Highlights

  • RPGs can be daunting for beginners, but there are plenty of accessible titles that offer a more approachable experience for newcomers to the genre.
  • Games like Stardew Valley, The Outer Worlds, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake are great for beginners due to their immersive storytelling, intuitive gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals.
  • Knights of Pen & Paper +1 Edition and Yakuza: Like a Dragon provide lighthearted and engaging RPG experiences with charming graphics and entertaining gameplay, making them ideal for beginners looking to dip their toes into the genre.

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.

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The first PlayStation console was home to some great role-playing games, even putting aside those well-known titles created by Square Enix.

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 on January 23, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: RPGs have become one of the most common genres in gaming that many people look forward to playing. It allows for a palpable and enjoyable sense of progression as players gain levels, increase their stats, and become so powerful that significantly powerful enemies become mere trifles to deal with. However, these games can seem daunting to get into, which is why players would prefer RPGs that aren't overwhelming or too complex.

29 Hogwarts Legacy

RPG-Lite Elements That Make It Easier To Get Into

Hogwarts Legacy Gryffindor Custom Character
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Legacy

Platform(s)
PC , Switch , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series S , Xbox Series X
Released
February 10, 2023
Developer(s)
Avalanche Software

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

The RPG Elements Are Simple And Just One Part Of A Compelling Experience

The Baseball Bat location in Omori
OMORI

Released
December 25, 2020
Developer
Omocat

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 That's Elevated By The Game's Unique Brand Of Humor

LISA: The Painful
LISA: The Painful

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Switch , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
December 15, 2014
Developer
Dingaling

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.

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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, with the RPG gameplay being quite accessible and easy to understand.

26 Stardew Valley

A Cozy Farming Game With Bits Of RPG Gameplay Scattered Here And There

 bat wings stardew valley
Stardew Valley

Platform(s)
PC , Xbox One , Android , iOS , PS4 , Switch
Released
February 26, 2016
Developer(s)
ConcernedApe

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

The Outer Worlds Ship
The Outer Worlds

Platform(s)
Switch , Xbox One , PS4 , PC
Released
October 25, 2019
Developer(s)
Obsidian Entertainment

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

cloud-final-fantasy-7-remake
Final Fantasy 7 Remake

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5
Released
April 10, 2020
Developer(s)
Square Enix Business Division 1

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.

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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, with its variety of difficulty modes catering to players of all tastes and interests.

23 Fable

An Expansive RPG That Takes Players On A Magical, Epic Journey Without Being Too Overwhelming

Fable Jack of Blades
Fable (2004)

Platform(s)
PC , Xbox (Original) , Xbox 360
Released
September 14, 2004
Developer(s)
Big Blue Box Studios , Lionhead Studios

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, with their choices affecting 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 and Paper Video Game
Knights of Pen & Paper

Platform(s)
Nintendo Switch , Xbox One , Android , iOS , PlayStation 4
Released
October 30, 2012
Developer
Behold Studios, Seaven Studio

Knights Of Pen & Paper is a perfect RPG for those who are new to the genre, with the game structuring 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

The party ready for a fight in Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Platform(s)
Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PS4 , PS5 , PC
Released
November 10, 2020
Developer(s)
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

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.

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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

A Story-Focused Action RPG With Fun Combat And Memorable Characters

mass-effect-3-citadel-dlc-edi-javik-james-kaiden
Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Xbox One
Released
May 14, 2021
Developer(s)
BioWare

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 Way More Accessible Than Most People Would Assume

Cullen and the Inquisitor getting married.
Dragon Age

Platform(s)
Xbox 360 , PS3 , PC , macOS
Released
November 3, 2009
Developer(s)
BioWare

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.

18 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

A Legendary RPG Focused On Exploration

skyrim-kodlak-whitemane-the-companions
Skyrim

Platform(s)
PC , PS3 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , Xbox One X , Xbox Series S , PS4 , PS5 , Switch
Released
November 11, 2011
Developer(s)
Bethesda

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 And Accessible Gameplay

Promo art featuring characters from Undertale
Undertale

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS Vita , Xbox One , Switch , PC
Released
September 15, 2015
Developer(s)
Toby Fox

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.

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Undertale shook the gaming landscape to its core upon release, with the title being praised 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

Artwork from Disco Elysium showing Kim and Harrier in the foreground.
Disco Elysium

Platform(s)
PC , PS5 , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Stadia
Released
October 15, 2019
Developer(s)
ZA/UM

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, with failed dice rolls also leading to joyous moments of their own.

15 Immortals Fenyx Rising

A Fun Action RPG That Uses The Greek Mythology Setting To Great Effect

Immortals Fenyx Rising Battle
Immortals Fenyx Rising

Released
December 3, 2020
Developer(s)
Ubisoft Quebec

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

Easily The Most Accessible And Enjoyable Dragon Quest Game

A battle in Dragon Quest XI
Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of An Elusive Age - Definitive Edition

Platform(s)
Switch , PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Released
September 27, 2019
Developer(s)
Square Enix

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 To Boot

Ni No Kuni 2 Revenant Kingdom battle
Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch

Platform(s)
PS4 , PS3 , Switch , PC , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
January 22, 2013
Developer(s)
Level 5

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.

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Ni No Kuni uses familiar creatures in battle, with players not using the main characters to fight at all, whereas 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.

12 Snack World: The Dungeon Crawl Gold

A Casual Dungeon-Crawling RPG

Snack world The Dungeon Crawl Gold gameplay
Snack World: The Dungeon Crawl - Gold

Platform(s)
Switch
Developer(s)
Level 5
Released
February 14, 2020

Snack World: The Dungeon Crawl Gold was the long-awaited western release of Snack World: Trejarers, with the franchise being incredibly popular in Japan with it encompassing more than just games, but manga, toy lines, and anime too.

This game blends RPG elements with dungeon-crawler-style areas for the player to explore. This is a great option for someone looking for a more casual RPG and also offers online multiplayer of up to four players. Snack World is available for Nintendo Switch.

11 My Time At Portia

A Blend Of RPG And Simulation Gameplay That Makes For A Calming Experience

Man running past a castle
My Time at Portia

Platform(s)
Android , iOS , PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
Released
January 15, 2019
Developer(s)
Pathea Games

My Time at Portia is another great introductory RPG that blends classic RPG elements with simulation game features. This brilliant mixture of genres offers players a game where players can fix up their house, craft, gather, and farm, while also delving into dungeons to fight monsters and romance the NPCs in town.

While this might sound like a lot of content, the game presents it in an easy-to-understand way, making it perfect for anyone new to RPGs. My Time at Portia is available on PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.

10 Super Paper Mario

One Of The Most Approachable RPGs Around

Super Paper Mario Wii Dragon Attacks Mario
Super Paper Mario

Platform(s)
Wii
Released
April 9, 2007
Developer(s)
Intelligent Systems

The Paper Mario series is one of the best RPG franchises to get into for those who are new to the genre. They take a barebones framework of RPG mechanics and combine it with the colorful and vibrant world of Mario.

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None of the Paper Mario games are that difficult, but the easiest entry in the series is the Wii’s Super Paper Mario. While they're light, the RPG mechanics are very much present and they make an effective primer for tackling more challenging RPGs. The Paper Mario series is exclusive to Nintendo consoles, with the most recent release of Paper Mario: The Origami King being available for Nintendo Switch.