What Game Should I Play? A Definitive Guide to Finding Your Next Gaming Obsession
Staring at your game library, paralyzed by choice? Feeling burnt out on your usual games and craving something new? The dreaded question, “What game should I play?” haunts every gamer at some point. With thousands of titles vying for your attention, the task of choosing your next adventure can feel overwhelming. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through a series of steps, considerations, and resources to help you pinpoint the perfect game to dive into, ensuring your next gaming session is a satisfying one.
## Step 1: Assess Your Current Gaming Mood and Desires
Before even glancing at game lists, take a moment to reflect on what you’re *actually* looking for in a game right now. Ask yourself these key questions:
* **What am I in the mood for?** Do you want a relaxing experience to unwind after a long day? Or are you craving a challenging and competitive game to test your skills? Perhaps you’re looking for a thought-provoking narrative or a mindless, action-packed romp. Identifying your desired mood is the crucial first step.
* **What type of gameplay am I craving?** Are you in the mood for:
* **Fast-paced action?** (Think shooters, fighting games, hack-and-slash titles)
* **Strategic thinking?** (Strategy games, turn-based RPGs, puzzle games)
* **Exploration and adventure?** (Open-world games, adventure games, Metroidvanias)
* **Story-driven experiences?** (Narrative-focused games, RPGs with rich stories)
* **Creative expression?** (Sandbox games, building games)
* **Simulation and management?** (Simulation games, city builders, tycoon games)
* **How much time do I have to dedicate to gaming?** This is crucial! Starting a massive open-world RPG when you only have 30 minutes a day will likely lead to frustration. Consider whether you want a game you can pick up and play in short bursts, or something you can sink hours into.
* **Am I looking for a solo experience or a multiplayer game?** Do you want to immerse yourself in a single-player world, or connect with friends and other players online?
* **What have I enjoyed playing in the past?** Identifying your favorite genres, mechanics, and themes can provide valuable clues about what you might enjoy in the future. Think about the games you’ve loved and why you loved them. What elements resonated with you the most?
* **What have I disliked playing in the past?** Conversely, think about the games you haven’t enjoyed and why. This can help you avoid similar experiences in the future. Maybe you hate grinding, or you find complex crafting systems tedious. Knowing your dislikes is just as important as knowing your likes.
* **Am I looking for something familiar or something completely new?** Do you want a game that builds upon familiar mechanics and themes, or are you looking to step outside your comfort zone and try something completely different?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a much clearer picture of what you’re looking for in a game.
## Step 2: Consider Genre Preferences (But Don’t Be Afraid to Branch Out)
Genre is a fundamental aspect of game selection. While sticking to your favorite genres is comfortable, it’s also beneficial to explore other genres. Here’s a breakdown of popular game genres:
* **Action Games:** These games emphasize physical challenges, including hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and reflexes. Examples include:
* **Shooters (FPS/TPS):** *Call of Duty*, *Apex Legends*, *Fortnite*, *Overwatch*, *Valorant*, *Halo*, *Gears of War*
* **Fighting Games:** *Street Fighter*, *Mortal Kombat*, *Tekken*, *Super Smash Bros.*
* **Hack and Slash:** *Devil May Cry*, *Bayonetta*, *Diablo*, *Path of Exile*
* **Action-Adventure:** *The Legend of Zelda*, *Assassin’s Creed*, *God of War*, *Uncharted*, *Tomb Raider*
* **Adventure Games:** These games focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and narrative. Examples include:
* **Point-and-Click Adventures:** *Monkey Island*, *Grim Fandango*, *Broken Age*
* **Narrative Adventures:** *Life is Strange*, *Telltale Games (The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us)*, *Disco Elysium*
* **Open-World Adventures:** *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim*, *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt*, *Red Dead Redemption 2*
* **Metroidvanias:** *Hollow Knight*, *Ori and the Blind Forest*, *Metroid Dread*
* **Role-Playing Games (RPGs):** These games allow players to create and control a character within a defined world, often with character progression, story elements, and choices that impact the narrative. Examples include:
* **Traditional RPGs:** *Final Fantasy*, *Dragon Quest*, *Persona*, *Divinity: Original Sin 2*
* **Action RPGs (ARPGs):** *Diablo*, *Path of Exile*, *Borderlands*
* **Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs):** *World of Warcraft*, *Final Fantasy XIV*, *Guild Wars 2*
* **Western RPGs:** *The Elder Scrolls*, *Fallout*, *Cyberpunk 2077*
* **Strategy Games:** These games emphasize strategic thinking, planning, and resource management. Examples include:
* **Real-Time Strategy (RTS):** *StarCraft*, *Age of Empires*, *Company of Heroes*
* **Turn-Based Strategy (TBS):** *Civilization*, *XCOM*, *Total War*
* **Grand Strategy:** *Crusader Kings*, *Europa Universalis*, *Hearts of Iron*
* **Tower Defense:** *Plants vs. Zombies*, *Bloons TD*
* **Simulation Games:** These games simulate real-life activities or scenarios. Examples include:
* **City Builders:** *SimCity*, *Cities: Skylines*
* **Tycoon Games:** *RollerCoaster Tycoon*, *Zoo Tycoon*
* **Vehicle Simulators:** *Microsoft Flight Simulator*, *Euro Truck Simulator*
* **Life Simulators:** *The Sims*, *Animal Crossing*
* **Puzzle Games:** These games challenge players to solve puzzles using logic, spatial reasoning, and other skills. Examples include:
* **Logic Puzzles:** *Portal*, *The Witness*, *Baba Is You*
* **Physics Puzzles:** *World of Goo*, *Bridge Constructor*
* **Hidden Object Games:* *Hidden Folks*, *Where’s Waldo? (video game adaptations)*
* **Sports Games:** These games simulate various sports. Examples include:
* *FIFA*, *Madden NFL*, *NBA 2K*, *MLB The Show*
* **Racing Games:** These games focus on racing vehicles. Examples include:
* *Forza Motorsport*, *Gran Turismo*, *Need for Speed*, *Mario Kart*
* **Indie Games:** This is less a genre and more a category encompassing games developed by independent developers, often characterized by innovative gameplay, unique art styles, and experimental narratives. Examples are too numerous to list comprehensively, but some popular examples include *Hades*, *Stardew Valley*, *Celeste*, *Undertale*, and *Disco Elysium*.
Consider which genres appeal to you the most and start your search there. However, don’t be afraid to experiment with genres you haven’t tried before. You might discover a hidden gem!
## Step 3: Leverage Recommendation Engines and Game Databases
The internet is your friend! Numerous websites and tools can help you find games based on your preferences. Here are some of the best:
* **Steam:** Steam’s recommendation engine is based on your purchase history, playtime, and reviews. It can suggest games you might enjoy based on your existing library. Explore the “Recommended For You” section and browse by tags and categories.
* **GOG.com:** Similar to Steam, GOG offers recommendations based on your library and browsing history. GOG also focuses on DRM-free games.
* **Metacritic:** Metacritic aggregates reviews from various sources to provide a Metascore for games. This can give you a general idea of the game’s critical reception. However, remember that Metascore is not the only factor to consider, as user reviews can often differ significantly.
* **OpenCritic:** Similar to Metacritic, OpenCritic focuses on aggregating reviews and providing a weighted average score. It also offers a “Top Critic Average” to highlight the opinions of respected reviewers.
* **HowLongToBeat:** This website provides estimates for how long it takes to complete various games, including the main story, main story + extras, and completionist runs. This is incredibly useful for determining if a game fits your available time.
* **Giant Bomb:** Giant Bomb is a comprehensive video game wiki and community. It features detailed information about games, characters, and developers. The site also has a robust search function that allows you to filter games by genre, platform, theme, and more.
* **IGN/GameSpot/Polygon:** These are popular video game news and review websites. They provide in-depth reviews, previews, and features on upcoming and released games.
* **Reddit (r/gaming, r/gamingsuggestions):** The Reddit gaming community is a valuable resource for finding game recommendations. The r/gaming subreddit is a general gaming forum, while r/gamingsuggestions is specifically dedicated to game recommendations. When posting a request, be sure to provide detailed information about your preferences, including the types of games you enjoy, the platforms you own, and your budget.
* **YouTube:** Watch gameplay videos and reviews to get a better sense of a game’s mechanics, art style, and overall feel. Pay attention to Let’s Plays and reviews from channels whose opinions you trust.
* **Twitch:** Watching live streams of games can be a great way to see a game in action and get a feel for its community. This is particularly helpful for multiplayer games.
When using these resources, be specific with your search terms. Instead of just searching for “RPG,” try searching for “story-driven RPG with turn-based combat” or “open-world RPG with crafting and exploration.” The more specific you are, the better your results will be.
## Step 4: Dive Deeper: Research and Read Reviews
Once you’ve identified a few potential games, it’s time to do some more in-depth research. Don’t rely solely on trailers and marketing materials. Read reviews from reputable sources and watch gameplay videos to get a better understanding of the game’s strengths and weaknesses.
* **Read multiple reviews:** Don’t rely on a single review. Read reviews from different sources to get a balanced perspective. Pay attention to both the positive and negative aspects of the game.
* **Pay attention to user reviews:** While professional reviews are valuable, user reviews can provide insights into the game’s long-term appeal and potential issues. However, be aware that user reviews can be subjective and influenced by personal preferences.
* **Watch gameplay videos:** Gameplay videos can give you a better sense of a game’s mechanics, art style, and overall feel. Look for videos that showcase different aspects of the game, such as combat, exploration, and story.
* **Research the developer:** Look into the developer’s track record. Have they made similar games in the past? What is their reputation for quality and support?
* **Consider the game’s age:** Older games may be cheaper and have a larger modding community, but they may also have outdated graphics and mechanics. Newer games may have better graphics and features, but they may also be more expensive and have more bugs.
## Step 5: Check System Requirements and Compatibility
Before purchasing a game, make sure your system meets the minimum and recommended system requirements. This is especially important for PC games. Check the game’s Steam page or official website for the system requirements. Consider these factors:
* **Operating System:** Ensure the game is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
* **Processor (CPU):** The CPU is the brain of your computer. Make sure your CPU meets the minimum requirements for the game.
* **Memory (RAM):** RAM is used to store data that the CPU is actively using. More RAM is generally better, especially for demanding games.
* **Graphics Card (GPU):** The GPU is responsible for rendering graphics. Make sure your GPU meets the minimum requirements for the game. Check the VRAM (video RAM) as well.
* **Storage:** Ensure you have enough free storage space to install the game. SSDs (Solid State Drives) are generally recommended for faster loading times.
* **DirectX Version:** Make sure your system has the required version of DirectX installed.
If your system doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, the game may not run properly, or it may run at a low frame rate. Even if your system meets the minimum requirements, you may need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. If possible, check if you can run it through websites like “Can You Run It”.
## Step 6: Factor in Your Budget
Game prices can vary widely, from free-to-play titles to AAA releases costing $60 or more. Consider your budget before making a purchase. Here are some ways to save money on games:
* **Wait for sales:** Steam, GOG, and other digital storefronts regularly offer sales on games. Add games to your wishlist and wait for them to go on sale.
* **Check Humble Bundle:** Humble Bundle offers bundles of games at discounted prices. A portion of the proceeds goes to charity.
* **Consider subscription services:** Services like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Ubisoft+ offer access to a library of games for a monthly fee. This can be a cost-effective way to try out a variety of games.
* **Buy used games:** You can often find used games at discounted prices at retailers like GameStop or on online marketplaces like eBay.
* **Explore free-to-play games:** There are many high-quality free-to-play games available, such as *Fortnite*, *Apex Legends*, *Genshin Impact*, and *Path of Exile*. Be aware that some free-to-play games may contain microtransactions.
* **Check for regional pricing:** Game prices can vary depending on your region. Use a VPN to check prices in different regions, but be aware that this may violate the terms of service of some digital storefronts.
## Step 7: Try Before You Buy (If Possible)
Ideally, you should try a game before you buy it to ensure it’s a good fit for you. Here are some ways to do that:
* **Download a demo:** Some games offer demos that allow you to play a limited portion of the game before purchasing it.
* **Use Steam’s refund policy:** Steam offers a refund policy that allows you to return a game within 14 days of purchase if you’ve played it for less than 2 hours.
* **Borrow from a friend:** If you have a friend who owns the game, ask if you can borrow it to try it out.
* **Watch gameplay videos:** As mentioned earlier, watching gameplay videos can give you a better sense of a game’s mechanics and overall feel.
## Step 8: Don’t Be Afraid to Drop a Game
Sometimes, despite all your research, you might find that a game just isn’t for you. Don’t feel obligated to finish a game if you’re not enjoying it. It’s okay to drop a game and move on to something else. Your time is valuable, and you should spend it playing games that you enjoy. There are literally *thousands* of other options! Life is too short to play bad games.
## Step 9: Embrace the Community
Gaming communities can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Connecting with other players can provide valuable insights, tips, and camaraderie. Here are some ways to engage with the gaming community:
* **Join online forums and communities:** Participate in discussions, share your experiences, and ask for advice on platforms like Reddit, Discord, and the game’s official forums.
* **Watch live streams and Let’s Plays:** Interact with streamers and other viewers in the chat, and learn new strategies and tips from experienced players.
* **Attend gaming conventions and events:** Meet fellow gamers in person, attend panels and workshops, and try out new games at conventions like PAX, E3, and Gamescom.
* **Play multiplayer games with friends:** Team up with friends and other players online to tackle challenges, compete against each other, and share memorable gaming moments.
* **Create and share content:** Share your gameplay videos, reviews, and guides on platforms like YouTube and Twitch to contribute to the community and help other players discover new games.
## Step 10: Keeping Up with New Releases and Trends
The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, with new releases and trends emerging all the time. Staying informed about the latest developments can help you discover exciting new games and stay ahead of the curve. Here are some ways to keep up with the gaming world:
* **Follow gaming news websites and blogs:** Stay updated on the latest news, reviews, and previews from reputable sources like IGN, GameSpot, Polygon, and Eurogamer.
* **Subscribe to gaming podcasts and YouTube channels:** Listen to industry experts and content creators discuss new releases, trends, and controversies in the gaming world.
* **Attend gaming events and conferences:** Keep an eye out for announcements and reveals at events like E3, Gamescom, and PAX, where developers showcase their upcoming games.
* **Follow game developers and publishers on social media:** Stay informed about their latest projects and announcements through their official social media accounts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
* **Engage with the gaming community online:** Participate in discussions, share your thoughts, and stay informed about the latest buzz and trends on platforms like Reddit and Discord.
By following these steps, you can navigate the vast world of video games and find the perfect title to satisfy your gaming desires. Remember to be open to new experiences, experiment with different genres, and most importantly, have fun! Happy gaming!