical monitor for gaming is simple. Follow these steps:

Check monitor compatibility. Most modern monitors support vertical rotation but double-check your model’s specs.

Adjust the monitor stand. Tilt your monitor to a vertical position. If the stand doesn’t allow for rotation, consider a monitor arm or stand designed for flexibility.

Configure Display Settings.

On Windows, right-click the desktop and select Display Settings.

Under the “Display orientation” dropdown, choose Portrait or Portrait (flipped).

Click Apply and confirm the changes.

Optimize game settings. Some games may require adjusting resolution settings to match the vertical orientation. Look for these options in the game’s settings menu.

By following these steps, you’ll know exactly how to play PC games on a vertical display. And remember: some games may require mods or third-party tools to properly support vertical displays. Look for forums or communities specific to the game for advice.

Final Thoughts on PC Gaming

If you’ve ever wondered how to play PC games, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re using a standard setup, experimenting with a vertical display, or playing cross-platform titles from Xbox or PlayStation, PC gaming offers a lot of flexibility and variety. With tools like Steam, Remote Play, Boot Camp, and VR systems, there’s a setup for everyone, from beginners to seasoned players.

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