This is a topic that I think will end up being a bit controversial for two of my picks on it. But there are so many great games out there. So are there any of them that are must tries? That is probably a no, not all games need to be played by everyone. But, I think that a lot of games are worth checking out. And I think some games end up being overlooked. So let’s see what five games gamers should try, at least once.

5 Games Gamers Should Try

Dungeons and Dragons

This is the first two the two that are going to be a bit more controversial. Note that I didn’t say board games. If it were just board games, it’s not on the list. But I think that Dungeons and Dragons, or an RPG of your choice, is worthwhile to play at least ones. And an RPG is easy to get played. Now, it might sound hard, but go to your local convention and play a one-shot there. Don’t have a local convention, Gen Con, Origins, and more all have RPG’s to play.

But why play an RPG? I think it gives a gamer a better appreciation for what games can do. Mainly how you can get into a game and enjoy it for more than just the mechanisms. It is also a chance to have a gaming experience where you step out of your shell and comfort zone as a person. I like that in an RPG you get to experience a story and game as being someone else.

Magic the Gathering

Now on the flip side, Magic the Gathering is one of those games that is going to have other issues with it. Yes, it is a collectible card game, though trading card game is preferred now. But you can easily play it without spending much money. Buy two starter decks and you are good to go.

I think this is worth checking out because it’s going to help in some games like Lord of the Rings the Card Game and Arkham Horror the Card Game. In both of those you construct decks to play with. And Magic the Gathering is the granddaddy of that type of game. But also because it is going to stretch gamers to think more about your strategy leading into the game and very strategic play overall.

Catan

Catan is one of those games that is worth playing just because it’s going to tell you where games have come from. And Catan is a solid game in it’s own right. I don’t own it anymore but that is more because I play different games when I want that feeling now. But it is worth playing because it’s going to help you know what is out there. And it is going to give you a game to connect with others for.

I know I’ve told this story before, but I’ve literally seen someone comment on a post for a new gamer that they should play Scythe. This person said they play games like Munchkin and other lighter games. If you can’t recommend a game that might be a next step up in strategy, that’s not ideal. You might find a different one than Catan, but know Catan and play it.

Pandemic

Pandemic is going to be the placeholder for cooperative games. There are a lot of coop experiences out there, Dungeons and Dragons is even one. But find a good cooperative board game and play that. And I pick Pandemic for this list because it’s again that accessible sort of game.

To go back to my Scythe comment above with Catan, maybe the person doesn’t want a confrontational game. Maybe that is not the type of game that works for their group. Pandemic is another one of those welcoming games that you can play with someone and this time you can all work together. Just don’t run the game for the person and you are good.

Rebel Princess

The final one on the list is going to be my game for trick-taking games. Rebel Princess is a great game in it’s own right. It’s one of my favorites. But I want it on the list because a lot of people know trick-taking games. And for gamers a lot of the time trick-taking is just a type of game that you overlook. You played hearts on the computer back in the day. Why play a trick-taking game now? Well, because these games are a lot more. And Rebel Princess is Hearts, but with a twist and more fun.

So this is a great game for getting people who are into trick-taking games maybe into more of what a game can do. But also it’s for the person who thinks that trick-taking games are just for old people that they are actually for old people. There are a lot of fun and interesting ones out there now.

Final Thoughts on Games that Gamers Should Try

This list is not a list of games that you must try. I know that some people would hate the idea of playing an RPG because they only play solo. Or maybe some of these you played and bounced off of already or have played something similar. Pandemic is a great example of that, find your cooperative game that works for you. Catan could be replaced with Ticket to Ride, Small World, or Carcassone if you wanted. But the point remains.

Some gamers need to step outside their comfort zone. And sometimes it’s just so you can say that you tried it and it isn’t for you. Magic the Gathering is a great example for that. I wrote an article recently as to why to play or not play trading card games. And there are great reasons on both sides, but a lot of gamers use bad reasons for it. So give it a try and see if you have a real reason.

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