Multiplayer functionality has always been a beloved aspect of gaming, whether this be with friends in person or via local area networks. Over the years, it has evolved to become incredibly complex and nuanced, so much so that up to 100 players can attend matches in certain franchises.
If you’re new to this gaming realm, starting out can appear daunting, especially when playing among experienced gamers. In this guide, we take a look at some key advice to help kickstart your journey into the world of online multiplayer gaming.
Choosing how to play
The first decision you must make is how you are going to start playing online. You essentially have two choices: Do you decide to go for a gaming console or PC? Well, with a gaming console, such as the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, you don’t need to purchase lots of expensive equipment and you can access console-exclusive games.
The only downside is that you’ll usually be required to pay for online features, even for games that are free to play. In contrast, you don’t need to pay a monthly subscription when gaming on PC and are free to use whatever controller you wish.
Despite the graphics often being much better on PC, you will have to build your own gaming setup, putting in lots of time and money – which may not be ideal for gaming newbies.
Communication and collaboration
While talking isn’t required to play most online multiplayer games, conversing with other players can make the experience much more enjoyable and simpler. Figure out how to use in-game chat, voice communication, or team coordination tools to interact with fellow players, prepare strategies, and win the match.
For those playing in a household, it’s advised that you invest in noise-cancelling headphones with a built-in microphone. That way, you keep the sounds of the room out of your ears and the noise from the game away from everyone else.
Learning the basics and gaming etiquette
Before playing against or alongside other players online, it’s crucial that you familiarise yourself with the game’s mechanics and rules. The last thing you want to happen is not understand what’s on. Therefore, learn how to control the character, figure out the game’s objectives, and discover how to utilise in-game features like abilities and weapons.
You’ll find that there are some very good players online who will easily trounce you during your initial matches. Don’t feel disheartened; instead, practice regularly to hone your skills and upgrade your character. You could also participate in more casual matches or change the game – see what works for you.
Each online gaming community has its own etiquette, which you should educate yourself on before playing with others. Normally, this comprises rules like respecting your fellow players, no foul language, and no threats of violence. Learn how to handle losses and victories gracefully, being aware of the competitive nature of the game.
PS4 Multiplayer games FAQs
1. Do I need a subscription to play online multiplayer games on the PS4?
Yes, to play most online multiplayer games on the PS4, you need a PlayStation Plus subscription.
2. How do I set up multiplayer on my PS4?
To play multiplayer:
a. Ensure your PS4 is connected to the internet. b. Sign in to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account. c. Launch the game you want to play. d. Navigate to the game’s multiplayer section. This might differ depending on the game.
3. Can I play with friends on other platforms?
This depends on the game. Some games on the PS4 support cross-platform play with players on other consoles or PC. Check the game’s specifications or announcements to know if it supports cross-platform multiplayer.
4. Are there any free-to-play online multiplayer games on PS4?
Yes, there are several free-to-play online multiplayer games available on the PS4, such as “Fortnite”, “Warframe”, “Apex Legends”, and “Call of Duty: Warzone”, among others.
5. How do I add friends to play with on the PS4?
To add friends:
a. Navigate to the main PS4 menu. b. Select “Friends” from the dynamic menu. c. Click on “Search” and enter your friend’s PSN username. d. Once you find them, select “Send Friend Request”.
6. Can I communicate with friends while playing online?
Yes, the PS4 has a built-in party system that allows you to chat with friends using a headset. You can start a party chat from the PS4 dashboard under the ‘Party’ option.
7. Do I need a specific internet speed for online gaming?
While there’s no strict minimum, a stable and faster connection ensures smoother gameplay. It’s recommended to have at least a 5 Mbps download speed and a 1 Mbps upload speed for a decent online gaming experience. However, more demanding games or those with large player counts might require faster speeds.
8. How do I deal with toxic players or report inappropriate behavior?
Most games offer in-game reporting systems. You can typically click on the player’s name and select ‘Report’. Alternatively, you can report players through the PSN system by going to their profile and selecting the appropriate report option.
9. Can I set parental controls for online multiplayer games?
Yes, the PS4 offers a comprehensive parental control system. You can limit online interactions, set age ratings for games, and more from the ‘Parental Controls’ section in the PS4 settings.
10. How often are new online multiplayer games released?
New games are released frequently throughout the year. Check the PlayStation Store or gaming news outlets for updates on upcoming releases.