20+ Best Online Gaming Communities for New Players (2025)

• Date:

  Jan 23, 2025

We spend an embarrassing amount of time in online gaming spaces at KeyCodeDeal n. Some of it’s for work. Most of it? Not so much.

So we thought—why not round up the game communities we actually use and trust? Whether you’re grinding raids or here for the vibes, these are some of the best online gaming communities.

Gaming Clans

Gaming clans are folks who play together under a name. You don’t need a clan for every game, but in some genres, they take things to a whole different level:

• Tactical shooters (Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege, CS2) — Precision team comp, callouts, round-based strategy. The game changes completely with coordination.
• MMORPGs (Final Fantasy XIV, WoW, Black Desert) — Dungeon raids, timed world events, resource pooling, guild wars. Impossible to do solo.
• Co-op survival/builders (Rust, Ark, Valheim) — Clans create long-term infrastructure, divide labor, and defend territory. You’ll lose everything without backup.
• Mobile team games (Clash of Clans, Mobile Legends) — Clans often unlock extra modes, resource boosts, or war cycles you can’t access solo.

Now, let’s talk about some of the best clans to join.

Top Clans for New Players

If you’re tired of solo queuing and want a better way to get into multiplayer games, these clans are solid places to start.

Winter Clan 

One of the biggest multi-platform crews out there (10K+ members). Chill vibes. Big on Minecraft, Among Us, Call of Duty. Game nights, mentorship, casual chaos—you’re covered.

The Gaming Brotherhood (TGB)

TGB is a small but super-welcoming clan. If you’re into Fortnite, Rocket League, or Roblox, this is a great low-pressure place to squad up, learn the ropes, and not get roasted for asking questions.

Noobs Welcome Clan

The name says it all. Apex, Warframe, Destiny 2—Noobs Welcome Clan features games with people brand-new to the genre, offering a judgment-free zone where beginners can team up, ask questions, and learn through co-op play. They’re all about laughing off mistakes and growing together.  

Casual Collective

A laid-back group for new gamers who enjoy relaxed titles like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing via other platforms), and Fall Guys. They host beginner-friendly sessions to teach game basics—like farming mechanics or simple teamwork—making it a comfy entry into gaming culture without overwhelming newcomers.  

New Horizons Gaming

A clan aimed at new players exploring online gaming, with a focus on MMOs and shooters like Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch. They provide guides, group quests, and a chill atmosphere where beginners can ask anything without fear of elitism. It’s about discovery and fun at your own pace.  

Gaming Forums

Forums are online discussion sites for gamers to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss their favorite games. They’re a great place to learn from more experienced players and to share your own insights.

Best Forums for Rookie Gamers

If you’re looking to plug into the wider gaming world, these forums are a solid way to begin.

NeoGAF 

This one’s been around forever and is still very active. People go deep here—like full-on debates about game mechanics, industry trends, and even sales charts. You’ll find a lot of console war chatter and speculation, but also some really thoughtful convos if you dig in.

ResetEra 

Kind of the younger sibling of NeoGAF (long story), but it’s just as lively. Tons of talk about breaking news, release announcements, and what people are actually playing. ResetEra is broad—covers everything from consoles to PC—and the discussions can get spicy but in a good way.

GameFAQs Boards  

Old school in the best way. GameFAQs started as a place for cheat codes and walkthroughs, and the boards remain helpful. If you’ve got a really specific question about a specific game, there’s probably already a thread—or someone will jump in to help. Every game gets its own database here.

IGN Boards 

IGN has a more casual feel. It’s tied to IGN’s big media site, so you’ll see a lot of tie-ins to their reviews and news. But the community covers a ton: different platforms, favorite game moments, even things outside gaming like anime or tech. It’s a broad, casual hangout for enthusiasts.

Giant Bomb Forums 

A laid-back space for fans of Giant Bomb’s content, it offers discussions on gaming news, strategies, and quirky topics like favorite characters or concepts. It’s a chill spot for both serious and offbeat gaming talk.

Gaming Websites

Gaming websites typically get boxed into the same categories: reviews, trailers, and the latest industry buzz.
But some of them actually do more than that. They double as soft landing spots for new players—offering guides, forums, and chill community spaces that help you get your bearings without making you feel lost.

Here are a few that strike that balance:

The Escapist

Around since 2005, The Escapist is one of those rare sites that mixes opinionated editorials with genuinely helpful content. Their “Basics” guides—for games like Stardew Valley and Slay the Spire—are clean, clear, and never patronizing. The forums aren’t huge, but that can be a plus: conversations are slower, easier to follow, and less intimidating if you’re new to the scene.

Giant Bomb

Giant Bomb doubles as both a forum and a gaming site you can learn from. It leans into personality-driven content, but there’s serious depth here too. Between gameplay videos, long-form podcasts, and a detailed community wiki, it’s a treasure trove for visual learners. The community doesn’t talk down to you either—it’s a place where you can hang back, watch how others engage, and ease into the conversation when you’re ready.

Rock Paper Shotgun (RPS)

If you’re diving into PC gaming, RPS is one of the best places to start. Their features like “Best For Beginners” are curated with intent, not just SEO tricks. The writing assumes curiosity, not expertise. Plus, the comments sections—especially on trickier games—tend to be helpful without being snarky. You can ask a basic question and actually get a thoughtful answer.

Social Media Communities 

Over the last few years, a lot of gaming communities have drifted away from standalone forums and landed squarely on social platforms. And honestly? It’s not a bad thing—if you know where to look.

Here are some of the most active spaces (and where beginners actually get the help they need).

Discord

Still one of the top places to talk about games in real-time. Nearly every major title has a Discord server—some official, some fan-run.

• Official servers are usually run by the game’s publisher or dev team. You’ll get fast, accurate info here, but they can feel overwhelming. Huge chat volume, lots of noise. Good for updates, not always great for connection.
• Community-run servers are where the real magic happens. They’re smaller, often more welcoming, and usually broken down into channels like #beginner-questions, #strategy-tips, or #lfg (looking for a group). If you’re new, this is where you’ll actually meet people who want to help—not just flex.

A few beginner-friendly servers worth checking out:

• Apex Legends Community – Super organized, with “new player squads” and gear breakdowns.
• Minecraft Survival/Build Discords – Chill vibes, great for kids and creative beginners.
• Valorant LFG – Built for finding teammates, whether you’re just starting or testing comp play.

Reddit

If you’d rather take things slow and browse on your own time, Reddit’s where it’s at. Most gaming subreddits are loaded with guides and megathreads. You don’t need to interact in real time, and most big gaming subs keep a pinned “Beginner Questions” thread up at all times.

Standout subs for newer players:

• r/gaming — Broad in scope, often disorganized, but occasionally provides helpful perspective on gaming culture as a whole.
• r/leagueoflegends — Highly active, but surprisingly well-maintained beginner guides and patch reviews.
• r/NintendoSwitch — Encouraging environment, especially for players drawn to casual or family-friendly games.

Steam Groups

Kind of old-school, but still alive—especially for games that don’t have huge Discord traction. Steam Groups are helpful if you’re playing a niche or older title and want a community that’s not moving a mile a minute.

They’re also underrated for stuff like event invites, finding lobbies, and staying low-key connected.

A few that still go hard:

• Team Fortress 2 Newbies – Somehow still running training matches and posting beginner events.
• Stardew Valley Co-op – Perfect for syncing up with chill players and planting some digital parsnips together.

Facebook Groups

Facebook might not be at the center of the gaming universe anymore, but it’s still holding down some seriously active and well-organized spaces—especially if you’re into mobile, console, or niche genres. The key? Knowing how each platform functions behind the scenes.

Here’s how they usually break down:

Private Groups

You’ve got to request to join, but it’s worth it. These are way more curated, which means less spam and more quality convo. They’re often focused on one title (Farming Simulator 22, anyone?) or a type of player (Parents Who Game is a real thing). Because everyone’s there for a reason, posts tend to get thoughtful replies instead of just gifs or one-liners.

Public Groups

Easy to join, which also means more variety (and sometimes more chaos). Still, they’re solid for quick answers or catching a wide range of opinions—especially when you’re trying to get the lay of the land in a new game.

Some active Facebook groups you might want to peek at:

• Call of Duty Console Players – Strategy tips, loadout talk, and controller setup help.
• The Sims 4 Builders & Creators – Lots of build screenshots, gentle feedback, and mod recs.
• Casual Mobile Gaming Group – Great for match-3, idle game fans, and folks just playing for fun.

Twitter 

X is more about fast takes and real-time reactions than deep threads—but it’s not just influencers yelling into the void. A lot of gaming communities here post funny updates, breakdown trailers, share memes, and drop quick feedback on patches or events.

And if you dig a more interactive vibe, Spaces (those live audio rooms) are a thing too—used for game strategy convos, hot-topic debates, or just hanging out with people mid-match.

Some communities worth checking out:

• WayfindersGG – All about adventure games and immersive worlds. If you love story-driven play, you’ll feel at home here.
• WolvesDAO – Where gaming meets web3. These folks talk about blockchain games, ownership, and building player-driven ecosystems.
• SpikeCollects – Gamers with a soft spot for collectibles, rare in-game items, and anything nostalgic.
• LizLabsio – Indie game heaven. They highlight small devs, creative experiments, and the weird little titles that bigger outlets miss.

Tips for New Players Joining Online Communities

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do:
  • Read the rules before posting—every group has them.
  • Ask questions, even basic ones; most love to help.
  • Share your progress—like a cool screenshot—to bond.
  • Be patient; not every reply is instant.
  • Thank those who help; it builds goodwill.
    
• Don’t:
  • Spam messages or memes—keep it relevant.
  • Trash-talk strangers; it sours the vibe.
  • Demand carries or free items—earn your stripes.
  • Ignore feedback; it’s how you improve.
  • Join and ghost—say hi to stay connected.

If you’re new to a game—or even just new to gaming—one of the best things you can do is find the right community. It changes everything. Instead of feeling lost in the menus or grinding solo with no idea what you’re doing, you get people who’ve been there, done that, and actually want to help. Better yet, you’ll pick things up faster, get answers when you’re stuck, and maybe even make a few friends along the way.