Current data suggests the global gamer population reaches approximately 3.2 billion, surpassing the combined populations of the world's two most populous nations, India and China.

Gaming serves various purposes for different individuals. Some engage in gaming for relaxation and a break from daily routines, while others see it as a competitive pursuit or hobby.

Regardless of the reasons, all gamers share a common goal: to excel in their chosen games.

For those new to gaming, the prospect can be intimidating. However, there is an abundance of online resources available that provide valuable advice for all released games, offering significant assistance.

For newcomers, we have compiled a brief guide to help you start with five of the most popular online games and activities.

Fortnite

Fortnite, developed by Epic Games and released in 2017, has transformed the landscape of online multiplayer games with its blend of survival, shooter, and construction elements. Initially launched with a cooperative survival mode called Save the World, Fortnite's fame skyrocketed with the addition of its free-to-play Battle Royale mode, which quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

Fortnite Battle Royale pits up to 100 players against each other in a fight to be the last person standing. Players skydive onto an island and scavenge for weapons and resources while a shrinking storm narrows the playable area, forcing encounters between players. What sets Fortnite apart is its unique building mechanic; players can collect materials such as wood, brick, and metal to construct walls, ramps, floors, and roofs. These structures can be used for protection, gaining a tactical advantage, and reaching higher areas.

The game's vibrant, cartoonish graphics and a constant stream of updates with new items, characters, and seasonal events help maintain a dynamic experience for players. Each season brings fresh themes and narrative elements, transforming the map and the way people play the game. This evolving story aspect is a significant draw for the player community, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Fortnite has also been a pioneer in creating a virtual social space where players can gather for more than just combat. Epic Games has hosted live in-game concerts and other events featuring real-world celebrities like Travis Scott and Marshmello, which have drawn millions of participants. These events are not only technical achievements but also indicate the game's role as a digital meeting place.

The game's influence extends beyond its own universe. Fortnite has become a major player in the esports arena with the Fortnite World Cup, where players compete for millions of dollars in prize money. Additionally, its cross-platform capability allows players on different hardware to play together, breaking down barriers in the gaming community.

Fortnite is more than just a game; it's a platform that continues to shape the future of entertainment, demonstrating how games can become a space for innovation and cultural interaction. With its continuous updates and engagement with pop culture, Fortnite remains at the forefront of the gaming industry. 

If you're considering Fortnite, you'll be participating in a Battle Royale with 99 others, aiming to be the last person standing. A key survival tip is to delay your exit from the Battle Bus after the horn sounds, which helps avoid crowded landing spots. Initially, assault rifles and submachine guns are advisable for their ease of use and range. Always use headphones to detect approaching enemies by their footsteps.

Online poker

The popularity of online poker continues to grow, blending skill, luck, and strategy akin to top-tier video games. Key to success in poker is understanding the hand rankings, from the Royal Flush down to the highest card in any suit. This knowledge influences your betting decisions. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the different poker chip values to avoid costly mistakes.

Grand Theft Auto 5

Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V), developed by Rockstar Games, is a landmark title in the world of video games, both for its vast open-world design and its deep narrative complexity. Released in 2013, GTA V not only continues the franchise's tradition of controversy and innovation but also sets high standards for the gaming industry with its detailed world and multi-layered storytelling.

Set in the fictional state of San Andreas, based on Southern California, the game's world is expansive, featuring diverse landscapes, bustling urban environments, and countless interactive elements. Players can explore the city of Los Santos and the surrounding countryside, engaging in activities ranging from high-octane heists to leisurely pursuits like golf and yoga.

GTA V introduces an innovative feature to the series: the ability to switch between three protagonists—Michael, Trevor, and Franklin—each with unique backgrounds and interconnected stories. This dynamic allows players to experience the narrative from multiple perspectives, enhancing the depth and replayability of the game. The storyline, rich with dark humor and social commentary, critiques modern media culture, economic disparities, and the American dream.

Graphically, GTA V is a masterpiece with meticulous attention to detail. The game's world is alive with realistic weather effects, day and night cycles, and spontaneous events that make San Andreas feel genuinely immersive. The game's engine facilitates impressive draw distances and detailed textures, contributing to a visually stunning experience.

The online component, GTA Online, has become a phenomenon in itself, evolving with regular updates that expand the gameplay with new missions, activities, and items. This multiplayer mode builds a community where players can collaborate or compete in missions, races, and other competitive modes, continually adding value and extending the life of the game.

GTA V has achieved critical and commercial success, breaking numerous sales records and receiving widespread acclaim for its ambitious scale and narrative depth. Its ability to blend storytelling, gameplay freedom, and multiplayer in one cohesive package sets it apart as a cornerstone of modern gaming. Through Grand Theft Auto V, Rockstar Games not only delivers an engaging game but also critiques and satirizes the very world it emulates, capturing the imagination of players around the globe. 

As anticipation builds for a new GTA release in 2025, now is a great time to get acquainted with the game. Set in the fictional state of San Andreas, you will navigate the world as one of three characters—Michael, Trevor, and Franklin Clinton—undertaking various missions. Initially, focus on earning money to purchase essential cars and weapons. There are numerous ways to make money in the game, including utilizing your poker skills at the game’s casino.

Minecraft

Minecraft is a revolutionary sandbox video game that has captivated players of all ages since its initial release by Mojang in 2011. At its core, Minecraft offers a platform for boundless creativity and exploration, set in a dynamically generated world of textured cubes. Players can delve into two main modes: Survival, where they must acquire resources and maintain their health and hunger; and Creative, where they have unlimited resources at their disposal and the ability to fly.

The game begins by placing players in a vast, procedurally-generated environment where everything from the landscapes to the dungeons is made up of blocks. Each block can be broken down and reassembled to create new structures. This simple yet profound mechanic enables players to build elaborate constructions—from towering skyscrapers to sprawling underground cities.

What sets Minecraft apart is its powerful element of discovery and adventure. In Survival mode, players encounter various non-player characters (NPCs), like villagers with whom they can trade, and hostile creatures including spiders, zombies, and the iconic Creepers. Players can also venture into alternate dimensions such as the Nether or the End, each offering unique resources and challenges.

The influence of Minecraft extends beyond the game itself, contributing to educational environments through Minecraft: Education Edition. This variant is used in schools around the world to teach subjects like mathematics, history, and computer programming, demonstrating the game's versatility as a learning tool.

The game’s open-ended nature also fosters a strong community of modders and server administrators who enhance gameplay with new features, items, and quests. Minecraft’s cultural impact is undeniable, with a vast presence on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, where millions watch and share their gameplay experiences.

In conclusion, Minecraft is more than just a game—it's a phenomenon that fosters creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Its simple premise hides a deeply immersive and endlessly adaptable world that continues to evolve, engaging new and old players alike. 

Minecraft offers boundless creative freedom in a sandbox environment. New players should start in Creative mode, where you are safe from all mobs and other dangers. Once you're familiar with the game's mechanics, transition to Survival mode for a more challenging and rewarding experience. Detailed guidance is available at Creative vs. Survival mode.

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2 marks the latest iteration in the storied Counter-Strike series, a franchise that has defined the first-person shooter genre in competitive gaming since its inception as a mod for Half-Life in 1999. Developed by Valve Corporation, Counter-Strike 2 builds on the foundations of its predecessors, offering refined gameplay mechanics, enhanced graphics, and new features that are set to reinvigorate the classic tactical shooter experience.

At its core, Counter-Strike 2 retains the fundamental elements that made the series a favorite among competitive players. The game pits two teams against each other: the Terrorists and the Counter-Terrorists, with the primary objectives remaining the planting of a bomb or rescuing hostages. What sets Counter-Strike 2 apart is its enhanced Source 2 engine, which provides improved physics, better rendering, and more detailed environments, making the gameplay experience more immersive and realistic.

One of the most significant updates in Counter-Strike 2 is the overhaul of its matchmaking system, which aims to provide a fairer and more balanced competitive environment. This system assesses individual performance more accurately and matches players of similar skill levels, which is crucial for maintaining the competitive integrity of the game. Additionally, the introduction of new maps and strategic elements, like advanced smoke and flash tactics, encourages players to develop more sophisticated strategies and teamwork.

Counter-Strike 2 also emphasizes community involvement, with better support for modders and content creators. This has led to a vibrant ecosystem of custom maps, mods, and community-driven events that enhance the replayability of the game. Furthermore, the game includes integrated streaming capabilities, making it easier for players to broadcast their gameplay and for fans to follow their favorite players and teams.

The esports scene around Counter-Strike 2 is already showing signs of significant growth. Tournaments are drawing large audiences, both online and in massive arena events, highlighting the game's potential to continue the legacy of its predecessors as a staple in competitive gaming.

In summary, Counter-Strike 2 is not just a sequel; it's a modern reimagining of a classic, designed to meet the demands of today’s gamers and esports enthusiasts. With its advanced technology and community-focused features, it is poised to redefine tactical shooters for the next generation of players. 

In CS-2, you will alternate between terrorist and counter-terrorist roles, honing your combat skills. Focus on mastering weapon recoil and maintaining steady aim for effective headshots.

Whichever games you choose to explore, this guide should provide a solid starting point. Enjoy your gaming journey!