Curved Vs Flat Monitors - Which One Is Better for Gaming?

Whether you go for flat or curved, gaming monitors come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. While each option has its own particularities, your personal preferences come first. On the same note, each type is suitable for a different approach in gaming.

Let’s take a look at a deeper analysis and figure out which one’s better.

Positive Sides of Flat Vs. Curved Monitors

Flat monitors are extremely precise because there’s no distortion caused by curvatures. They’re accurate, so they’re less likely to affect your precision. This is a must for games where aiming is essential, such as first-person shooters.

On the same note, since there’s no curvature whatsoever, they’re excellent for professional gamers who may require a multi-monitor setup. They’re easier to align with the perfect design. Imagine trying to do that with curved monitors, mission impossible.

But curved monitors are also good. The curve offers a more realistic approach to gaming. It almost feels like you’re there due to the immersive experience. Moreover, the same curve will enhance the field of view. Obviously, it depends on the size of the monitor. Ultrawide options are better from this point of view.

While not always the case, some gamers agree that the curvature keeps the eye strain under control, which is useful when you engage in gaming sessions for hours. This is because the curved design reduces the need for constant eye movement, allowing you to focus on the game without feeling fatigued.

This immersive experience makes curved gaming monitors more expensive than the flat alternatives.

How About the Negatives?

While curved monitors offer an immersive experience, they also come with some drawbacks. If you look at curved monitors, all this immersion comes with extra distortion as well. Distortion depends on the curvature. It’s not usually too bad, yet you may notice some issues around the edges or corners.

Distortion could be an issue in games where precision matters, such as first-person shooters. However, chances are your aim will be somewhere in the middle, rather than towards a corner.

Although more and more games support such resolutions, it’s worth checking upfront. Some developers ignore this aspect. If you play such games, chances are you’ll notice if the image is stretched or there are black bars on the sides.

While you might tend to move towards flat monitors, the truth is the flat screen offers less immersion. Besides, the field of view is relatively small. It doesn’t mean much for some games, but it could be a serious disadvantage in other types of games.

For instance, in racing or strategy games, a wider field of view can provide a competitive edge by allowing you to see more of the environment without needing to move your head.

How to Decide

Once again, your personal preferences and necessities should dictate the optimal monitor for your gaming experience.

Do you prefer the immersion and experience of a curved monitor? Fine. Would you rather choose the flat precision instead? No problem. Both options have their advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on what matters most to you as a gamer.

There’s also a middle option, meaning you can pick slightly curved monitors. You have a bit of everything and they won’t cost you a fortune either. Obviously, the curvature affects the whole gaming experience. Besides, you’ll notice that different brands have different standards.

Then, think about the games you like too.

If you’re mainly playing RPGs and strategy games, precision isn’t the ultimate requirement. Your actual strategy is more important in the process. Therefore, for such games, it’s worth investing in immersion because it takes the whole experience to another level.

Now, immersion is just as attractive in first-person shooters too. It makes the experience miles better. But then, precision could be affected. And if you think about it, you do need it in such games. You must adopt a dynamic approach since you’re always moving.

Last, but not least, think about your gaming goals as well.

If you’re a competitive gamer playing in official tournaments and shooting for top prizes, a shooting game requires a flat monitor. And if you do go for a curved one, make sure the curvature is low or it will affect your skill.

Competitive gaming goes in more directions though. You could be trying to make money with streaming services instead. Once again, no one’s going to watch you smash enemies if you’re bad at it, so you may need to put precision first.

If you prioritize immersion and you’re not a pro, a curved monitor could be a better idea, especially if you like ultrawide setups as well.

In terms of money, curved monitors cost more than flat monitors. They’re more modern and offer a more realistic approach, hence the price.

Last, but not least, you’ll have to find a middle option between all these. You’ll need to think about your competitive level, goals, games you normally play and budget. Each type of monitor is addressed to a certain category of gamers and games.

If you’re just getting into the gaming industry and you have the budget, go ahead and enjoy the immersion of a curved monitor. You’re not a pro, so chances are you’re mainly looking for a nice overall experience. With time, you can adjust your monitor based on your needs as you grow as a gamer.