We all remember that time we played Doom for the first time. Using arrow keys, we made the game exciting. We chased after our friends, dealt damage, chased again, got powerful weapons. It was an exciting game.

Then the epic Half-Life came with its tactical expansion Counter-Strike, which featured headshots. It was a very golden time for FPS games on the PC. Until everything moved with Call of Duty, which changed the FPS gaming landscape on consoles forever.
Transitioning from the keyboard and mouse to a single controller takes time. But with a little practice and some exercises, you should be back up to your game. Here’s five ways I figured how to improve your first person game effectively using controllers.
1. Calibration
This is a common mistake most new FPS console gamers make. If the analog joysticks are too sensitive, your aim will be off. If your joysticks are too rigid, then you couldn’t respond to attacks very well.
Take time in the options menu to calibrate your equipment. Make sure that you could respond quickly to any situation and your joystick could help you aim accurately enough for your shots to go in. Familiarize yourself with its capacities and your own.
2. Button Layout
Before you begin any FPS exercise, make sure to study your controller’s button layout. Remember where the “run” button is; if ever you’re in the crossfire, recover and run for cover quickly using that button. Study the buttons position and its interaction with your trigger and aiming.
Most game designers have ergonomically designed button layouts to guarantee an effective and fun gaming experience for players. Try to study what made them think that such a layout is useful in combat. See for yourself which works, and be sure to memorize all the buttons you’ll need, especially that 360 turn when you’re about to get nailed from behind!
3. Practice Routines
Running and shooting ala Doom is never the best tactic in today’s FPS games. Strategy, accuracy and weapon knowledge is very important. You could identify the soldier class you belong to by playing some practice rounds with easy opponents.
During this time, pay attention to how you respond to attacks. Integrate in your muscle memory the trigger, the strafe technique you’ll need while aiming, your use of the crouch and jump buttons, and how your character interacts with the environment.
4. Weapon and Class
Almost every FPS nowadays features an assortment of weapons for a certain class, which also has their own perks and disadvantages. Most of these archetypes don’t stray from heavy, light and all-purpose. Most heavy soldiers can deal heavy damage against opponents. However, their weight and armor, helping them survive, could also spell an early doom for them.
Light class characters have lesser damage, but could induce fatal blows to weak opponent spots. In some cases, they also have the capability to be unheard, allowing them to perform sneak kills
For all-purpose characters, you have the jack of everything. It is all up to your own technique how you would improve your game, which makes this character a best-seller among many beginning players.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
As you get used to using your controller and paying attention to the best character class you belong to, improve your game. Start with easy AI enemies. As your muscle memory improves, move on to medium enemies. To prime you for LAN and EGL games, if you have the potential, fight against the hard and extreme difficulties to test your mettle. With consistent practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.