Any advice on getting back into gaming?
Posted by jeremyascot@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 94 comments
Hello friends, I bought a PlayStation about a year ago to try and get back into gaming. I specifically wanted an activity to do in the evenings to help with my mental health.
I’m finding it hard to get games that I persevere with. I get frustrated by complex controls and I find it hard to get into games with massive arching storylines
I’ve started quite a few games that seem highly recommended like Cyberpunk, Red or Dead, Fallout, Red Dead Redemption etc but normally give up after a few hours in frustration.
The only games that have stuck with me are no mans sky, Gran tourismo and Balatro.
I think I’m more of a casual gamer maybe?
Has anyone got any tips on getting back into gaming for an older guy?
SeanzillaDestroy@reddit
I was a long term console gamer that lost interest in complex games. I’m 58yo now, and I just can’t put in the effort. I still love gaming, but I’ve gone very much casual and mostly use my iPad Pro M4 now. All paid games.
WilliePullout@reddit
Buy a pc leave the peasants behind. We are older with some caysh. You don’t have to buy the biggest and the best but you could get a decent tower that will last a few years for $2000.
GrayMalchin@reddit
I would recommend watching twitch streams of games that may interest you. You can interact with the streamer; I ask about gameplay, their enjoyment and replay ability.
I’m tired of buying games to only play for an hour or so because a few reasons. My reaction time has dropped over the years. Some of the hyped games don’t scratch that itch for me. Other games look good but need a beefy computer to run it. Sussing these issues by watching a stream or two reduces my buyer’s remorse significantly.
Another way to avoid spending issues is to wishlist games on DekuDeals or the Steam game store. I’ll wait for a notification of sales for the titles I want.
AndrewAlerts@reddit
FYI Deku Deals now supports Steam! You can even sync your wishlist and collection.
Staran@reddit
In a dungeon, always turn right.
MaximumJones@reddit
And then check for traps.
Staran@reddit
Bring a healer if you can
AnarchiaKapitany@reddit
And always look behind the waterfall
Gimmesoamoah@reddit
Nothing ever changes, not really..
Aggravating-Factors@reddit
FPS games are good for that. The controls are very similar across titles and you have e a short single player story mode then a selection of multiplayer options. A match is only 5 or 10 minutes and you can just play 1 or 2 and then jump off.
Flyinghead@reddit
I have a difficult time keeping going with a lot of the genres i used to play frequently.
Now i more enjoy roguelikes, deckbuilders or both. Stuff like slay the spire, brotato, wildfrost, monster train. Oddly enough path of exile too some i can do an area or two fast, feel like I've done something and then move on to other things
Butterynippleclamps@reddit
It’s why I have a Nintendo switch. Just fun games that are easy to get into.
MarqBarq@reddit
Get a solid PC, or gaming laptop. I just relax in my chair, with a laptop couch desk, and game. Can also check email… so I can maybe do work too sometimes.
woodworkingguy1@reddit
My wife is more of a gamer but I like short gaming sessions...try Astrobots if you have a PS5
runjeanmc@reddit
Are there any games you used to play? It takes too much bandwidth for me to get into new games and learn new controllers (I never had a console and only played PC), so I find a lot of comfort going back to Civ II or Baldur's Gate.
must_eye@reddit
I really enjoyed witness.
It is more of a puzzle solving/exploration game.
Most all of the Lego games are fun and not really difficult. They can be a bit grindy, especially if you like to chase trophies.
I love Grand Theft Auto, but you may find the controls to be overwhelming.
I also think you might enjoy the Uncharted series and the Tomb Raider series. Lots of fun in these.
Top-Raspberry139@reddit
Alien Isolation. Trust me
Trick-Wishbone1900@reddit
No man's sky has a huge cross platform online community. Here is a great example of one of many online communities in the game. https://discord.com/invite/nomanssky
Oliver_Klozoff653@reddit
I haven't owned a game system since PS2 I thought I might look for a PS4 because there were some games on that system that I wanted to play. Also that was the last console where you could just put the disc in and play
Hoodsballs-9Fingers@reddit
Step one, get good and comfortable with the controller with a simple game like Astro or What remains of Edith Finch.
Step two, play Baldurs Gate 3
chopper5150@reddit
Nowadays I stick to Fallout and football games. I did buy Robocop recently just to mindlessly shoot shit.
Tyrigoth@reddit
"Some of my best friends are casuals."
I have a few games I play when I am feeling down. You might like Stardew Valley. Simple and relaxing. I play Colonization when I need to explore both the game and my mind. Fallout 4 got me through the rough part of my divorce along with Red Dead Redemption.
Since I hate wiping, it cut back on my drinking.
Find your niche and move into it. It doesn't have to be crazy. The above games are what I play when I'm working shit out. I'm also a previous LAN champ. Eight years ago I placed 2285 on the world leaderboards for D3. Now I sit on a council of a Guild and command three Dreadnaught class ships and a dozen escort fighter.
Anyone who judges a gamer by their preferences doesn't actually understand gaming.
Go find your Bliss! :)
DeadManAle@reddit
Nintendo Switch my friend that’s where it’s at.
jeremyascot@reddit (OP)
I mean I think you might be right.
CowboyLaw@reddit
If you're gaming for mental health reasons, Animal Crossing is a unicorn. I remember reading an article a few years ago, and the article was summarizing an actual academic study, that had this conclusion: they studied the effects of \~100 video games on mental health. All of the games except one had either no real effect, or a net negative effect, on mental health. The only one with a net positive effect was Animal Crossing.
DeadManAle@reddit
That’s interesting.
RudyBega1@reddit
Yep. I play AC. Also all the Zeldas for the Switch - BotW, TotK, Link's Awakening, Echoes of Wisdom. These are what I got into after a LONG break from "more serious" gaming.
DeadManAle@reddit
Whether it’s Switch 1 or 2 the new Zelda and Mario games are awesome. Single player games I play at my own pace and I really enjoy them. Zelda Tears of the Kingdom I’ve been playing for over 2 years and I still got tons of shit to do in the game and the latest Mario is Odyssey and I’ve been playing that since 2022. Also you can still get a lot of the games for Xbox and PlayStation too. Just not the exclusives like Halo and God of War. Hope that helps. Cheers!! 🍺🍺🍺🍺
Jordangander@reddit
Go find your local hobby / tabletop store. See if there are any tabletop wargames that they play that you might be interested in.
This gives you social time, with focused discussions, game mechanics that people can actually discuss with you, and if you paint the models some basic hand eye coordination to work with.
And if you don't care about the met or winning all the time you can have a great deal of fun 1-2 times a week with zero stress.
Complex_Sun8138@reddit
I stick to the driving sim/racing games. I'm a firm believer in the "KISS" principle.
JimVivJr@reddit
Casual gaming is harder on systems like PS and Xbox as they cater to serious gamers. You may have been better off with a switch2. That said, there is a market for Indy games that are sometimes good for simple distraction. Check out the PS store.
greenolivetree_net@reddit
I would suggest trying VR games. I was in the exact same boat with controls etc and I found VR gaming to be the answer. Easy controls most of it just makes sense.
Top-Ad3147@reddit
Come and join us: https://www.reddit.com/r/Fortnite_Over40/s/mPKGdy49xM
Demented-Alpaca@reddit
One I've been playing on PC but is coming to console is Satisfactory.
It's a factory building game but there's no real "right way" to play. You can design and build immense factories or go a little more "chaotic" and just build these giant monstrosities.
You can play solo or CoOp, there's a little bit of combat but it ends up being purely optional and can even be turned off.
The story behind it is fairly light and it's got a pretty good sense of humor to it.
It's addicting, low stress, plays at whatever pace you want and has a pretty big following. A lot of people would say I'm still kind of a noob with only around 220 hours in the game. Many players have thousands if not many thousands of hours.
Fun-Distribution-159@reddit
Baldurs gate 3
Mass effect legendary edition
College football 26
The sniper elite games
Diablo 4
Hitman world of assassination
Those are games that are pretty simple and casual.
snarpy@reddit
I would not find BG3 casual lol, it's a really complicated system (unless you already know 5e DND).
Fun-Distribution-159@reddit
I found it pretty easy to get into and I've never played 5e and before. But everyone is different. Still a good game you can play in short bursts and pick up again later.
snarpy@reddit
Definitely not my experience, I find if I drop out I lose all sense of the narrative and have to start over.
But I get that a lot heh. I'm too old.
snarpy@reddit
Yeah, as an older player it can be hard to get into newer games, especially those with more complex mechanics.
I will say that of late I force myself to tough it out if I'm struggling early and sometimes that works wonders. It might take a couple of hours but when it comes to bigger games it's an effort worth taking because if it works you've got maybe 100 hours of game.
Balatro is absolutely great. If you like that, maybe try Blue Prince (huge indie hit last year).
If you're looking for shooty stuff that's not so involved, there are a couple of older games in Prey and Control that are amazing worlds and actually really fun to play.
darktideDay1@reddit
Try a fun little game like Dredge.
jeremyascot@reddit (OP)
Funny you mention Dredge. I did play that. Was fun.
PeaTearGriphon@reddit
Dredge was a cool game. I just finished Firewatch, it's a pretty easy game that takes about 3 hours to complete. I'm a 50+ guy and enjoy easier games so it was right up my alley.
mrhemisphere@reddit
try Slay the Spire, turn based card game with adjustable difficulty and tons of replayabilty
PeaTearGriphon@reddit
This game is awesome, the normal mode is pretty tough though so once you know the basics and play a few games you unlock custom mode which I find way more casual. I like to do a sealed deck run so I'm not always starting with the same deck.
Relevant_Ad5351@reddit
Skyrim.
snarpy@reddit
This. It has a nice learning curve, lets you in gently, and still looks really good on PS5 (with the new version).
LibertyMike@reddit
That's a great one. I have the PSVR version, but I can't play it for more than 45-60 minutes without getting light-headed.
Relevant_Ad5351@reddit
Pickled ginger is your friend! If you like it try chewing a little bit before you play. Helped me get over my VR sickness. (I have an Oculus Rift S.
Matt-J-@reddit
I was using xbox one for few years and then switched to PC gaming. Download the Steam App, tons of games. Depending on the game, you might need a beefy computer. I play Battlefield V multiplayer every night. Loads of fun and takes your mind away from everything.
GalacticGumshoe@reddit
55m here. I love wandering the wastelands of Fallout 4. It’s awesome to just get lost and stumble upon new adventures.
FrannyFray@reddit
My husband and I struggle with modern games and modern digital distribution platforms in general. My husband still plays Dreamcast games. Both on the original hardware with online and using emulators on his laptop and phone. There are new games for it as well that we enjoy on it.
I'm still playing UT99 and MK (1 to 4) mostly. We try every now and then to get into a new game they come with so much stuff like DLC, Mxt, always online DRM, another account to log in and more...we just end up going back to old stuff or check out something Indie that is made like it was back in the day with local co-op/vs & LAN support.
We don't do single player game so none of what I will recommend will be geared towards that.
You can check out some of the stuff that we like and play often with our friends & family
Agitated-Location-12@reddit
Try getting psn+ for a month to explore different genres to see what your tastes might mean more towards now. I used to love epic long one player jrpgs. I still do from time to time but work gets in the way. So I take on smaller or indie games now with occasional big budget ones. Plus the classics catalog might help to get the urge going again
Shinkai2008@reddit
Used to be alot into those big RPG type games when I was younger. Nowadays, I have no interest into sinking hours at a time on a game. But I still wanted to play something that has alot of replay value even for a casual gamer. I found 7 days to Die last year for the PS5. It's an open world zombie survival sandbox type game that I've been playing since last Oct. Have around 900 hours played on that game alone thru multiple play thrus. You might like this game since you can play for hours at a time or just a few minutes here and there if you dont.
Joethebassplayer@reddit
The game I play most often is very old (XBOX 360) and it is called "Sid Meier's Civilization Revolutions". There is no time limit, there are many levels of difficulty to choose from and it is the perfect balance of game play for my sensibilities. You can play scenarios or a "new game" which will always have a new map. You can save a game at any point. I know there are new versions and more complex versions but this version is the one that works for me. I've turned several people onto this game over the years and they all took to it very well... One friend prefers a newer version but he is a more intense gamer. I suggest this game based on your post and hope you give it a try and love it half as much as I do! Be well!!
LibertyMike@reddit
Civ Revolutions, was okay, but I was very displeased they didn't offer a hot-seat option. I used to have a friend I'd play Civ with whenever he came over to visit.
LibertyMike@reddit
No time right now. I have dozens of PS3 & PS4 titles I haven't even opened. So my advise is find a game you enjoy, and finish it. Do a second playthrough if you really enjoy it and see if you can get some of the Easter eggs or achievements.
On the rare occasions I do play a game, it will be something more tactical/turn-based. That way I don't have to get frustrated over fast-twitch type games. If you do like those kinds of games, play them on the easiest setting. Many games these days have great story lines, which is as much of the experience as the gameplay.
Enough-Tap-6329@reddit
Play Fortnite & check out r/fortniteover40
L0NE-Wanderer@reddit
What did you play growing up? Those games are probably available - or try the new versions. Like Street Fighter! Casual play is fine. I can’t fit in more than a few hours a week, but it’s worth it.
colonel_pliny@reddit
Gran Turismo is still amazing. It was the reason I got back into playing. And, after 6 months of playing, I still look forward to logging in just about every night.
Pizzle31@reddit
I’m going to say it because it’s a fantastic, although simple controls, platform game for PS5… try Astrobot
plathrop01@reddit
If you want just an all-out, button masher free-for-all brawl game, give Party Animal a go. My whole family has been playing it online together and it's just too funny to be truly frustrating.
I'd suggest some sims (like Cities Skylines II, etc.) but I play that mostly on my PC and found the PS5 controls to be way too weird. but maybe it would work for you.
Kodiak01@reddit
Try something like /r/Guildwars2 or /r/swtor; the playstyle can be as simple or complex as you desire, you can go as hard or as casual as you want, and the communities are very friendly.
Tralfaz1138@reddit
There are some "puzzle" games that are quite good as well that are available on Playstation and that require little to no complex control schemes and just "thinking". Cocoon is a fantastic game. Catherine, Swapper, Superliminal, Gorogoa, and Unravel 1&2 are also more puzzle oriented than "twitch" games and have fairly simple controls.
Marauder41@reddit
Helldivers 2
horsenbuggy@reddit
Well, I wish you had consulted me first, dude. I find consoles challenging because of how complicated the controllers are. I prefer PC gaming. The 2 games I tell *everyone* to play are Portal and Portal 2. They are available on some consoles, but don't ask me which.
It is a first person shooter (FPS) in perspective, but you're not killing anything. You are a "test subject" in a lab overseen by an AI run amok. The premise is pretty simple - figure out how to get to the exit of each chamber. As you advance through the chambers (levels), you will acquire new skills. The puzzles are challenging but fun. There are tons of playthrough videos on YouTube if you get stuck (no shame in getting hints). The few characters you encounter in the test chambers have fun personalities. The atmosphere is fantastic.
It is the best game you'll ever play...until you play the sequel which blows the first one out of the water.
DeadManAle@reddit
Also Nintendo has a great back catalog too.
Square_Ad_4929@reddit
Lego games. Star Wars are the best. They are fun. There’s also Harry Potter, Marvel, Lord of the Rings, Indiana Jones, etc.
Tralfaz1138@reddit
I second this. The Lego games are about as simple as it gets these days and very non-punishing. There are also a ton of them, and most are discounted now.
serkovavantgarden@reddit
I got an Xbox a few months after my divorce.
For the last year all I have played is Cyberpunk, which is a work of art, and Civilisation 6.
Both great games that you can either dip into or spend a day playing while locked to the couch
jeremyascot@reddit (OP)
I started playing cyberpunk and was enjoying it tbh en got to the bit where you pause and rewind memories or something. I was like - what is this stuff and gave up
serkovavantgarden@reddit
Yeah that part can be rather cumbersome however once you figure it out it’s pretty straightforward
It’s one of the best games I’ve ever played without doubt. So immersive and the story is excellent. I tend to gloss over storylines in games however this one captivated me
jeremyascot@reddit (OP)
Will maybe try again as liked the game
Relevant_Fuel_9905@reddit
Hm. Maybe I need to finally get Cyberpunk.
Complex_Carry_9153@reddit
Yup. Sell your PlayStation and buy a anbernic handheld game system that comes with an sd card of older roms from NES and Sega and enjoy the fun and freedom of simpler pick up and play games. Just a thought.
draggar@reddit
I was big into gaming in the 80's and 90's - then a bad relationship got me out of it. It took me over 5 years to get back into it and I'm loving it.
My tastes have changed a lot, though (Switch and Steamdeck). I have gone from Neverwinter Nights, Baulders Gate, Age of Empires, Civilization to cozier games like Rune Factory and the myriad of Stardew-esque games (Fields of Mistria, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (just re-released)), plus some action oriented games like Xenoblade (Nintendo only) and Persona, and my original go-to, Dragon Quest (series).
Going from being competitive with friends to unwinding at night I don't mind being casual at all, I play games to relax (seriously, Xenoblade Chronicles, relaxing??). I love it and I wish I had gotten back into gaming sooner.
But, I also have a lot of games that I've bought but couldn't get into, I guess it's just me. A few I've tried again but couldn't get into.
mike71diesel@reddit
You could try older platforms like this
https://www.commodore.net/category/all-products
I find old games relaxing anyway. I never had a gaming console but only computers, so my vision is different.
mr_vestan_pance@reddit
Hey I’ve just got my son a PlayStation 5 and I’m delighted that Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare is still live. I was the 🐐 with that game back in the day but now I’m terrible, but still enjoy it!
OneHoop@reddit
Don't overlook Minecraft! Unfortunately, the version on consoles is not so condusive to playing blind. But, you can ignore the help files and just focus on recipes and advancements to guide you. Or, you can learn from YouTube, like most everyone else, but it can be more overwhelming that way.
No-Economics-8239@reddit
Depends on where the challenge is coming from. I've changed a lot since I started playing 8bit video games as a kid. And the games I'm interested in playing have changed too.
I'm no longer interested in the madcap adrenaline rush of competitive games like Starcraft and Counterstrike. I much prefer more cooperative games or a more sedate pace now. I've put countless hours into Civilization, Factorio, and Kerbal Space Program but I really need to be in the right head space to sit down and play them. But playing Deep Rock Galatic with friends or Internet randoms I can pretty much pick up any time.
One note is to be cautious browsing the popular blockbuster titles. Art isn't a popularity contest and is highly subjective. What you are now looking for may be more niche than popular.
Another note is that the dopamine drip of doom scrolling and media bombardment has really changed our internal wiring on how we approach and appreciate media now. The frustration you are expressing sounds like you may be too keyed up for the immediate gratification of simplicity rather than something in depth and complicated.
If that is your new taste, you may want to look into titles that caterer to that sort of play style. Alternatively, you could try disengaging from your electronics for a while and see if that helps restore some patience and rebuilds an interest in deeper engagement.
TheJokersChild@reddit
That's me: filthy casual. Can't get behind games with plots and storylines, and not really into dungeons, war or fantasy either. I grew up on game shows, so I need words and phrases or questions and answers, maybe even a timer in my games. True confession: I'm around level 3500 in Candy Crush.
Mysterious-Dealer649@reddit
I hear ya on the complicated controls. When they started making you use the sticks plus like 10 possible buttons was kinda my downfall, just too much going on
DirtyBoots_1990@reddit
Mods, figure out how to get some mods on your games. They will help some aspects of the game. They can make some aspects easier.
Far Cry is good. There is a storyline but you have freedom to roam and get to the storyline when you want to. Once you finish the initial intro-story you can roam around saving towns, on your own. Don’t start with Far cry 5 - each region has points and once you hit certain point levels they force the Storyline progression. Unless you’re ok with that. You should look at map guides to see what level each region is - and just free roam in appropriate map areas.
Game guides/walkthroughs may help too.
3ntr0py_@reddit
I play games with my son, usually Call of Duty or Battlefield. I try to get in at least 30 minutes a day. It’s my version of doing crossword puzzles to keep my mind sharp. These games require good reaction speed and hand–eye coordination. If I can consistently place in the middle of the leaderboard, I’m happy. Plus, it’s a good stress reliever.
NandorDeLaurentis@reddit
I grabbed a Quest 3 recently and VR is waaaaaaay better than the last time I tried it (when it first came out)
New-Distribution637@reddit
Dave the Diver. absolute chill game, but can get hairy sometimes too!
Also, get yourself an Epic Games account - they have free games every week - not all great, but has variety.
Steam is your usual suspect, and have good deals.
You can always start with retro-games that you used to play, and get back into the "joy" or nostalgia.
Altrebelle@reddit
getting in with games and genres you used to play is a good start. Form factor is a thing to consider now that we are "older" 😅 I physically cannot sit and play console as long as I was able to when I was younger. My sessions are shorter now...as well as the screen size. I'm playing games on an ipad these days (11") The controls on some games are as complex as console versions. Most of games are compatible with a controller now also. The beauty of gaming on a mobile device...is I DON'T have to use a controller. I can play casual games...for shorter spurts. In bed, on couch, BATHROOM 😂😂😂
Andovars_Ghost@reddit
Got into? No, I never stopped, but my taste in games has definitely changed. I don’t have the patience for a lot of the modern games. I play a few MMOs for the overworld stuff because that’s just free exploration. I also like Minecraft, the Tomb Raider remastered versions, NMS, and other similar games. Casual is the way to go.
I used to be a HUGE Battlefield guy, and was stoked about the new one, but I realized, I’m not that guy any more.
VRM950@reddit
If you haven't already, and the game allows it, try changing the difficulty level to easy. It may help you progress through the games faster and make getting into the storylines a bit easier.
ShyChiBaby@reddit
I'm sure you have a PC, check out Steam. It's a gaming platform for PC. Lots of great options. Check out; 9 kings Portal Once upon a galaxy Vampire survivors Monster train These are all fairly easy to learn and great games.
FrankenMato@reddit
I sometimes peruse people playing games on Twitch to get an idea for a new game to try.
Alokeen011@reddit
Satisfactory. It should come out to consoles soon.
It's different from the games you listed, which I also figured I'd enjoy since that's what I loved in the days of yore. I hadn't thought I'd like this, but....
Ianthin1@reddit
I was never a big gamer but I face the similar issues. Even for Mario games the controls just seem so much more complex and it’s hard to get the hang of them. I also have motion sickness issues due to the upgraded graphics and huge screen size.
longagofaraway@reddit
what did you used to play that you liked? seems like you just want to jump in and play a little w/out a large time commitment. there's tons of driving games and card games to choose from if that's what's currently vibing for you. nms has tons of content, just keep playing that if you like it. race a little if you have the time. play a few rounds of balatro (sorry never played it know very little).
if you have other options pc gaming might offer more variety for smaller games with shorter story lines. mobile games offer some gems as well.
Gadshill@reddit
Nothing wrong with being a casual gamer. Maybe the sports type games will be enjoyable, you can get better at playing it without worrying about the narrative.