12 all-time best video games for absolute beginners

From action adventures to role-playing games, try different genres to see what you like. (Illustration by Suneesh K.)

Gaming as a form of entertainment has come really far. So much so that when you ask a seasoned player for suggestions on what to play first as a complete noob, you’re going to be bombarded with recommendations. Chances are that by the time they reach their fourth suggestion, your brain will have checked out, just waiting out the verbal assault from the expert gamer. Well, to keep you from going through this excruciating process and make it simpler for you to enter the amazing world of gaming, here’re 12 games that will get you started as a gamer, whether you’re playing on a PC or consoles.

12 games for beginners

1. The Life Is Strange Series

Life Is Strange is a series of narrative adventures with minimal gameplay that keeps you engaged like no other medium. A gorgeously written story, voice acting that’s from the heart and just enough curiosities peppered through the miniature sandbox to keep you busy for a while. None of the games in the series are connected, so you can kick off your gaming adventure with whichever title you come across.

2. Civilization 6

Strategic, addictive and at many points quite funny, Civilization is a well-known name in the world of gaming. Playing the puppet master for different eras, trying to rule the land with your brain doing the math for the upkeep, Civilization 6 is an easy-to-learn yet hard-to-master game that’ll keep you hooked to the screen for hours at a stretch.

3. The Arkham Series

Folks who want something a little more fast-paced, we’ve got you covered too. Batman is familiar to even the most casual of fans, and what better place to kick start your action-adventure than with the Arkham series. The gameplay that became an inspiration for the next generation of action games, be sure to kick off the Arkham adventure with Batman: Arkham Asylum.

4. Minecraft

If you’re looking for a playground where you can do absolutely anything, Minecraft is the perfect spot to start from. With settings that let you manage the difficulty of your run, Minecraft is generally a highly recommended game for most beginners to understand the different controller layouts, movement mechanics and things to keep in mind when in the middle of a game. Minecraft pushes your creativity to the skies and beyond.

5. Plants Vs Zombies

Whether you’ve played the game or not, you’ve definitely spotted the characters in this cute yet barbaric adventure. Plants Vs Zombies is a great game that keeps you on your toes and helps you train yourself to make decisions under pressure faster. Everything takes place on the singular screen in front of you, yet the game isn’t as simple as it seems. The progression systems in the game are a great example of how a game hand-holds you, from starting off with simple mechanics before understanding how to use more complicated ones.

6. A Plague Tale: Innocence

If you’re looking for a game that has gorgeous visuals, a beautiful story, fantastic gameplay and suspense that can leave you awake for days, A Plague Tale: Innocence is a great starting point for your gamer life. Follow the story of siblings in the period of the black death where you unravel the mystery behind your younger brother’s sickness in the old countryside. Simplistic combat with great accessibility features, easy stealth and mesmerizing set pieces – A Plague Tale: Innocence is a highly recommended title for you to add to your list.

7. Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is one of those games that almost always ends up making it to every list of great games. Because the game is so well designed and simple, it works great for both beginners and expert gamers alike, leaving you with hundreds of hours of content. More than just an average farming simulator, Stardew Valley gives you a great mix of mining, crafting, building relationships, fishing and just about anything you want to do in the little town – whatever catches your fancy. Stardew Valley is also available on almost every platform, including mobile, making it really accessible for almost everyone to begin with.

8. Yakuza: Like A Dragon

If you’re ready to experience the weirder side of gaming along with your first-ever turn-based combat system, Like A Dragon is a great starting point. Giving you enough time to evaluate your attacks while discovering the neon-painted streets of Japan with a gripping crime story, Yakuza: Like A Dragon is a choice that will also earn you +100 respect from your gamer friends. While the Yakuza series has been around for decades with multiple plot points, Yakuza: Like A Dragon has the advantage of being the first in the series thereby negating the need for you to have checked out its predecessors.

9. Super Mario Odyssey

First-time Nintendo Switch owner? Super Mario Odyssey is a fantastic pick for you to start sharpening those reflexes. With just a couple of actions comprising a jump and a hat-throw, Super Mario Odyssey has done what others couldn’t by raking in all those awards with its sheer simplicity. Riddled with secrets, your actions in the game only reward you more and more, thus feeding the curiosity of the latent gamer in you. Super Mario Odyssey is a delightful experience filled with wonder and imagination.

10. Far Cry 6

First-person shooter games can get to your head quickly. The perspective shifting, the presence of mind with the camera controls, and of course, aiming and firing are some of the toughest basic skills to harness. Fortunately, Far Cry 6 makes it quite easy and approachable for first-time gamers with difficulty settings that can be adjusted to your liking and camera controls that fit your style. With incredible voice acting, including by Giancarlo Esposito of Breaking Bad fame, Far Cry 6 is a very attractive first-time game for most newcomers offering great combat, accessibility and a large open map for players to explore.

11. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

If you’ve just bought a switch, one of the names that popped up would have most certainly been The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild. Before you dive into the latest entrant in the series, make sure you check out the basics of the mechanics in BOTW. The game opens on a large grassland that expands into the horizon, giving you a subtle message of just what to expect from your playthrough. With little to no hand-holding, The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild is a great way to let your imagination be the teacher with your first video game.

12. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Yeah, this might be an intimidating title especially from all the skill shots you may have seen floating on Instagram, TikTok and other social media. However, Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 does do a great job of journeying with you through your first FPS game. The campaign missions form a great base for you to understand every aspect of your screen and skills. The PVE multiplayer modes, including zombies, are a great friendly way of playing with friends without diving headfirst into the matchmaking pool worldwide only to be riddled to death multiple times. Console players especially might find this a bit of a challenge at first, but you ease right into it in a couple of days.

Whether it’s something that’s going to keep your adrenaline rushing or just a chill vibe mellowing down your energy in the evenings, there’s something for everyone in the above 12 games. Be sure to tinker thoroughly with the settings menu to get the best possible experience. Once you’re hooked, it’s a whole new world of discovery waiting for you, and before you know it, you’re going to find it very hard to put down that controller.