When you hear gaming man cave, what comes to your mind? Ask 10 different gamers this question and you will probably get 10 different answers on what they think an ideal gaming man cave should look like. This ultimate guide is an attempt to set a baseline from which every player can customize their experience to their taste.
The dream of every avid gamer is to have a dedicated space to immerse themselves in the world of gaming. That gaming paradise is fondly called a gaming man cave or mancave (we will use them interchangeably). Besides allowing you to focus on the game, a gaming man cave can be more than a luxurious space.
Career gamers—like those who upload game walkthroughs on YouTube—need a quiet space that will help them beat each title as quickly as possible. When it comes to gaming walkthroughs, how fast you finish the game can determine how many views you will get.
Also, those who stream their games live need a presentable space they will show to the world. One thing that we must mention is that a gaming man cave must not always be an entire room. It can be a corner in a house. However, those who have the luxury of space can do more to their gaming man cave than those restricted to a corner of the house.
Whether you want a dedicated room or a designated corner, creating a carefully crafted gaming space can elevate your gaming experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you step-by-step through the art of crafting the ultimate gaming man cave.
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From choosing the right location and setting the ambiance to optimizing equipment and storage, we’ll cover all the essential elements that should be in a gaming man cave. However, you can always make alterations as desired to make your man cave uniquely yours.
Step-by-step guide on how to build a gaming man cave
For some, a gaming man cave is an escape from the madness of everyday life. For others, it is a necessity, while others will see it as a luxury. What you think about your gaming man cave will ultimately determine how far you will go to customize it.
Sitting down to think about what your gaming mancave should have and what it shouldn’t, can be a daunting task. Regardless of the role you want your gaming man cave to play, your journey to the ultimate build will always start with choosing the right space. That brings us to our first point.
#1. Choosing the right space
The first step is selecting a suitable location for your gaming man cave. It could be a spare room, basement, or even a converted garage. However, you need to consider factors such as lighting, noise isolation, and available room space to accommodate your gear—table, chair, and other accessories.
Make sure the space allows for comfortable seating, ample ventilation, and easy access to electrical outlets. Consider additional space if you are a VR gamer. Some of the locations you should consider when thinking about a space for your man cave include:
- Basement: A basement is usually the best location for a gaming man cave. The only disadvantage is that you may face Internet connectivity challenges. However, you can easily customize your lighting in a basement.
- Garage: if your garage is not in use or there is still space left after you park your vehicle. A garage rarely faces Internet connectivity challenges like in a basement.
- Spare room: perhaps your home has more room than you currently need. One of those rooms can be converted into a gaming man cave.
- Room corners: as we mentioned earlier, a gaming man cave doesn’t always have to be an entire room. It can be just a quiet strategic corner in your home.
For most, this is the hardest part of building a gaming man cave because you need a location where you will not be a nuisance to the rest of the occupants in the house and vice versa. Also, you need a location with good Internet coverage for online gamers as well as where your gaming gears can safely sit without being damaged. This is particularly important for those with kids around the house. Once you have chosen a location, the next step is planning the layout.
2. Planning the layout and seating
The size of your location determines the layout of your gaming man cave. Evaluate the available space and plan the layout accordingly. Considering ergonomics such as screen height and distance, it is always a great idea to position your gaming setup at the focal point.
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Part of choosing a layout also involves selecting a theme. Most gamers usually build the theme of their gaming man cave around their favorite titles. Others will think of something more subtle or futuristic. What a theme does is that it gets you in the right frame of mind the moment you step into the room. Some of the questions you should answer when planning the layout include:
- The location of the table and display: the best location should be adjacent to a light source. If your display is opposite a light source, the light will either blind your vision or cause screen glares.
- The size of your display: whether you are using a monitor or a Smart TV, you need to decide whether it will be wall-mounted or sit on the table. If the size of the display is larger than your table, consider mounting it on the wall. Irrespective of whether you are using a table or wall mount, make sure the position is just at your eye level when you sit erect to avoid straining your neck.
- Ventilation: it’s important to choose a location that is properly ventilated for your health’s sake and the health of your gaming console or PC. When consoles or PCs are placed in an area with poor ventilation, overheating becomes inevitable—and that can shorten the lifespan of your gadget.
- Accessories: The type and number of accessories you will have will depend on the available space. A gaming man cave should not be crammed to the point where there is no swivel space.
Choose comfortable seating options like gaming chairs, recliners, or a sofa, allowing for extended gaming sessions without sacrificing comfort. A well-planned layout is the key to longer and more comfortable gaming sessions.
3. Optimal display setup
Invest in a high-quality display. Whether it’s a large flat-screen TV or a gaming monitor, choose a size and resolution that enhances your gaming experience. Consider factors like:
- Response time: the time it takes for a single pixel on the screen to change. Great gaming monitors or TVs usually have a response time of 1 millisecond.
- Refresh rate: this is how often the screen refreshes the images on display. For example, a TV or monitor with a 144Hz display will refresh the images on the screen 144 times every second.
- Display technology: there is a large option when it comes to display technology including Plasma Displays, Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED), Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), and so on. OLED is one of the most advanced display technologies available and offers high-fidelity displays. However, they should cost you more.
4. Audio and surround sound
Audio is a crucial aspect of gaming—and that’s why there is an award for the best score in games. Developers use audio cues to enhance the gaming experience. A gaming mancave should have optimized acoustics.
Invest in a sound system or gaming headset that provides an immersive audio experience. Consider surround sound options to enhance spatial awareness while immersing yourself in the game world. One of the ways you can optimize the acoustics of your gaming man cave and keep the noise and distractions out is through soundproofing. This can be done using acoustic panels.
5. Gaming consoles and PCs
Gamers are divided into three categories based on the platform they play: console gamers (PlayStation and Xbox), PC gamers, and handheld gamers (Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and others). A fourth category, VR gamers is gradually rising to the fore.
Whether it’s a gaming console like PlayStation or Xbox or a high-performance gaming PC, invest in the hardware that has a catalog of your favorite games or the one that can play all your favorite titles.
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For example, there are PlayStation exclusive games, Xbox-exclusive games, and Nintendo Switch exclusive games. However, some of these console exclusives are often available on PCs. We usually advise gamers to invest in a PlayStation console and a gaming PC. This is because Xbox exclusives also get released on PCs. On the other hand, PlayStation exclusives often never come to PC or do so after many years.
The more gaming gear you have, the higher the chance of getting a messy cable arrangement which can make your gaming desk unattractive. Ensure proper cable management to reduce clutter and maintain optimal performance. A cable management system keeps wires tidy and prevents tripping hazards.
6. Comfortable gaming accessories
Equip your gaming space with accessories that enhance comfort and convenience. Investing in a gaming desk or a console stand is not a luxury because it helps to organize your equipment. Quality gaming peripherals such as keyboards, gaming mouse, and controllers (for PC gamers that are not used to keyboards) can improve gameplay responsiveness.
The first thing you should know when jumping into PC gaming is that your regular keyboard and mouse may not be enough. Specialized keyboards and mouse designed specifically for gaming can reduce the distance your hand needs to travel from one button to another.
For example, a gaming mouse like Redragon M908 comes with more buttons by the side which you can easily map to any game action and hit them with your thumb during gameplay. Investing in dedicated gaming accessories—when resources permit—comes with added advantages.
7. Storage and organization
Keep your gaming area clutter-free by incorporating ample storage solutions. Install shelves, cabinets, or gaming-specific storage units to neatly organize your game collection (if you buy physical copies of games), consoles, controllers, and accessories that are not in use.
We usually recommend movable storage cabinets rather than the ones that are fixed on the walls. Movable cabinets make it easier to reorganize your gaming mancave if need be. This will also bring down the cost of building your gaming man cave, since you don’t need to hire anyone to install it.
8. Ambient lighting and décor
Set the mood and enhance the gaming atmosphere with appropriate lighting and décor. Install dimmable lights or smart RGB lighting systems to adjust the brightness of your gaming man cave and reflect the mood of the title you are playing.
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Incorporate gaming-themed posters, artwork, or collectibles that reflect your gaming interests, adding a personal touch to your space. The right lighting system will not only prevent screen glares but will also reduce the pressure on your eyes (digital eye strain).
9. Internet connectivity and networking
Ensure a stable and high-speed internet connection for online gaming. Position your gaming setup within range of the router or consider using a Wi-Fi extender. When on a Wi-Fi connected to multiple devices, prioritize gaming traffic to minimize latency and ensure smooth multiplayer experiences.
10. Comfort breaks and amenities
Lastly, consider adding amenities for comfort breaks during long gaming sessions. A mini fridge for snacks or a beverage station, a comfortable seating area for socializing, and a dedicated restroom can enhance the overall gaming experience.
If your space and budget permits, you can get petty by installing a private bar where you and your friends can take frequent breaks over a glass of vodka. Remember, these breaks are good for your health because sitting too long is a recipe for serious health hazards.
The nature of your gaming mancave is up to you!
Building a gaming mancave involves planning, creativity, and attention to detail. By carefully considering factors such as space, seating, hardware, storage, and ambiance, you can create a personalized gaming oasis that radiates your unique style.
Remember, the goal is to create an immersive, comfortable space that allows you to escape reality and delve into the captivating world of gaming. Let your creativity soar and transform your gaming dreams into a gaming mancave that every gamer will dream of having.
What other necessary accessories do you think we missed out on this list? Feel free to share with us in the comment box below.
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