6 MORE Games To Hook Non-Gamers
Convincing someone who “doesn’t play video games” to give one a try can feel like an uphill battle. You’ve probably heard the classics—Stardew Valley, Mario Kart, Animal Crossing—but sometimes you need fresh picks that prove games can be cozy, clever, and downright addictive without demanding a 40-hour time commitment.
Here are six games that can win over the non-gamers in your life, each offering a different way to ease into the hobby.
1. Farm Together 2
Yes, the name sounds like something your grandma would download by mistake—but don’t sleep on it. Farm Together 2is one of the best modern “cozy” co-op games out there. You and your partner (romantic or otherwise) can build a farm, raise animals, and unlock upgrades together. The kicker? Crops grow in real time, so you’ll always have something new to check on. It’s chill, it’s collaborative, and it’s surprisingly addictive.
2. Untitled Goose Game
Few things are as universally funny as a goose being a jerk. In Untitled Goose Game, you waddle around a peaceful little town, stealing items, honking at pedestrians, and generally being a menace. The controls couldn’t be simpler—one button to grab, one to honk—and the slapstick payoff is instant. Even if someone isn’t playing, they’ll have a blast watching you cause chaos.
3. Balatro
If you know someone who loves card games but has never touched a controller, Balatro is the perfect gateway drug. At first, it feels familiar with suits, hands, and combos…but then it layers on roguelike mechanics that make every run feel fresh. It captures that classic “just one more game” loop that hooks players and showcases why video games can be so addicting in the best way.
4. Split Fiction (It Takes Two–Style Co-Op)
Co-op games can be the perfect way to rope someone in, and this one delivers. With inventive puzzles, gorgeous visuals, and an engaging narrative, Split Fiction (or games like It Takes Two) encourage teamwork without overwhelming new players. Best part? You only need one copy to play with a friend. If they hate it, well…guess that’s your new excuse to find another co-op buddy.
5. Terra Nil
This is a game about healing the planet instead of destroying it. Terra Nil is a top-down strategy title where you clean polluted landscapes, restore ecosystems, and reintroduce wildlife. It’s easy to learn, deeply relaxing, and oddly rewarding—perfect for anyone who finds the typical “guns and explosions” side of gaming unappealing. Plus, it runs great on PC without requiring a beefy rig.
6. The Walking Dead (and other Telltale games)
If your friend loves binging Netflix dramas but thinks gaming is “too complicated,” this is the series for them. Telltale’s The Walking Dead plays like an interactive TV show, letting you make dialogue choices, explore environments, and shape the story without complex mechanics. Other great options include Telltale’s Game of Thrones or The Wolf Among Us. They’re story-first experiences that anyone can pick up and play.
Not every non-gamer is going to fall head-over-heels for Elden Ring or Call of Duty—but the right gateway game can open the door. Whether it’s farming, honking, strategizing, or just soaking in a story, there’s a game out there for everyone.