Aim in the game: How to improve aiming and shooting mechanics in first-person shooters

Jared Wynne Published 10/07/2020

Looking to get better at first-person shooters? It might help to start by looking at your equipment. The right hardware can make a big difference once you find it, and the same goes for the right settings.

Choose the right gear

It’s always important to choose the right gear for your gaming sessions. While it won’t make you more skilled overnight, it can make a big difference in the long run.

It’s important to start with both a good mouse and a good mousepad, two critical elements in comfortably being able to aim in FPS games. Mouse sensor technology has now advanced such that you can get great results without having to break the bank.

Some necessary considerations when choosing a new mouse are DPI, the weight of the mouse, and its button layout. If you’re looking for some simple guidelines, try starting with a lighter mouse that will allow for fluid movements.

While simpler games like online slots don’t require precision, competitive titles are so demanding that you need to give yourself the best possible opportunity for success.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity is very important in any FPS game. This controls the rate at which your crosshair moves across the screen when you slide your mouse in any direction. While professional players will often seek out lower sensitivities in order to make their aim more precise, don’t be afraid to go a bit higher than the top players when you’re starting out. Feeling comfortable with your aim is of critical importance.

Correct use of sound

A lower response time isn’t just about whipping your mouse around when you see the right visual cue. It’s also about sound and correctly responding to what you hear.

Make sure that you’ve got a decent pair of headphones or, if you’re playing with speakers, that you can still differentiate between sounds from different directions. It’s critically important that you’re able to tell apart a player running to your left from the opponent closing in behind you.

Focus on positioning

Once your hardware is all set, you need to make sure that your body is just as comfortable. Some players find that the way their hold their mouse or sit in their chair can affect their performance in-game.

Palm, claw, and fingertip grips all present different means of staying tight on the mouse while you play.

The ergonomics of your setup are even more important. Slouching due to fatigue will impact your performance in the long run, so it’s best to stay aware of both how you feel and your posture.

Jared Wynne

About Jared Wynne

Jared Wynne is the Editor-in-Chief at WIN.gg, overseeing its content. He has been working in digital media for over two decades, most often in and around the gaming industry. His all-time favorite games include Baldur’s Gate, Doom, and Counter-Strike, but he’ll play just about anything that seems interesting. His previous credits include The Daily Dot, The Esports Observer, GameLand, and more.

View full profile