Cryptic #1 - Nerd Stuff

Hi! So, this is an old cryptic of mine from about 3 months back that I made for a small thing, and I figured that it might help introduce the genre. This is even a themed puzzle, to an extent - I hope you like your video games and general nerdery!

I'll work on a very beginner friendly cryptic in the coming days, so please keep your eyes peeled if you want something like that!

Cryptic Clues!
Cryptic Clues (usually) have two parts - a 'Straight' element that gives a true definition, and a 'Wordplay' element that does shenanigans. There may also be some connecting word between the two. So a clue such as:

"Bird's average decomposition (6)"

Is made up of the straight definition "Bird", and the wordplay "average decomposition" - in this case, PAR + ROT. Note that "Average decomposition for bird (6)" could give the exact same answer.

I'd say the best way to get used to Cryptic clues is to see them, rather to study them - I enjoy them, even though on the Guardian's cryptics I consider a success "got 5 answers in". As such, I would recommend watching the Twitch VODs for CrypticSunday, who tend to tackle a relatively easy cryptic and explain the clues as they go. Likewise QuizzyDan does cryptics usually once a week, on a similar basis.

Links:
Deusovi's response here is considered one of the better explanations - it is probably the 'strictest' view (more common in Cryptics from American publishers), but it explains the key mechanics well. https://puzzling.stackexchange.com/questions/45984/cryptic-clue-guide

I actually rate https://crypticshewrote.wordpress.com/explanations/ fairly highly as a decent list of cryptic cluing options, with some reasonably simple sample clues.

Please note that sometimes different cluing techniques can be used in the same clue!

In terms of solving resources, I think having these two links to hand is useful. The first is a list of common abbreviations used in cryptics, with a particular focus on single-letters - as well as terminology that might be unfamiliar to those outside the UK (and frankly to those under the age of 80 inside it). The second is a large learning tool that includes lists of 'Indicators', which is incredibly useful for solvers and constructors.

Finally, SimplyDailyPuzzles has an excellent "Easy Cryptic Crossword" that can help introduce the idea. Though googling "Easy Cryptic Crossword" is your perogative I think :P

If you're interested in any of the parsings, then I have a full list! It is available here: https://pastebin.com/raw/1uYgdJKD .