Choosing the perfect game genre: A gamer’s guide to finding your favorites

Hey there, fellow gamer. So, you’re standing at the crossroads of gaming genres, and you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, right? You see new releases in every style: action-packed RPGs, fast-paced shooters, immersive story-driven adventures… The list goes on. It can get confusing real fast, especially if you’re not sure which game type clicks with you. Believe me, I’ve been there too! The good news? I’m here to help simplify that choice for you. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Which game genre should I dive into?” — well, you’re in the right place. Let’s break it down and get you slaying in the gaming world!

Understanding game genres: What exactly are they?

Alright, first things first—you need to understand what a “game genre” really means. Just like movies or books, video games are categorized based on certain characteristics, like gameplay mechanics, narrative structure, and overall experience. Knowing a genre can give you a sense of what to expect—whether you’ll be in intense firefights, building civilizations, or strategizing moves in a turn-based system. Here’s a breakdown of a few of the most popular ones:

• Action/Adventure: Games that emphasize fast-paced gameplay and exploration.
• Role-playing Games (RPGs): Focused on storytelling, character development, and immersive worlds.
• First-person shooters (FPS): You become the character as you navigate fast action through the eyes of the protagonist.
• Strategy: Requires players to plan, strategize, and sometimes manage resources effectively.
• Simulation: These include games that mimic real world activities like driving, farming, or even running a city.
• Sports/Racing: If you’re all about physical competition – virtually, of course!

Each genre sets up its own rhythm of gameplay and brings something completely different to the table. Now, it’s time to ask yourself a few questions before making that big decision. Ready? Here we go!

Steps to choosing a game genre that matches your vibe

Step 1: Think about what kind of experiences excite you

The simplest way to decide? Ask yourself what excites you the most when playing—or just considering a game. Are you all about non-stop action, where you’re always on the move? Or do you prefer taking a slower, more methodical approach, figuring out puzzles or strategies? Perhaps you love immersing yourself in stories that blur the line between game and reality. Everyone’s got a different taste, so it’s important to pinpoint what gets you hyped. This can significantly narrow down your options.

Ask these questions to zero in on your interests:

• Do I prefer fast-paced action or slower, thought-out gameplay?
• Do I enjoy stories with rich narratives, or do I want to make my own experience?
• Am I more competitive or cooperative in nature?
• Am I looking for a challenge, or do I want something more relaxing?

For example, if you live for quick reactions and adrenaline-fueled scenarios, action or FPS games might be your style. However, if you’re more into world-building or storytelling, look into RPGs or adventure games.

Step 2: Analyze your favorite past games

If you’re not entirely new to gaming, think back to titles that you loved playing. What genre do they fit into? Reflect on what you liked most about them. If an open-world game like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim kept you hooked for hours, then RPGs and adventure games could be your sweet spot! Alternatively, if you spent more time with games like Rocket League or FIFA, you might have a thing for competitive sports games.

Pro-tip: Don’t just look at one aspect (e.g. graphics) when reviewing your old favorites. Analyze what made you come back for more—is it the mechanics? The story? The interactions with other players?

Step 3: Test out a few genres via demos or free games

Another great way to find out which genre is for you is simply to dive in and test the waters. Luckily, we live in an age where a lot of games have free demos or free-to-play versions! Steam, Epic Games Store, and even GoG frequently have demos and sales that let you explore different genres without breaking the bank. Try out whatever piques your interest, and don’t be afraid to experiment with some that you wouldn’t normally think of.

Here are a few free or demo examples for popular genres:

• FPS: Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends
• MMORPG: World of Warcraft (Starter Edition), Runescape
• Strategy: Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition (free demo)
• Simulation: The Sims 4 (occasionally goes free), Flight Simulator (free demo)

Step 4: Watch gameplay videos or streams

Before you commit to a genre—or even a game—it’s useful to check out some online gameplay videos or streams. Platforms like YouTube and Twitch have millions of gamers showcasing titles in every genre. Watching streamers or Let’s Players can help you visualize what the experience is actually like without having to play yourself. Do they seem like they’re having fun? Do you visualize yourself having fun too? Sometimes, watching someone in action can provide valuable insights into how a specific genre resonates with you.

Here’s a tip: If you follow certain streamers or YouTubers, explore the genres they keep coming back to. If you relate to their gaming taste, chances are you’ll like their game recommendations too.

Step 5: Join gaming communities online

Gaming isn’t just a solo experience anymore—so why not chat it up with fellow gamers? Reddit, Steam communities, and Discord servers are full of enthusiasts who can give you deeper insights into specific game genres. Ask for recommendations, share your interests, and listen to what others suggest. Sometimes, it’s more fun to discover a whole genre with a crew or online community who shares the love for that particular style of gameplay.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few great forums where gamers talk genres:

1. Steam Discussions: Steam’s community section is full of genre-specific discussions and recommendations.
2. Reddit: Subreddits like r/gaming, r/patientgamers, or r/truegaming can give you mixed perspectives on genre choices.
3. Discord: Join a gaming Discord server where members often chat about what’s hot in certain genres.

Tips for maximizing your enjoyment once you’ve chosen a genre

1. Don’t be afraid to explore within the genre

Once you’ve found a genre you love, it’s easy to stick to a single franchise or series. But don’t box yourself in! If you enjoy one RPG, there are likely dozens that offer unique twists on the genre that could totally change the way you play. So once you’ve got a game or two under your belt, use it as a springboard to explore other titles within the same classification. Check out different sub-genres like “Roguelikes,” “Tactical RPGs,” or “Survival Horror” to shake things up.

2. Find what drives you—story or mechanics

Even within a single genre, games can have wildly different focuses. Some adventure games might prioritize their captivating, intricate storytelling, while others might invest heavily in gameplay mechanics and world-building. As you explore, see if you lean more towards the narrative experience (e.g., The Witcher 3) or gameplay-heavy experiences (e.g., Breath of the Wild).

3. Set a comfortable difficulty level

Difficulty can make or break a gaming experience. Every game genre has its difficulty curve, and sometimes it can be frustrating when transitioning between them. Most games allow you to set your preferred level of challenge. My advice? Start lower if you are unfamiliar with the genre and ramp up the challenge later. Enjoy the learning, and don’t let early struggles scare you away!

Go out there and experiment!

In the vast, diverse universe of gaming, there’s a genre out there that perfectly aligns with your interests and playstyle. Follow these steps, ask yourself the right questions, and don’t be afraid to test different types of games until you find “the one.” Ultimately, gaming is about enjoyment, so explore, have fun, and never let yourself get boxed into one corner of the landscape.

Got a genre or a game in mind? Great! Now it’s time to fire up your gaming PC, hit play, and dive into your new favorite world. Good luck, and we’ll meet up in the game!