6 Game Tutorials That Don’t Overwhelm New Players
Crafting effective game tutorials is an art that can make or break a player’s experience. This article examines how some of the most successful games in recent years have mastered the art of teaching new players without overwhelming them. Drawing on insights from industry experts, we’ll explore six standout examples that showcase innovative approaches to guiding players through their initial steps.
- Astro’s Playroom Teaches Through Clever Design
- The Last of Us Immerses Players Naturally
- Super Mario Odyssey Encourages Creative Experimentation
- Wingspan Balances Support and Discovery
- Portal Builds Confidence Through Layered Mechanics
- Zelda Breath of the Wild Fosters Intuitive Learning
Astro’s Playroom Teaches Through Clever Design
Astro’s Playroom on PS5 has one of the best tutorials disguised as a full game. It uses clever level design to teach players how to use every feature of the DualSense controller—from adaptive triggers to haptic feedback—without throwing up walls of text. Each mechanic is introduced naturally through play, keeping it fun and intuitive while showcasing the hardware’s full potential.
Bryan Philips
Head of Marketing, In Motion Marketing
The Last of Us Immerses Players Naturally
“The Last of Us” stands out as a game with one of the best tutorials and learning curves in modern gaming. Rather than presenting a formal tutorial screen, the game immerses players in its world right from the start, teaching mechanics through natural gameplay. In the prologue, players learn basic movement and camera control while experiencing a highly emotional, cinematic scene that immediately grabs attention. As the game progresses, it introduces new mechanics like crafting, stealth, and combat gradually and only when relevant, which helps avoid information overload.
The strength lies in its contextual learning: each new skill feels necessary and is tied directly to a survival scenario. This organic approach to onboarding keeps players engaged and emotionally invested, making it feel like you’re learning to survive alongside Joel and Ellie, not just playing a game.
Xin Zhang
Marketing Director, Guyker
Super Mario Odyssey Encourages Creative Experimentation
Most people will say Portal or Half-Life 2, and yes, those are solid choices. However, Super Mario Odyssey might be the most quietly brilliant tutorial ever created — and most players don’t even realize they’re in one.
Here’s the thing: Odyssey doesn’t teach you by saying “Press A to jump.” Instead, it gives you toys, not instructions. You start with Mario’s basic jump, then Cappy appears — and suddenly you’re experimenting, combining moves, discovering that flinging your hat then jumping off it lets you cross incredible gaps. There’s no popup telling you this. You simply… figure it out. Because the environment encourages it.
What makes it genius isn’t just the teaching — it’s the freedom to fail creatively. You try something ridiculous, it somewhat works, and suddenly you’ve invented your own move. It’s like improvisational jazz for platforming. Nintendo doesn’t hold your hand — it tosses you into the sandbox and says, “Hey, see what you can accomplish.”
I believe that’s the holy grail of onboarding: a tutorial that teaches without feeling like a tutorial. Moreover, it respects your intelligence. Odyssey trusts the player to discover, not just obey.
Derek Pankaew
CEO & Founder, Listening.com
Wingspan Balances Support and Discovery
One game that absolutely nails the tutorial and learning curve is Wingspan. It’s such a clever example of how to teach players without overwhelming them. The rulebook is clear, the player mats walk you through your options, and the turns are structured in a way that builds confidence gradually. You’re never left wondering what to do next, but it also doesn’t spoon-feed you so much that it takes away from discovery.
At Axion Now Events, we see all sorts of players, from seasoned strategy fans to families trying something new. A game like Wingspan is gold because people pick it up quickly, and by the end of the first round, they’re already talking strategy. That’s a sign of great design.
At home, I play a lot of games, from Magic: The Gathering to lighter titles, so we notice when a game teaches well. Wingspan respects the player’s intelligence while still offering support, and that’s a surprisingly rare balance.
Liz Kolb
Co-Founder, Axion Now Events
Portal Builds Confidence Through Layered Mechanics
Portal nails the tutorial better than most games. It layers mechanics slowly, without stopping the game to explain. Each puzzle builds on the last, so you learn by doing—not by reading. By the time the game gets challenging, you already feel confident in your abilities.
Girish Manglani
CEO & Co-Founder, ezcards.io
Zelda Breath of the Wild Fosters Intuitive Learning
Games with well-designed tutorials mirror effective financial education by breaking down complex systems into manageable steps. Titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild excel with intuitive mechanics that encourage exploration and gradual mastery. Clear guidance paired with hands-on practice ensures players feel confident without being overwhelmed. Adaptive difficulty keeps the experience engaging, catering to both beginners and seasoned players. Such thoughtful design fosters a seamless learning curve, much like a tailored financial plan builds confidence over time.
Effective tutorials introduce mechanics gradually, allowing players to learn through action rather than lengthy instructions. Clear visual cues and prompts guide players without disrupting immersion or flow. Challenges are scaled to build confidence, reinforcing skills before introducing new complexities. Opportunities for experimentation encourage creativity and deeper understanding of the game’s systems. This balanced approach ensures players feel supported while maintaining a sense of discovery and accomplishment.
Linda Chavez
Founder & CEO, Seniors Life Insurance Finder
