Different games attract different audiences, and while every community has a few sour grapes, some seem to draw more than others.
A “Wholesome” fanbase may be a little tough to quantify, but if new player queries aren’t met by rabid idiots ready to type “Skill Issue,” you’re probably in good company. If you’re looking for the best fanbases around, here are 10 of the most wholesome communities we could find.
There is toxicity in every fandom, and it’s a sad reality when communities grow beyond a certain size. If you look for them, you will always find bad eggs, but these fanbases have a decent reputation overall.
10Monster Hunter
That Triple Cart Was “Our” Fault
Monster Hunter: Iceborne
WHERE TO PLAY
Monster Hunterexploded in popularity withMonster Hunter Worldand has gone from strength to strength ever since. While the new games are more accessible than the handheld titles, they are laced with complexity.
Fortunately, plenty ofpros are willing to help new hunterswith their builds and show them the ropes. I often see folks willing to join low-rank hunts for assistance, which is lovely as those players get minimal rewards out of it.
Hunters all enjoyreminiscing about epic battles, and the series has fostered a warm and welcoming community.
Monster Hunterhas its fair share of elitists, hence the lower placement. Thankfully, the vast majority of players remember what it was like to face their first Rathalos.
9The Binding of Isaac
We All Like Poop Jokes
The Binding of Isaacis one of the most belovedRoguelitesever. There’s an overwhelming amount of items to memorize, and you’re left to discover everything on your own.
It’s only natural thatyou will get lost on your journey. Fortunately, the fanbase isalways happy to help.
The game is so jam-packed with item synergies that players are still finding bizarre combinations that are promptly shared on message boards like Reddit.
The Binding of Isaacisfull of difficult challenges, but when the community isn’t sharing knowledge, there are memes and poop jokes galore.
The War Crime Simulator
Rimworldis an incredible colony simulator where you can’t even begin to imagine all the random and bizarre events that can happen.
As it turns out, the fanbase is thrilled with this revelation, and communities are full ofplayers sharing incredible stories. There’s no “correct” way to playRimworld, so there’s no elitism and very little to be toxic about.
The community even holdscharity eventswhere players pass a save file around, usually with hilarious results.
Modding is also encouraged, and there is always a buzz around decent fanmade content.
7Final Fantasy XIV
Be Kind To The Sprouts
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
MMOs can be scary places, butFinal Fantasy XIVhas one of the most welcoming communities in the genre.Final Fantasy XIVmarks new players with a cute little “sprout” icon above their heads.
The icon tells everyone that you’re new,and you will always find veterans ready to extend a helping hand. There are several social hubs scattered across Eorzea, and while some are a little “weird” (I’m looking at you, Limsa), you won’t run into people who are nasty for the sake of it.
You will find folks desperate to take charge of tougher content likeSavage Raids, but toxicity is surprisingly minimal, all things considered.
We All Lift Together
Warframeis an addictive sci-fi looter-shooter with so many different Frames to use that it’s hard to keep up. The fanbase is exceptionally chilled out. While most aren’t talkative, everyone chips in, and newcomers are always assisted.
Most veteranWarframeplayers know thatfashion is the true endgame, and community circles are full of players sharing their best combinations.
Sadly, some people prey on new players for Platinum (premium currency). These foul players are the worstWarframehas to offer and don’t reflect the entire fanbase.
If you’re looking for a sci-fi title to enjoy long-term,Warframeisone of the most welcoming.
5Stardew Valley
That Warm Fuzzy Community Feeling
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valleyis a masterpiece, and while “optimal” strategies exist, there’sno right or wrong way to play. One thing everyone agrees on is the importance of a pretty farm.
Many players in the communityenjoy sharing farm layoutsor weird and wonderful things they discover during gameplay.
Stardew Valley’screator,Concerned Ape, is adored by the fanbase, and theofficial subredditis refreshingly void of negativity.
Stardew Valley: How To Befriend And Move In With Krobus
Want to build a platonic relationship in Stardew Valley? Meet the shadowy Krobus—your new roommate.
4No Man’s Sky
Generosity On A Galactic Scale
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Skyfans have been on a journey almost as grand as in the game they play. The game is unrecognizable compared to how it was at launch, and the community has become animpressive bastion of positivity.
It’s rare to visit agaming subredditand see zero complaints on the front page. The community isinvested in exploring, sharing their discoveries, and helping newcomers.
No Man’s Sky’sincredible post-launch content certainly helps with the mood, but it’s also one of the few games where a new player can stumble across a veteran who showers them with gifts and leaves without saying a word.
Brought Together By Brutal Games
Metroidis one of Nintendo’s many beloved franchises. The series doesn’t hold your hand, and it’seasy to get hopelessly lost. Even if you are on the right track, there’s no guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for or have what it takes to beat theseries' iconic bosses.
Metroidgames can be pretty obtuse, but this is something the fandom knows all too well. I have never seen a community so happy andwilling to answer beginner queries. Seemingly obvious questions are positively met, even if they’ve been asked dozens of times.
There’s acommunity push to help newcomersenjoy the classics, and that’s admirable, especially with games as labyrinthine as the NES classics
Rip And Tear Together
Doom (1993)
As someone who recently dived into the classicDoomgames, I amso impressed by the fanbase. There’s a lot of love for the series, as evidenced by the seas of artwork, memes, and clips.
The originalDoomcame out over three decades ago, and manyfans enjoy reminiscingabout the older titles. It’s a joy to see veterans helping out newcomers, too, as some of those earlyDoomepisodes are pretty obtuse.
Then again, it’s hard to complain or be angry when almost every game in your franchise is so damn good!
1Deep Rock Galactic
Deep Rock Galactic
Everyone who clicked on the article probably saw this coming a mile away, but yes,Deep Rock Galactichas a phenomenal community.
Deep Rock Galacticisall about teamworkas you tackle perilous mining operations across the universe. Everyone plays a pivotal role, and the community knows it’s better to work together than to belittle others for their mistakes.
The space station between missions is a treasure trove of random player interactions, includinga bar where you can share a drink. Exchanges like this have fostered a fanbase where everyone is welcome and shares a common goal.The subredditis packed full of memes and in-jokes, and thelevel of positivity is basically unheard offor its size.
TheDeep Rock Galacticfranchise has recently dipped its toes into the bullet-heaven genre withDeep Rock Galactic: Survivor. It can be overwhelming as a beginner, but the gameplay loop is addictive once youlearn the ropes.
