A Beginner’s Guide to Online Gaming Genres

Author: Playhop / Nov 23, 2025 / Reading: 7min
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When you’re a beginner, the number and variety of game genres can be really confusing — even a bit overwhelming and intimidating. This article solves that problem: it’s an easy step-by-step guide to video game genres and different types of games, along with their key features.

Types of Online Gaming Genres

There are lots of genres and sub-genres, but generally most of them can be categorized like that. Here goes genres of video games list: Adventure, Action, Sports, Simulation, Platformer, RPG, First-person Shooter, Fighting, Racing, Shooter, Puzzle, Casual, Strategy, Stealth, Party, Survival, Battle Royale.

Adventure

It’s a game genre all about exploration and creative thinking. A player explores world and solves puzzles most of the time. Combat can be a part of this genre too, but it also can be not included in the core game loop or to be not-so-deeply thought out. Also, gameplay goes around making choices in overall relaxed pace with a sudden spikes sometimes. The genre suits completionists well in the need to find secrets and crazy achievements.

Great for players who enjoy immersive storytelling, exploration, and puzzles — perfect for those who love discovery and deep narratives.

Zombie Killer
Zombie Killer
It’s a simple, yet highly captivating game set in an apocalyptic city overrun by different types of zombies. The goal is straightforward: survive. But how you do it is up to you — the tools are flexible, and the strategy is yours to shape.
Plot twist: you’re the bad guy now! Take control and make strategic moves using a variety of buildings and traps to stop waves of so-called “heroes” trying to steal your precious gems.
Zombies vs. Agents. Secret Base defence
Zombies vs. Agents. Secret Base defence
The world around you is mysterious, unknown, and crawling with zombies. To survive, you’ll need to carefully and thoughtfully study each area to eliminate every threat. Use powerful, diverse weapons that you can find and upgrade as you progress.

Action

Action video game genres is all about combat! It’s kinda obvious but still. What games need to enjoy action games? Fast reflexes and possibility to learning and improving. There are a lot of different action games: for example, with hordes of enemies like Painkiller of more tactical and methodical like early call of duties (especially on hard mode!)
This fast-paced, chaotic action game channels the spirit of Serious Sam and other over-the-top classic types of games.
New world, mission unknown, tools — unlimited. Shoot, explore, loot. Repeat. Enemies are around every corner. Will you fear them of they will fear you? It’s all in your hands. Also, guns are everywhere. Find them and use them! Good luck.

Sports

That one is pretty self explanatory. That’t the game genre that simulates different sports: basketball, soccer — you name it. They can be realistic and follow the rules of go over the top with stuff like exlploding balls.

Great for players who enjoy competitive gameplay, strategy, and testing their skills in familiar sports settings.

It’s a classic, executed with solid quality. Easy to play, hard to master — and precision is everything. This is the kind of game where you crush other players with dignity.
Chunky, funky physics and basketball make for a wild, crazy-fun cocktail — and it’s seriously addictive! Silly outfits and outrageous locations add even more zest to the mix. Jump in the right direction, aim your shot, and strike!
Let it snow and hop on board! This winter sports classic lets you ride at high speed, avoid obstacles, and become the fastest and most stylish rider — fun as always.

Simulation

Simulation are the closest one to the real world. But only in one area! It can be farming, managing a shop, running your own business of being president — choose what you prefer. They require planning, strategic thinking, patience and creativity. The main catch is that the player has almost unlimited freedom and manages the pace of the game.

Great for players who want more of the thing they like the most in a relaxing, safe space.

Brawl Home Designer
Brawl Home Designer
Make the best home ever — no compromises, no restrictions. You have all the tools in the world to bring your dream living space to life.
In that game adrenaline is the main reward. Loosing and winning have never been so close to you and to each other. One right move — you’re on the top, one wrong move — you can loose it all is seconds.
They say shopping is the best relaxation. But what about being the shopping boss? Become the best — grow your small shop into a huge mall with lots of stores.

RPG

RPG (Role-Playing Games): the motto is — play the game as you want! Create your character, raise him/or her and become the best! Make choices, explore, meet new interesting people and conquer (in some way) the world, of which you’re a very important part now.

Great for players who love developing characters, engaging with complex stories, and exploring vast worlds.

Complete quests online, make decisions, and slay enemies. Combat is turn-based and resembles classic card deck-building games.
It’s a free-to-play, retro-style MMO RPG with a compelling story and engaging gameplay that combines elements of text quests and clickers.
Join the battle of good versus evil and make a difference. Angels and demons clash on the battlefield. Create your hero and lead your army — each unit comes with unique skills.

First-person Shooter

First-person shooter (FPS) give us unique opportunity to hold something right in front of your eyes: sword, gun, torch. You can see POV of your character and really become him. It’s like 3D-movies, but better. It’s all about making right move in the right time, experiencing it all from first person.

Great for players who enjoy fast pace games and want to give their brain some rest and reflexes a test.

Survive waves of creepy animatronics in this horror-themed shooter. Aim fast and don’t blink.
Jump into intense FPS missions as a counter-terrorist. Clear enemies and complete objectives.
It’s simple: you’re the only one who can stop endless hordes of zombies. Get your guns and jump right into action.

Fighting

Fighting is easy to play but hard to master. It gets competitive really fast. Choose your character, remember all the combos, and… you’re only in the beginning. Yes, after hours in the game. Now you need to feel it and work up some muscle memory. Read your opponent like a book getting satisfaction from every move.

Great for players who are patient and want too show their high skill to the world.

Always wanted to try fighting but one in reality have too many downside? Here’s your chance then. Experience all the fighting thrill without training and injuries.
Enter the arena with Stickman Mortal Kombat — a fast-paced, action-packed fighting game featuring classic Mortal Kombat-style battles with stickman characters.

Racing

High speed, cool cars and competition. That’s what racing games are all about. They often have unmatched soundtrack and iconic car models. Buy it, customize it and enjoy the process. You’re prohibited to drive slow!
It’s future and we’re still racing with high speeds and sharp turns. It’s very flashy and addictive.
Cruise in style with the iconic BMW M4 while vibing to smooth phonk tracks. Show off your driving skills and dodge traffic.
The game manifests creation without limits. A player can do whatever he wants! Literally — no compomises.

Shooter

Shooter games focus on vast variety of guns and different crazy situations to use them into. It’s very intense. In the most cases we’re a good guy, whose mission is to stop a big evil.
A simple and thrilling zombie shooter. Shoot, survive, and defeat the hordes!
Space adventure where you explore, fight, and survive in the vast galaxy. Take control and conquer the stars!
It’s a classic one-on-one shooter — you need to be fast, but also tactical. It’s art of the duel in its best.

Puzzle

The puzzle video game genre is perfect when you want to challenge your brain. There are no enemies, no time limits (with some exceptions), and no real pressure — just you and the puzzle. The reward is solving it and moving on to the next, usually more difficult, puzzle. And that loop goes on and on. This genre gives your brain a serious workout.
Classic Rubik’s Cube puzzle. Twist the cube and match all colors on each side.
Stack colorful 3D blocks carefully. Build your tower without toppling it.
Connect matching dots to clear levels. Plan combos and win.

Casual

Casual game are quick, simple and easy to puck up. Mechanics are simple, there’s no complex rules. It’s often goes like a short session and relaxing gameplay. Winning in not hard but you get satisfaction in the process.

Great for players who want fun, stress-free games.

Schoolboy: Escape on Rooftops!
Schoolboy: Escape on Rooftops!
Conquer the rooftops with dashes and jumps. The mission is to escape big danger!
Fish up
Fish up
Relax and catch a variety of fish in this fun and casual fishing game.
The game tries to troll you with every puzzle. Think outside the box and troll it back with your own creative solutions.

Strategy Game

Strategy Games challenge players to think ahead, plan carefully, and make smart decisions. They often involve managing resources, positioning units, or building structures to outwit opponents or achieve goals.

Great for players who enjoy thoughtful gameplay, problem-solving, and long-term planning.

Grow your worm by eating and avoiding others in this addictive battle arena game.
Defend your base from waves of enemies in this intense strategy shooter.
Conquer territories and expand your state in this fast-paced strategy war game.

Stealth

Stealth games emphasize sneaking, avoiding detection, and using cunning tactics to complete objectives. They create tense, suspenseful gameplay where patience and strategy are key to success.

Great for players who: enjoy careful planning, silent movement, and outsmarting opponents.

Live the life of a streamer, grow your channel, and handle unexpected challenges.
Sneak, aim, and take out targets silently in this stealth action game.
Dash and hide from dangers in this fast-paced, thrilling chase game.

Party

Party games are easy to pick up in the company of friends. The goal is to have as much fun as possible. They can be quirky or even a little bit buggy, but it only adds up to the experience. But beware — with some people, it can get competitive!

Play quick, fun card battles with opponents.
Race and jump through crazy parkour courses with stickman characters.
Team up in fun mini-games to rescue and protect adorable pets.

Survival

Survival games like to put you in a position where the air is polluted, enemies are hiding everywhere, and you have only 5 bullets. Your goal is to find solutions for how to survive. It often takes place in spooky and eerie settings.
Outsmart and block your opponents in this competitive strategy game.
Spin the wheel and survive spooky challenges in this thrilling horror game.
The Last of Survival
The Last of Survival
Fight to stay alive in a post-apocalyptic world full of threats.

Battle Royale

Battle Royale games pit many players against each other in a last-person-standing fight. These fast-paced, intense multiplayer kinds of games require quick thinking, survival skills, and strategic play to outlast everyone else.

Great for players who love high-stakes competition, dynamic gameplay, and large multiplayer battles.

Jump into fast-paced arena fights and show off your combat skills.
Compete in a 3D battle royale to be the last king standing.
Face hordes of zombies and survive as long as you can.

Start Your Gaming Journey

Let’s make a sharp summary to help you quickly hop into any game that catches your interest.

One more great thing — games on the web, especially on platforms like Playhop, are free and accessible with just one click. No downloads, no loading time. Ready to jump in?

Here is a quick recap of video game genres and the best games in them to play right now.

Adventure: explore immersive stories and solve puzzles in rich, captivating worlds.


Action: experience fast-paced combat and thrilling challenges that test your reflexes and skills.


Sports: compete in realistic sports simulations focused on competition and mastery.


Simulation: manage and create detailed, realistic systems with an emphasis on creativity and planning.


RPG: develop characters and dive into deep, evolving storylines with meaningful choices.


First-person shooter: engage in intense, fast-paced combat from a first-person perspective.


Fighting: test your skills in one-on-one battles that require strategy and precision.


Racing: race at high speeds, focusing on skillful driving and competition.


Shooter: enjoy action-packed combat with accessible and dynamic gameplay.


Puzzle: challenge your mind with logic problems and rewarding problem-solving.


Casual: play simple, easy-to-learn games perfect for quick, relaxing sessions.


Strategy: Plan carefully and think ahead to outsmart opponents and achieve goals.


Stealth: sneak and avoid detection using cunning tactics in tense scenarios.


Party: have fun with friends in social, lighthearted mini-game collections.


Survival: endure harsh environments by managing resources and crafting tools.


Battle Royale: fight against many players in intense battles to be the last one standing.

Tags

addictive
casual
fun
chill
fast-paced
timekiller
no download
relaxing
brainy
challenge
multiplayer
online
free
browser
puzzle
action
shooting
racing
strategy
RPG
simulation
adventure
sports
fighting
tower defense
survival
MMO

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Fri Dec 05 2025 15:04:29 GMT+0300 (Moscow Standard Time)