Playing video games is one of the most exciting and rewarding hobbies out there, but it can be pricey to stay up to date with your hardware. If you prefer consoles, maintaining the right equipment so you can keep playing is a little easier, which makes it simple to get everything you need in one place. Buying or building your own PC can be more complicated, and more expensive, in part due to the extensive customization options.

Not only has hardware gotten more expensive, but games themselves also continue to increase in price, especially given the rise of “pay-to-win” games with mechanics that are akin to gambling. If you love playing games but don’t want to break the bank, keep reading for three great tips for gaming on a budget.

1. Buy a reasonably priced PC.

It can be pricey to buy a brand new, top-of-the-line gaming PC, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you need a more affordable option. You’d be surprised at how simple it can be to find a budget gaming PC. While many gamers fantasize about their own PC build, it’s easy to spend too much money or stall out before you finish. There’s no shame in investing in a PC that can operate at the high settings of your choice.

If you want to run the latest games at the highest resolution, make sure whatever PC you choose is equipped properly. You’ll definitely want an RTX 3090 graphics card if you plan to enjoy your games at their best, in 4k at 60 FPS. Even though they come prebuilt, many retailers do give you the ability to customize the hardware and choose the accessories you need to get the most out of your gaming PC.

2. Look for discount electronics.

Many gamers default to trying to purchase the newest version of any game or piece of technology, but this is a great way to waste a lot of money. There are a number of discount electronics retailers that can help you get a good deal on the games and gaming accessories you need. Search “discount electronics store near me” and see what choices are available in your area. You can also shop online at a variety of budget retailers.

You also shouldn’t be afraid to buy used or refurbished electronics. You can find incredible discounts on everything from PCs to consoles to games themselves if you’re willing to look at pre-owned alternatives. While everyone wants a brand new, top-of-the-line PC build, you can find incredible alternatives if you’re willing to consider used electronics. There’s no need to pay the retail price for any of your tech unless you want to.

3. Avoid “pay-to-win” games.

There are plenty of games that amount to little more than gambling. The money you spend can add up quickly and often. In addition, the game mechanics feel more like a virtual slot machine than an adventure. These types of games are best avoided if you prefer not to lose track of how much money you spend. While it can seem expensive to pay $60-70 for a game, it’s a one-time fee that allows you unlimited access to the game. Many “free to play” options end up costing much more due to microtransactions embedded within the game.

It’s a good idea to start by determining what types of games you intend to play and what kind of power it will take to play those games. That will give you an idea of what type of setup you need to run your favorite games and how much you can expect to spend on a gaming PC. While many gamers do need the latest graphics card or an upgraded hard drive, many people end up spending thousands of dollars more than they have to on features they don’t even need.

There are a variety of options for gaming rigs at many price points. Which PC is right for you depends on several things, like what types of games you plan to play, how much processing power you need, and what your budget is. You don’t have to spend five figures to be able to have plenty of virtual fun either by yourself or with your friends.