So, you just got your Google Stadia controller and introduction email to get yourself started. With the release of their long-awaited cloud gaming platform, there are really no words that can describe the amount of excitement, mystique, and sometimes even the confusion around Stadia. Opening the box, everything looks simple enough in the founder’s edition setup. While it may seem simple enough to just plug in your Google Chromecast Ultra and get started, there is a lot of things that Founders must be sure to have in place before they even think about truly getting started. Google could have made this a whole lot easier for us all, but we’re here to help. 😀

Here are some of the things that you want to make sure you have in line before you start with Stadia.

1. Make sure you have high-speed Internet, and quality router.

One thing that consumers don’t take into consideration most of the time is the limitations of Internet data. Many of us get by just fine on the free internet provided by various locations. Even with our own subscriptions through our Internet Service Providers (ISPs), there isn’t much thought that goes beyond being connected.

With Stadia, that all changes. One of the huge requirements that gamers must consider is how well-connected they are to the internet and if it is enough to run Stadia. If you failed to check out the Stadia Connect or didn’t test your connection with their online testing software, then you may have sealed your own doom with a lackluster internet that cannot support the robust requirements of the service.

So, here’s the skinny. You’re going to need at least 10 megabits down per second if you want to experience Stadia at its most base level at 720p and 60fps. This offering only gets you stereo sound as well. 20 megabits down will get you 1080p, at 60fps through HDR (High Dynamic Range). The most ideal setup is to have a down of 35 megabits. This will get you glorious 4K at 60fps through HDR with an audio experience of 5.1 surround sound!

Most people don’t think about their routers in the consideration of a robust and stable connection. Stadia, without a doubt is going to be the one thing that will change your perspective on connectivity, so you might as well get yourself ahead of the curve.

Most consumers around the world who are using their routers mainly just to have Internet, have a router through their ISP — or only have routers that use the 2.4ghz band. For standard usage, this is fine (although always comes at a cost), but considering the complete capabilities of what Google Stadia has to offer, you might want to consider an upgrade. Either a router upgrade, or making sure you’re utilizing a dual-band setup (2.4ghz and 5ghz).

One of the cool things, is that usually you can contact your service provider to see if they offer any general upgrades to their standard routers. Many companies will flow with technology and will push out obsolete tech. If you let them know that you have a 2.4ghz router, and their standard is a 5ghz, you may be able to have them send that out to you free of charge (call your provider to find out if this is something that they do).

If you take your gaming seriously and aren’t about being held down, then I more highly recommend you go out and buy your own router. Grabbing your own 5ghz router will ensure you that you are getting the best bang for your Google Stadia buck and you aren’t left in the dust when playing games with friends like Destiny 2.

Need help on what to look for? Consider possibly the Linksys AC5400 Tri Band Wifi router or the Netgear Nighthawk AC2100 Dual Band router. Both are amazing and able to do the job of supporting your Google Stadia gaming. There’s also the a Google router that’s available. Some prices may seem steep for something as simple as a router router, but it’s the one piece of hardware that can make your break your Internet (gaming AND surfing experience), if you own a lousy one. Grabbing a high quality, well-reviewed router capable of 5ghz band means you will be at the top of your game for years to come.

2. Buy more Games

It’s been a fact for a while that Destiny 2 is the offering for the Founder members. While the game is a popular choice for many gamers, there isn’t much incentive for those who aren’t into playing shooters or team-based games. Recently, Google has announced (in the US) that Samurai Showdown will also be available as a free launch offering for Stadia Founders. This does throw in a bit of variety, but what if you are the gamer who doesn’t play fighters, either? Then it’s time to shop.

Stadia was planning their launch around 11 titles. Much of the community surrounding Stadia sounded-off and Google absolutely listened. They doubled the games (bringing the total to 22) launching and are trying to release games on a consistent schedule throughout the end of 2019 and into the beginning of 2020.

So, what games should you buy? Well that truly depends on you as a gamer. Aside from Destiny 2 and Samurai Showdown, there are many other games that will be available from the get-go. Games like Just Dance 2020, Kine, Mortal Kombat 11, Tomb Raider Collection (sold as separate titles) and the amazing Red Dead Redemption 2. There are many titles to choose from and Google has made sure to cater to every type of gamer right out the gate.

3. Download the Stadia app

For the most part, you are going to need the Stadia app to get anything started. Once you have all the technical pow-wow out of the way, you are going to want to get started solidifying your gamer tag , searching the library and making sure to locate your friends. All of this is done through the Stadia app. Once set up, this is one of the simplest ways to ensure the streamlined service of Stadia across the board.

Anybody can be anywhere — purchase a game, play it on the spot (Pixel phones or Chrome browsers) and change where they are playing at any time. This is the bread and butter of what Stadia is about, and you will be able to see that first-hand once you download the app through the Google Play store. If you have all these things in order, playing Stadia should be a breeze. There is still a lot that Google must prove moving forward but it is very evident that they’re committed to servicing gamers of all types.

For those that aren’t Founders, you’ll have to wait until sometime in 2020 to experience Stadia. So long as you follow these 3 essential steps, you will be more than ready to jump in and have the most seamless experience that Stadia can offer.

Contribution Article by: James Moore Host of Moore Than a Podcast

James Moore is a contributor to the ShareSTADIA community and is the host of the Moore Than a Podcast show.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MooretaPodcast

Contact Email: email@moorethanapodcast.com