What is the best ultrawide gaming monitor for immersive RPG play?

Question

I am finally pulling the trigger on an ultrawide because my old 27 inch just isnt cutting it for games like Cyberpunk and the new Elden Ring DLC. I want that total immersion feel where the world just wraps around me. I've narrowed it down to two main choices but im honestly torn between them. First one is the Alienware AW3423DWF because of that QD-OLED panel. Everyone says the colors are life changing but im worried it might be a bit small? The other one is the LG 45GR95QE. That 45 inch screen looks massive and the 800R curve seems like it would be perfect for being sucked into the game world but I keep seeing people complain about the pixel density since its only 1440p on such a big panel.

Heres what I'm looking at:

Budget: Trying to stay under $1100 if possible

Space: I have a decent sized desk in my apartment in Chicago but nothing crazy

Use case: 100% immersive RPGs, very little productivity work

Timeline: Want to order it this week so its here for my staycation

Is the bigger size of the LG worth the lower sharpness or should I just stick with the Alienware and call it a day? I really want that wow factor when I turn it on especially for the dark scenes in dungeons. Anyone have experience with both for slower paced RPG stuff? I keep going back and forth and its driving me nuts...

frrwwoftnp · Accepted Answer

Just saw this thread and honestly, youre in for a treat. Like someone mentioned, the pixel density on that 45 inch LG is a real issue if youre sitting right on top of it. Quick question tho, how deep is your desk? If youve got space to push it back, the lower PPI might not even bug you during slower RPG stuff where youre just soaking in the view. Ive been really happy with my OLED setup lately and it works well for immersion. If you wanna save some cash while getting that wow factor, check these out:

MSI MAG 341CQP QD-OLED 34 inch 175Hz - same gorgeous panel as the AW but usually cheaper.

Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED 34 inch S34BG85 - super sleek and I have no complaints about how it handles dark scenes. The MSI is basically the best bang for your buck right now!

uhszsjvxot · Answer

I agree that the LG pixel density is a major risk. If you want to save money for your Chicago staycation and still get deep blacks for dungeons, you might want to consider the Dell S3422DWG 34-inch Curved WQHD. It has a 3000:1 contrast ratio for way less money than OLED. Just be careful about black smearing tho, as that is a common technical trade-off for budget-friendly VA panels.

txkzinzone · Answer

I would probably play it safe and go with the Alienware AW3423DWF 34 inch QD-OLED 165Hz. That 45 inch LG is tempting for the sheer size, but the pixel density is a real risk if you arent sitting pretty far back from your screen. Since you mentioned having a decent but not crazy sized desk in Chicago, the Alienware is much easier to fit and less likely to cause eye strain or make you feel like you are sitting in the front row of a movie theater. Heres some things to think about for those RPGs:

The Alienware colors make dark dungeons in Elden Ring look incredible.

Higher pixel density means character models and environments look sharper.

Its a proven, reliable choice that wont feel like a huge gamble for your money. The LG UltraGear 45GR95QE 45 inch OLED 240Hz definitely has that wow factor because of the size, but it might feel a bit grainy when you are trying to read quest text or look at fine details. Better to have a crisp image you know you will be happy with every time you turn it on.