What Esport Should I Play?
Choosing the right esport to dive into is similar to picking a favourite sport, it’s personal and depends on what excites you most. Each esport genre attracts different personality types and skill sets, from strategic planning, problem-solving, fast-paced reaction, or team collaboration. This guide breaks down the main esports genres, what makes them unique, and the type of player they’re best suited for. We’ll also cover some exciting cross-over games blending virtual and physical worlds.
Finding Your Esport: A Guide to Choosing the Right Game
With so many esports options available, finding the one that suits your personality, skills, and interests can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the main types of esports, highlighting the kinds of players they typically attract and the gameplay experience each provides. Whether you’re a strategic thinker, a competitive spirit, or someone who enjoys creative freedom, explore the categories below to find your ideal match.
Examples: Fortnite, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), PUBG:Mobile
Best suited for:
Survivalists: Players who enjoy the thrill of survival and outlasting competitors.
Adaptable explorers: Gamers who thrive in unpredictable scenarios with diverse strategies.
Overview:
Battle Royale games drop many players into a shrinking battlefield. The aim is survival—finding weapons, building strategies, and adapting quickly as the game evolves around you.
Examples: Marvel Snap, Hearthstone
Best suited for:
Strategists and thinkers: Players who enjoy deep strategy, deck-building, and careful planning.
Fans of storytelling and lore: Those who appreciate engaging characters, detailed artwork, and immersive narratives.
Overview:
Digital CCGs focus on collecting cards and building decks strategically to defeat opponents in head-to-head battles. Games like Marvel Snap provide quick, engaging matches emphasising strategy, planning, and adaptability. Ideal for players who enjoy intellectual competition and tactical depth without fast-paced action mechanics.
Examples: Street Fighter, Tekken, Mortal Kombat
Best suited for:
Competitive individuals: Those who enjoy one-on-one competition and direct battles.
Detail-oriented learners: Players willing to invest time mastering intricate mechanics and combos.
Overview:
Fighting games involve direct combat between two players in controlled environments. Success hinges on precise timing, understanding complex move sets, and quick reactions (FutureLearn, 2023).
Examples: Counter-Strike2, Call of Duty
Best suited for:
Competitive spirits: People who thrive in intense competition.
Quick decision-makers: Gamers who can react and adapt instantly.
Overview:
FPS games place you directly in the action from a first-person perspective. They require fast reflexes, precise aiming, tactical awareness, and coordination with your teammates to secure victory.
Examples: Overwatch, Valorant, Marvel Rivals
Best suited for:
Team-oriented players: Those who thrive in collaborative team environments and enjoy clear roles.
Strategic action fans: Gamers who love combining tactical thinking with fast-paced gameplay.
Overview:
Games like Overwatch and Valorant merge FPS mechanics with unique character abilities. They require players to work closely in teams, using precise shooting skills alongside strategic use of hero-specific powers. Success involves teamwork, communication, and rapid adaptability, offering a blend of FPS intensity and strategic depth.
Examples: League of Legends, Dota 2, MLBB (Mobile)
Best suited for:
Strategic thinkers: Players who enjoy planning and executing detailed game plans.
Team-oriented people: If you love working collaboratively and communicating with teammates.
Overview:
MOBA games involve two teams competing to destroy each other’s bases. Players choose unique heroes, each with distinct roles and abilities, demanding a deep understanding of strategy and teamwork.
Examples: Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport, Trackmania
Best suited for:
Speed lovers: Players excited by high-speed competition and precision driving.
Detail-oriented drivers: Those passionate about mastering tracks, vehicles, and racing lines.
Overview:
Racing games simulate high-speed driving, demanding precise vehicle control, quick reflexes, and often strategic management of vehicles or racing conditions.
Examples: StarCraft II, Age of Empires
Best suited for:
Multitaskers: People who can manage multiple tasks and strategies simultaneously.
Long-term planners: Those who enjoy thinking several steps ahead.
Overview:
RTS games require players to gather resources, build bases, and control large armies in real-time. They test strategic thinking, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure.
Examples: Minecraft, Roblox
Best suited for:
Creative problem-solvers: Players who enjoy building, inventing, and experimenting in virtual worlds.
Community-oriented gamers: Those who like collaborating, sharing creations, or competing in custom-built scenarios.
Overview:
Minecraft and Roblox provide versatile gaming environments where players create their own worlds, mini-games, or competitive challenges. Minecraft competitions might involve speed-building contests, player-vs-player (PvP) battles, or survival challenges like speedruns. Roblox, similarly, offers custom mini-games like obstacle courses (Obbies), battle arenas, and racing games designed by the community, offering near-endless competitive possibilities.
Example: Rocket League
Best suited for:
Competitive gamers who enjoy sports: Players who like traditional sports concepts but also crave high-speed, dynamic gameplay.
Skilful multitaskers: Those who can master precision control, quick thinking, and team coordination simultaneously.
Overview:
Rocket League uniquely blends soccer mechanics with vehicular acrobatics. Teams compete to score goals using rocket-powered cars, requiring precise timing, coordination, and aerial manoeuvring skills. It’s ideal for gamers who appreciate sports-like competition but also seek adrenaline-filled, arcade-style action.
Examples: FIFA, NBA 2K
Best suited for:
Sports enthusiasts: Gamers who love sports and want realistic, virtual competitions.
Competitive gamers: Those who enjoy replicating real-world sporting tactics digitally.
Overview:
These games realistically simulate traditional sports. Players manage teams, execute real-world strategies, and engage in virtual competitions closely resembling actual sporting events.
Cross-Over Esports: Blending Physical and Virtual
Recently, innovative games have emerged that combine elements of physical sports and traditional gaming, often called cross-over esports. These offer unique, immersive experiences.
Example: Virtual Regatta
Best suited for: Sailing enthusiasts, strategic thinkers.
Overview: eSailing replicates real-world sailing tactics, rules, and conditions. Players compete virtually using real sailing strategies, appealing to both sailors and strategy gamers.
Best suited for: Active gamers who enjoy physical competition and virtual gameplay.
Overview: Hado blends dodgeball mechanics with augmented reality. Players physically move, dodge, and throw virtual energy balls using AR headsets, combining athletic ability with gaming skill.
Best suited for: Cycling enthusiasts, fitness-oriented gamers.
Overview: Zwift offers virtual cycling races and training, merging physical exercise (real cycling on stationary bikes) with competitive digital racing. Players compete globally, enhancing motivation and fitness through gaming.
Best suited for: Those who love music, dancing, and energetic competition.
Overview: Just Dance combines rhythm-based gaming with physical activity, where players follow choreographed routines to score points. Ideal for players who enjoy expressing themselves and competing physically, but within a playful gaming atmosphere.
Choosing the Right Esport for You
Finding your ideal esport comes down to knowing yourself, your personality, interests, and strengths:
Strategic and thoughtful? Try MOBAs or RTS games.
Competitive with quick reflexes? FPS or fighting games might be your match.
Love sports or fitness? Check out sports sims or cross-over games like Zwift or Hado.
Survivalist or adaptable explorer? Battle Royale games could suit you perfectly.
Don’t be afraid to explore and experiment. Trying out different genres is part of the fun and can lead you to unexpected passions and communities. The key is to find something you enjoy and that aligns with who you are, ensuring a rewarding and enjoyable gaming experience.
References
- Esports Insider. (2024). Esports genres explained: A complete guide. Retrieved from https://esportsinsider.com/2024/05/esports-genres-explained
- FutureLearn. (2023). Esports: An introduction to esports genres. Retrieved from https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/esports-teach-out/0/steps/264492
- Maryville University. (2023). Different types of esports. Retrieved from https://online.maryville.edu/blog/different-types-of-esports/
- USwitch. (2023). A guide to video game genres. Retrieved from https://www.uswitch.com/broadband/guides/video-game-genres/
