The Best RPGs For Beginners

RPGs are often home to some of the grandest storytelling and character development that’s accomplished in video games, but the genre is sometimes viewed as impenetrable for outside audiences. Boasting titles that are infamous for their difficulty or complexity, such as Dark Souls, it’s hard to argue that the reputation isn’t earned.

Games like Final Fantasy look like a lot of fun, but they also look complex regarding their goals and battle mechanics. Thankfully, there are plenty of RPGs that are less grueling experiences, making perfect titles for players who may not have a great deal of experience with the genre and are curious enough to dip their toes in.

Updated May 3, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: Most people assume that role-playing games are as hardcore as can be, and only experienced gamers have the skills and determination to get into these titles. This might hold true for some of the tougher and more in-depth games in the genre, but the RPG genre has become so ubiquitous that many titles in this genre are as accessible as can be. As a result, it’s more than easy to find certain beginner-friendly RPGs that players can have a great time with. Just keep in mind that games for beginners don’t necessarily need to be for all ages, and some games are not appropriate for children trying to get into the genre.

32 South Park: The Stick Of Truth

A Simple Turn-Based RPG Where Battles Are Pretty Easy

As a South Park game where the creators had more of a hands-on approach, many people were amazed by the sheer quality on display in Stick of Truth. It genuinely felt like players were going through a long season of South Park, with the play-fighting between children becoming serious in the best way possible.

Controlling these children as they try to find the Stick of Truth makes for a great time. Players get to team up with several iconic characters as they make their way to the end of a magical experience. The sheer number of gross-out moments in Stick of Truth. coupled with approachable and easy combat, makes this title a blast to play through.

31 Yakuza 0

A Fun Brawler And A Great Starting Point For The Yakuza Series

The Yakuza games are tantalizing, but a lot of people have no idea how to get into a series that was already on its fifth entry at one point, with the first Yakuza games stuck in the PS2 era. Thankfully, RGG Studio understood the assignment and developed a prequel that is perfect for new fans.

It helps that the combat isn’t punishing, compelling players to experiment with different styles and not find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place during certain encounters. It’s an excellent game that beginners to action RPGs will find pretty easy to get into. The unique combination of serious story elements and goofy side content makes this package worth investing in.

30 Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

A Great DBZ-Themed Action Game

The idea of playing through the entire Dragon Ball Z saga in a game with a fun fighting system and great cinematics is exactly what most fans had been pining for. So, fans were more than glad to see Kakarot make a splash and stick around in the long run with a steady stream of DLCs.

Kakarot has its issues and isn’t the tightest fighting game around. However, the devotion to the source material coupled with a wealth of amazing content makes this title worth checking out. It’s easy to see why fans adore this game to kingdom come. Levels are largely inconsequential and players can go through the game at their own pace. without worrying about being underleveled at any stage.

29 Hogwarts Legacy

RPG-Lite Elements Make It Easier To Get Into

Hogwarts Legacy has shattered all records to become 2023’s best-selling game, which is a testament to the power of the Harry Potter IP. The game may not tread on any new ground, but that may just be perfect for most fans.

This game allows players to step into the shoes of a student who is inducted into Hogwarts in their fifth year and has the power to control Ancient Magic. The RPG elements aren’t too in-depth and let players enjoy the game without worrying about numerous complex metrics.

28 Omori

Simple RPG Elements Are Part Of A Compelling Experience

A combination of traditional RPG gameplay and psychological horror, Omori is a masterful title that deserves all the plaudits in the world. The game is inspired by titles like Undertale and Earthbound with some dark twists here and there.

The RPG elements in this game are pretty simple and easy to get into. The strengths of Omori originate from the execution of its story and horror tropes, which is masterful in every way.

27 Lisa: The Painful

Simple RPG Combat, Elevated By Unique Humor

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where all human females in the world have died out, Lisa: The Painful portrays the journey of Brad in this bleak world as he takes care of the last surviving female, only for her to be ruthlessly torn from his grasp.

The game deals with several dark themes but scatters a bit of humor here and there to lighten up the experience whenever required. It’s a wonderful game that deserves all the plaudits in the world. The RPG gameplay is quite accessible and easy to understand.

26 Stardew Valley

A Cozy Farming Game With Bits Of RPG Gameplay

Many people find Stardew Valley to be one of the most relaxing gaming experiences of all time. This farming RPG is charming features a lot of content and lets players progress at their own pace.

There’s a reason why so many people are hyped to the moon and back for Haunted Chocolatier. The developer did a great job of wowing fans with Stardew Valley‘s imaginative gameplay that serves as the perfect stressbuster and is easy to get into.

25 The Outer Worlds

A Fun Sci-Fi RPG That Doesn’t Overstay Its Welcome

Obsidian Entertainment is known as the master of role-playing games, but it’s also true that not all of them are very approachable. Thankfully, one of their more mainstream games, The Outer Worlds, is easy to get into.

The game isn’t very long either, which is perfect for fans who find the lengthy nature of these titles to be a bit too daunting for their good. While The Outer Worlds can be a bit underwhelming for hardcore RPG fans, beginners to the genre will love what this title has to offer.

24 Final Fantasy 7 Remake

A Remake Of A Popular RPG With Engaging Real-Time Action Combat

Final Fantasy 7 Remake is an excellent RPG for beginners due to its immersive storytelling, intuitive battle system, and stunning visuals. Players take control of Cloud Strife, a mercenary hired by the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE, in a quest to save the planet from the evil Shinra Corporation.

The game’s hybrid real-time and turn-based combat system allows for strategic gameplay, while the game’s narrative is easy to follow and engaging. Given that Final Fantasy 7 Remake was meant to entice new fans to check out this title for the first time, it’s easy to see why this RPG is so perfect for beginners to check out. Its variety of difficulty modes cater to players of all tastes and interests.

23 Fable

A Magical, Epic Journey That Isn’t Overwhelming

Despite Peter Molyneux’s lies preceding the release of this game, Fable ended up being a massive success and quickly became one of Xbox’s most popular titles. It offers a unique blend of gameplay elements that genuinely help players feel like they’ve embarked on an epic journey.

Players control a hero on a journey to stop the evil Jack of Blades from achieving his nefarious goals. Their choices affect the game’s storyline, their character’s appearance, and the abilities they can use in battle. The game’s world is colorful and charming, and the gameplay is pretty easy to get into.

22 Knights Of Pen & Paper +1 Edition

A Parody And Homage To Tabletop D&D Campaigns

Knights Of Pen & Paper is a perfect RPG for those who are new to the genre. The game structures itself as a genuine DnD session where a party of four friends takes on the role of heroes who are trying to save these fictional worlds from a variety of threats.

The game’s charming pixelated graphics and lighthearted tone make it accessible and easy to pick up. It allows players to choose their challenge and decide the difficulty of the monsters they fight, letting beginners take their time and learn the basics of this title before trying to tackle more challenging campaigns and tougher enemies.

21 Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Simple JRPG Combat Elevated By The Yakuza Formula

Yakuza: Like a Dragon was marketed as a game that players could get into if they hadn’t checked out the wealth of other titles in the Yakuza series. So, it’s only a given that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio made it a priority to make this game as accessible and engaging as possible.

With a unique blend of comedy, RPG elements, and an engaging storyline, Yakuza: Like a Dragon is easily one of the best games in the series despite changing its gameplay drastically. Ichiban Kasuga is an excellent protagonist who is effortlessly funny without losing his serious edge. The game’s turn-based combat system is easy to understand and provides plenty of strategic depth, while the game’s quirky side quests and entertaining mini-games provide an enjoyable break from the main story.

20 Mass Effect

Fun Combat And Memorable Characters

The entire Mass Effect series is full to the brim with some great titles that everyone should check out. The original trilogy is a masterpiece, and Andromeda can still entice certain players due to its fast-flowing combat, even though the game itself lacks a fair bit of polish.

These games combine third-person shooting gameplay and RPG mechanics to great effect. The Legendary Edition has made these games even more accessible, with the first title receiving a massive makeover to modernize it effectively.

19 Dragon Age

A High Fantasy RPG That Is More Accessible Than It Looks

Speaking of a classic BioWare franchise, it would be hard to not mention the Dragon Age series. Origins might be the hardest RPG to get into, but even that game does a brilliant job of hand-holding players through the basics of the game’s mechanics.

With Dragon Age 4 coming sooner than later, there’s no better time to get into this series. If players go through all three games, then their palate for the genre will certainly improve quite a bit.

A Legendary RPG Focused On Exploration

For such a massive game, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim does a brilliant job of being the most beginner-friendly and accessible title in the entire series. The game being available on every platform imaginable probably does a great job of reinforcing its legendary status.

Players who want to get lost in a brilliant world for hundreds of hours should check this title out. Each level lets the player handle the various threats in the game and feel like a proper hero of legend.

17 Undertale

An Anti-RPG With Fun, Accessible Gameplay

Undertale is a game that took the world by storm with its unrelenting wit and charm. This game is a perfect example of what indie titles are capable of, and the fact that this game was majorly worked on by a sole developer shows just how amazing the gaming industry is.

Undertale shook the gaming landscape to its core upon release, receiving praise across the board for multiple reasons. It’s a truly amazing game that deserves all the love in the world, being pretty influential in its own right as well.

16 Disco Elysium

A CRPG With No Combat

Out of all the games on this list, Disco Elysium can be the hardest sell for beginners. After all, the title features complex writing and a bunch of mechanics that are almost impossible to grasp, at first glance.

However, the fact that this game lacks a fail state or any sort of combat makes it a great experience to ease into. Failing is part of what makes Disco Elysium special, as failed dice rolls lead to joyous moments of their own.

15 Immortals Fenyx Rising

Uses The Greek Mythology Setting To Great Effect

Immortals Fenyx Rising was created by the same Ubisoft studio that brought fans Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, and it’s unsurprising given how similar the two are. While Odyssey is not an ideal game for those new to RPG, Fenyx Rising offers a more watered-down, simplified version with many of the same features and plenty of comedy.

Fenyx Rising still offers a wide-open world to explore, though it is considerably smaller than that of Odyssey, with plenty of sidequests should the player want to delve a bit deeper. This game offers multiple difficulty modes, including “Story” for those who want to appreciate the storyline with the difficult battles. This game is available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

14 Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

The Most Accessible And Enjoyable Dragon Quest Game

Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age might come from a prestigious long line of RPG games, but it offers a brilliant introductory option to the RPG genre. Many fans believe this entry to be the best in the series, offering both old and new RPG players a classic feel with turn-based battles and a party setup.

The game has pristine manga-style graphics, a great plotline, and some fantastic music. There’s even a hard mode for anyone who wants to challenge themselves. The original version of Dragon Quest 11 is available on PlayStation 4 and 3DS, while the upgraded Dragon Quest 11 S version is available for Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.

13 Ni No Kuni Series

A Simple, Engaging Action RPG With A Studio Ghibhi Aesthetic

The Ni No Kuni series has two titles to its name, both of which are great RPGs for those unfamiliar with the genre. Both games offer smooth cell-shaded graphics, fantastic emotional storylines, interesting combat, and a large world to explore. While both games have many similarities, they also have notable differences, such as the combat system.

Ni No Kuni uses familiar creatures in battle, and players don’t use the main characters to fight at all. Meanwhile, Ni No Kuni 2 has the characters themselves fighting, though they can summon creatures called Higgledies to help them. Ni No Kuni is available on PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Switch, while the remaster is available on PC and PlayStation 4. Ni No Kuni 2 is available for PlayStation 4 and PC.