5 Tips to improve your reaction time for gaming

ByDavid Coulson Hours
Gamer Playing PC

Last Updated on: 2nd August 2023, 08:58 pm

Playing video games can be as physically demanding as participating in a traditional athletic sport. In many popular titles today, winning requires not only concentration and strategic thinking but also quick reflexes.

Reaction times play a crucial role in fast-paced video games, and they can be improved with the right habits.

Here are some excellent methods to condition your body for optimal performance in any gaming scenario. Here are ways to take your gaming skill and reaction time to the next level.

TV Playing Call Of Duty Warzone

How to Measure Your Reaction Time?

The average human reaction time ranges from 200 to 300 milliseconds. There are various online tools available to measure reaction time, such as this one. Another enjoyable way to test your reaction time involves a ruler and a friend:

  • 1. Ask your friend to hold the top of the ruler, pinching it.
  • 2. Position your index finger and thumb slightly apart at the bottom of the ruler, as if you are about to pinch it.
  • 3. Instruct your friend to release the ruler.
  • 4. Try to catch the ruler between your finger and thumb as quickly as possible.
  • 5. Make a note of where you caught the ruler. The shorter the distance it travels, the faster your reaction time.

1. Specific Gaming Styles

In addition to a solid exercise routine, practicing is the ideal method to enhance your reaction times. What you require are particular styles of gameplay that refine skills such as precision, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking when faced with pressure.

The swift and immersive pace of tactical first-person shooters is suitable, particularly when collaboration with other players is essential. Shoot ’em up titles are equally effective in warming up your reflexes. And then there are battle royale games that blend together skills and distractions.

2. Physical Preparation

Improving your overall health and fitness is crucial for enhancing your reaction time. Regular exercise and a nutritious diet can work wonders in boosting your general well-being and fitness levels, leading to improved cognitive function and quicker reaction speed.

Remember to stay properly hydrated as it plays a vital role in optimizing physical performance. When it comes to gaming, incorporating exercises that focus on enhancing your reflexes can be highly advantageous in improving reaction time.

Try activities like throwing and catching a tennis ball against a wall, practicing ball drop drills, or engaging in other fast-paced games that demand hand-eye coordination, such as table tennis. Important! Gaming techniques alone are not enough to get access to all the games on Steam and other gaming platforms.

To do this, you need a VPN, with it you can and any games with regional restrictions. You need a VPN, of the same level as VeePN – the most technically advanced. VPNs also have special requirements: high speed, a large number of servers, and reliable technologies for protecting privacy and anonymity.

READ MORE: Our Favorite Steam Deck DIY Projects

3. Keep Your Hands Warm

Cold hands are a frequent issue faced by gamers, which can hinder their reflexes. Whether caused by low heating or poor blood circulation, there are several ways to address it. Quick remedies include holding a hot drink for a while and rubbing your hands together.

According to Envavo Gaming, a more intense approach involves immersing your hands in cold water, which stimulates the body to enhance blood circulation. Another reliable method to keep yourself warm is, once again, through exercise – a common practice among professional gamers.

4. Practice. Practice. Practice!

Gamer Playing PC

To improve in any endeavor, it’s crucial to practice extensively. This is particularly vital for enhancing your visual reaction time (VRT) in gaming. However, repetition alone won’t suffice. It’s also important to diversify your gaming environments and explore different approaches to recurring challenges.

By doing so, you can adapt to unexpected situations when confronting real opponents. By forming habits through these experiences, you increase your chances of reacting swiftly. This is due to transforming mental calculations into automatic responses that become increasingly instinctive.

5. Stay Fresh

You know what? Video games can be incredibly addictive to the point where you find yourself playing for hours on end. But let’s be honest, spending excessive time staring at screens can really disrupt your focus, sleep schedule, and all that stuff.

So, to maintain a healthy balance, it’s a smart idea for us regular adult gamers to take a break from our beloved computers every hour or two. Why not go outside and enjoy some fresh air? Take a leisurely stroll or do a few stretches to clear your mind and sharpen your reaction time.

And hey, if you’re the type who tends to get lost in gaming marathons, set some serious boundaries. Like, when you’re hitting that five-hour mark, it’s time to step away from the computer for an equal amount of time.

READ MORE: Most Demanding PC Games

Conclusion

Reaction time is crucial for gaming, and there are numerous ways to enhance it. Whether you’re a casual gamer aiming to improve or have your eyes on the championships, boosting your reaction time can elevate your gaming skills and, at the very least, leave your friends impressed.