As a lifelong gamer navigating the ever-evolving landscape of interactive entertainment in 2025, I've seen tutorials transform from tedious chores into genuine highlights. Gone are the days of mandatory, hand-holding slogs that felt like homework before the fun began. Modern game design has elevated these introductory sequences into art forms – seamlessly integrated, narratively compelling, and often downright hilarious. Let's dive into ten iconic tutorials that didn't just teach us the ropes; they became unforgettable parts of the journey itself.
- Elden Ring: The Choice is Yours, Tarnished
Man, talk about respecting the player's time! Elden Ring's genius lies in its optional tutorial pit. That ominous hole next to the starting doors? Pure magic. Jump in for a quick refresher and easy runes, or just stride past it into The Lands Between. For veterans like me replaying for the umpteenth time, skipping that forced "press X to jump" nonsense is a godsend. Though, let's be real, that first encounter with the 
Grafted Scion still delivers that signature, humbling Soulsborne welcome party. They sure know how to make an entrance!
- Cuphead: A Sketchy Start to Perfection
Cuphead is legendary for its punishing difficulty and stunning 1930s cartoon aesthetic. Its tutorial? A deceptively charming sketchbook conveyor belt. Honestly, even mastering the basics here felt like a mini-boss fight for my thumbs! It’s short, sweet, and visually dazzling, perfectly setting the stage for the brutal ballet of bullet hell to come. Don't let the whimsy fool you – this little romp is essential prep before the real pain begins. Fair warning: you will die. A lot. But hey, at least you look fabulous doing it!
- Spider-Man 2 (2004): Webslinging with Sass
While the modern Insomniac Spidey games have slick openings, the OG Spider-Man 2 tie-in game holds a special place in my web-shooters. Why? Bruce. Freaking. Campbell. Swinging through a pixelated Big Apple was fun, but Bruce's hilariously patronizing commentary from the sidelines was the real star. "Try landing on your feet next time, hero!" Performing superhuman feats only to be roasted by an armchair critic? It sounds awful, but trust me, it’s comedy gold and sets the perfect, slightly ridiculous tone.
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare: Gauntlet of Glory
Remember "What kind of name is Soap anyway?" Many recall COD4's epic missions and Captain Price's gravelly commands, but that training gauntlet? Chef's kiss! It wasn't just learning controls; it was a high-stakes mini-game against the clock, pushing you to beat the times of legendary operatives. It felt like proving your mettle, not just ticking boxes. Plus, it subtly gauged your skill to suggest a difficulty level. A brilliant, underrated slice of FPS onboarding that actually got the adrenaline pumping.
- RuneScape: Welcome to Tutorial Island, Noob!
Back in the dial-up days, RuneScape was a revelation. And Tutorial Island? Pure MMO magic. Guiding my pixelated self through mining, fishing, and combat basics under the watchful eye of tutors felt like a real adventurer's induction. It gave you the essential gear and skills before casting you adrift in Gielinor. Even in 2025, with the modern reboot restoring the island after its lore-based sinking, stepping onto its shores evokes serious nostalgia. It was simple, effective, and strangely cozy. Reginald pointing the way? Iconic.
- The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion: Dreams, Dungeons, and Patrick Stewart
"Let me see your face..." Hearing Patrick Stewart's voice as Emperor Uriel Septim in that dank prison cell? Chills. Absolute chills. Oblivion's tutorial is a masterclass in narrative integration. You're not just learning mechanics; you're escaping prison, navigating sewers, discovering your destiny, and getting embroiled in an empire-saving quest – all before breakfast! It offers freedom to poke around while gently guiding you towards the main plot. That seamless blend of exposition, freedom, and gameplay? Still unmatched.
- Far Cry: Blood Dragon: Tutorials Suck. Let's Kill Stuff!
This game gets it. Far Cry: Blood Dragon knows tutorials are usually a necessary evil, so it turns the whole concept into one giant, neon-drenched meta-joke. Your character, Rex Colt, grumbles constantly about wanting to just kill things while you're forced through basic motions. Then, just as you think freedom beckons... BAM! A barrage of tutorial pop-ups parodying annoying ads and even offering a "premium service" to play the game for you. It’s a hilarious, fourth-wall-breaking rant about tutorial hell that somehow also effectively teaches you the game. Genius.
- Kingdom Hearts II: The Heartwarming Prologue We Didn't Know We Needed
Okay, hear me out. I know the Kingdom Hearts II tutorial (playing as Roxas in Twilight Town) was controversial back in the day. "Two hours?! I just wanna be Sora!" But looking back? It's brilliant. It had a massive job: bridge the gap between games, introduce Organization XIII, make us care about Roxas and his friends, and teach new mechanics. And you know what? It nailed it. Twilight Town is iconic, Roxas's story is surprisingly heartfelt, and the gameplay is varied. It wasn't a tutorial; it was an essential, emotional prologue. Hindsight's 20/20, folks.
- Dark Souls: Welcome to Pain. Enjoy Your Stay!
Elden Ring offered choice, but the original Dark Souls tutorial? Pure, unadulterated baptism by fire. The Undead Asylum teaches you the basics – bonfires, dodging, blocking... then locks you in a room with the gigantic Asylum Demon and your pathetic starter weapon. The lesson? "You Died." Repeatedly. It perfectly set the tone: unforgiving, demanding, but incredibly rewarding. It taught environmental awareness, boss patterns, and that sweet, sweet feeling of overcoming impossible odds. Short, sharp, and brutally effective. It prepared you... sorta. Nothing truly prepares you for Blighttown.
- Fallout 3: Growing Up in the Vault
And here we are. Number one. Fallout 3's Vault 101 intro isn't just a tutorial; it's a coming-of-age story compressed into gaming's most effective onboarding sequence. You literally grow up before our eyes – from a wobbly toddler taking your first steps (G.O.A.T. exam, anyone?) to a young adult forced to flee. You bond with Liam Neeson (your dad!), make choices with lasting consequences (Amata, Butch!), and learn the core RPG mechanics organically. Meeting the Tunnel Snakes? Priceless. "Tunnel Snakes Rule!" It feels less like learning and more like living a compelling first chapter. It set the bar incredibly high for narrative-driven tutorials, and honestly? That bar's still up there. Bethesda nailed the opening act.