Are you a lifelong gamer who is looking for a brand-new game to enjoy? Or are you just getting into gaming for the very first time? Whatever your experience level, there is a seemingly endless world of games out there to be explored. It can feel daunting at the start, especially when learning a complex set of rules or techniques for the first time, but we’re confident that with a little practice you can pick up a new game in no time. In this article, we’ve picked out 5 fun and accessible games which can be enjoyed by beginners everywhere – why not try something new today!

1. Balatro

Classic card games like poker and craps are notorious for being a little confusing until you learn how to play them for the first time, and then they become incredibly fun. They are classics for a reason, as the timeless simplicity of the standard 52-card deck has enabled the invention of some of the most sophisticated and fascinating games of all time. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, modern developers have managed to come up with a glorious new riff on these classic games; Balatro has to be one of the most astonishing new games of the decade, and we can’t recommend it enough. In a nutshell, Balatro is a mashup of poker and solitaire, in which you play against yourself in an increasingly chaotic game of strategy. You are dealt a hand of nine playing cards, and must put forwards the best poker hand you can come up with (such as a flush, straight, or three of a kind). Each turn becomes progressively more complex, as you begin to add mysterious cards to your deck which perform specific magic tricks and allow you to rack up extra points. Every round throws you a new challenge as the game becomes increasingly chaotic – Balatro has to be played to be believed, so don’t miss this instant classic!

2. Mini Motorways

Fans of clever strategy games will quickly fall in love with Mini Motorways, the wonderful puzzle game which was released in 2022 by New Zealand studio Dinosaur Polo Club. This relaxing yet intricate game challenges players to build a complex system of road networks on a grid-like map. Players must draw carefully positioned roads to color-coded buildings, and keep up with the constant arrival of new buildings and houses as the game goes on, changing their tactics regularly to keep the traffic flowing throughout their city. By cleverly implementing game features like motorways and diagonal road tiles, budding city-planners can hope to reach the highest levels of the game. It’s easy to get the hang of Mini Motorways, and hard to stop playing once you’ve started – we highly recommend this one!

3. Arranger: A Role-Puzzling Adventure

This endearing adventure game has to be one of our favorite titles of 2024 thanks to its simple yet intelligent design, alongside its unique combination of puzzles with a larger storyline. Arranger tells the story of Jemma, a misfit who has left her hometown in search of meaning and direction. To get to where she needs to go, Jemma must navigate a grid system of shifting tiles which function almost like a Rubik’s Cube, meaning players must navigate an ongoing series of delightfully elaborate movement puzzles. Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Mac, Windows and most mobile devices, Arranger is a lovely example of a single-player game with a wider storyline, which offers much more meaningful gameplay than other similar, one-dimensional puzzle games. This game is perfect for beginners, as the actual gameplay is very intuitive and can therefore be enjoyed by almost every type of gamer.

4. Nintendo Switch Sports

Carrying on their tradition of interactive, family-friendly sports games, Nintendo Switch Sports is the latest beginner-friendly game from Nintendo. The game features eight different sports which offer a highly enjoyable experience, including all the classic favorites such as badminton, bowling, golf and tennis. This game is well-loved because it offers a much more physically involved and immersive style of gaming, as players must move the Joy-Con in a variety of ways to simulate the actual movements of each specific sporting activity. There are handy explainers and guidance tools built into each game, so it’s perfect for beginners thanks to its intuitive and instructive features – even if you lack real-life sporting talent, you can become a high-flying player in these exciting Switch versions. It’s also a perfect game to play with family or friends, as it offers a range of fun multiplayer modes which are accessible for pretty much anyone who can hold a Joy-Con. Bring this one along to your next family gathering, and watch the hilarity unfold!

5. Stardew Valley

You’ve probably heard of Stardew Valley before, so if you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for? This open-ended RPG has enchanted players from all over the world and is one of the best-selling games of all time. This is a farming simulation game, as your chosen character has inherited a plot of land from their grandfather in a small village in the valley. Players must carry out a variety of tasks including clearing land for crops, raising livestock, and completing building projects, as well as other hobbies like fishing, cooking, and exploring the wider landscape. This hugely popular game provides a relaxing and immersive experience, offering a delightful escape from the real world in a highly unique and customizable imaginary town. Stardew Valley is a real treat, and it’s a perfect game for beginners and gamers of all ages.

Whatever games you prefer, we know there’s something on this list which you are bound to enjoy! Rather than playing the same titles over and over again, we highly recommend that you check out an unfamiliar game – after all, you could discover a new favorite. These titles are all perfect for beginners thanks to their accessible and intuitive formats, and we know you’ll fall in love straight away. Happy gaming!