Best Games to Start If You’re New to the Genre

27 February 2026

So, you've decided to dip your toes into a brand-new gaming genre, huh? First of all, welcome to the wild, wacky, and occasionally rage-inducing world of gaming! Whether you’re switching lanes from puzzles to FPS, or from racing sims to role-playing epics, starting fresh can feel a bit like walking into a party where everyone else already knows the dance moves. But don’t panic — I’ve got your back.

In this guide, we’re going to break down some of the best games to start if you're new to a specific genre. These games are like that friendly neighborhood buddy who holds your hand but still lets you trip a little — because hey, learning is part of the fun, right?

Let’s dive in and help you find your starting line!

🎮 First-Person Shooters (FPS) – Start with "Portal 2"

Wait… what? Isn’t Portal 2 more of a puzzle game? Yes, it is. But hear me out.

If you’re new to FPS games, "Portal 2" is the perfect toe-dip. It teaches you how to maneuver in first-person while offering mind-bending puzzles that don’t involve getting sniped from across the map. Portal 2 gives you all the shooting (okay, it’s portals, not bullets) minus the frustration of learning recoil, bullet drop, or sweaty 360-no-scope duels.

Once you’re comfy with looking around and navigating in first-person, you can graduate to friendlier FPS games like:

- Overwatch 2 – Colorful, team-based, and loaded with characters that suit different playstyles.
- Call of Duty: Warzone (Training Mode) – Baby steps, my friend. Start with the boot camp and AI matches.

🧙 Role-Playing Games (RPG) – Start with "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild"

Yes, I know. Hardcore RPG fans will argue that Zelda isn’t a “real” RPG. But let’s be honest: it’s the perfect gateway drug.

"Breath of the Wild" wraps you in a beautiful world, feeds you just enough story without overwhelming you, and lets you explore in your own sweet time. You learn mechanics organically, and most importantly, you don’t need to read a 500-page fantasy novel just to understand what's going on.

From here, step it up to:

- Skyrim – A more traditional RPG with dragons, side quests galore, and a character customization rabbit hole.
- Final Fantasy XV – Gorgeous, emotional, and more action than menus.

🚗 Racing Games – Start with "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe"

Racing games can be a slippery slope (pun 100% intended). One moment you're revving engines, and the next, you're wondering if that corner actually hates you.

"Mario Kart 8 Deluxe" is the friendliest racing game on the planet. It’s got colorful tracks, intuitive controls, and even auto-steering for, shall we say, “directionally challenged” drivers. Plus, who doesn’t want to throw banana peels at their friends?

Once you’ve mastered the Mushroom Kingdom lanes, consider:

- Forza Horizon 4 – A beautiful open-world racer with forgiving controls and a lot of “wow”.
- Gran Turismo 7 – For those ready to wear the big-kid racing pants.

🧟 Survival Games – Start with "Don’t Starve Together"

Survival games are like life — they throw you in the deep end and hope you can swim while building a shelter and cooking a squirrel over a campfire.

"Don’t Starve Together" has a whimsical Tim Burton feel, and though it’s challenging, it’s also super engaging. You learn to collect, craft, and not get eaten by giant shadow monsters at night. Plus, playing with friends eases the learning curve and amplifies the laughs (and sometimes, the arguments).

Other beginner-friendly survival games include:

- Minecraft (Survival Mode) – Low pressure, charming graphics, and endless YouTube tutorials.
- Subnautica – Survival, but make it underwater sci-fi.

🚀 Strategy Games – Start with "Civilization VI"

Strategy games can feel like chess… sprinkled with anxiety. If you’re new to the genre, "Civilization VI" is the easiest way to dip into turn-based strategy without setting your brain on fire.

You start as a tiny little empire and work your way up to crushing your enemies with culture, religion, or just good ol’ fashioned nukes. The interface is friendly, and you can play at your own pace — no time pressure here.

Beginner tips? Yes, please. Civ VI has loads of tutorials and a community that loves helping out newcomers.

When you're ready to level up:

- XCOM 2 – Turn-based tactics but with aliens and nail-biting decisions.
- Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition – Classic RTS that doesn’t require a PhD in multitasking.

🎲 Roguelikes – Start with "Hades"

Roguelikes are weirdly addicting. You die. A lot. But then you come back stronger. Think Groundhog Day meets Greek mythology, and you've got "Hades".

This game is fast, funny, and full of surprises. Plus, dying is part of the charm — the characters literally react to your failures with snarky remarks. No two playthroughs are the same, and it teaches you the value of patience and timing.

When your masochism level increases, try:

- Dead Cells – Gorgeous pixel art and buttery-smooth combat.
- Slay the Spire – Roguelike meets deck-building genius.

🐉 MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online Games) – Start with "Final Fantasy XIV Online"

Let’s not kid ourselves — MMOs are massive (duh). Starting one can feel like showing up to a sword fight with a butter knife.

But "Final Fantasy XIV Online" is surprisingly welcoming. It has a solid storyline, stylish visuals, and a community that’s actually kind to noobs. Plus, they let you try almost every class on one character, which is basically like getting a free sample platter.

Other newbie-friendly MMOs?

- Guild Wars 2 – No subscription fee, lots to do, and less pressure.
- World of Warcraft (Retail) – The granddaddy of MMOs, now more palatable for beginners.

🧩 Puzzle Games – Start with "The Witness"

If you love brain teasers but want something more profound than Sudoku on your phone, "The Witness" is an ideal place to start.

It’s basically a giant island filled with puzzles. You solve line puzzles that increase in difficulty and complexity, but you’re never really punished for failing — you just try again. And oh boy, when you finally solve something tricky? Chef’s kiss.

Also worth checking out:

- Portal (the original) – Less puzzly than The Witness but still gets your brain sparking.
- Baba Is You – Language plus puzzles equals a delightful headache.

🎭 Stealth Games – Start with "Hitman 3"

Stealth games teach patience, planning, and the value of hiding in a bush for twenty minutes straight.

"Hitman 3" is great because it lets you be creative. Want to go in all splinter-cell ninja-mode? Cool. Want to drop a chandelier on your target while wearing a flamingo costume? Also cool.

It’s a giant sandbox of sneaky fun and doesn’t punish experimentation. You can reload, retry, or just laugh at your failures.

Other stealthy starter games:

- Metal Gear Solid V – Deep but lets you choose your stealth level.
- Mark of the Ninja – 2D stealth done right and easy to get into.

🛠 Simulation – Start with "Stardew Valley"

"Stardew Valley" is like a warm cup of cocoa for your soul. You inherit a run-down farm and slowly build it up, make friends, maybe even get married. It’s relaxing, charming, and the perfect intro to simulation-style gaming.

You can play at your own pace, and there’s something super satisfying about watching your virtual cauliflower empire flourish.

Once you're ready to go big:

- The Sims 4 – Control every aspect of your Sim’s life… and also remove the pool ladder. You know you want to.
- Cities: Skylines – Become mayor and try — just try — not to destroy your city with bad traffic planning.

⚔️ Hack & Slash – Start with "Diablo III"

Hack & slash games are all about fast action and loot… glorious loot.

"Diablo III" is flashy, forgiving, and super fun — especially if you're playing with friends. You don’t have to memorize a thousand combos; just click and watch the fireworks.

There’s just enough story to keep things interesting, but not so much that you forget which demon you’re smashing.

Ready for more chaotic fun? Try:

- Torchlight II – Colorful, lighthearted, and great for beginners.
- Path of Exile – For when you finally want to swim in the deep end.

Final Thoughts

Diving into a new genre is a lot like starting a new gym routine: weird at first, a bit painful, but oh-so rewarding once you find your groove. The key is picking a game that’s beginner-friendly, forgiving, and — above all — fun.

So whether you’re blasting portals, planting virtual carrots, or trying to sneak past a security guard in a chicken suit, just remember: everyone was a noob once. Start with the right game, and you’ll be dominating in no time.

Game on, rookie.