In a world where human ingenuity intertwines with the boundless capabilities of artificial intelligence, gaming is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of AI.

Beginners can cut their teeth on our Top AI Games list (all free and drawn up with the help of ChatGPT). And when you're ready to level up, we've got recommendations for seasoned players at the bottom of the page.

1. Stockfish‍

There are so many AI chess games out there it can get confusing so we recommend Stockfish, a 14-time winner of the Top Chess Engine Championship. It’s a free and open-source chess engine, and it can be used on various desktop and mobile platforms. Since chess.com hosted its first Chess.com Computer Chess Championship in 2018, Stockfish has been the most successful engine. It’s time to make your move. 

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2. Dota 2

Dota 2 is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where two teams of players compete. The game boasts advanced AI-controlled heroes that utilize complex decision-making algorithms and strategic abilities. As a beginner, you can enjoy playing against AI opponents to learn the game mechanics and develop your skills.

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3. Warframe 

Warframe is a free-to-play action game set in a sci-fi universe. Players control powerful space ninjas known as Warframes and embark on cooperative missions or engage in player-versus-player combat. The game features AI-controlled enemies that adapt to the players’ actions, providing challenging and dynamic gameplay.

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4. Path of Exile

Path of Exile is an action, role-playing game set in a dark fantasy world. Players take on the role of an exile, exploring various areas and battling against AI-controlled enemies. The game features a deep character customization system, a vast skill tree, and challenging AI encounters that require strategic thinking and skillful execution.

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5. Paladins

Paladins is a team-based first-person shooter with a fantasy setting. Players choose from a diverse roster of champions and engage in fast-paced, objective-based battles against AI-controlled bots or other players. The game combines elements of shooting, strategy, and teamwork, providing an accessible yet engaging experience for beginners.

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6. Sudoku

Are you more comfortable with math than slaying dragons? We’ve got you covered. You’re probably familiar with the popular Sudoku puzzle game available on various platforms. It offers different difficulty levels, including AI-generated puzzles, making it suitable for beginners who want to test their logic and problem-solving skills. Once you’re feeling confident, adjust the difficulty level which ranges from Easy to Evil. 

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7. PokerTH

PokerTH is another traditional game boosted with AI. It is a free and open-source Texas Hold 'em poker game with AI opponents that allows beginners to practice their poker skills before playing real opponents. PokerTH’s simulator runs on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and Android and allows for up to 10 human players, with computer-controlled players filling in if there are not enough humans. 

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8. Hearthstone

Hearthstone is a free-to-play digital collectible card game with AI opponents. It features a beginner-friendly tutorial and gradually introduces players to the game's mechanics and strategies. Think of it as a strategy card game that's easy to learn but impossible to put down.

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9. Doki Doki Literature Club!‍

This free visual novel game combines elements of dating sim and psychological horror. While DDLC may appear cute and innocent at first, it gradually takes unexpected twists and turns and offers a unique narrative experience. It is a great choice for beginners interested in storytelling and immersive gameplay. (Note: Doki Doki contains psychological themes so it’s appropriate for more mature players.) 

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10. Freeciv

Freeciv describes itself as an empire-building strategy game inspired by the history of human civilization. It is an open-source turn-based strategy game and offers a single-player mode with AI opponents, allowing beginners to learn the game mechanics and strategies at their own pace.

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Are you ready for the next level?

If you’re ready for the big leagues check out Civilization VI, a turn-based strategy game where your AI opponents exhibit complex decision-making, diplomacy, and strategic planning. There’s also Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Cyberpunk 2077, Middle Earth: Shadow Of Mordor, Alien Isolation (beware, this horror game can get stressful), and the Halo series known for its incredible amazing enemy AI.

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