by Video games have increasingly become one of the most popular forms of entertainment and have truly entered the mainstream. However, a lot of people may have missed the boat on video gaming for whatever reason. If you didn’t grow up gaming but find yourself interested in games these days, here’s a list of some excellent beginner games to get you started so you can level up your gaming skills.
Minecraft
First starting development in 2009, Minecraft has grown over the past decade to become one of the most popular video games of all time. Thanks to its unique combination of creative building and compelling survival gameplay, Minecraft was able to sell over 200 million copies worldwide and has become a cultural sensation, especially among young people.
On the surface, Minecraft is an incredibly simple game, like its retro-style graphics. It’s fully open-ended with a sandbox world where you’re free to play however you prefer. However, digging deeper you’ll find a lot of complexity as well which keeps hardcore gamers addicted. The game is also undergoing constant development with new features added regularly to increase gameplay features such as adding new animals to the world like pandas and bees.
Whether you’re building by yourself or looking to survive with your friends, Minecraft is a perfect game for someone getting into video games for the first time because it offers an infinite number of ways so you’re sure to find a gameplay method that works for you.
Hearthstone
Hearthstone is a free-to-play card game released by Blizzard in 2014. In this game, you’re able to build up your own deck through cards you’ve earned and purchased using in-game gold and real money.
Once you have your deck, you face off against various computer and real-life human players in a card game of skill. Hearthstone is great for beginner gamers looking for something with strategy as the game lets you take long turns, letting you fully understand what you and your enemy are doing. If you’ve played other strategic card games or board games in the past, then transitioning to this video game should be pretty easy to do.
Life Is Strange
Life Is Strange is an adventure game developed by Dontnot Entertainment and published by Square Enix. In this game, you take control of Max Caulfield, an 18-year old high school student who must unravel a dark mystery hanging over her town while managing her relationship with her long-lost best friend.
Beginner games will have a fantastic time with Life is Strange as you can take your time enjoying the story without having to worry about raw skill. Beginner gamers who love Life Is Strange should also check out the other games in the series, Life Is Strange: Before the Storm and Life Is Strange 2.
This is also a great introduction to the adventure games genre, so if you find yourself enjoying Life Is Strange, you’ll probably love all sorts of classic and modern adventure games. So give some a try!
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a farming sim & RPG published by Chucklefish. In Stardew Valley, you’ll be able to customize your own character before setting out to manage your grandfather’s farm which you’ve inherited.
You’ll be faced with many decisions about running the farm as well as interacting with the local townsfolk and attending special events. Balance your chores with your social life in this game and create a legacy you’ll be proud of. This is a great low-risk game for beginners with a simple and relaxing premise. If you’re looking to get away from the grind, running your own little farming sim is a great and enjoyable escape from the tedium of real life.
Super Mario 64
Released in 1996, Super Mario 64 has been known as being one of the best games of all time. The game set a benchmark of what 3D platforming games should look like with tight controls and interesting levels that challenge you in various ways.
Beginner players can have a fantastic time with Super Mario 64 as the game has challenges that make players really have to try but nothing that would really frustrate someone new to gaming. Whether you’re a veteran player or someone new to the world of gaming, Super Mario 64 is a fantastic 3D platformer. Plus everyone is probably somewhat familiar with Mario, even if you’ve never gamed before. So Super Mario 64 is a great way to get better acquainted with the little shell-stomping plumber.
Mario Kart 8
The Mario Kart series has been known for a long time to be a fantastic party game to play with friends. With Mario Kart 8, beginner players can enjoy the game by playing against AI players of all difficulties or human players from all around the world.
Beginner players will have a fantastic time with Mario Kart 8 as the controls are easily customizable and simple along with the online having a ranking system to ensure that you aren’t facing against someone that would be too hard for you. Getting used to all the crazy special items might be difficult at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. Just try not to run over a banana peel!
