Ah, adventure games — the only genre with more lives than the luckiest cat. In the ‘80s and early ‘90s, they were our passport to incredible worlds of humour and imagination. After a bit of a lull in the early 2000s, they’re now making waves again with hits like Telltale’s The Walking Dead and fantastic indies made by long-time fans. Best of all, the classics of the ‘90s can still be enjoyed today. Technology dates fast, but good stories and humour last forever.

But if you’ve never played an adventure game, getting started can be intimidating. With such a massive library of must-play classics, where should you start? Even if you already love the genre, there are bound to be a couple essentials you’ve missed — but which ones?

Worry not. IGN has your back. Join us as we take you through the history of the adventure game genre, from its fascinating origins to its indispensable classics, and all the best ones (new and old) worth playing today.

Most adventure games earned their reputation in the good way — by playing fair and by taking us to wonderful places full of awesome characters. Adventures were notable for featuring strong female leads, embracing mature content, and not assuming that every game had to be suitable for kids. It may sound obvious now, but it was a huge jump to make in the early ‘90s.

“ The adventure genre has made a roaring comeback.

Find out why we loved Telltale's The Walking Dead below.

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Thankfully, the adventure genre has made a roaring comeback. Telltale and Quantic Dream especially have proven that adventure games can be commercially successful, top-tier experiences, while the indie scene has used its tools and creativity to build amazing new adventures that embrace a mix of nostalgic, retro-inspired styles and new aesthetics in ways that stand out in a crowded market. And thanks to digital distribution, it’s never been easier to get adventure games into players’ willing hands.

In theory, adventure games are easy to play. Most are point and click, and the rules are simple: if an item isn’t screwed down, pick it up. If it is screwed down, find a screwdriver. Adventure game heroes are kleptomaniacs by trade, and rarely have any problem shoving anything from ladders to rubber chickens down their pants.

Solutions are almost never violent or obvious. This is a genre about using your wits and resources. Good designers lead you down paths of lateral thinking and strange yet compelling logic. There’s a point in Monkey Island 2 where you need to use a monkey to turn a valve. If you’re thinking, “Duh, it’s a monkey wrench!” then this is your genre.

“ As the old saying goes: save early, save often.

Some fans will tell you that this is all part of the fun. Personally, I thought this was awful back in the ‘80s, and that anyone who says otherwise should be hit in the face with that pie, even if it does mean figuring out another way past the yeti. Not all old school adventure games are this punishing, thankfully.

Look back on the legacy of Lucasarts below.

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“ Don't be ashamed of using as much or as little help as you like.

These things can make the genre hard to get into today, but don’t be too put off. The classics of the genre earned their love and modern status for a reason. And don’t be ashamed of using as much or as little help as you like. Follow a full walkthrough. Look up hints to nudge you in the right direction without spoiling puzzles outright. Play however you like!

Now that you know the history of the genre and how to actually play, which adventure games should you dive into?