Best Xbox games for beginners
The best Xbox games for beginners are Balatro, Stardew Valley and Townscaper. We include level 3 because there are few level 1 and 2 games on Xbox.
Xbox has a large library and a subscription (Game Pass) that lets you try games before you commit. Level 1 and 2 games come first.
| Game | Level | Plays on | Tried & tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balatro | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 97.5 · Hall of Fame |
| Stardew Valley | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 95.5 · Hall of Fame |
| Townscaper | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 95.3 · Hall of Fame |
| What Remains of Edith Finch | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 94.1 · Proven favourite |
| Minecraft | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 93.8 · Proven favourite |
| A Short Hike | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 92.8 · Proven favourite |
| Forza Horizon 5 | 2 · Easy | Xbox, Computer | 92.3 · Proven favourite |
| Dorfromantik | 1 · Gentle | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 89.3 · Proven favourite |
| Two Point Hospital | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 87.5 · Well liked |
| Gris | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 87.1 · Well liked |
| Spiritfarer | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer, Phone / tablet | 86.6 · Well liked |
| Spyro Reignited Trilogy | 2 · Easy | Switch / Switch 2, PS5, Xbox, Computer | 86 · Well liked |
About each game
Balatro. Poker-hand scoring with joker cards. No real money, but casino imagery.
Stardew Valley. Restore a farm and befriend villagers. Lots to learn but no rush.
Townscaper. A toy rather than a game: click to build pretty towns. No goals, no failing.
What Remains of Edith Finch. Explore a family home; each room is a short story. Themes of death.
Minecraft. Creative or Peaceful mode removes danger. Great for playing with grandkids.
A Short Hike. Climb a mountain in an afternoon. Very gentle introduction to 3D movement.
Forza Horizon 5. Open-world driving festival with rewind and heavy assists. Very welcoming.
Dorfromantik. Place hexagon tiles to build peaceful villages. Calm, no time limits.
Two Point Hospital. Run a silly hospital. Light-hearted management.
Gris. Gentle 2D platformer about grief. No dying.
Spiritfarer. A cosy boat-management game about saying goodbye; themes of death handled gently.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Three classic 3D platformers with a camera that is easy to manage. Gentle fire-breathing combat.
Not sure which one? Answer seven questions and we will match games to you.