The Misconception of APM in Real-Time Strategy Games

TLDRThe belief that high APM (actions per minute) is necessary to succeed in real-time strategy games is a misconception. APM is just one aspect of a player's skill level, and its importance diminishes at non-professional levels. Making the correct decisions and strategizing effectively are more important skills to focus on for beginners and intermediate players. Slowing down and giving oneself time to think can lead to more success than mindlessly spamming actions. APM is not the key determinant of skill in real-time strategy games.

Key insights

🚫High APM is not a requirement for success in real-time strategy games.

🏆Skill in making correct decisions and strategizing effectively is more important than APM.

⏸️Slowing down and giving oneself time to think can lead to better decision-making.

📈APM has diminishing returns in terms of its impact on performance.

💡Beginners and intermediate players should focus on learning the game mechanics and developing game sense.

Q&A

Is it necessary to have a high APM to succeed in real-time strategy games?

No, high APM is not necessary for success. It is just one aspect of skill and becomes less important at non-professional levels.

What skills are more important than APM in real-time strategy games?

Making correct decisions, strategizing effectively, and developing game sense are more important skills than APM.

Should I focus on improving my APM as a beginner or intermediate player?

It is more beneficial to focus on learning the game mechanics, developing game sense, and making strategic decisions rather than increasing APM.

Does APM have a significant impact on performance?

APM has diminishing returns in terms of its impact on performance. Other skills, such as decision-making and game sense, have a greater influence on success.

How can I improve my performance in real-time strategy games?

Focus on learning the game mechanics, understanding strategies, and practicing decision-making to improve your performance in real-time strategy games.

Timestamped Summary

14:40The belief that high APM is necessary to succeed in real-time strategy games is a misconception.

13:18APM has long been the red herring of the RTS genre.

09:45Having a high APM is not necessary for beginners and intermediate players to enjoy and succeed in real-time strategy games.