The 10 best RPGs for beginners looking to try out the genre for the first time

I've brought together the best RPGs for beginners looking to explore the wonderful world of roleplaying games.

Whether you've got a little experience under your belt and you're looking for some more recommendations, or you're a complete newbie who wants to give an RPG a shot for the first time, I've brought together some options so you can find something to suit you. As a veteran player for almost three decades, I'm so excited for you to experience the magic of my favorite genre, and I relish the chance to help you on your path to discovering some of the best RPGs around.

After all, RPGs can offer up some of the most memorable gaming experiences. But with lots of different systems at play – from intricate combat to skill trees and dialogue – it can be tricky to know where to start. That's why I've put a lot of thought into it and carefully cherry-picked RPGs that are more approachable. With some also acting as great entry points to some of the most iconic series, I've also included the kind of general vibe you can expect from each experience (which you can find out more about in our FAQ section). So, if you're ready to get started, read on to discover the best RPGs for beginners.

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The best beginner RPGs to get started with...

10. Yakuza 0

Yakuza 0 packs satisfying beat 'em up combat that's easy to pick up, a memorable storyline, two protagonists in Kiryu and Majima that you'll love spending time with, and a host of entertaining side activities to get stuck into in the neon-tinted streets of Tokyo and Osaka. Set in the 1980's, you step into the role of the two leads as you explore how they rose through the ranks and get embroiled in a conflict which sees their stories converge.

With Kiryu and Majima both adopting different fighting styles that you're guided through and can switch between, you're sure to find one you enjoy. Not only is it one of the best ARPGs that I'd heartily recommend to beginners because of its mix of styles, but it also serves as an excellent entry point into the long-running Yakuza series – setting you up perfectly to explore the later games with ease.

9. The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

In many ways, Skyrim is a more casual RPG that's fantastic for anyone looking to step into a fantasy role-playing experience for the first time. You'll begin by creating your own custom protagonist. The beauty of it is, rather than having set classes that lock you into styles of combat, Skyrim offers up various races to choose from, and their inherent strengths are detailed – so you can get an idea of what style they're best suited for right away.

Regardless of what race you choose, though, you're completely free to play around and see what weapons and style of combat you prefer. It's very easy to get into the swing of things once you begin, with an opening quest establishing the controls and guiding you into the open world at large. While you're also free to get lost in exploration shortly after, Skyrim does a great job of setting up the RPG, with a quest log that's easy to follow, and map markers that will help you navigate the world. Plus, if you want to ease yourself in, there's also difficulty settings to choose from.

8. Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal is another RPG that's pretty easy to get stuck into with no prior knowledge of the series. Set in Tokyo, you take on the role of a high schooler who's falsely accused after trying to do the right thing. Transferred to a new school in the city and taken under the care of a cafe owner, you soon awaken to the powers of a Persona, and in the name of fighting for justice against corrupt adults, you form the Phantom Thieves with your fellow students.

The RPG lets you choose how you spend your time during your school days, with different skills to increase, which can unlock new opportunities. On the flip side, as a Phantom Thief, you take on dungeon-like areas born from the distorted desires of individuals up to no good. The entire game is linear and effectively guides you through everything, so you can easily pick up its gameplay features. As one of the best turn-based RPGs, its combat isn't too demanding, and it has difficulty settings – including one that lets you revive an unlimited number of times if you want to ease into it.

7. Avowed

Avowed is a very welcoming RPG that offers up a myriad of options and useful features that make it approachable. You play as a custom character of your own making. Assuming the role of the Envoy of Aedyr, you're tasked with setting out to investigate a mysterious plague that's spreading. The opening area of the adventure acts as a very effective tutorial, which guides you through all of the controls and introduces you to Avowed's flexible combat system.

With so many equipable weapons to find and try out, you're free to experiment with all kinds of loadout combinations to find a fighting style you enjoy, and changing it up is very easy to do. Plus, Avowed also features a lore tab, which acts as a glossary that explains all of its fantasy terms and references, so you can easily get a handle on the story and its world. For more, check out our Avowed review.

6. Pokemon Sword and Shield

Newcomers can comfortably get stuck into any of the best Pokemon games that you can easily get your hands on today, but if you're after one of the more modern releases, I'd personally recommend Pokemon Sword and Shield. Set in the Galar region, which is inspired by the UK, the RPG cleanly guides you into the ways of being a Pokemon trainer with ease, so you can happily get stuck in without ever feeling like you're at a loss as to what to do.

With a more linear design than the open world direction of later entries (Pokemon Scarlet and Violet), Sword and Shield makes it very easy to figure out where you need to go and how you need to progress. If you're unsure about which version to pick up, we also have a handy dandy Pokemon Sword and Shield differences guide, so you can see what Pokemon are available and what sets them apart from each other to help you decide.

5. Costume Quest

If you're after something very entry-level in the world of RPGs that's packed full of charm and humor, then Costume Quest could be your answer. With simple gameplay that's easy to pick up, Costume Quest sees you play as either Wren or Reynold, twins who go out trick-or-treating on Halloween. Whoever you don't play as will get kidnapped by a monster, and it's up to you to venture through the neighbourhood and rescue your sibling.

As you go, you'll meet other kids who team up with you, as you'll get stuck into the little turn-based battles with your party. You'll also find costumes that let you transform into different heroes so you can take on any monsters known as Repugians you encounter. The battles are never very demanding, and it's a short and sweet experience that will give you a delightful beginner's taste of a party-based RPG. It also has a sequel in Costume Quest 2 that's also worth giving a go if you enjoy this one.

4. Final Fantasy 10 HD Remaster

Final Fantasy 10 is a wonderful RPG that's actually a great option to start with if you're looking to try out a slightly more involved experience that's still approachable. And don't let the 10 in the name put you off either, because it's also a fantastic pick if you've been wanting to step into the Final Fantasy series for the first time, too. Following the adventure of Tidus, a Blitzball player who finds himself swept up on a journey to put a stop to a force known as Sin, which threatens the setting of Spira.

Working together with a summoner called Yuna and a cast of loveable characters, Final Fantasy 10's plot is actually quite easy to follow as games in the series go – but it's no less impactful because of it, and still succeeds at delivering one of the best story-driven RPGs. Taking you on a memorable adventure with some twists and turns in store, this entry also uses a turn-based combat system that's not difficult to get to grips with.

3. Super Mario RPG

Not only is Super Mario RPG one of the best short RPGs, but it's also a wonderful option for newcomers. As the famous plumber's first foray into the world of RPGs after delivering lots of his signature platformers, Super Mario RPG is a classic role-playing experience that got a shiny remake in 2022 – making it even easier to get stuck in. Following Mario as he sets out to put a stop to the Smithy gang, you team up with a host of adorable companions – such as the cloud-like Mallow and puppet Geno – as well as some familiar faces.

As a party-based experience with turn-based combat, it's a welcoming game that sets up how you do everything very well. The story is also a joy to experience, and you'll have a blast meeting all of the RPG's colorful characters. With plenty of humor and heart, this is a great one to tuck into if you're after something with some Nintendo flavor.

2. Mass Effect Legendary Edition

Mass Effect Legendary Edition brings together the entire Mass Effect trilogy in one place, and each RPG is absolutely worth trying out if you're a genre newbie. The first Mass Effect sets up the sci-fi universe brilliantly, establishing the lore, history, and tensions between humans and alien races over the course of the story. Taking on the role of Commander Shepard, you pick their military profile, which sets up their past and class, with bionic sci-fi powers, tech-based skills, and weapon-heavy builds to choose from.

With more action-oriented combat that plays like a third-person shooter, it's very easy to pick up and get to grips with. The story will have you hooked, too, and with Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 carrying on Shepard's journey to put a stop to a galactic threat in the Reapers, you won't regret the time you spend with this trilogy. What I wouldn't give to experience Mass Effect for the first time again myself. Check our Mass Effect Legendary Edition review for more.

1. Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition

When I started thinking about the best RPGs for beginners, Dragon Quest 11: Echoes of an Elusive Age instantly came to mind, which is why it's my number one pick. Despite the 11 in its title, this is a standalone adventure with new characters that you can easily jump into and get swept up in, even if you've never played a Dragon Quest game before – and I'm talking from experience here, since this was the very first game in the series I played.

Taking on the role of a young man who finds out he's the reincarnation of a legendary hero known as the Luminary, you find yourself caught up in a grand adventure to get to the bottom of a mystery and a threat that looms over the world. Alongside your childhood friend and a cast of loveable characters you meet along the way, Dragon Quest 11 brings you into an inviting land, a gripping story that's easy to follow, and enjoyable turn-based combat that's not hard to pick up. Our glowing Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of an Elusive Age review says it all.

Best RPGs for beginners FAQs

For more easy-going reccomendations check out our list of the best relaxing RPGs, or for a more casual time, we also have a ranking of the best RPGs for busy adults to play as well.