What Hz do pro gamers use?

Professional gamers tend to prioritize refresh rate when choosing monitors, especially for competitive gaming. The refresh rate is crucial for smooth gameplay, fast response times, and maintaining an advantage over opponents. Most pro gamers use high-refresh-rate monitors, but the exact Hz can vary depending on their game, preferences, and the type of competitions they participate in. Here's a breakdown of what pro gamers typically use:

Common Refresh Rates for Pro Gamers:

1. 240Hz Monitors

   • 240Hz is the most common refresh rate for pro esports players.
   • Games like CS:GO, Valorant, Fortnite, and Call of Duty benefit greatly from high-refresh-rate displays. Pro gamers use 240Hz monitors for smoother gameplay, faster response times, and better precision.
   • Why 240Hz? It provides extremely fluid motion, reducing motion blur and improving the ability to track fast-moving targets. This refresh rate is especially advantageous for first-person shooters (FPS) and battle royale games where milliseconds can make the difference between winning and losing.
   • Competitive Advantage: The higher refresh rate means lower input lag, which is crucial for pro gamers who rely on lightning-fast reflexes and accurate aim.

2. 144Hz Monitors

   • 144Hz is also a common refresh rate among pro gamers, especially in lower-tier competitive gaming or for players who can’t afford the premium of 240Hz.
   • Many esports titles, including League of Legends and Overwatch, are still often played at 144Hz. It's also a good choice for players who are more focused on team-based or strategy games rather than fast-twitch reflex games.
   • While 240Hz is preferred for its ultimate fluidity, 144Hz still offers significant improvement over 60Hz or 120Hz and is a solid choice for professional-level gaming.

3. 360Hz Monitors (Rare, but growing)

   • 360Hz monitors are relatively new to the market and are typically used by top-tier esports players or those aiming for the maximum competitive edge.
   • Games like CS:GO, Valorant, and Fortnite are examples where pro players may invest in 360Hz monitors, especially if they’re pushing for the absolute lowest input lag and the fastest possible response.
   • While the visual difference between 240Hz and 360Hz may not be as pronounced as the jump from 60Hz to 144Hz, some top-tier players swear by the extra smoothness and believe that it gives them an advantage in ultra-competitive settings.

Why Do Pro Gamers Use These High Refresh Rates?

1. Reduced Motion Blur

   • Higher refresh rates like 240Hz or 360Hz minimize motion blur. In fast-paced FPS games, when you're turning quickly or aiming at a moving target, motion blur can make it harder to track your target accurately. A high-refresh-rate monitor reduces that blur, giving players crisper, clearer movement.

2. Faster Response Times

   • With higher refresh rates, there’s a lower input lag because the monitor updates more often. Pro gamers need quick, precise control, and 240Hz monitors (or higher) allow them to react faster than opponents with lower refresh rates.
   • For example, in CS:GO, where reaction times can determine the outcome of a gunfight, 240Hz or 360Hz ensures that every action you perform on your mouse or keyboard is reflected on-screen instantly.

3. Competitive Edge

   • In professional esports, every millisecond matters. While 60Hz or 144Hz might be fine for casual gamers, pro players need the best possible performance to outplay their opponents. Higher refresh rates give them a competitive advantage by offering smoother gameplay and quicker reaction times.

4. Precise Aiming

   • With higher refresh rates, aiming becomes more precise. 120Hz or 144Hz displays might feel smoother compared to 60Hz, but the difference becomes even more pronounced when moving up to 240Hz. Pro players use this smoothness to land headshots and react to fast movements in games like Valorant or Rainbow Six Siege.

Does It Make a Difference to the Average Gamer?

While 240Hz and 360Hz are standard for pro gamers, most casual gamers might not need to worry about such high refresh rates. Here’s why:

• Skill Level: The advantage of 240Hz or 360Hz is most noticeable when you're playing at a high skill level. Casual gamers will still have an enjoyable experience with 144Hz or even 60Hz if they aren’t aiming for professional-level competitiveness.

• Hardware Requirements: To fully benefit from a 240Hz or 360Hz monitor, your PC needs to output at that refresh rate. This means you’ll need a high-end GPU (like an RTX 3080/4090 or AMD RX 6800 XT), which can easily push 240 FPS or more in games like CS:GO, Valorant, or Overwatch. Otherwise, a 144Hz monitor might be more appropriate.

Conclusion:

• Pro gamers typically use 240Hz monitors for a competitive advantage in fast-paced esports titles. 360Hz is becoming popular with top-tier players who demand the absolute best in fluidity and response time.
• 144Hz is also widely used by pro gamers, especially in games that don’t require the ultra-fast refresh rates of 240Hz or 360Hz.
• If you're not a pro gamer or don't play highly competitive games, a 144Hz monitor is often more than enough for most gaming setups.

Ultimately, the right refresh rate for you will depend on the type of gaming you do and how competitive you want to get.