Who Should I Start? A Guide To Choosing Your First Character

Sep 4, 2025 by ADMIN 61 views

So, you're diving into a new game, huh? That's awesome! But now comes the big question: who should you start with? It's a decision that can seriously shape your entire experience, whether you're talking about a sprawling RPG, a strategic MOBA, or even a quirky indie title. Don't worry, guys, I've been there, staring at that character select screen, feeling totally overwhelmed. The good news is, we're going to break it down and figure out the best way to make that choice.

Understanding Your Playstyle: The Key to Picking the Right Character

Before we even glance at specific characters, let's talk about you. Understanding your playstyle is the most important step in figuring out who you should start with. Are you the kind of player who likes to be right in the thick of things, soaking up damage and dishing it out in equal measure? Or do you prefer to hang back, supporting your team from a safe distance? Maybe you're a sneaky strategist who likes to control the flow of the battle from the shadows. There's no right or wrong answer here, it's all about what you find fun! Think about your past gaming experiences. What roles or characters did you gravitate towards? Did you enjoy playing the tank in a team-based shooter, the mage in a fantasy RPG, or the nimble rogue who could slip past enemies unnoticed?

Consider these different playstyles to help you narrow it down:

The Aggressor: You love being in the front lines, dealing heavy damage, and leading the charge. You enjoy characters with high attack power, strong defenses, and abilities that let you get up close and personal with your enemies. This might mean playing a warrior, a berserker, or a powerful melee character. Think of these characters as the bulldozers of the gaming world, smashing through obstacles and enemies alike. They're often less reliant on complicated strategies and more focused on raw power and aggression. If you enjoy the thrill of direct combat and don't mind taking a few hits, this playstyle might be for you. Also, these players tend to be more forgiving to play since they can make mistakes and have the HP or defense to recover.
The Supporter: You're all about helping your team succeed. You enjoy providing healing, buffs, and crowd control, making sure your allies are in the best possible position to win. Support characters are often the unsung heroes of any game, keeping the team alive and functioning at its peak. Maybe you're the kind of player who prefers to enable your teammates to shine, rather than hogging the spotlight yourself. These players make for great team players, and will be invaluable assets to their team. Supporting classes tend to require much more awareness of the surrounding situations, as well as the HP of your team and the positioning of the enemy.
The Strategist: You prefer to control the battlefield from a distance, using your intelligence and cunning to outwit your opponents. You enjoy characters with high mobility, stealth abilities, and the ability to manipulate the environment. Strategists are the masterminds of the gaming world, always thinking several steps ahead and planning their next move. They might play a ranged character, a mage, or a stealthy assassin. They enjoy the mental challenge of figuring out the best way to approach a situation and outmaneuver their opponents. If you like to think before you act and you enjoy the feeling of controlling the pace of the game, this playstyle could be perfect for you.
The Explorer: You're driven by curiosity and a desire to see everything the game has to offer. You enjoy characters with versatile abilities and the freedom to explore the world at your own pace. Explorers are the adventurers of the gaming world, always seeking out new challenges and discoveries. They might play a jack-of-all-trades character, a rogue with stealth and utility, or a charismatic leader who can interact with NPCs and uncover hidden secrets. This also allows you to experience more of the game, which can lead to making a more informed decision on your starting character, and future characters to play. If you value freedom and exploration, and you enjoy the feeling of uncovering the game's secrets, this playstyle might be right up your alley.

Once you have a good handle on your preferred playstyle, you're already halfway to figuring out who you should start with!

Researching the Character Roster: Digging into the Details

Okay, so you know what kind of playstyle you enjoy. Now it's time to do some research! Most games offer a character roster with diverse abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Take some time to explore the available characters and read up on their skills and roles. Watch gameplay videos, read character guides, and see what other players are saying about them. Don't just focus on the flashy abilities or the cool-looking armor. Pay attention to the core mechanics of each character and how they might fit into your preferred playstyle.

Here are some things to consider when researching characters:

Abilities and Skills: What are the character's primary abilities? Do they focus on damage, healing, crowd control, or something else? How do their abilities work together? Are they easy to learn and use, or do they require a lot of practice and coordination? These questions will help you decide if the kit and abilities are fun for you to play, and if they fit your playstyle. Some skills may also be more difficult to hit, which could lead to frustration.
Strengths and Weaknesses: What is the character good at? What are their limitations? Are they strong against certain types of enemies or vulnerable to others? Understanding a character's strengths and weaknesses will help you make informed decisions in combat and avoid putting yourself in bad situations. A generalist character may be easier to learn than a specialist, since a specialist requires specific situations to thrive.
Role in the Game: What is the character's primary role in the game? Are they a damage dealer, a healer, a tank, or a support? How do they contribute to the team? Choosing a character that fits your desired role will help you have a more impactful and enjoyable experience. If you're playing with friends, consider what the team already has and see if you can fill a needed role. If you're playing solo, make sure to pick a character who can cover their own weaknesses.
Difficulty to Learn: How easy is the character to pick up and play? Some characters have a steeper learning curve than others. If you're new to the game or genre, it might be a good idea to start with a character that's relatively easy to learn. This will allow you to focus on understanding the game's core mechanics without getting bogged down in complicated character controls. However, don't be afraid to challenge yourself! If a character looks really cool and you're willing to put in the time to learn them, go for it!

Don't be afraid to experiment and try out different characters. Many games offer a trial period or practice mode where you can get a feel for a character's abilities before committing to them. Use these opportunities to your advantage!

The "New Player Friendly" Factor: Choosing a Smooth Start

Alright, let's talk about something super important, especially if you're new to the game or even the genre itself: new player friendliness. Some characters are just naturally easier to pick up and play than others. They might have simpler abilities, more forgiving mechanics, or a playstyle that's easier to grasp. Starting with a new player-friendly character can make your initial experience much smoother and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on learning the game's fundamentals without feeling overwhelmed.

Here are a few things that make a character "new player friendly":

Simple Abilities: Characters with straightforward abilities that are easy to understand and execute are a great choice for beginners. Think basic attacks, direct damage spells, or simple buffs. Avoid characters with complicated combos or abilities that require precise timing or positioning.
Forgiving Mechanics: Some characters are more forgiving of mistakes than others. They might have high health, strong defenses, or abilities that allow them to escape from danger easily. These characters are great for learning the ropes, as you won't be punished as harshly for making errors.
Clear Role and Purpose: Characters with a clear role in the game are easier to understand and play effectively. For example, a tank's job is to soak up damage, a healer's job is to keep the team alive, and a damage dealer's job is to deal damage. Choosing a character with a clear role will help you understand your responsibilities and contribute to the team.
Strong Solo Play Potential: If you're playing a game with a solo mode or the possibility of playing without a dedicated team, characters that can handle themselves well on their own are a good choice. This might mean characters with self-healing abilities, strong damage output, or the ability to control crowds of enemies.

Think of these characters as your training wheels. They'll help you get comfortable with the game's mechanics and build your confidence before you move on to more challenging characters. For example, in many RPGs, a warrior or knight class is often a good starting point, while in MOBAs, a ranged character with simple abilities might be a better choice.

The Fun Factor: Prioritizing Enjoyment

Okay, we've talked about playstyles, research, and new player friendliness. But let's not forget the most important factor of all: fun! At the end of the day, you're playing a game to have a good time. So, choose a character that you think you'll genuinely enjoy playing. This might mean picking a character with a cool backstory, a unique aesthetic, or abilities that just look plain awesome. If you're not having fun, you're not going to stick with the game for long.

Here are some ways to factor fun into your decision:

Aesthetic Appeal: Do you like the way the character looks? Do their animations and visual effects appeal to you? A character's aesthetic can have a big impact on your enjoyment of the game. If you think a character looks cool, you'll be more motivated to play them and learn their abilities.
Backstory and Lore: Does the character have an interesting backstory or connection to the game's world? Learning about a character's history and motivations can make them feel more engaging and rewarding to play. Some players really connect with the lore of the game, and will seek out characters that match their tastes.
Unique Abilities: Does the character have any unique or unusual abilities that pique your interest? Playing a character with a unique skillset can be a lot of fun, even if they're not the most powerful character in the game. This can be a personal choice, such as a support character, that might not be popular, but you could enjoy the playstyle of them.
Community Perception: How does the community perceive the character? Are they considered fun to play? Are there lots of guides and resources available for them? While you shouldn't let community perception be the only factor in your decision, it can be helpful to get a sense of how other players feel about a particular character.

Don't be afraid to go with your gut! If a character just feels right to you, even if they don't perfectly fit your playstyle or aren't considered the most powerful, give them a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy them. This is where trying out different characters or classes will be essential, as the gameplay may surprise you.

Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: The Beauty of Variety

Here's the thing, guys: you're not locked into your initial choice forever! Most games allow you to create multiple characters, switch between them, or even respec your character's abilities. So, don't be afraid to experiment and try out different characters. The more you play, the more you'll learn about the game and your own preferences. You might even discover a playstyle or character that you never considered before.

Here are a few reasons why experimenting with different characters is a good idea:

Broader Understanding of the Game: Playing different characters will give you a broader understanding of the game's mechanics, systems, and strategies. You'll learn how different classes and roles interact with each other, and you'll be better equipped to handle a variety of situations.
Discovering New Playstyles: You might think you know your preferred playstyle, but you might be surprised at what you discover when you try something new. You might find that you enjoy playing a role you never considered before, or that you're surprisingly good at a character you initially dismissed.
Avoiding Burnout: Playing the same character all the time can get repetitive. Switching things up and trying a new character can help you avoid burnout and keep the game fresh and exciting.
Finding Your "Main": Experimenting with different characters is the best way to find your "main" – the character that you truly connect with and enjoy playing the most. This is the character that you'll want to invest your time and energy into, mastering their abilities and maximizing their potential.

So, go ahead, step outside your comfort zone and try something new! You might just find your new favorite character.

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts and Have Fun!

Choosing your first character in a new game can feel like a big decision, but it doesn't have to be stressful. By understanding your playstyle, researching the character roster, considering new player friendliness, and prioritizing fun, you can make an informed choice that sets you up for a great gaming experience. And remember, you're not stuck with your initial choice forever! Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. Most importantly, trust your instincts and have fun! That's what gaming is all about, after all.

So, go out there, explore the world, and find the character that's right for you. Happy gaming, guys!