Diving intoaction gamescan feel overwhelming for players who aren’t used to their fast pacing or layered mechanics. But some titles manage to strike the perfect balance between cinematic flair, intuitive controls and smartly introduced gameplay systems that ease newcomers in without ever talking down to them. These games are still action-packed and engaging, but they teach through play, ramp up the intensity at a manageable pace and provide satisfying feedback every step of the way.
10 Action-Adventure Games with the Best Story
Throw on your gear and check that map, because it’s time to head out and explore the best stories of the Action-Adventure genre.
Whether it’s superhero swings, ancient mythologies, or galaxy-spanning lightsaber duels, these action games are some of the best starting points for anyone new to the genre.
Death Is Just the Beginning
At first glance, Hades might seem like too much for beginners –fast-paced combat, roguelike loops and permadeath mechanics. But Supergiant Games structured it to ease players in without making them feel punished for failure.
Each run through the Underworld is another chance to learn, experiment and unlock new upgrades. The game smartly builds up Zagreus’s toolset, offering different weapons and boons that let players find their preferred playstyle at their own pace.
What makes Hades stand out even more for new players is its reactive storytelling. No run feels like a waste – every death adds new dialogue, character development, or progression. It’s not just fun to play, it’s fun to fail. And that’s rare.
5Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Push, Pull, Slice, Repeat
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
For those who want to dip their toes into the more challenging side of action games, Fallen Order is a great starting point. While it shares DNA withSouls-like games, it offers multiple difficulty levels, each of which dramatically alters enemy aggression and parry windows.
The lightsaber combat is straightforward but satisfying – dodges, blocks and Force powers are layered in slowly. Players learn how to read enemy patterns without being punished for every mistake.
Set in the aftermath of Order 66, the story follows Cal Kestis as he reconnects with the Force. The mix of exploration, platforming and puzzle-solving – plus the Star Wars setting – makes the whole journey feel rich, even for those new to action-adventure games.
4Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Explosions with a Smile
This vibrant action-platformer is a visual showcase for the PS5, but more importantly, it’s built from the ground up with smooth controls and player-friendly design. The weapons are wildly creative – from pixelators to sprinkler turrets – and all of them are fun to use, even when fired at random.
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There’s never any pressure to play it perfectly. Ratchet and Rivet’s story is full of charm and optimism, and the difficulty can be tweaked to suit any skill level. For beginners, this means learning how to juggle different toolsin combat, explore hidden areas and engage with light RPG elements without feeling overwhelmed.
Rift Apart also uses fast load times and seamless transitions between worlds to keep players constantly moving, reducing downtime and keeping the action front and center.
3Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Every Cliff Has a Handhold
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Naughty Dog’s cinematic adventure thrives on spectacle, but it never forgets the basics. Gunplay is simple and forgiving, cover mechanics work as expected and there’s just enough auto-aim baked in to keep things from getting frustrating for newcomers.
The climbing and traversal are mostly about pushing forward and letting the environment guide the player. Even the puzzles – though occasionally clever – are rarely roadblocks. Instead, the focus is on pacing, character development and the thrill of globe-trotting heists.
Nathan Drake’s final adventure is a masterclass in how to blend storytelling with action. For beginners, it feels like being dropped into the middle of a blockbuster film where they just happen to be the star.
2Marvel’s Spider-Man
Swing First, Ask Questions Later
Marvel’s Spider-Man
Insomniac’s take on the wall-crawler might just be one of the most inviting action games ever made. The web-swinging alone feels intuitive enough for beginners to get hooked within minutes, with the city serving more as a playground than an obstacle.
Combat uses a similar philosophy – punch, dodge and web shooters form the backbone of a system that’s responsive and forgiving. Players who’ve never touched a complex action title will still find it easy to juggle enemies and stay airborne, all while pulling off stylish finishers.
But what really anchors the experience is the heartfelt story. It’s not just another superhero romp – it takes time to explore Peter Parker’s life, relationships and responsibilities. The result is a game that feels accessible in mechanics, and emotionally rewarding in the long run.
1Batman: Arkham Asylum
Batman Begins with a Button Press
Batman: Arkham Asylum
Set entirely within the claustrophobic halls of Gotham’s infamous asylum, Arkham Asylum succeeds by keeping its mechanics tight and approachable. Batman’s combat system, built around rhythmic button timing and satisfying counters, is easy to grasp early on. But there’s enough depth to feel increasingly powerful without ever getting buried in complexity.
The detective mode, stealth segments and gadget use are gradually introduced as part of the story progression, making each new ability feel earned and useful. What helps beginners even more is how the game never throws too much at once – enemy encounters grow in scale naturally, and each one becomes a chance to reinforce learned mechanics.
And for players who love superhero stories, Arkham Asylum delivers a dark and focused narrative that’s carried by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill at their very best.
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