I remember my first time trying to get into PC gaming. I had just built my first gaming rig, excited to dive into the world of high-resolution, mod-friendly gaming. But when I looked at the vast library of games available, I froze. I didn’t know where to start. I tried jumping into complex strategy games and hardcore RPGs, but I ended up frustrated and overwhelmed. It wasn’t until I accepted that I needed to start with simpler games that I truly began to enjoy PC gaming. If you’re new to PC gaming, here are some of the best games to start with, and some advice on how to approach them.
Start Simple: Games That Are Easy to Learn
When you’re new to PC gaming, it’s best to start with games that have simple controls and intuitive gameplay. These games will help you get used to using a keyboard and mouse for gaming, as well as familiarize you with common gameplay mechanics.
Rocket League
Rocket League is a great starting point. It’s a high-speed hybrid of arcade-style soccer and vehicular mayhem. The controls are simple to learn: use your keyboard to drive your car and boost, and your mouse to look around. The game’s tutorial will teach you the basics, and the community is generally welcoming to new players. It’s a fun, accessible game that’ll help you get comfortable with PC controls.
Stardew Valley
If you prefer something more relaxed, Stardew Valley is a fantastic choice. It’s a farming simulation RPG with simple controls and a charming pixel art style. You’ll spend your days planting crops, raising animals, and exploring the valley. The game has a gentle learning curve, and it’s easy to pick up and play for short or long sessions. Plus, it’s the perfect introduction to RPGs if you’re interested in exploring more complex games later on.
Choose Your Adventure: Single Player vs Multiplayer
When you’re ready to move on to more complex games, you’ll need to decide whether you want to focus on single-player or multiplayer experiences. Both have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your personal preferences and gaming goals.
Single Player: Story-Driven Experiences
If you prefer immersive stories and the ability to play at your own pace, single-player games are a great choice. These games often have complex narratives, well-developed characters, and detailed worlds to explore. They’re perfect for when you want to relax and lose yourself in another world.
Life is Strange is a great starting point for single-player games. It’s a story-driven adventure game about a photography student who discovers she can rewind time. The game has a unique art style, a interesting story, and choices that affect the outcome of the game. It’s a great introduction to narrative-driven games.
Other great single-player games for beginners include The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Celeste. The Witcher 3 is an open-world action RPG with a rich story and complex characters. It can be overwhelming at first, but the game’s tutorial and helpful community can guide you through its complexities. Celeste, but, is a challenging but fair platformer with a heartfelt story and satisfying gameplay. It’s a great choice if you enjoy games with a bit more challenge.
Multiplayer: Social and Competitive Gaming
If you’re interested in playing with or against other people, multiplayer games are the way to go. These games can be a great way to connect with others, whether you’re cooperating to achieve a common goal or competing against each other in fast-paced matches.
Among Us is a great starting point for multiplayer games. It’s a social deduction game where you and your friends are crewmates on a spaceship, trying to complete tasks and figure out who among you is an imposter. The game is easy to learn, and it’s a lot of fun to play with friends. It’s a great way to get comfortable with online multiplayer games.
Other great multiplayer games for beginners include Overwatch and Valorant. Overwatch is a team-based shooter with a variety of heroes to choose from. It has a steep learning curve, but the game’s tutorial and the community’s willingness to help newcomers make it a great choice for beginners. Valorant, but, is a more competitive shooter that requires precise aim and strategic thinking. It’s a great choice if you’re interested in competitive gaming and are willing to put in the time to improve.
Explore Different Genres: Trying Out Different Types of Games
Once you’ve gotten comfortable with the basics of PC gaming, it’s time to start exploring different genres. This will help you discover what types of games you enjoy the most and give you a broader understanding of what PC gaming has to offer.
RPGs: Immersive Stories and Character Development
Role-playing games (RPGs) are a broad genre that includes games with complex stories, character development, and often, open worlds to explore. They can be overwhelming for beginners due to their complexity, but they’re also some of the most rewarding games you can play.
Monster Hunter: World is a great starting point for RPGs. It’s an action RPG where you hunt massive monsters in a beautifully crafted world. The game has a steep learning curve, but its generous tutorials and helpful community make it accessible to newcomers. It’s a great introduction to the RPG genre, with a focus on action and exploration.
Other great RPGs for beginners include Divinity: Original Sin 2 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a turn-based RPG with a deep combat system and a rich story. It can be overwhelming at first, but its tutorial and the community’s willingness to help newcomers make it a great choice for beginners. Skyrim, but, is an open-world RPG with a vast world to explore and countless quests to complete. It’s a great choice if you prefer games with a lot of freedom and exploration.
Strategy Games: Planning and Tactics
Strategy games are all about planning, tactics, and resource management. They can be complex and challenging, but they’re also incredibly rewarding. If you enjoy thinking several steps ahead and making strategic decisions, strategy games might be for you.
Civilization VI is a great starting point for strategy games. It’s a turn-based strategy game where you build a civilization from ancient times to the modern era. The game has a gentle learning curve, and its tutorial will teach you the basics. It’s a great introduction to the strategy genre, with a focus on long-term planning and resource management.
Other great strategy games for beginners include XCOM 2 and StarCraft II. XCOM 2 is a turn-based tactics game where you command a squad of soldiers in a battle against alien invaders. It has a steep learning curve, but its tutorial and the community’s willingness to help newcomers make it a great choice for beginners. StarCraft II, but, is a real-time strategy game where you build an army and fight against other players or AI opponents. It’s a great choice if you prefer fast-paced, competitive strategy games.
Don’t Forget About Indie Games: Hidden Gems Worth Exploring
Finally, don’t forget about indie games. These are games created by small teams or individuals, often with unique art styles, gameplay mechanics, and stories. They can be some of the most fresh and memorable games you’ll play, and they’re often more affordable than big-budget titles.
Hollow Knight is a great starting point for indie games. It’s a challenging but fair Metroidvania-style adventure game with a beautiful hand-drawn art style. The game has a steep learning curve, but its generous checkpoints and helpful community make it accessible to newcomers. It’s a great introduction to the indie genre, with a focus on exploration and challenging gameplay.
Other great indie games for beginners include Hades and Cuphead. Hades is a rogue-like action RPG with a unique art style and a interesting story. It has a steep learning curve, but its generous checkpoints and helpful community make it a great choice for beginners. Cuphead, but, is a run-and-gun game with a unique 1930s cartoon art style and challenging boss battles. It’s a great choice if you enjoy games with a bit more challenge and a unique art style.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and not get too caught up in the complexities of PC gaming. You don’t have to be the best player or play the most popular games to enjoy PC gaming. Just find games that you enjoy playing, and don’t be afraid to take your time learning the ropes. With the right games and a bit of patience, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a PC gaming pro.