Role-playing games are my favourite genre, but I completely understand why they can feel intimidating to newcomers. The systems are deep, the games are long, and the learning curves can be steep. I have introduced several friends to RPGs over the years, and I have learned which games work as entry points and which ones send people running back to simpler genres.
These five games are the ones I recommend to everyone who wants to try RPGs for the first time. They are all excellent games in their own right, but they are also thoughtfully designed to ease new players into the genre without overwhelming them.
1. Pokemon (Any Modern Entry)
Pokemon is the most successful RPG franchise in history for a reason: it makes the genre's core concepts — building a party, managing stats, strategic combat — immediately accessible and genuinely fun. The turn-based combat is simple enough to understand in minutes but deep enough to reward strategic thinking. The progression is clear and satisfying. And the games are designed to be completed without grinding, which is a common barrier in older RPGs.
Any of the modern entries work as starting points. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet offer an open-world structure that gives new players freedom to explore at their own pace. Pokemon Legends: Arceus takes a more action-oriented approach that appeals to players who find traditional turn-based combat too slow.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3 is the perfect gateway RPG for players who love story and exploration. The narrative is exceptional — genuinely adult, morally complex, and full of memorable characters. The open world is one of the best ever designed, with side quests that rival the main story in quality. And the combat, while not the deepest in the genre, is accessible enough that new players can enjoy the game without mastering it.
Start on the Normal difficulty and do not be afraid to lower it if combat becomes frustrating. The story and world are the main attractions here, and you should not let combat difficulty prevent you from experiencing them.
3. Divinity: Original Sin 2
If you want to understand why RPG fans love deep, systemic gameplay, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is the game to play. The turn-based combat is extraordinarily deep, the character building is flexible and creative, and the world reacts to your choices in meaningful ways. It is more demanding than the other games on this list, but it is also more rewarding.
Play with a friend if possible — the co-op mode is excellent and makes the learning curve much more manageable. The game is also a great preparation for Baldur's Gate 3, which shares many of the same design principles.
4. Persona 5 Royal
Persona 5 Royal is one of the most stylish games ever made, and its combination of dungeon-crawling RPG gameplay with social simulation elements makes it uniquely accessible. The turn-based combat is straightforward but satisfying, and the social link system — where you build relationships with characters to unlock new abilities — gives the game a warmth and humanity that many RPGs lack.
The game is long — expect 80 to 100 hours for a complete playthrough — but it is paced well enough that it never feels like a chore. The story is engaging, the characters are memorable, and the soundtrack is one of the best in gaming history.
5. Hades
Hades is technically a roguelike, but its RPG elements — character progression, narrative development, relationship building — make it an excellent introduction to RPG concepts. The action combat is immediately satisfying, the roguelike progression means you are always getting stronger even when you fail, and the story unfolds gradually across dozens of runs in a way that keeps you engaged throughout.
Hades is also one of the most accessible games on this list. The difficulty scales naturally, the controls are tight and responsive, and the game never punishes you for failing — it rewards you for trying. It is a perfect starting point for players who find traditional RPG combat too slow or complex.
Conclusion
The RPG genre has something for everyone, but finding the right entry point makes all the difference. These five games represent different approaches to the genre, and any of them will give you a solid foundation for exploring further. Once you have played one or two, you will find that the systems and conventions of the genre become familiar, and games like Baldur's Gate 3 that seemed intimidating will start to feel approachable.
