Answering your aiming questions!

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide on optimizing your aiming skills in FPS games, tackling common questions like sensitivity, FOV, and focus during gameplay. The script explains that sensitivity should adapt to the game, while the choice of FOV impacts the speed and precision of targets. It also emphasizes the importance of using both wrist and arm for aiming, the distinction between warm-up and practice sessions, and the benefits of understanding hardware like mice, keyboards, and monitors. Ultimately, the video encourages players to stop overthinking and focus on consistent practice for long-term improvement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sensitivity settings should be tailored to the game you're playing; higher sensitivity works well for fast-paced games like Overwatch, while slower sensitivity is better for precise aiming in games like Valorant.
• 😀 Changing sensitivity won't harm your aim and can actually improve your performance, as muscle memory in aiming is more flexible than often thought.
• 😀 Field of view (FOV) affects how fast moving targets appear; a lower FOV makes targets appear larger but move faster across the screen, while a higher FOV allows you to see more but reduces target size.
• 😀 Focus on the target rather than the crosshair; reading an enemy's movement patterns is easier when you focus on their playermodel rather than your own crosshair.
• 😀 For aiming, both wrist and arm movements are valuable, and using a combination of both allows for more flexibility and accuracy.
• 😀 Fingertip movements can be beneficial for small, precise adjustments, especially on higher sensitivity settings (e.g., below 30 cm/360).
• 😀 A warmup is for preparing for a game, focusing on getting your body ready and sharp, while practice is more long-term, improving your skills gradually over time.
• 😀 During matches, it's better to let aiming be subconscious and focus on other factors like positioning, teamwork, and timing, which are often more important.
• 😀 Hardware like a high refresh rate monitor or good frame rates can improve how your performance is reflected in the game, but they don't inherently make you a better player.
• 😀 Mousepads can impact aiming style—lower friction allows for smoother, fluid motions, while a higher-friction pad creates snappier, more controlled aim.
• 😀 Keyboards with magnetic switches, like the Wooting, can enhance movement and counter-strafe accuracy, especially in movement-intensive games like Apex Legends, although they are not essential for everyone.

Q & A

What is the most important factor to consider when determining your aiming sensitivity?

The most important factor to consider is the game you're playing. Each game requires different types of movements, so a sensitivity that works well in one game may not be optimal in another. For example, games like Overwatch require faster, wider movements, while games like Valorant benefit from slower, more precise movements.

Should I change my sensitivity between different games?

Yes, you should adjust your sensitivity depending on the game. Each game promotes a different set of skills, and the sensitivity that is optimal for one game may not work as well in another.

Does changing sensitivity affect muscle memory in aiming?

No, changing sensitivity won't hurt your aim. The concept of muscle memory in aiming is often misunderstood. Adjusting sensitivity can actually help improve your aim by allowing your movements to be more suited to the task at hand.

What field of view (FOV) should I use for optimal aim?

The best FOV depends on your personal preference and the type of game you're playing. Higher FOV allows you to see more at the edges of your screen, while lower FOV makes targets appear larger in the center. If you're struggling with fast-moving targets, a higher FOV might help, but keep in mind that it will also make those targets appear smaller.

Should I focus on the crosshair or the target when aiming?

It's generally better to focus on the target rather than the crosshair. By focusing on the target, you can better read their movements and make more accurate adjustments. The only time focusing on the crosshair might be important is during long-range, slow-moving targets.

Should I aim using my wrist, arm, or both?

Both wrist and arm movements should be used for optimal flexibility. The wrist is better for small, precise movements, while the arm is more effective for larger, wider movements. The balance between the two depends on your sensitivity setting, but it's beneficial to use both.

What muscle groups should I use for aiming?

In addition to the wrist and arm, you can also use your fingertips to move the mouse. Using all three muscle groups can be beneficial, especially when playing on higher sensitivities where small adjustments are needed. On lower sensitivities, you can rely more on wrist and arm movements.

What's the difference between warmup and practice?

A warmup is intended to get you ready for a game by focusing on getting your body moving and your mind sharp. It's a short-term activity meant to reach your current skill ceiling. Practice, on the other hand, is long-term and aims to improve your skills over time, typically with a goal of gradual, consistent improvement.

Is it good to focus on aiming during an actual match?

It's generally not ideal to consciously focus on your aim during a match because it can detract from other important aspects like positioning, team play, and utility usage. However, reviewing your gameplay afterward and focusing on mechanical mistakes can help you improve.

How important is hardware like a high Hz monitor or good frame rate for aiming performance?

While having high-quality hardware like a 144Hz monitor or a high frame rate won't necessarily improve your skill, it can help your in-game performance more accurately reflect your skill level. These upgrades allow for smoother gameplay, which can lead to better aim and performance.

Do peripherals like mice and mousepads significantly impact aiming performance?

The impact of peripherals depends on their quality and how comfortable they are for you. While some high-end mice offer noticeable improvements in latency and tracking, for many players, a comfortable and modern mouse will suffice. Mousepads also play a significant role, as those with higher friction may make your aim snappier, while those with lower friction might allow for smoother, more fluid movements.

How can a magnetic keyboard improve aiming and movement in FPS games?

Magnetic keyboards, such as those with Wooting switches, can improve consistency in movement, especially for counter-strafing and more precise movements in tech-heavy games like Apex Legends. They allow for more accurate inputs and better control over movements, which can be especially beneficial for serious FPS players.

What is the concept of analysis paralysis in aiming training, and how can it hinder progress?

Analysis paralysis occurs when you overthink decisions, leading to inaction. In aiming training, this manifests as spending too much time debating the best sensitivity, mouse, or other factors instead of just practicing. The key is to focus on improving your skills through consistent practice rather than getting bogged down in external factors.