Table of Contents

Which Games to Play as a Beginner? Your Ultimate Guide

Choosing your first games can be overwhelming. Don’t worry; this guide provides a curated list of excellent starting points, focusing on accessibility, engagement, and skill development across various genres.

The best games for beginners are those that are easy to learn but difficult to master, providing a gentle learning curve and rewarding progress. These often have intuitive controls, clear objectives, and forgiving gameplay mechanics. Good choices include Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for racing, Stardew Valley for simulation, Minecraft for sandbox creativity, Portal 2 for puzzle-solving, and Overcooked 2 for cooperative fun.

Genre-Specific Recommendations for Beginners

No matter your preferred style of play, there’s a beginner-friendly game waiting for you. Let’s break down some popular genres:

RPGs (Role-Playing Games)

RPGs are known for their depth and complexity, but some offer a gentler introduction.

Pokemon Series: Almost any entry in the Pokemon series is perfect. Turn-based combat is forgiving, and the core gameplay loop of collecting and battling is incredibly addictive.
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch: This Studio Ghibli-inspired RPG boasts stunning visuals, a heartwarming story, and a battle system that gradually introduces complexities.
Final Fantasy X: Though a bit older, Final Fantasy X features a linear storyline, easy-to-understand characters, and a turn-based battle system, perfect to start with.

Strategy Games

Strategy games demand critical thinking. These offer a more accessible entry point:

Civilization VI: While complex, Civilization VI offers helpful tutorials and customizable difficulty levels, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
Plants vs. Zombies: Simple, charming, and surprisingly deep, Plants vs. Zombies is a fantastic introduction to tower defense mechanics.
Into the Breach: It’s a turn-based strategy game that offers a clear focus on tactics and strategic thinking in small maps.

Simulation Games

Simulation games let you manage virtual worlds.

Stardew Valley: Relaxing, charming, and endlessly engaging, Stardew Valley lets you build a farm, make friends, and explore a vibrant world.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Its low stakes and adorable characters make it perfect for beginners. There’s no pressure, just pure, wholesome fun.
The Sims 4: An open sandbox where you can create and control people’s lives. It’s easy to pick up and play, with endless possibilities.

Puzzle Games

Puzzle games challenge your brain.

Portal 2: Known for its ingenious puzzles and witty humor, Portal 2 gradually introduces mechanics, making it both challenging and accessible.
The Witness: Although potentially challenging, the game gently introduces the player to the core mechanics in a non-punishing and understandable way.
Tetris Effect: A classic for a reason, Tetris Effect is easy to learn but hard to master, offering a mesmerizing and addictive experience.

Action/Adventure Games

Action/Adventure games offer thrilling experiences.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: Its open world is both inviting and forgiving, allowing you to explore at your own pace and tackle challenges in any order.
Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune: This game is a cinematic adventure with thrilling action sequences and a compelling story, providing an exciting experience for beginners.
Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4/PS5): This offers fluid controls and a compelling story, and the difficulty can be adjusted for new players.

Racing Games

Racing games offer speed and competition.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Its accessible controls, colorful tracks, and forgiving mechanics make it perfect for players of all skill levels.
Forza Horizon 5: Offers a massive open world to explore, customizable difficulty settings, and assists that help beginners get comfortable with driving mechanics.

Fighting Games

Fighting games require precision and strategy.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: While complex at higher levels, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is easy to pick up and play, with simple controls and a chaotic, fun atmosphere.
Street Fighter 6: Offers tutorials, accessibility options, and a single-player mode, making it a great entry point into fighting games.

Sandbox Games

Sandbox games give you freedom to create.

Minecraft: Its simple premise and endless possibilities make it incredibly accessible. You can build anything you can imagine, explore vast worlds, and play with friends.
Terraria: A 2D action-adventure sandbox game with crafting and exploration, Terraria offers a gentle learning curve and a rewarding progression system.

Cooperative Games

Cooperative games promote teamwork and communication.

Overcooked 2: This chaotic cooking simulator is hilarious and engaging, requiring teamwork and communication to succeed.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes: It’s a game where one person has to defuse a bomb while the others use a bomb defusal manual to give instructions, making it very fun.

FAQs for Beginner Gamers

Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you further on your gaming journey.

1. What is the most important factor for a beginner game?

The most important factor is accessibility. The game should be easy to pick up and understand, with a clear learning curve and forgiving mechanics. Positive feedback loops are also important, making the player feel like they are progressing.

2. Should I start with online multiplayer games?

It depends. Some multiplayer games can be overwhelming for beginners due to their competitive nature. If you choose a multiplayer game, look for those with matchmaking systems that pair you with other new players. Cooperative games are generally a better starting point than competitive ones.

3. What if I find a game too difficult?

Don’t be afraid to lower the difficulty setting. Many games offer adjustable difficulty levels, allowing you to tailor the experience to your skill level. Also, look for tutorials and guides online. If it’s still too difficult, try a different game!

4. How can I find games that match my interests?

Read reviews, watch gameplay videos, and ask for recommendations from friends or online communities. Steam, Metacritic, and YouTube are excellent resources for finding information about games. Consider what genres appeal to you and look for games within those genres that are specifically recommended for beginners.

5. Are there any free games that are good for beginners?

Yes! Many free-to-play games are excellent starting points. Examples include Fortnite (Battle Royale and Zero Build modes), League of Legends (Tutorials and Beginner Bots), and Genshin Impact (Early Game Content). Be mindful of potential in-app purchases, but many free games offer a substantial amount of content without requiring you to spend any money.

6. What platform is best for beginner gamers?

This depends on your budget and preferences. Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) are generally more user-friendly than PCs, as they require less technical knowledge. PCs offer more flexibility and a wider range of games, but can be more expensive and require more setup. Mobile gaming is also an option, with many accessible and affordable games available.

7. How much time should I spend gaming as a beginner?

Start with short sessions (30 minutes to an hour) and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Remember to take breaks and avoid playing for extended periods, especially when you’re first starting out. Moderation is key to preventing burnout.

8. How can I improve my gaming skills?

Practice regularly, watch gameplay videos of experienced players, and read guides and tutorials. Experiment with different strategies and tactics, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Learning from your mistakes is a crucial part of the learning process.

9. Are gaming peripherals (headsets, controllers) necessary for beginners?

Not necessarily. You can start with the standard accessories that come with your console or PC. However, a comfortable headset can enhance your immersion, and a high-quality controller can improve your precision and comfort. These are upgrades to consider as you become more invested in gaming.

10. What does “pay-to-win” mean, and should I avoid those games?

Pay-to-win refers to games where players can gain a significant advantage by spending real money. This can create an unfair playing field and can be frustrating for beginners. While not all pay-to-win games are bad, it’s often best to avoid them early on as they can be discouraging.

11. How can I find people to play games with?

Join online communities, forums, and social media groups dedicated to gaming. Many games also have built-in matchmaking systems or allow you to add friends. Playing with others can be a great way to learn new strategies, improve your skills, and have more fun.

12. What are some common gaming terms I should know?

Terms like “FPS” (Frames Per Second), “Lag”, “Buff”, “Nerf”, and “Meta” are commonly used in gaming communities. A quick online search can easily define these terms. Understanding these terms can help you better understand game mechanics and participate in gaming conversations.

13. Should I focus on completing games or just having fun?

Ultimately, gaming should be about having fun! While completing games can be satisfying, don’t feel pressured to finish every game you start. If you’re not enjoying a game, it’s perfectly okay to move on to something else. Prioritize enjoyment over completion.

14. How important are graphics and sound in a beginner game?

While high-end graphics and immersive sound can enhance the experience, they are not essential for beginners. Gameplay, accessibility, and fun are far more important. Many excellent games have simple graphics and sound design but offer compelling gameplay experiences.

15. What if I’m not good at video games?

Everyone starts somewhere! Don’t be discouraged if you’re not immediately good at video games. Practice, patience, and a willingness to learn are key. Focus on enjoying the process of learning and improving, and remember that gaming is for everyone, regardless of skill level.

Which games to play as a beginner?