Welcome back to the Beginner Guide to PC Gaming! This is part two of our series designed to help new players explore the world of PC gaming. In part one, we covered foundational topics and game genres. Today we continue with six more categories: puzzle games, adventure games, MOBAs, fighting games, survival games, and RTS games. For each, we spotlight must-try titles perfect for beginners. Find all Gaming Consoles Gift Cards you need to play any game you imagine on Ar-Pay Store.
Puzzle Games
Puzzle games are the next stop on our PC gaming journey — a great way to build problem-solving skills without pressure.
Best 4 Games in this Genre
Animal Well drops you into a mysterious pixel-art world that rewards creative thinking, blending exploration with smart puzzles at a relaxed pace — perfect for those starting their PC gaming adventure. Monument Valley 3 challenges players to bend impossible architecture into new pathways, with simple controls and a gentle learning curve ideal for newcomers. Cocoon introduces world-within-world mechanics with natural controls, clear visual hints, and a smooth difficulty curve that builds confidence step by step. Little Nightmares II adds spooky atmosphere to its puzzle core — its blend of stealth and straightforward puzzles is perfect for players wanting something atmospheric.
Adventure Games
Adventure games offer rich story and exploration — perfect starting points for PC gaming newcomers.
Best 2 Games in this Genre
The Elder Scrolls VI is still in development, and Creation Engine 2 promises to make it shine on a gaming PC. The release won't arrive until 2026 or later, giving new PC gamers plenty of time to master their setup. On Your Tail delivers a cozy adventure mixing detective work and small-town charm. Simple controls, clear objectives, and fun mini-games like fishing and marble racing make it accessible — and most PCs run it smoothly at 60 FPS. Diana's story draws you into a charming seaside town where you solve mysteries and build friendships.
MOBA Games
MOBAs are team-based competitive games where players work together to win matches — a step up in challenge but hugely rewarding.
Best 2 Games in this Genre
League of Legends is the ideal starting point: free to play, with weekly rotating characters, built-in tutorials, a practice mode, and a welcoming community. Dota 2 offers a fresh perspective — more complex, but it grants access to all heroes immediately and features an excellent tutorial system covering movement, team fights, and item building. Start with League of Legends to grasp MOBA fundamentals, then move to Dota 2's deeper mechanics when you're ready. Both games run well on most gaming PCs, so no expensive hardware is required.
Fighting Games
Fighting games are a great way to test your reflexes without getting overwhelmed.
Best 4 Games in this Genre
DragonBall FighterZ stands out with its auto-combo system, letting new players pull off cool moves without complex button combinations. Tekken 7 includes a practice mode with on-screen button prompts, step-by-step sample combos, frame data display, and built-in video tutorials. Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection packs 12 classic games — Street Fighter II is an ideal first choice for its straightforward moves and training modes. Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite's two-character team system teaches fighter-switching strategies with intuitive controls. A gamepad works better than a keyboard when starting out; most gaming computers connect smoothly with Xbox or PlayStation controllers.
Survival Games
Survival games let you take your time and think through each move.
Best 3 Games in this Genre
Frostpunk 2, winner of this year's Best Sim/Strategy Game award, challenges players to keep a population alive in a frozen world. Clear menus, tutorial missions, visual feedback, and a pause option make it approachable for new PC gamers. No Man's Sky offers a gentler survival experience — exploration-focused gameplay that lets you build, trade, or explore the universe without pressure. STALKER 2 blends shooting and resource management for a more demanding challenge, but frequent save points protect your progress while you master the controls.
Real-Time Strategy (RTS) Games
RTS games are perfect if you enjoy strategic thinking and planning ahead — and they make multitasking genuinely fun.
Best 2 Games in this Genre
Age of Mythology Retold revitalizes classic RTS gaming with modern updates. The campaign guides you through building your first base, managing resources, creating army units, and using god powers — and you can pause anytime to plan your next move. Empire of the Ants offers a unique twist, letting you command an ant colony with intuitive point-and-click controls that run smoothly on most gaming computers. Strategy games excel at teaching simultaneous mouse and keyboard coordination, a skill that improves your overall PC gaming abilities.
Card Games
Card games blend fun and strategy while building mouse control and tactical thinking at the same time.
Best Game in this Genre: Balatro
Balatro was one of 2024's standout card games. It combines cards with roguelike elements, making every playthrough a different experience. Clear tutorials explain each card effect, quick matches fit busy schedules, and built-in deck suggestions help beginners get started. The game teaches strategic planning — reading card descriptions, managing resources, and thinking several turns ahead — skills that carry over into other PC games.
Conclusion
Your journey as a PC gamer starts today. From puzzle games that boost creative thinking to MOBAs that emphasize teamwork, fighting games that sharpen reflexes, and survival games that let you progress at your own pace — there's something here for everyone. RTS games build mouse-and-keyboard coordination, and card games develop strategic thinking. Most of these titles include tutorials and practice modes to ease you in. Stay tuned for part 3 — there's much more to come! Want to enhance your experience? Use Gaming Gift Cards on Ar-Pay.
FAQs
How much does a gaming PC cost?
Gaming PCs come at different price points: Entry-Level $300–$600, Mid-Range $700–$1,000, and High-End $1,500–$2,000.
AMD or NVIDIA for graphics?
NVIDIA works great for gaming, but AMD provides excellent value — especially for budget builds, where AMD CPUs often include decent built-in graphics for light gaming.
Why does my PC slow down during games?
Games typically slow down because your PC needs more power or runs too hot. Simple maintenance and regular updates keep these issues away.
What should I prioritize when choosing components for my first gaming PC?
Focus on a balanced CPU and GPU combination that fits your budget and gaming needs. Aim for at least 16GB of RAM and an SSD for storage. You can always upgrade components later as your needs and budget change.
