Best Games To Play With Your Non-Gamer Girlfriend

Hey fellow gamers! Ever find yourself wanting to share your love for gaming with your significant other, but they're not exactly a seasoned pro? It's a common quest, and the good news is, there are tons of fantastic games out there that can bridge the gap between hardcore gamer and newbie. Let's dive into the treasure trove of recommendations from the Reddit gaming community, exploring some gems that are perfect for introducing your non-gamer girlfriend to the wonderful world of video games.

Top Recommendations from Reddit Gamers

Cooperative Games: The Key to Shared Fun

When introducing a non-gamer girlfriend to the world of video games, cooperative games often stand out as an excellent starting point. These games encourage teamwork, communication, and shared experiences, making them a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories together. One highly recommended title is "It Takes Two." This game, designed exclusively for co-op play, features a charming story, inventive gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals. The narrative follows a couple on the brink of divorce who are magically transformed into dolls and must work together to restore their relationship. The puzzles are engaging but not overly complex, making it accessible for beginners while still offering a rewarding experience for seasoned gamers. The game’s emotional depth and playful challenges make it a hit for couples looking for a shared adventure.

Another cooperative game that frequently gets mentioned is the "Overcooked" series. This chaotic cooking simulator requires players to collaborate in the kitchen to prepare and serve meals under tight deadlines. The increasingly frantic pace and hilarious scenarios create a sense of urgency and excitement, fostering teamwork and laughter. While the game can be challenging, its simple controls and intuitive gameplay make it easy for newcomers to pick up. Overcooked is a fantastic choice for couples who enjoy a bit of friendly competition and don’t mind a bit of kitchen chaos.

For those who enjoy a more relaxed and creative experience, "Minecraft" is another stellar option. This sandbox game allows players to build, explore, and survive in a blocky world filled with endless possibilities. Minecraft’s cooperative mode lets you and your girlfriend team up to construct impressive structures, embark on thrilling adventures, and fend off monsters together. The game’s open-ended nature means you can tailor your experience to your preferences, whether that’s building a cozy home, exploring caves, or creating elaborate contraptions. The creative freedom and collaborative aspect of Minecraft make it an enduring favorite among gamers of all skill levels.

Story-Driven Adventures: Engaging Narratives for Both Players

Story-driven adventures can also be a fantastic entry point for non-gamer girlfriends, offering immersive narratives and compelling characters that draw players into the game world. Games with rich storylines and emotional depth can captivate players, regardless of their gaming experience. One standout example is the "Life is Strange" series. These games feature engaging stories, relatable characters, and meaningful choices that impact the narrative. The episodic format makes it easy to play in short bursts, and the focus on story over complex gameplay mechanics makes it accessible for newcomers. Life is Strange’s emotional depth and thought-provoking themes make it a great choice for couples who enjoy discussing narratives and character development.

Another excellent story-driven adventure is "Telltale Games' The Walking Dead." This game series offers a gripping narrative set in the zombie apocalypse, focusing on character relationships and tough moral decisions. The gameplay is relatively simple, primarily involving dialogue choices and quick-time events, making it easy for non-gamers to pick up. The Walking Dead’s compelling story and memorable characters create an emotional experience that can be enjoyed by both players. The choices you make in the game have significant consequences, leading to engaging discussions and shared emotional investment in the characters and their fates.

For couples who enjoy a blend of action and narrative, the "Uncharted" series is another great option. These games feature thrilling adventures, cinematic storytelling, and likable characters. While the gameplay involves some combat and puzzle-solving, the focus on exploration and narrative makes it appealing to a wide audience. The Uncharted series offers a blend of excitement, humor, and emotional depth, making it a fun and engaging experience for both players. The games’ stunning visuals and memorable set pieces further enhance the cinematic feel, making it an enjoyable experience for couples to share.

Accessible Platformers: Fun and Simple Gameplay

Platformer games are known for their simple mechanics and engaging gameplay, making them an excellent choice for introducing non-gamers to the world of video games. These games typically involve jumping, running, and navigating through various obstacles, offering a fun and accessible experience for players of all skill levels. One standout recommendation from the Reddit community is the "Rayman Legends". This game features vibrant visuals, charming characters, and incredibly smooth gameplay. The levels are creatively designed, and the game's cooperative mode allows you and your girlfriend to work together to overcome challenges. Rayman Legends' upbeat music and whimsical art style make it a joyful and entertaining experience for both players.

Another fantastic platformer option is the "Kirby" series. Games like "Kirby Star Allies" offer a lighthearted and cooperative experience, with simple controls and adorable characters. Kirby's ability to inhale enemies and gain their powers adds a fun twist to the gameplay, and the cooperative mode allows for easy teamwork and shared fun. The Kirby games are known for their accessibility and charming visuals, making them a perfect choice for non-gamers. The colorful worlds and easy-to-learn mechanics ensure a delightful experience for players of all ages and skill levels.

For couples who enjoy a more challenging but equally rewarding experience, "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" is an excellent pick. This game retains the classic Mario platforming gameplay while introducing new mechanics and surprises. The cooperative mode allows for four players to jump in and out at any time, making it easy to play together. Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s creative level design, vibrant visuals, and unpredictable elements make it a thrilling and enjoyable experience for both seasoned gamers and newcomers. The sense of discovery and accomplishment shared while completing levels together makes it a fantastic game for couples to bond over.

Puzzle Games: Brain-Teasing Fun Together

Puzzle games offer a unique way to engage with video games, focusing on problem-solving and critical thinking. These games can be a fantastic choice for introducing non-gamer girlfriends to the hobby, as they often require less dexterity and more strategic thinking. One highly recommended puzzle game is "Portal 2." This game features innovative gameplay mechanics, clever puzzles, and a humorous storyline. The cooperative mode in Portal 2 is particularly well-designed, requiring players to work together to solve challenging puzzles using portals. The game's witty dialogue and mind-bending scenarios make it an engaging and rewarding experience for both players.

Another excellent puzzle game option is the "We Were Here" series. These games are designed exclusively for cooperative play, requiring two players to communicate and solve puzzles together. Each player has a different perspective on the puzzles, and effective communication is essential for success. The We Were Here series offers a unique and immersive experience, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills. The games’ intriguing mysteries and atmospheric settings add to the sense of collaboration and accomplishment.

For couples who enjoy a more relaxed and artistic puzzle experience, "Baba Is You" is a standout choice. This game features a unique mechanic where players can change the rules of the game by manipulating blocks with words on them. The puzzles are incredibly clever and require creative thinking, making it a highly rewarding experience. Baba Is You’s simple graphics and innovative gameplay make it accessible yet challenging, perfect for couples who enjoy brain-teasing puzzles. The satisfaction of cracking a particularly difficult puzzle together is a rewarding experience for both players.

Tips for Gaming with a Non-Gamer

1. Start Simple: Choose games with easy-to-learn controls and clear objectives. Avoid games with complex mechanics or overwhelming tutorials. Games like "Overcooked" or "Kirby Star Allies" are great starting points.
2. Be Patient and Encouraging: Remember that your girlfriend is new to gaming, so be patient and supportive. Offer encouragement and praise, and avoid getting frustrated if she struggles with certain aspects of the game. Positive reinforcement will make the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
3. Play Together, Not Against Each Other: Cooperative games are ideal for gaming with a non-gamer. These games encourage teamwork and communication, making the experience more fun and less competitive. Games like "It Takes Two" or "We Were Here" are perfect for fostering collaboration.
4. Take Breaks When Needed: Gaming can be tiring, especially for newcomers. Take breaks when needed to avoid burnout and frustration. Use breaks as an opportunity to chat, relax, and recharge before diving back into the game.
5. Focus on Fun: The most important thing is to have fun together. Choose games that you both enjoy, and don't worry too much about winning or achieving specific goals. The shared experience and quality time spent together are what truly matter.

Conclusion

Introducing your non-gamer girlfriend to the world of video games can be a rewarding experience for both of you. By choosing the right games and approaching the experience with patience and encouragement, you can create lasting memories and share your passion for gaming with someone special. Whether you opt for cooperative adventures, story-driven narratives, accessible platformers, or brain-teasing puzzle games, the key is to focus on fun and shared enjoyment. So grab a controller, settle in, and get ready for some quality gaming time together!