Butterfly effect games are among the most popular and divisive in the world of video game entertainment. For a new gamer, it may feel like everyone else knows every game, subplot, and cheat, and it can be hard to know where to start.

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The concept of 'butterfly effect gaming' is that players are faced with choices throughout the game that alter the plot and eventual ending of the story. It is a great way to get used to gaming due to the high level of immersion and embedded mechanics in these games, especially as they are more story-led than other games.

Updated on March 27, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: The butterfly effect is one of the most unique things people can mess around with, with the idea of a single action changing the course of the future itself being a rather tantalizing prospect. It's easy to see why so many players like games that mess around with this concept, turning the narrative in over its head if players carry out one action that didn't seem all that important at the time. While the vast majority of games rely on a linear narrative structure to keep fans engaged, more experimental titles can do something new and unique with the concept.

8 Heavy Rain

Metascore: 87

David Cage doesn't have the greatest reputation in the industry, but there's no denying that his games have an allure that's hard to deny. Heavy Rain is arguably the game that put Quantic Dream on the map with its ambitious storytelling.

The story of Ethan, as he pushes himself to the limit to save his abducted son while the three other characters help him out in this task, makes for a great time. The Origami Killer is easily one of the most iconic serial killers in gaming, and this title is a great example of why.

How It Suits Beginners

The quick-time events are pretty easy to handle and the story doesn't stop even if a character dies. The puzzles are pretty easy, and players who want the best possible ending won't find it too irritating to repeat a chapter.

7 Fahrenheit/Indigo Prophecy

Metascore: 84

The story of Indigo Prophecy can be all over the place at times, with Heavy Rain perfecting the concepts present in this title. However, players who look past these issues will find themselves enjoying a pretty decent narrative-driven adventure game.

The puzzles are pretty accessible and the game's story has just enough twists and turns to keep things interesting. Indigo Prophecy may have some rough edges but its focus on an ever-changing narrative was praised by the masses.

How It Suits Beginners

Indigo Prophecy isn't the most punishing game around, which is something fans will appreciate. The constant balancing of a character's mental health is tense without being too tedious, and the small ways the narrative can change based on the player's actions (or lack thereof) is pretty engaging.

6 As Dusk Falls

Metascore: 77

Any narrative game that turns the act of making choices into something unique will be a treat for fans. What makes As Dusk Falls such a unique game is how it structures itself as a bonafide co-op experience despite its story-driven approach.

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Players vote on what decision they should make, making for unpredictable twists and turns in the story as they uncover the secrets of this small town. The narrative is pretty engaging and keeps players interested in the long haul

How It Suits Beginners

The nature of this game as an interactive drama makes it one of the most approachable choice-driven narratives players can check out. Since it's meant to be played with friends, it's easy to see why the title is tailor-made for anyone to get into, regardless of how adept they are at playing video games.

5 Oxenfree

Metascore: 80

Oxenfree is an adventure game published by Night School Studio in 2016 that became an indie hit. Players follow teenager Alex as she and her friends party on an island that holds some interesting supernatural secrets.

Once new players get a sense of how the game works and its brilliant storytelling, they will be happy to know that it has since spawned a sequel, which is still being advertised.

How It Suits Beginners

The music and graphics are light, calming, and perfect for newbie gamers wanting to dip their toe in the water. The dialogue – especially when you choose your replies, also feels natural in progression. Boasting a beautiful 2D design, OxenFree is immersive without being all-encompassing. There are no real jump-scares and the impact of its storytelling doesn’t rely on gore or threatening situations.

This game is the perfect foundation for a beginner to gaming because of its simple yet effective mechanics. The majority of the game is spent interacting with objects on the island or the other teenagers through dialogue, so it’s really easy to keep track of your progress. Thankfully, for those who enjoy the game and finish it and want more - they should be equipped enough to play the sequel.

4 Life Is Strange

Metascore: 85

Life is Strange is a coming-of-age, graphic adventure game with a unique and comforting style. It was released in 2015 and has since spawned a prequel, sequels, and a spin-off. Published by Square Enix, the game has been praised for its time travel mechanics and incredible characterizations. Teenager Max has returned to her hometown, only for an incident involving her friend Chloe to trigger some strange new abilities.

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How It Suits Beginners

With an incredible soundtrack, Life is Strange is a brilliantly immersive experience. The game has relatively easy-to-understand mechanics, as well as what would be a great introduction for a beginner player to puzzles and NPCs (Non-Payable Characters). The environments are also very rich, with the story unfolding through beautiful graphics and landscapes, so the beginner can track the impact of their choices quite easily – and undo them!

3 The Quarry

Metascore: 79

Released in 2022, The Quarry was highly anticipated. Set in a summer camp called Hatchett’s Quarry, this game presents horror through slasher tropes and supernatural inspirations.

Its movie-like immersion is fantastic, with some great moments, particularly in the game's first chapter. The character actors include recognizable faces such as David Arquette, Ariel Winter, and Brenda Song (from Scream,Modern Family, and the Disney Channel, respectively.

How It Suits Beginners

The game introduces the concept of choice-making and consequence well, through a series of cartoons in a fun ‘Camping for Dummies’ style early in-game. These choices are a mix of high impact and barely noticeable change – what makes this game great for beginners to Butterfly Effect games is the story and characterization. Whilst the possible endings may not have satisfied all players, it is a solid addition to the genre.

2 Detroit: Become Human

Metascore: 78

Detroit: Become Human was released in 2018 by Quantic Dream and Sony. Set in the future, the game questions the role of technology in society and whether AI can develop feelings of empathy and self-awareness.

It is an adventure game with quick-time events and choice mechanics. Although largely following a linear story, the game has a mapping function where you can track your choices and the impact they had on chapter outcomes

How It Suits Beginners

Following on from the above suggestions, Detroit: Become Human is an excellent entry into the butterfly effect genre and has been praised for its characterization of the three main playable androids and their stories. The game is a good choice for new gamers, it is a little more of a challenge, and the choices you make feel more emotionally charged. It is a great next step before…

1 Until Dawn

Metascore: 79

Arguably the most iconic Butterfly Effect game, Until Dawn, had and still has a massive fan base. Released in 2015, Until Dawn is considered an interactive movie by many – the game is cinematic, with cut scenes that reflect the choices you make throughout the game.

Some of the choices feel arbitrary – hinted at via clues shown on totems – and some of them feel outright unfair. It is an incredibly fun game that follows a paranoia-inducing narrative and story world.

How It Suits Beginners

To finish up an introduction to Butterfly Effect games, beginners may want to save Until Dawn until last. It has influenced many subsequent games in the genre and has one of the best endings of any video game due to its feeling of closure. Players can even play this with their friends watching; a room full of people making suggestions and reacting to the multiple possibilities would make playing games for the first time a little less intimidating but a little spookier.

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