Newbie looking for a mountain bike for my friend

Hello everyone!
I am new here and excited to join the community. I am looking to get into mountain biking and could use some advice on beginner-friendly mountain bikes.There are so many different styles like hardtail, full suspension, cross-country, trail. I am not sure what would be the most practical for a beginner. If you have any recommendations on good entry-level models, brands that balance quality with affordability, or tips on what to consider when picking a bike. Any recommendations would be fully appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

It really all depends on your budget. You can find FS bikes that are a little older at great prices, or you can stick with a bare-bones hardtail.

My suggestion would be to join a local MTB group on FB and see if anyone is willing to let you borrow a bike on a group ride. I’ve introduced a couple buddies to cycling/MTB that way.

Whatever you decide to buy, definitely have it checked by your local shop for any issues. Get out there and ride!