15 Things Gamers Would Rather Keep Secret

Gaming has its quirks and mysteries that players don’t always share. From funny habits to hidden tricks, there’s a lot to uncover. Here are 15 secrets gamers usually keep to themselves.

1. They’re Not Always Playing for Fun

Image Credit: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

Contrary to popular belief, not every gaming session is about having fun. Sometimes, it’s about grinding through levels, collecting items, or completing achievements that are more about bragging rights than actual enjoyment. Whether it’s to keep up with friends, meet in-game goals, or maintain a competitive rank, gamers often find themselves doing tasks that feel more like work than play.

2. The Rage Quit is Real

Behind every calm gamer is a moment where they’ve hurled their controller in frustration. Rage quitting—abruptly leaving a game out of sheer anger—is more common than most gamers like to admit. Whether it’s because of a lagging connection, an impossible boss, or an overpowered opponent, sometimes, the only solution is to angrily shut the game off and walk away.

3. They’ve Spent More Money on Microtransactions Than They’d Like to Admit

You might think those cool skins, extra lives, or special weapons were all earned through skill, but the truth is, many gamers have forked over cash to get ahead. Microtransactions—small payments for in-game content—are a huge business, and even the most disciplined gamers sometimes give in to temptation. That fancy armor or exclusive character? Probably bought on impulse.

4. They’ve Stayed Up All Night for a Game Release

You know those stories about people lining up for midnight launches? They’re true, and it’s not just for the hardcore fans. Gamers have been known to pull all-nighters just to be among the first to play a highly anticipated game. And it’s not just about getting a head start—it’s the thrill of being part of something big, even if it means being a zombie the next day.

5. They’re Secretly Jealous of Streamers

While gamers love watching their favorite streamers on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, there’s often a twinge of jealousy involved. These streamers get paid to play games, receive free gear, and have a massive following. Meanwhile, the average gamer is just trying to squeeze in playtime after work or school. It’s a dream job for many, and seeing others live it can sting a little.

6. They’ve Lied About Their Gaming Skills

In the world of gaming, reputation is everything. Sometimes, gamers feel the pressure to exaggerate their skills, whether it’s claiming they’ve beaten a notoriously tough game or pretending they’re better than they actually are in multiplayer. It’s all fun and games until they’re called out to prove it, at which point the excuses start rolling in.

7. They’ve Abandoned Games They Swore They’d Finish

Every gamer has a graveyard of unfinished games lurking in their library. Maybe it was too difficult, or perhaps a new, shinier game came along. Whatever the reason, that game they were once obsessed with is now collecting virtual dust. Despite their best intentions, some games just never get finished, and the guilt of leaving them behind is real.

8. They’ve Played Games They’re Embarrassed to Admit

We all have our guilty pleasures, and for gamers, it might be a game that doesn’t quite fit their usual style or is widely considered “cringey.” Whether it’s a cutesy mobile game, a dating sim, or something totally off-brand, there’s always that one game they secretly love but would never bring up in a conversation with fellow gamers.

9. They’ve Pretended to Understand Gaming Lingo

The gaming community has its own language, full of terms, abbreviations, and references that can be bewildering to outsiders—and sometimes, even to other gamers. To avoid looking clueless, gamers might nod along or throw in the odd “GG” (good game) or “noob” (newbie) in conversation, hoping no one notices that they’re not entirely sure what’s going on.

10. They’ve Spent Hours Just Customizing Characters

Sometimes, the actual gameplay takes a backseat to the endless possibilities of character customization. From choosing the perfect hairstyle to tweaking every facial feature, gamers can lose hours making their in-game avatar look just right. It’s a labor of love, and often the most time-consuming part of the game—because who wants to go on an epic quest looking anything less than perfect?

11. They’ve Used Cheat Codes (And Liked It)

While cheating is generally frowned upon in multiplayer games, single-player campaigns are a different story. Sometimes, a little help from a cheat code is just what’s needed to get past a particularly tricky part or to make the game more enjoyable. Whether it’s for infinite ammo, god mode, or just a bit of extra cash, most gamers have dabbled in the dark arts of cheating at least once.

12. They’ve Taken Out Frustrations on NPCs

Non-playable characters (NPCs) in games are often the unsung victims of gamer frustration. Can’t beat a boss? Lose a close match? Sometimes, the nearest NPC becomes an outlet for that pent-up rage, receiving a few too many punches or a nasty shove. It’s harmless fun, but it’s also a little secret gamers keep to themselves—no one wants to admit they’ve taken out their anger on a virtual bystander.

13. They’ve Gotten Lost in Side Quests

In the world of open-world games, the main storyline often takes a backseat to the plethora of side quests available. What starts as a quick errand for a villager can turn into hours of exploration, treasure hunting, and completely forgetting about the main plot. Gamers have been known to get so engrossed in these side missions that they sometimes never finish the actual game.

14. They’ve Fallen for Hype (And Regretted It)

The gaming industry knows how to build excitement, and gamers are often the first to get caught up in it. Pre-order bonuses, exclusive content, and flashy trailers can make any game seem like a must-have. But not every game lives up to the hype, and many gamers have experienced the crushing disappointment of realizing that the game they’ve been eagerly waiting for is, well, not that great.

15. They’ve Spent More Time Watching Games Than Playing Them

With the rise of streaming platforms, sometimes it’s easier (and just as enjoyable) to watch someone else play a game. Whether it’s for tips, to enjoy a game they don’t own, or just to relax, gamers often spend hours watching playthroughs, reviews, and esports tournaments. It’s a low-effort way to stay connected to gaming, but it’s also a guilty pleasure that can sometimes outshine actual gameplay.

18 Times Public Transportation Was a Comedy of Errors

Public transportation is supposed to get us from point A to point B, but sometimes it seems more like a real-life sitcom than a straightforward commute. Between delays, oddball passengers, and bizarre occurrences, public transit delivers entertainment that no streaming service can match. Here are 18 moments when taking the bus, subway, or train became a full-on comedy show.

18 Times Public Transportation Was a Comedy of Errors