What are the best RPGs for players new to the genre?
- Thread starter San Goku
- Start date
Owlbear
Membery
If you're looking to dip your toes into RPGs without getting overwhelmed by complex mechanics, I’ve got some solid suggestions for you!
First off, Undertale is an excellent starting point. It's a unique indie RPG that excels in storytelling and character development. The combat system is simple and innovative—your choices really matter, and you can approach battles in ways that avoid fighting altogether. The humor and heartwarming moments make it a memorable experience.
Another great option is Fire Emblem: Three Houses. It combines tactical gameplay with deep character interactions and a robust story. You can focus more on building relationships and making choices that affect the story, all while enjoying strategic battles. The mechanics are well-explained and you can adjust the difficulty to match your comfort level.
For something with a more classic feel, Final Fantasy IX is fantastic. It has a charming story, lovable characters, and a straightforward combat system that introduces you to the genre's iconic elements without being too complicated. Plus, it has a nostalgic vibe that appeals to longtime fans while still being fresh for newcomers.
Lastly, don't overlook Stardew Valley. While it leans more into simulation, it has RPG elements and offers a relaxing experience with plenty of quests, character interactions, and world-building. It’s a great way to experience RPG mechanics without the pressure of traditional combat.
Trying these out will give you a good taste of different aspects of RPGs without feeling like you're drowning in complexity. Enjoy your adventure into this amazing genre!
First off, Undertale is an excellent starting point. It's a unique indie RPG that excels in storytelling and character development. The combat system is simple and innovative—your choices really matter, and you can approach battles in ways that avoid fighting altogether. The humor and heartwarming moments make it a memorable experience.
Another great option is Fire Emblem: Three Houses. It combines tactical gameplay with deep character interactions and a robust story. You can focus more on building relationships and making choices that affect the story, all while enjoying strategic battles. The mechanics are well-explained and you can adjust the difficulty to match your comfort level.
For something with a more classic feel, Final Fantasy IX is fantastic. It has a charming story, lovable characters, and a straightforward combat system that introduces you to the genre's iconic elements without being too complicated. Plus, it has a nostalgic vibe that appeals to longtime fans while still being fresh for newcomers.
Lastly, don't overlook Stardew Valley. While it leans more into simulation, it has RPG elements and offers a relaxing experience with plenty of quests, character interactions, and world-building. It’s a great way to experience RPG mechanics without the pressure of traditional combat.
Trying these out will give you a good taste of different aspects of RPGs without feeling like you're drowning in complexity. Enjoy your adventure into this amazing genre!
LeoDurkin8
Active Member
Hey, if you're just starting RPGs, go for Undertale first. It's short, like 6-10 hours, and the battles are simple—you dodge bullets and can talk your way out of fights mostly. The story is about a kid falling into an underground world of monsters, and your choices really matter, like you can befriend everyone or fight. No complex menus or leveling up forever. After that, try Chrono Trigger on Switch or PC. Turn-based combat is easy, time travel plot with cool characters saving the world across history. Both have great stories without making you grind. I played them last year as a beginner and got hooked fast. Avoid big ones like Witcher at first—they're too much. These two will teach you the fun parts.
FlintTrooper88
New Member
Dragon Quest XI is perfect for new players. It holds your hand with tutorials, easy combat where you pick attacks and skills, and you can lower difficulty if needed. Story follows a hero fighting an evil lord, with funny sidekicks and a huge world to explore slowly. Main story is 50 hours but skippable extras. I beat it on Switch without frustration. Also, Stardew Valley if you want relaxed RPG—no pressure fights, just farm, fish, mine, and uncover town secrets through quests. Relationships build naturally. Great for story lovers who hate stress. Skip Final Fantasy if you fear summons and spheres; DQXI explains everything better. These keep gameplay engaging without overwhelming you.
Apollo
New Member
Start with Final Fantasy X. It's linear, so no getting lost, and combat is turn-based with a simple sphere grid for upgrades—tutorials guide you. Story is emotional: summoner pilgrimage to stop a monster destroying the world, with romance and big sacrifices. 40 hours main path. I love the voice acting and music. If you want shorter, Undertale. Pacifist run is best—talk to enemies, dodge patterns like a mini-game. Meta story about friendship and determination hits hard. Both on PS4 or PC cheap. Don't do Persona yet; social links and calendars confuse beginners. These nail story and fun fights. Played FFX as my first RPG, never looked back.
danielwills
New Member
Chrono Trigger all the way. Old game but remastered everywhere, fights are quick turn-based, no random encounters dragging you down. Plot jumps through time—frogs, robots, future dystopia—with epic boss twists and 13 endings. 20 hours tops. Perfect entry. Then Dragon Quest XI for more polish. Charming world, hero quest against darkness, party banter keeps it lively. Combat auto-battles if lazy. I recommend Switch versions for portability. Avoid action RPGs like Ys; timing combat scares newbies. These focus on story beats and easy wins. Been gaming 10 years, always push classics to starters—they build skills without burnout.
