My partner is interested in learning some of the games I play, so I’m trying to find some introductory games to get her used to the common control schemes.
Off the top of my head, it’d probably have to be games that…
- Have few inputs beyond the basics
- Are not difficult or punishing
- Are approachable mechanically (So as not to overwhelm them when they’re focus on learning basic controls)
- 2D is probably preferable, since its easier to understand and process whats happening at a glance.
- Multiplayer would probably also be a strong bonus, but also not required
The only game that particularly comes to mind is Portal, but hopefully others will have some better ideas.
I learned how to play with keyboard and mouse with World of Warcraft. Current retail WoW is terrible in my opinion but plenty of good private servers exist. Turtle WoW is great. MMOs do use more than just the basic wasd keys, but aside from those and the 1-0 keys, there is no rush to mash keys quickly. The rest of the keyboard is basically just hot keys to open up windows and menus. It helped me learn to be versatile with keyboard/mouse without being punishing when starting out.
The Stanley Parable, and similar “walking simulator” type games.
This is probably the best choice. There is basically no failure state, so there is no impetus to act under pressure, which is probably the biggest demotivator if someone is at that stage of learning how to play video games.
Second this genre, one of my favorite is What remains of Edith Finch
Go basic Doom, it’s not terribly hard on the easy levels.
Halo CE
My wife is really into the sims and oddly enough 'House Flipper was a really goof intro to wasd co trols in something she was interested in. She can play most anything these days.
minecraft
Modded Skyrim (to make is very easy, or even invincible). How best to learn to move in a 3D world than by giving them the best game world to discover.
Terraria on Journey or Classic mode fits all of those
2D: Survivors/Bullet Heaven type games. Most are WASD to move, mouse to aim (if at all).
3D: Vampire Hunters. Since it auto shoots the focus is on movement: strafing, aiming, and avoiding getting hit by mobs. Dying early is expected, so no pressure on getting a perfect run.
Is she familiar with Animal Crossing? If so check out Dinkum. Other suggestions: Terraria, Core Keeper, Minecraft, and there is always classic FPS games lol. I learned WSAD in Quake
I’d consider what kind of game she finds fun and compelling–that’s more likely to engage her to become familiar with the mouse/keyboard combo.
That being said, Minecraft on peaceful mode would fit and is generally approachable. Stardew Valley is pretty relaxed as well, though I don’t remember whether it uses WASD specifically.
Oh! And if she’s into puzzles, look at Islands of Insight. First person with puzzle solving as the main mechanic, but also some exploration and a bit of mystery to it.
My SO went from learning the controller with Fall Guys to Minecraft WASD. I think Fall Guys is was close to perfect, low amount of inputs, high amount of engagement.
Stardew Valley.
It’s 2D, co-op, not difficult or punishing, has few inputs, and is approachable mechanically.
Maybe Valheim? You could turn the settings to peaceful mode if you don’t want to deal with combat quite yet - although combat at the beginning isn’t super in-depth - but it doesn’t have a ton of buttons and the start of the game is a lot of basic “walk around and find things to interact with.”
Son wanted to play Minecraft, here’s your mouse and keyboard
