Let’s face it, when listening to new music, millions of music lovers turn to gaming. The perfect combination for many, settling down for a gaming session while nodding along to a musical masterpiece, is an understandable preference. However, some genres of music are better suited to a gaming marathon than others.
Whether you’re exploring a classic shooter or modern-day blackjack games like DK All Bets Blackjack, there are some excellent genres to consider exploring. Of course, the best music for gaming does depend on the type of release you’re playing, but there are some popular picks both music lovers and gamers tend to opt for. You probably don’t want to listen to an upbeat pop track while playing a horror game, though. Likewise, if strategic thinking is a must, a techno tune might become an annoyance after a while.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to pair the genre with a specific game, but below we highlight five go-to music genres for gamers and why they’re popular picks.
Rock
We had to kick things off with rock music, right? Thanks to the genre’s amazing riffs and heavy drums, it’s perfect for arguably more genres of gaming than most. Giving gamers an adrenaline boost they need to get the job done, rock music is particularly favored for all-action titles where explosions are going off, combos are being landed in the ring, and epic missions are on the agenda. From The Rolling Stones and AC/DC to Metallica and Pink Floyd, there are so many fantastic bands you can add to your rock playlist.
Hip-hop
While it’s probably tricky to listen to every single lyric some of the world’s finest wordsmiths share on a track, hip-hop is a genre of music that works for gaming. Also featuring scratching and looping in some tunes, it’s a music category that is more than suitable for gaming. Hip-hop pairs nicely with action-adventure games, sports titles, shooters, and even puzzle games. Essentially, you’ll struggle to find a game that doesn’t work alongside an iconic hip-hop artist.
Electronic
Perhaps during a session of an epic endless runner or an intense battle royale release, electronic music is a preference for millions of gamers. From EDM to drum and bass, the hypnotic beats help gamers zone in on the action, while the all-around energy on offer can enable them to reign supreme during a race. Electronic music is also heavily featured in a number of top gaming titles, making it a staple in the gaming category of entertainment.
Classical
It’s fair to say that classical music is probably one of the least popular options among the gaming fraternity, but it can work while diving in for a gaming marathon. For many, it’s a timeless choice thanks to the numerous iconic tracks associated with the genre. While it might not be ideal during a gun-filled scenario or a gangster-themed game, classical music is perfect for solving a mystery or cracking a puzzle. From Ludwig van Beethoven and Johann Sebastian Bach to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, there are some amazing composers to check out.
Ambient and Lo-Fi
If classical music is a step too far for you, then some ambient and lo-fi tunes should help you settle down in your gaming chair for a relaxing gaming session. Offering chilled tracks with instrumentals, this diverse genre is perfect during a casual gaming session or while traversing an open world with stunning visuals on offer. A genre that also doesn’t drown out the in-game sound effects you might need to hear at times, this soothing option is definitely worth adding to your gaming playlist.
