8 Best Nootropics For Gaming & Gamers In 2024

Updated March 9, 2024 by | Reviewed by William Gallagher, MNeuroSci
(Estimated reading time: 10 minutes)

In this article, I'll take a closer at the 8 best nootropics for gaming and gamers. I'll also cover the potential risks and side effects you may run into, as well as the benefits you can expect.

Are you a gamer? Do you want to up your game and take it to the next level?

If so, then this article is for you.

I know that playing video games can be an incredibly fun and rewarding experience.

But what if I told you that there was more to it than just having fun?

What if I told you that taking nootropics for gaming could actually help improve your performance in the game itself?

That’s right – using nootropics for gamers is not only safe but also effective.

When it comes to improving your cognitive abilities while playing video games, one of the best things that can happen is increased focus and concentration.

This means being able to stay on task without getting distracted by other thoughts or stimuli around us.

It also means being able to make quick decisions when needed without hesitation or doubt clouding our judgment.

In this article, I'm going to show you exactly how they work. So without further ado, let's just get straight into it, shall we?

The best nootropics for gaming and gamers, according to scientific evidence, are:

  • Vyvamind
  • NooCube
  • Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
  • L-Theanine stacked with caffeine
  • Ginkgo Biloba
  • Bacopa Monnieri
  • Modafinil
  • L-Tyrosine
Table of Contents show

Vyvamind

Vyvamind is what we call a nootropic blend. This means that it contains a combination of different nootropic ingredients that work together synergistically to produce a greater effect than any of them could work on their own.

The 6 specific ingredients in Vyvamind are:

  1. Vitamin B6
  2. Vitamin B12
  3. L-Tyrosine
  4. CDP-Choline
  5. L-Theanine
  6. Caffeine Anhydrous

Vyvamind will help you stay focused and motivated while gaming by reducing mental fatigue and increasing blood flow to the brain. It does this by working on multiple mechanisms simultaneously.

First, it increases dopamine levels in the brain, leading to improved focus and motivation.

Second, it reduces mental fatigue by reducing the build-up of adenosine in the brain.

And finally, it increases blood flow to the brain, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to keep you going strong.

Vyvamind Pros

  • Unparalleled focus and clarity
  • Increased motivation and drive
  • Stress and anxiety support
  • Rapid onset brainpower boost
  • Advanced burnout protection

Vyvamind Cons

  • Only available online
  • Can cause headaches in large doses

Vyvamind in Summary

Nootropic blends like Vyvamind have become very popular among gamers because they offer a well-rounded cognitive experience with very few side effects.

This makes them perfect for those who want to enhance their performance without having to worry about the potential risks associated with taking single nootropics. Vyvamind contains 6 clinically-proven nootropics that work together to produce a powerful cognitive effect.

NooCube

Like Vyvamind, NooCube is a nootropic blend containing a combination of different nootropic ingredients.

The 9 specific ingredients in NooCube are:

  1. Bacopa Monnieri 12:1
  2. L-Tyrosine
  3. Cat's Claw
  4. Oat Straw Extract
  5. L-Theanine
  6. Alpha GPC
  7. Huperzine A
  8. Resveratrol 
  9. Pterostilbene 

One of the things that makes this nootropic blend different from Vyvamind is the addition of 2 powerful antioxidants - resveratrol and pterostilbene. These 2 ingredients work together to protect your brain cells from oxidative stress, which can lead to cognitive decline.

Gamers that take NooCube report feeling more focused and motivated while playing their favorite games. They also notice an improvement in their reflexes, accuracy, and decision-making ability.

NooCube Pros

  • Increased focus and concentration
  • Improved memory and recall
  • Enhanced mental clarity
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Protection from cognitive decline

NooCube Cons

  • More expensive than other nootropic blends

NooCube in Summary

NooCube is one of the most popular nootropic blends on the market, and for good reason. It contains 9 clinically-proven nootropics that work together to produce a powerful cognitive effect for gamers.

What's more, it also contains 2 powerful antioxidants that protect your brain cells from oxidative stress. This makes NooCube an excellent choice for gamers who want to protect their cognitive health in the long-term.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)

Acetyl-L-Carnitine is an amino acid that's naturally produced in the body. It's important for energy production and cognitive function. ALCAR has been shown to improve mental clarity, focus, and reaction time which makes the perfect nootropic for gamers.[1]

It does this by increasing blood flow to the brain and reducing mental fatigue. ALCAR is also a powerful antioxidant, which protects your brain cells from damage.

ALCAR is often taken in conjunction with other nootropics, such as caffeine, for an added boost in performance.

If you're a gamer looking for an edge, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a great option.

ALCAR Pros

  • Improved mental clarity and focus
  • Reduced mental fatigue
  • Increased blood flow to the brain
  • Protection from cognitive decline

ALCAR Cons

  • Can cause stomach upset in large doses

ALCAR in Summary

If you're looking for an effective nootropic for gaming, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a great option. It's been shown to improve mental clarity, focus, and reaction time. A bonus is that it's also a powerful antioxidant, which protects your brain cells from damage.

L-Theanine + Caffeine Stack

This stack combines two of the most popular and effective nootropics - L-Theanine and Caffeine.

L-Theanine is an amino acid that's found in green tea. It's known for its relaxing and calming effects. When combined with caffeine, it can help to improve focus and concentration.

A study showed that combining the two improved both speed and accuracy of performance of attention-switching tasks. This makes the L-Theanine + Caffeine stack perfect for gamers who need to be alert, relaxed and focused while playing.[2]

L-Theanine also buffers some of the side effects of caffeine, such as jitters and anxiety, making it a great stack for gamers sensitive to caffeine.

L-Theanine + Caffeine Stack Pros

  • No crash or jitters
  • Improves focus and concentration
  • Calming and relaxing effects

L-Theanine + Caffeine Stack Cons

  • Can cause drowsiness in some people

L-Theanine + Caffeine Stack in Summary

For all the gamers out there looking for a nootropic stack that will improve their focus and concentration, the L-Theanine + Caffeine stack is a great option. It's also perfect for those who are sensitive to caffeine as L-Theanine buffers some of the side effects.

The stack is completely natural, and you avoid side effects such as crashes or jitters.

Ginkgo Biloba

This traditional Chinese medicine has been used for centuries to improve cognitive function. Ginkgo Biloba is known to improve blood circulation, which in turn can improve cognitive function.

It's also a potent antioxidant, which can help protect your brain cells from damage.

A study showed that Ginkgo Biloba improved memory, reaction time, and social functioning in people with Alzheimer's disease. This makes Ginkgo Biloba an excellent choice for gamers looking to protect their cognitive health in the long-term.[3]

Ginkgo Biloba Pros

  • Improved blood circulation
  • Protection from cognitive decline
  • Potent antioxidant effects

Ginkgo Biloba Cons

  • Can cause stomach upset in some people

Ginkgo Biloba in Summary

Ginkgo Biloba is a great choice for gamers looking for a nootropic to improve their long-term cognitive health. It's been shown to improve blood circulation and protect against cognitive decline.

It also has antioxidant effects, which can help to protect your brain cells from damage.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri is an herb that's been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. It's known to improve cognitive function and memory.

It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help to improve communication between cells.

A study showed that Bacopa Monnieri improved memory and cognitive function in people with age-related cognitive decline.[4]

For gamers, this means that Bacopa Monnieri can help to improve memory and cognitive function.

Bacopa Monnieri Pros

  • Improves cognitive function
  • Increases levels of neurotransmitters
  • Improves memory

Bacopa Monnieri Cons

  • Can cause digestive issues in some people

Bacopa Monnieri in Summary

If you're a gamer and you're looking for a nootropic to improve your cognitive function and memory, Bacopa Monnieri is a great choice. It's been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries, and it's been shown to improve cognitive function.

This nootropic will help you remember things better, think more clearly, and keep you at the top of your game (no pun intended).

Modafinil

Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting agent and a central nervous system stimulant. What this means is that it helps you to stay awake and focused.

This nootropic is often used by people who need to stay awake for long periods of time, such as night-shift workers or soldiers.

Modafinil has also been shown to improve episodic memory and working memory cognition in patients with remitted depression.[5]

The big difference between Modafinil and some of the nootropics discussed above is that Modafinil is a prescription medication. This means that you'll need to talk to a doctor before you can start taking it.

Modafinil Pros

  • Improves wakefulness
  • Helps you to stay focused
  • Improves episodic memory
  • Extremely potent

Modafinil Cons

  • A prescription medication
  • Can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, and anxiety

Modafinil in Summary

If you're looking for a nootropic that will help you to stay awake and focused, Modafinil is a good choice. It's been shown to improve episodic memory and working memory cognition in patients with remitted depression.

Modafinil is one of the most powerful and potent nootropics out there, making it a good option for gamers that need that extra edge.

L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that's been shown to improve cognitive function in people who are sleep deprived.

It does this by reducing the levels of stress hormones in the body, which can help to improve focus and concentration.

A study showed that L-Tyrosine improved cognitive function in people who were sleep deprived and showed that it's useful in counteracting performance decrements during episodes of sustained work.[6]

This makes it a great option for gamers who need to stay up late to game or who need to pull all-nighters.

L-Tyrosine Pros

  • Improves cognitive function in people who are sleep deprived
  • Reduces levels of stress hormones
  • Can help to improve focus and concentration

L-Tyrosine Cons

  • Can cause side effects such as headache and nausea

L-Tyrosine in Summary

If you're a gamer that needs to stay up late or pull all-nighters, L-Tyrosine is a good choice. It's been shown to improve cognitive function in people who are sleep deprived and can help to reduce the levels of stress hormones.

This amino acid can help you stay focused and concentrate for long periods, making it a great option for gamers.

What Are the Best Nootropics For Gaming & Gamers?

The best nootropics for gaming and gamers are:

  1. Vyvamind
  2. NooCube
  3. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)
  4. L-Theanine stacked with caffeine
  5. Ginkgo Biloba
  6. Bacopa Monnieri
  7. Modafinil
  8. L-Tyrosine

These nootropics will help to improve your cognitive function, memory, focus, and concentration. They can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, keeping you at the top of your game.

If you're looking for an edge during gaming, these nootropics are a good choice. They can help you to stay focused and alert, giving you the boost you need to win.

How to Choose the Right Nootropic Supplement For Gamers & Gaming?

In order to choose the right nootropic supplement for gamers and gaming, you need to consider your needs and goals.

Do you need something to help you stay awake and focused? If so, Modafinil or L-Tyrosine may be a good choice.

Do you need something to help you improve your memory? If so, NooCube or Bacopa Monnieri may be a good choice.

Do you need something to help you reduce stress and anxiety? If so, L-Theanine or Ginkgo Biloba may be a good choice. Consider your needs and goals, and then choose the nootropic supplement that's right for you.

That being said, most gamers would benefit from picking a nootropic blend like NooCube or Vyvamind. Both of these supplements contain a variety of different nootropics that will help with different aspects of gaming. They're also both very well-rounded and offer a good mix of benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Nootropics For Gaming & Gamers?

When you take nootropics for gaming purposes, you can expect to experience a variety of benefits.

These benefits include:

  • Improved cognitive function
  • Improved memory
  • Improved focus and concentration
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Enhanced mental clarity
  • Increased reaction time
  • Better hand-eye coordination
  • Improved problem-solving ability

Benefits like problem-solving and increased reaction time are especially important for gamers. These benefits can help you to up your game and take your gaming to the next level.

What Are the Side Effects of Nootropics For Gaming & Gamers?

In general, nootropics are safe and well-tolerated. However, some people may experience side effects when taking them.

Side effects may include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Jitters
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness

If you experience any side effects, stop taking the supplement and speak to a doctor. Some side effects may be caused by underlying health conditions or interactions with other medications.

Supplements like NooCube and Vyvamind are generally well-tolerated and have a low risk of side effects.

Do Nootropics Really Work for Gaming & Gamers?

Yes, nootropics can really work for gaming and gamers. There is enough evidence to suggest that nootropics work extremely well. They may be worth considering if you're looking for a cognitive boost.

They've been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, focus, concentration, and reaction time. They can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Nootropics can be a good choice if you're looking for an edge during gaming. They can give you the boost you need to stay focused and alert, giving you the best chance to win and smoke your competition.

Nootropics are worth considering if you're looking for a cognitive boost. Just make sure to choose a high-quality supplement and start with a lower dosage to assess your tolerance.

Final Thoughts

All in all, nootropics can be a great way for gamers to boost their cognitive function, memory, focus, and concentration. They can also help to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

When you want to choose the best nootropic supplement for gaming, make sure to consider your needs and goals. Also, make sure to start with a lower dosage to assess your tolerance.

Most gamers would benefit from picking a nootropic blend like NooCube or Vyvamind which both contain a variety of different nootropic ingredients. They are all-natural, safe, and side-effect free.

References
  1. Arrigo, A et al. “Effects of acetyl-L-carnitine on reaction times in patients with cerebrovascular insufficiency.” International journal of clinical pharmacology research vol. 10,1-2 (1990): 133-7. ↑
  2. Owen, Gail N et al. “The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood.” Nutritional neuroscience vol. 11,4 (2008): 193-8. doi:10.1179/147683008X301513 ↑
  3. Field, B H, and R Vadnal. “Ginkgo biloba and Memory: An Overview.” Nutritional neuroscience vol. 1,4 (1998): 255-67. doi:10.1080/1028415X.1998.11747236 ↑
  4. McPhee, Grace M et al. “Cognitive training and Bacopa monnieri: Evidence for a combined intervention to alleviate age associated cognitive decline.” Medical hypotheses vol. 95 (2016): 71-76. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2016.09.002 ↑
  5. Kaser, Muzaffer et al. “Modafinil Improves Episodic Memory and Working Memory Cognition in Patients With Remitted Depression: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Biological psychiatry. Cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging vol. 2,2 (2017): 115-122. doi:10.1016/j.bpsc.2016.11.009 ↑
  6. Neri, D F et al. “The effects of tyrosine on cognitive performance during extended wakefulness.” Aviation, space, and environmental medicine vol. 66,4 (1995): 313-9 ↑