Any tips for improving skills in FPS games?

[Emos]

I just got Castle Wolfenstein and I've been having a lot of fun with it so far ('specially multi-play). Only problem is that well I ummm...suck! If Hitler would have had an army of me in Sept '39 the Polish would have won! I just can't seem to get the hang of moving around with the keyboard...and tips to improve these skills or is it just PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE?
I'm normally an RPG and strategy gamer so I'm also getting used to the "twitch" factor of this game...this isn't like the arcade games of my childhood (too used to a joystick I guess). I used to kick ass in Goldeneye but it seems that FPS games on the PC are an entirely different animal.

 

[ShadowHunter]

Basically PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE PRATICE PRATICE


Some things help, like quick reflexes, but when it comes down to it, it's putting the hours into the game....

 

[Masas]

<< I just can't seem to get the hang of moving around with the keyboard...

<<

i HOPE you're using BOTH your keyboard and mouse....
and as for developing skill...i guess aim is part inborn and part practice...but FPS games vary a lot in skills, and a smart tactical guy would beat the pants off a dumb aim only guy 8 out of 10 matches...

 

[SSP]

All you need is practice. You'll pick up skills from other players in time. Get to know the controls well. Oh yeah... did I mention Practice already?

 

[Danman]

Some ppl don't have the gift like me........heheeh I am on Chapter 7 already in 2 days.....

 

[StageLeft]

If you're not using keyboard and mouse you'll always suck!

Once using them properly (basically default controls - using WSAD keys to move and mouse to look around) just practice practice.

 

[fatbaby]

well there are various h4x n ch34t$ that can "improve" your "skills"

You won't be doing crap with a joystick...

u need a keyboard n mouse combo

~fat

 

[Emos]

<< i HOPE you're using BOTH your keyboard and mouse.... >>


Ummm...I'm not THAT lame! I feel comfortable with aiming and looking around with the mouse...I'm still stumbling around a bit trying to move around with the keyboard. Part of my problem is that I hesitate before shooting...I REALLY don't wan't to frag my teammates but that often means the enemy often beats me to the draw

 

[OS]

circle strafe

keep moving

maintain aim

 

[ultravox]

Try putting your mouse sensitivity really high so that a small movement of the mouse translates to a big movemet in the game. This takes a little practice and don't go overboard on the sensitivity or it will be imposible to control. Play about 16-20 hrs ady also if you can it helps!

 

[jacklutz]

Always have in mind a spot where you're moving toward and how you'll get there, and always know what you'll do when you encounter another player (ex. guy up in the window, you know the best thing you can do is move behind the crates up ahead). Hesitation is baaad.

 

[Emos]

<< circle strafe >>


Is that done by pressing the Forward and Sidestep keys simultaneously (while maintaining aim with the mouse)?

 

[Hoeboy]

Let me ask you this, what is more important: skills or eye candy? You can't have both with a little or a lot of sacrifice in the other. I remember the Q3A days. Q3A is loaded with eye candy if you turn everything on and in 32-bit. But guess what? All those shadow effects and cool color makes it harder for you to spot things. Look at it this way, would it be easier for you to see and navigate using thermo goggles or with your plain eyes? Of course you get more detail with our naked eye but more detail isn't always a good thing. It takes awhile to adapt to controlling FPS games but don't forget you must also need to tweak the game to really have an advantage.

 

[Emos]

Hmmm...maybe I'll experiment with turning off some of the visual effects in multiplayer...I was having a problem navigating in dark tunnels and shadows.

 

[Shalmanese]

I found that FPS games were 70% strategy and 30% shooting skills. I found that keyboard movement was intuitive though but it gets better with practice. Other stuff, however, really needs foresight and is not just automagically obtained with hours of playing. I know many payings who could shoot a gnat in the eye but still lose out because they have no stratergy (ie, most CS'ers )

 

[OS]

<< Is that done by pressing the Forward and Sidestep keys simultaneously (while maintaining aim with the mouse)? >>



I think just sidestep is good enough, while keeping sights on target of course.

It's been years since I've seriously played FPS though, so I don't know if that's still a "in" move


Also for rocket launcher type weapons, aim for the ground near the enemy's feet, and not the actual person.

For weapons that aren't instant hit, remember to lead the target.

If someone is shooting at you, don't move in a straight line. Zigzag and jump around.

 

[Hoeboy]

<<Hmmm...maybe I'll experiment with turning off some of the visual effects in multiplayer...I was having a problem navigating in dark tunnels and shadows. >>

shadow looks good but not when you are getting owned. i remember quake 3 having an option that lets you adjust the shadow. basically you can completely turn off all the lighting effects which makes the game totally clear as day, but yup the game looks like sh!t. i for one rather own than go oooh and ahhh on my back with a bullet between my eyes.

 

[Hoeboy]

<<<Also for rocket launcher type weapons, aim for the ground near the enemies feet, and not the actual person. >>

but doesn't it kick arse when you rocket someone midair?

 

[d1abolic]

Aside from having the right equipment. practice. Good equipment being: fast PC/big monitor for high res, broadband connection for good ping and MS Intellimouse Optical for the best control possible. Keyboard's up to you, whatever works. I prefer MS Natural Pro. I like mouse sensitivity anywhere from 40-70%, depending on the game, and also always use invert. Some people never get good at FPS until they try invert, some the other way around. I remember back when i got my first PC, i kept trying to play Quake without invert mouse - couldn't do it.

 

[CoderFirstClass]

if

 

[bunker]

If you can pick up a copy of Unreal Tournament cheap I would suggest doing so. The bots in the single player game are halfway decent and will definitely help you with practice.

 

[BD2003]

Its just gonna take practice. The best suggestion so far is to pick up a copy of unreal tournament. Its fairly representative of FPS games, as far as deathmatch goes.

You're going to have to learn a lot.

First you need to get comfy with the KB and mouse together. It has to become total second nature, where the mouse and KB just does what you want by thinking about it. That'll come with time. I shunned the mouse/KB for years cause it was so hard at first, but then one day I just decided to start doing it and stick to it, and now I shock people with my mouse skills.

Then you're going to have to learn some proper tactics. Circle-strafing, sidestepping, shooting the ground for splash damage, evasive manuvers, camping (yes, its a skill), ducking, some games require slowing down/standing still for proper aim, hiding while you reload.

And eventually you'll just get your own personal style. Some go out blazing and get kills from the element of suprise, some choose to stock up on weapons and armor by winning through superior firepower, some people are scavengers, picking on the weak, and some are just bastard campers that sit and wait for you to walk by while they pick you off with a sniper rifle from a mile away. The best players know these styles well, and choose appropriately consdering the situation.

Natural talent helps too.

You just need to try and pick the best possible course of action considering your current strengths/weaknesses. (Health, Ammo, Weaponry) Try and keep an eye out on the enivronment, and learn your enemy. This applies to both single player and multiplayer. Everyone/thing has a weakness, and you need to exploit the hell out of it.

For example, if he's throwing rockets at your face, try your best to get in his. His rockets are useless at close range, and are as likely to get him killed as to get you killed. If you're up against a sniper, dont stand still, and dont run in a straight line. If youre zig zagging towards him, he has almost no chance of hitting you, and I'm amazed at how few people understand this simple concept. Thats the single most important thing. DO NOT STOP MOVING. If your accuracy relies on standing still, dont do it for too long.

 

[Aenygma]

I play with ALL eye candy on in Q3A, and will modestly say... I do rather well thank you. It's basically practice, practice, practice. Nothing beats time spent in-game.

 

[d1abolic]

It's hard to learn how to play FPS well by playing UT. The game has character movement all messed up. Can't explain it, but those who have been playing Quake 2 for months before trying UT know what i'm talking about. Quake 3 is probably the best way to go. id Software literally created the FPS industry on their own, no one knows how to make those games better than they do. Their latest game was a bit disappointing, but i think they just got carried away a little bit. From what i've seen, they are back on track and will once again lead the industry once the new Doom comes out.

 

[TimidOCer]

eat cheese