Beginner's Guide to Gaming: Master RPGs, FPS & Strategy Games

 The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Gaming: Your Journey Through the Various Genres Begins Here

Gaming has ballooned into a $200+ billion business, drawing players from all corners of the globe. At 8 or 80, there's never a more wonderful time to enter the world of video games. But here's the catch – entering a game shop (or doing your broswer shopping at Steam) as a total newbie can be much like attempting to read a menu in a foreign language.

With thousands of games in dozens of genres, where do you begin? Do you dive into that hot new RPG, or do you have a go at a strategy game? Don't worry – we've all been there, standing in front of game boxes staring at the covers and asking ourselves what half these words even mean.

This in-depth guide will take you through the top gaming genres, describe what makes each special, and assist you in finding out which games could be your next addiction. You'll learn at the end what distinguishes an RPG from an FPS, what strategy games are all about, and have a clear guide for your gaming path.

Understanding Gaming Genres: Why They Matter

Consider game genres as film genres – just as you would not equate the same experience from a horror movie and a romantic comedy, different game genres provide entirely unique experiences, challenges, and rewards.

Gaming genres assist you:

• To find games that align with your interests and level of skill
• To have correct expectations prior to buying
• To join similar communities of players based on shared gaming interests
• To acquire certain skills which apply across similar games

Let's explore the top genres that are important for all newcomers to learn about.

Role-Playing Games (RPGs): Be the Hero of Your Own Heroic Journey

What Are RPGs?

Role-Playing Games allow you to become a character (or characters) and take them on an epic quest. Imagine interactive storytelling in which your decisions count, and your character gets more powerful with each passing moment.

Key RPG Features:

• Character development: Your character accumulates experience points (XP) and levels up
• Narrative: Deep stories with dialogue options and branching narratives
• Personalization: Develop and personalize your character's looks, powers, and gear
• Discovery: Huge worlds with secrets, side quests, and surprises

Beginner-Friendly Popular RPG Examples:

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Open-world fantasy adventure with amazing liberty
• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Maturity storytelling with significant choices
• Pokémon series – Great starting point with easy-to-understand mechanics and adorable characters
• Persona 5 – Interesting mix of everyday life simulation and paranormal escapades

What to Expect:

RPGs normally take an inordinate amount of time to play through – we're discussing 30-100+ hours of gameplay. You'll read through dialogue, deal with inventory, and make calculated decisions about character growth. The reward? Some of the most impactful and emotionally resonant experiences in gaming.

First-Person Shooters (FPS): Quick Action and Accuracy

What Are FPS Games?

First-Person Shooters drop you into the thick of it, seeing the game world through the eyes of your avatar. FPS games all about fast reflexes, pinpoint accuracy, and strategic thinking.

Key FPS Features:

• Twitch gameplay: Reflexes measured in split seconds, with precise aiming
• Weapon selection: Pistols and rifles through to high-tech energy weapons
• Multiplayer excellence: Many FPS games excel in competitive multiplayer modes
• Map knowledge: Mapping layouts, spawn points, and strategic locations

Beginner-Friendly First-Person Shooter (FPS) Games:

• Overwatch 2 – Hero-based shooter with varied characters and playstyles
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (Campaign mode) – Excellent for learning basic FPS skills
• Portal series – Puzzle-driven FPS that's more about brains over brawn
• Destiny 2 – Blends FPS action with RPG-style progression

Tips for Starting Out:

Begin with solo campaigns to master the fundamentals with no peer pressure. Fine-tune your mouse sensitivity (PC) or controller settings so aiming becomes second nature. Do not be dismayed by initial frustrations – FPS skills take time, and everyone was once a novice.

Strategy Games: Think, Plan, Conquer

Understanding Strategy Games

Strategy games test your mind more than your reflexes. Victory is a function of planning, resource utilization, and outwitting competitors through strategic thinking.

Strategy Game Types:

• Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
• Continuous action
• Balance resources while issuing orders for armies
• Examples: StarCraft II, Age of Empires IV
• Turn-Based Strategy (TBS)
• Alternate turns making a move
• Additional time to think and plan
• Examples: Civilization VI, XCOM 2

4X Strategy

eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate

Construct civilizations from the ground up

Examples: Crusader Kings III, Europa Universalis IV

Why Strategy Games Are Ideal for New Players:

• Improve critical thinking skills
• Learn patience and long-term thinking
• Usually have extensive tutorials
• Pause feature in most games enables stress-free learning

Recommended Starting Points

• Chess.com – Mastering strategy basics
• Plants vs. Zombies – Defense towers with a dash of humor and accessibility
• Civilization VI – The gold standard in turn-based empire-building
• Total War: Warhammer III – Merges turn-based strategy and real-time battles
• Action-Adventure Games: The Ideal Gateway Genre

Action-adventure games incorporate various elements and are therefore ideal gateway games for new players. They offer exploration, puzzle-solving, combat, and storytelling bundled in manageable packages.

What Makes Action-Adventure Unique

• Balanced gameplay: Not overly complicated, not too straightforward
• Clear objectives: Typically clear what you have to do next
• Varied mechanics: Get to play many different gameplay styles within one game
• Strong narratives: Compelling stories that encourage continued play

Must-Play Action-Adventure Games:

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Masterclass open-world exploration
• Uncharted series – Cinematic gaming with characters you like
• Assassin's Creed Odyssey – Historical settings with RPG features
• Spider-Man (PS4/PS5) – Superhero power fantasy with great web-swinging

Sports and Racing Games: Virtual Athletics

Sports Games

Ideal for sports enthusiasts of the real world who wish to play their favorite games in a virtual environment.

Top Choices:

• FIFA 23 – Football/soccer simulation
• NBA 2K23 – Basketball with amazing realism
• Madden NFL – American football
• MLB The Show – Baseball simulation

Racing Games

With anything from realistic simulators to arcade action, there's something in racing games for everyone.

Racing Games Suitable for Beginners:

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Light-hearted, easy-to-play kart racing
• Forza Horizon 5 – Open-world racing with breathtaking looks
• Gran Turismo 7 – Authentic driving simulation
• Burnout Paradise – Arcade-style high-speed racing
• Indie and Casual Games: The Hidden Gems and Accessible Fun

Don't underestimate independent (indie) games – they tend to deliver the most new and accessible gaming fun.

Why Indie Games Matter:

• Lower costs – Usually under $20
• Innovative ideas – Innovative concepts too risky for big studios
• Shorter time investments – Ideal for hectic schedules
• Less complicated mechanics – Perfect to develop confidence

Must-Have Indie Games for New Gamers:

• Stardew Valley – Chilling farming simulation
• Hollow Knight – Stunning hand-drawn adventure
• Among Us – Easy social deduction game
• Fall Guys – Vibrant battle royale party game
• Hades – Action roguelike with fantastic story implementation

Tips for New Gamers

1. Begin with Single-Player Titles

Sidestep the stress of playing against skilled gamers while mastering simple controls and mechanics.

2. Check out Reviews and Gameplay Videos

Websites such as IGN, GameSpot, and YouTube channels offer great insights before buying.

3. Leverage Free Games

• Several platforms give away free games every month:
• Epic Games Store – Free games every week
• PlayStation Plus – Free games every month for subscribers
• Steam – Free-to-play games periodically

4. Fear Not Difficulty Settings

Most contemporary games have multiple difficulty levels. There is no need to be ashamed of playing on "Easy" mode.

5. Join Gaming Communities

Reddit communities, Discord servers, and official forums provide helpful tips and friendly players to learn from.

Choosing Your First Games: A Practical Approach

Consider Your Interests

• Love movies and stories? → Try RPGs or action-adventure games
• Enjoy sports? → Sports games are obvious choices
• Like puzzles and thinking games? → Strategy games await
• Want quick, exciting action? → FPS games might be perfect

Budget Considerations

• Free-to-play games: Great for testing genres without financial commitment
• Game Pass services: Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus have enormous libraries
• Steam sales: Be patient for holiday sales for big discounts
• Used games: Console titles can be purchased second-hand for huge savings

Platform Considerations

• PC Gaming: Most comprehensive game library, best graphics (provided good hardware)
• PlayStation/Xbox: Friendly interface, console exclusives, living room gaming
• Nintendo Switch: Handheld gaming, family titles
• Mobile Gaming: Most convenient, always in your pocket

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying too many games at once – Begin with one or two games first
• Not doing tutorials – They're there for a reason, even if they're dull
• Comparing yourself to experienced players – We all started somewhere
• Forcing yourself through games you don't like – It's supposed to be fun
• Not paying attention to controller/keyboard comfort – Easy setup avoids frustration and harm

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much should I expect to spend to start gaming?

A: You can begin playing games for free with mobile games or free-to-play PC games. With console gaming, $300-500 for the console and $200-300 for opening games and accessories. PC gaming will cost you $500 for budget builds to $2000+ for high-end rigs. But begin small – you don't need the newest and highest just to enjoy.

Q: Are video games really good for you, or just time-wasters?

A: Studies indicate gaming can offer many advantages such as enhanced problem-solving capabilities, enhanced hand-eye coordination, reduced stress, and socialization. Strategy games improve critical thinking, while action games can enhance reaction times. Moderation is the main requirement and playing quality games that challenge your brain.

Q: I'm concerned about online gaming toxicity – how can I avoid bad experiences?

A: Begin with solo games or co-op multiplayer modes and not competitive multiplayer games online. If/when you do go online, make heavy use of mute functions, flag toxic behavior, and look for novice-friendly communities. Many games also have "looking for group" which enables you to find like-minded individuals. You have control over your gaming experience – don't forget.