Why Gamers Should Step Out of Their Comfort Zone and Explore New Game Genres

Hello everyone! Today, I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind for a while. Over the last year, I've heard many gamers complaining that there aren’t any good games to play. My advice? "Get out of your comfort zone!" I know it’s easy to get stuck in a particular genre, especially if you’ve been playing First-Person Shooters (FPS) for years. Games like Call of Duty or Apex Legends are fun, action-packed, and competitive—but if you're playing the same genre over and over again, it's no surprise that it starts to feel repetitive and boring. 

Here’s the thing, though: you’re missing out on so many incredible experiences. In 2025, the gaming landscape is filled with diverse genres offering unique stories, challenges, and gameplay mechanics. Stepping out of your comfort zone can open up new worlds and give you a fresh perspective on gaming, making you a more well-rounded player. Let me share a bit of my own experience and why I think it’s important for every gamer to try something outside their usual genre.

My Journey: From FPS to Everything Else

I started playing RPGs long before my Call of Duty days—Final Fantasy 7 (the original) and Tales of Symphonia were two of my first RPG experiences. Tales of Symphonia was actually lent to me by a friend I met who was really into RPGs, and I was initially more focused on games like Resident Evil and FPS titles, thinking RPGs weren’t for me. But after diving into both Final Fantasy 7 and Tales of Symphonia, I quickly realized how wrong I was. The stories, the character development, and the intricate worlds sucked me in. I began to appreciate the depth of RPGs, and my love for the genre grew.

As time went on, I continued to explore new RPGs and then expanded into other genres. While I discovered I enjoy RPGs more than many other types of games, that doesn’t mean I have to play them all the time. There are so many other amazing games across different genres that offer unique and rewarding experiences, and I’ve found that diversifying my gaming library has enriched my overall experience.

The Benefits of Playing Different Genres

1. Discover New Narratives and Emotional Depth

FPS games focus heavily on action, but other genres, like RPGs, offer something completely different: storytelling. Some of the most memorable gaming experiences I’ve had have been in RPGs, where the narrative is a central element. Games like Baldur’s Gate 3, The Witcher 3, and Horizon Zero Dawn present emotionally rich stories that make you care about the characters and the world around you. In an RPG, every decision matters, and you’re often presented with morally complex situations that make you think long after you’ve put the controller down. This kind of emotional depth is something you don’t always get from FPS games, and it adds a layer to gaming that I never knew I was missing.

2. Sharpen Your Problem-Solving and Strategic Thinking Skills

As someone who played FPS games for years, I was used to quick reflexes and fast decision-making. But genres like strategy, puzzle, and simulation games have helped me think in different ways. Take Civilization VI, for example. It’s not just about fast-paced action—it’s about managing resources, planning ahead, and making decisions that affect the entire world. Similarly, puzzle games like The Talos Principle force you to think critically and solve intricate puzzles, sharpening your mind in ways that FPS games don’t. These types of games challenge you to think long-term and strategically, which improves your ability to adapt to different game mechanics.

3. Experience Different Gameplay Mechanics and Challenges

Each genre comes with its own unique set of challenges. After years of playing FPS games, it can be refreshing to try something that challenges your skills in a completely different way. I tried platformers like Hollow Knight, where precise jumps and reflexes were crucial, and survival games like Subnautica, where I had to manage resources and stay alive in an alien world. These genres pushed me to develop new skills—like mastering complex controls in platformers or learning to think critically in survival situations. Trying new genres can help you improve in ways that directly impact your overall gaming ability.

4. Break Free from Repetitive Gameplay Loops

I’ve been there—I’ve spent hours playing the same FPS game or battle royale, hoping that the next match will be different. But after a while, it all starts to feel the same. The excitement fades, and you’re left wondering, “Is this all gaming has to offer?” Stepping out of the FPS genre opened my eyes to so many new possibilities. Whether it was crafting my own strategy in XCOM 2, exploring new worlds in an RPG, or managing a thriving city in Cities: Skylines, trying new genres kept things fresh and exciting. The variety of gameplay offered by different genres ensures that you’ll never feel like you’re stuck in a repetitive cycle.

5. Discover New Communities and Friends

Each gaming genre has its own unique community, and by stepping outside of your comfort zone, you open the door to meeting new people who share your interests. MMORPGs like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV have vibrant, welcoming communities where you can team up with others to explore, quest, and defeat tough bosses. By trying these kinds of games, I discovered new communities where I could share my experiences, learn from others, and make new friends. Each genre offers something different in terms of multiplayer experiences, and it’s worth exploring those communities to see where you fit.

More Games, More Options, More Fun

The most exciting part about stepping out of your comfort zone is that you suddenly have a much bigger catalog of games to choose from. I used to be the guy who only played FPS games, but now, my gaming library is vast and diverse. Whether it’s a slow-burn RPG, an intense Souls-like game, a mind-bending puzzle, or even a simulation game like SimCity, I have a ton of options to choose from every time I sit down to play. It’s honestly overwhelming in the best way possible. I no longer ask, “What game should I play next?” because I have so many genres to explore.

That’s the beauty of gaming in 2025—it’s not just about one genre. It’s about finding the games that challenge you, excite you, and help you grow as a player.

Ready to Take the Leap?

So, the next time you’re stuck in your usual FPS routine and feel like there’s “nothing good to play,” I challenge you to step outside that box. Whether it’s an RPG, a strategy game, an MMORPG, or even a puzzling simulation, there’s a whole world of games waiting for you to explore. You might discover a game or even a genre that you fall in love with and never would have considered if you didn’t take that leap.

I get it—FPS games are fun, and I’ll always love them. But after years of playing, I realized there’s so much more out there. The mental shift from “only FPS” to exploring all genres has been rewarding, and it’s kept my gaming passion alive.

So, go ahead—try something new. Don’t let yourself get stuck in the same loop. There’s a whole world of games waiting for you. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite game in an unexpected genre.

What’s your favorite genre? Are you ready to explore something new? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about the games you’ve discovered outside of your comfort zone!