Trying to get back into gaming after 10+ years — looking for the best games to start with

Hi everyone,

I’ve been away from gaming for more than 10 years, and I’m trying to come back now, but honestly I feel completely lost with how much everything has changed.

When I was younger, I played a lot of online PC games, especially MapleStory and Combat Arms. MapleStory was probably the game I loved the most, but I also really enjoyed the competitive shooter side of Combat Arms. Back then, I felt like I understood the gaming world. Now I feel like I know nothing and I’m trying to learn everything again from scratch.

What I’m looking for is not just one exact clone of those games, but the best modern games that could fit the same feeling for me.

On the MapleStory/MMO side, what I loved was:

- A world full of players from all over

- Social/community feeling

- Party content like PQs

- Farming, progression, gear upgrades, making money, trading, and getting stronger over time

- A game that feels alive and exciting

On the Combat Arms/shooter side, I loved:

- Fast and fun online multiplayer

- Jumping in and having immediate action

- A game that feels active and worth investing time into

I have Steam, but I’m also open to any other launcher/platform if the game is worth it. Free-to-play is fine, paid games are fine too.

I’m mainly looking for:

- The strongest / most worth-it games to get into in 2026

- Games that are still very active

I’m open to MMORPGs, shooters, or even other genres if they really fit the kind of player I seem to be based on the games I used to love.

As for the computer, I have a super powerful computer so I don't have to worry about the specs.

If you were introducing someone like me back into gaming in 2026, where would you tell them to start?