Every gamer starts somewhere, and finding the right first game for a child is more than just picking something colorful. A great introductory game should be easy to grasp, fun to play, and, ideally, something that sparks creativity or a love for interactive storytelling.
Whether it’s agame that encourages exploration, gentle problem-solving, or simple, joyful chaos, the right pick can turn a child’s first gaming experience into a lifelong passion. And these 7 game excel at this task.
If there’s a better way to introduce a child to the sheer absurdity of video games, it hasn’t been invented yet.Katamari Damacy Rerollis a game where players roll a sticky ball (a “Katamari”) around, picking up objects until it’s big enough to collect entire buildings, continents, and eventually planets. The premise is delightfully nonsensical: the King of All Cosmos accidentally destroys the stars, so his tiny son, the Prince, has to rebuild them using whatever he can roll up on Earth.
What makesKatamari Damacy Rerolla great first game is its simplicity. The twin-stick controls may take a few minutes to get used to, but there are no complex mechanics to master—just push forward and collect things. There’s no failure state, no time-consuming tutorials, and no punishment for mistakes, making it a low-pressure experience. The vibrant, blocky art style and charmingly offbeat soundtrack also make it one of the most joyfullyweird games ever created. Rated E for Everyone,Katamari Damacy Rerollis perfect for kids who just want to mess around and have fun without worrying about scores, stats, or anything remotely stressful.
Even kids who’ve never held a controller before can jump intoMario Kart 8 Deluxeand have a great time. The game takes everything that made previousMario Karttitles great and refines it to perfection. With dozens of characters, colorful tracks, and just the right amount of chaos, it’s the kind of game where finishing last doesn’t feel so bad when you just got to throw a giant banana peel at your friend.
For younger players,Mario Kart 8 Deluxeoffers Smart Steering, an optional feature that prevents them from driving off the track. Coupled with Auto-Accelerate, these settings make it easy for kids to enjoy races without struggling to stay on the road. And since the game has a mix ofsingle-player, local multiplayer, and online modes, it can grow with them.
It’s rated E for Everyone, and since the worst thing that can happen is getting hit by a blue shell at the last second, it’s one of the most frustration-free competitive games out there.
Few franchises are as beginner-friendly asSuper Mario, andSuper Mario 3D Worldis one of the best places to start. It combines the charm ofclassic 2DMariogameswith the freedom of 3D exploration, offering bite-sized levels that are packed with secrets, power-ups, and, most importantly, adorable cat costumes.
The game is designed with accessibility in mind. Players who struggle with a level can use the Super Leaf to become invincible, and the multiplayer mode allows family members to hop in and help at any time. The simple controls, bright visuals, and consistently creative level design make it engaging without being overwhelming.
Rated E for Everyone,Super Mario 3D Worldis a fantastic way for kids to develop platforming skills while having fun in a world that’s as colorful as it is forgiving.
For kids who love Disney movies more than high-speed kart races,Disney Dreamlight Valleyis the perfect introduction to gaming. It’s essentiallyAnimal CrossingmeetsKingdom Hearts—a cozy life-sim where players get to befriend Disney characters, complete quests, and restore magic to a once-thriving village.
Unlike some farming andlife-sim gamesthat require rigid time management,Disney Dreamlight Valleylets players move at their own pace. Tasks like fishing, cooking, and decorating are all easy to pick up, and the presence of familiar Disney characters makes everything feel like a warm hug. Since there are no high-stakes challenges or time limits, it’s a great game for young kids who just want to explore and interact with their favorite animated friends.
The game is rated E, with its biggest challenge being deciding whether to hang out with Goofy or build a pumpkin carriage with Cinderella first.
Spyro the Dragonhas been a staple of childhood gaming since the late ‘90s, and theReignited Trilogyis the best way to introduce a new generation to the little purple dragon. This collection remasters the first threeSpyrogames, keeping the original level design intact while giving it a gorgeous visual overhaul.
What makesSpyro Reignited Trilogyan ideal first game is its simplicity. The controls are intuitive, with Spyro’s moveset focused on jumping, gliding, and headbutting enemies. The difficulty ramps up gradually, and there are no frustrating mechanics to discourage young players. While combat exists, it’s cartoonish and non-threatening—more about knocking enemies over than anything remotely violent.
Rated E10+, it’s slightly moreaction-focusedthan some of the other games on this list, but it’s still a fantastic pick for kids ready to take on their first real adventure.
Most LEGO games are great for kids, butLEGO City Undercoverstands out by being an open-world experience that feels like a kid-friendly version ofGrand Theft Auto. Instead of stealing cars and causing mayhem, players take on the role of Chase McCain, an undercover cop solving crimes, chasing bad guys, and disguising himself as everything from a firefighter to a miner.
The game’s humor is perfect for kids and parents alike, packed with silly jokes and movie references. Its open-world design encourages exploration, but the missions are structured in a way that makes it easy to follow. Like all LEGO games, failure is never punishing—characters simply respawn with no real consequences.
Rated E10+,LEGO City Undercoveroffers hours of lighthearted fun, proving that a game can be both an open-world adventure and completely kid-friendly.
There’s no better first game thanMinecraft. It’s not just about playing—it’s about creating, exploring, and learning in a way that few other games can match. Kids can build anything they imagine, from a tiny house to an entire city, and with multiple modes available, they can choose to survive against monsters or just relax in a limitless sandbox.
The beauty ofMinecraftis its accessibility. The blocky visuals are simple but iconic, and the gameplay is as easy or complex as a player wants it to be. Younger kids can start in Creative Mode, where they have unlimited resources and no enemies, while older ones can try Survival Mode to gather materials and craft their own adventure.
Rated E10+,Minecrafthas become more than just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and even teamwork. It’s the perfect introduction to gaming, and for many kids, it’s the first step into a world of limitless possibilities.
