Have you stepped into the world of FPS or TPS (shooter games) only to struggle with hitting your targets or getting eliminated without even knowing where you were shot from? Since these genres focus heavily on player-versus-player combat, it is completely normal to find them difficult at first.

However, by systematically understanding the core elements of settings, aiming, and positioning, and by practicing with the right steps, anyone can steadily improve. In this article, we will thoroughly explain how to break out of the beginner phase and enjoy these games to the fullest.

1. Hardware & Settings Optimization

When playing FPS/TPS, the most important starting point is optimizing your gaming environment. No matter how much natural talent you have, you won’t be able to perform your best if your settings are incorrect. First, review the following settings.

Mouse Sensitivity & DPI Settings

One of the biggest reasons for unstable aiming is having your sensitivity set too high (high-sensitivity). High sensitivity makes micro-adjustments difficult, often causing you to overshoot your targets.

• Recommendation for Low-to-Medium Sensitivity: A common style is to use a large mousepad and aim with your arm and wrist. As a starting point, try adjusting your sensitivity so that moving your mouse from the left edge of your mousepad to the right edge turns your character exactly 360 degrees in the game, and then lower it gradually from there.
• DPI Settings: Most players set their DPI to 400 or 800. Combine this with your in-game sensitivity to find the setting where your reticle moves most smoothly.

Target Frame Rate & Display Settings

In FPS/TPS, the frame rate (FPS value), which represents the number of frames drawn per second, directly influences wins and losses.

• Syncing Refresh Rates: Set your in-game frame rate cap to match your monitor’s capabilities (such as 144Hz or 240Hz).
• Lowering Graphics Settings for Performance: To prioritize visibility, lower graphics settings like shadows and special effects to “Low” or “Medium” to ensure your frame rate remains stable. The smoother the screen moves, the easier it is to track fast-moving enemies.

2. Effective Aim Training Methods

Once your settings are configured, it is time to practice your aim. Using practice modes is much more effective in a short period than just playing matches aimlessly.

Crosshair Placement Basics

Crosshair placement is the technique of “always keeping your reticle pre-aimed at the location where enemies are most likely to appear (at head height).”

• Don’t Look at the Ground: A common habit among beginners is looking down at the ground while moving. Make it a habit to walk with your crosshair at the enemy’s head level. Doing this alone will drastically reduce the time it takes to aim when you suddenly encounter an enemy.

Tracking and Flicking Exercises

Aming is broadly divided into two types, and it is important to practice both with conscious intent.

1. Tracking (Follow Aiming): The technique of keeping your reticle locked on a moving enemy. This is highly valued in games with a longer time-to-kill (TTK), such as Apex Legends.
2. Flicking (Instant Aiming): The technique of instantly snapping your reticle onto a target. This is extremely important in games where a single shot can decide the outcome, such as Valorant or Counter-Strike.

Using in-game firing ranges or external aim trainers (like Aim Lab or KovaaK’s) for just 10 to 15 minutes of basic practice every day will lead to dramatic improvements within a few weeks.

3. Basic Positioning and Game Sense

Even if your aiming skills improve, you won’t raise your win rate if you engage in gunfights completely exposed. Learn basic positioning (position play) to create advantageous situations.

Utilizing Cover

During combat, always position yourself near walls or objects that can hide your body.

• Minimize Peeking Exposure: Aim to fight (peek) enemies while keeping more than half of your body hidden behind a wall. This reduces your hit box, increasing your chances of winning even if your opponent has slightly better aim.
• Secure High Ground: On maps with verticality, players on the high ground have a massive advantage. You get a wider view of the area and can shoot down while exposing only a tiny portion of your body.

Minimap and Audio Cues

Information in FPS/TPS does not come from visuals alone.

• Utilizing the Minimap: Allies’ positions and enemies who fire their weapons often appear as red dots on the map. Get into the habit of checking the minimap every few seconds.
• Sound Play: Enemy footsteps, reloading sounds, and ability sounds are powerful clues for pinpointing enemy locations. Use a stereo headset to practice predicting the distance and direction of your enemies based on sound alone.

4. Mindset for Improvement

Finally, your mental approach is also crucial. Since these are competitive games, losing or not playing as well as you hoped is part of the experience.

Reviewing Gameplay & Self-Analysis

When you get eliminated, instead of getting frustrated, treat it as a perfect opportunity to understand why it happened.

• Analyze Causes of Death: Reflect on your play, asking questions like: “Was I too far from cover?” “Did I run out into the open carelessly?” or “Was my reload timing bad?” Using PC recording tools (such as GeForce Experience or OBS) to review your gameplay will help you spot issues you didn’t notice in the heat of the moment.

Keep Having Fun

The most important thing is to avoid getting discouraged by comparing your score to others. Everyone improves at their own pace. Focus on whether you played slightly better or overcame a personal challenge compared to yesterday, and enjoy the growth process itself.

Conclusion

Improving at FPS/TPS does not happen overnight. However, by setting up your environment correctly, practicing your aim daily, and continuously refining your positioning, anyone can become a stronger player.

1. Configure your settings and sensitivity.
2. Practice aiming while keeping crosshair placement in mind.
3. Learn positioning that utilizes cover and game information.
4. Reflect on your deaths and maintain a positive attitude.

Take these steps one by one, and secure your victories on the battlefield!