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First Game Guide

How to Choose Your First Video Game

Thousands of games exist. You need to start with one. This guide walks you through a simple decision process to find a game that actually fits your personality, schedule, and hardware right now.

Simple Decision Process

Five Steps to Your First Game

Don't let choice paralysis stop you. Work through these five questions in order and you'll have a clear recommendation by the end.

1

What device do you have?

Start with what you own. Phone, laptop, console – this narrows the field immediately.

2

How long is a typical session?

15 minutes? An hour? Session length points you toward mobile casual vs. deeper story games.

3

What's your mood?

Calm and creative? Curious and explorative? Competitive? Match your personality to a genre.

4

Solo or social?

Playing alone, with family, or interested in online communities? This shapes genre and platform.

5

Free or paid?

Hundreds of excellent free games exist. Start free, pay later once you know what you enjoy.

Personalised Picks

Recommendations by Personality

These are editorial starting-point suggestions based on personality type. All are rated G or PG, available free or at low cost, and frequently recommended on Australian gaming forums.

Pixel-art farm simulation game screenshot

For: Calm & Creative People

Farm & Life Simulation Games

No fail states, no timers, no pressure. Grow crops, renovate a cottage, befriend villagers. These games are endlessly peaceful and the most recommended genre for complete beginners.

Overhead view of a city building game

For: Thinkers & Planners

City Builder & Management Games

Design efficient road networks, balance budgets, keep citizens happy. City builders reward logical thinking over quick reflexes – ideal for patient, detail-oriented personalities.

Colourful puzzle game interface

For: Curious Problem-Solvers

Puzzle & Logic Games

Perfect for short sessions. Match-three, word puzzles, physics-based brain teasers, and narrative mysteries all fall here. Immediately playable, endlessly satisfying.

Adventure game open world scenic shot

For: Storytellers & Dreamers

Story-Driven Adventure Games

If you love films, novels, or TV series, narrative adventure games offer interactive versions of those experiences. You make choices, explore worlds, and experience stories that unfold around you.

Side-scrolling platformer game scene

For: Active & Playful Personalities

Platformer & Arcade Games

Jump, run, collect. Classic platformers are the genre that most people imagine when they picture a video game – and for good reason. They're instantly intuitive and deeply satisfying once you find your rhythm.

Peaceful simulation game with nature and buildings

For: Social Players

Co-op & Party Games

Gaming with friends or family in the same room (or online) is one of its greatest joys. Party and co-operative games are designed for mixed skill levels – experienced players and beginners can play together without one carrying the other.

Honest Advice

Common First-Game Mistakes to Avoid

Most newcomers fall into one of these traps. Knowing about them in advance makes all the difference.

  • Choosing a game because it's popular, not because it's right for you

    The most popular games are often designed for experienced players. A widely praised title that's difficult or intimidating for newcomers is not the right starting point, regardless of its reviews.

  • Spending money before you know what you enjoy

    There are hundreds of excellent free games. Explore freely for two to four weeks before purchasing anything. You'll have a much clearer sense of what genres feel right before committing funds.

  • Skipping the tutorial

    Almost every beginner who struggles with a new game did so because they skipped or rushed the tutorial. Even if tutorials feel slow, they contain exactly the information you need to enjoy the game confidently.

  • Giving up after one bad experience

    Not every game will click immediately. If a title feels frustrating or boring within the first 20 minutes, that's information – it's telling you the genre isn't for you, not that gaming isn't for you. Try a different genre and a different game.

  • Playing on the wrong difficulty

    If a game has a Story or Easy mode, use it on your first playthrough without any hesitation. Difficulty settings are not a reflection of your intelligence or worth as a player. They are design tools to match your experience level.

  • Comparing your progress to experienced players

    Online gaming forums and video content often feature highly skilled players. Their experience is not a benchmark for you. Play at your own pace and measure your progress only against your own previous sessions.

After Your First Game

What Comes After the First Playthrough?

Once you've completed or put down your first game, you're already a gamer. Here's how to keep growing.

A person excitedly picking up a new game while a previous one is visible in the background

Explore a Related Genre

If you enjoyed your first game, look for something in the same genre. Read a few beginner reviews, check the Australian Classification Board rating, and try one or two alternatives before branching into new territory.

Try Something Completely Different

Gaming tastes evolve quickly. After two or three games in a single genre, try something entirely different. Many players discover their favourite genre is not the one they expected.

Join a Community

Australian gaming communities on Reddit (r/gaming, r/AusGaming), Discord, and dedicated forums are welcoming places to ask questions, find recommendations, and share your experiences without judgement.

Consider a Free Trial Subscription

Once you have a clearer sense of your platform and genre preferences, services like Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus Extra offer trial periods that give you access to large catalogues to explore further.

A Reminder on Spending

This site does not promote, affiliate with, or financially benefit from any game or platform purchases. All spending decisions are yours alone. Never feel pressured to purchase a game or upgrade hardware before you are ready.

Questions & Answers

First Game FAQ

  • Check the Australian Classification Board rating displayed on the game's store page or packaging. G-rated titles are suitable for all ages, PG adds mild content appropriate with guidance, M is mature themes for adults, and MA15+ and R18+ are restricted to those ages and above. The rating system also includes descriptors such as “mild themes” or “fantasy violence” to give more context.

  • Yes, in several ways. Many games offer free demos on PC (Steam has a “Free to Try” section), mobile games are frequently free with optional purchases, and subscription services like Game Pass let you access a wide library before committing to a purchase. YouTube gameplay videos are also an excellent way to see whether a game's style suits you before downloading.

  • This is completely normal and expected. Gaming encompasses hundreds of genres with vastly different feels, pacing, and skill demands. One game not clicking is simply useful information about your preferences. Steam offers refunds within two hours of play, and mobile games are almost always free to try without any financial risk.

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