1. Field of view
On PC, widen the field of view until the edges don't feel stretched. A wider view helps with awareness and, for many people, with motion sickness. On console, use the widest option the game offers.
2. Motion blur and camera shake
Turn both down or off. They add drama in trailers and make fights harder to read in practice.
3. Sensitivity, in one direction at a time
If your aim overshoots, lower it. If you run out of mouse mat or stick travel when turning, raise it. Change it in small steps and give each change a few matches.
4. Subtitles and audio mix
Turn on subtitles and, where offered, the "night mode" or reduced dynamic range audio. Footsteps and callouts become easier to hear without loud explosions.
5. Colour and contrast
Most of the games we rate have colour-blind filters and enemy highlight colours. Even if you don't need them, a stronger enemy outline can make busy scenes easier to read.
6. Voice and text chat defaults
Decide before your first match whether voice chat should be on by default. Muting is always one button away, and pings cover most communication in modern team games.
7. Break reminders
Many platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo and phones, can remind you how long you've been playing. A short break between sessions is good for your eyes and your wrists.
If you're setting up a console for the family, pair this with spending limits.