There’s a harsh reality that many gamers reluctantly acknowledge: after investing between $50 to $70 in a video game, certain sections feel utterly skippable.This leads to a frustrating feeling of wastefulness.
As a devoted gamer, I strive to make the most of my purchase; yet, I must confess that some features are simply not worth my time.
In fact, certain areas of games seem designed to either extend gameplay artificially or mislead players into spending time on content that’s largely inconsequential. This may be the result of developer mandates, directing a focus on playtime rather than genuine engagement, which ultimately detracts from the overall gaming experience.
To determine whether you share these sentiments, consider the following optional sections in games that many players choose to skip.
We compiled feedback from social media discussions and forums where players expressed their opinions on irrelevant, redundant, or tedious sections of games.
10 Oxenfurt – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Coolest College Became a Boring Nothing-Scape
Despite boasting some of the most captivating lore in open-world gaming, The Witcher 3 disappoints book fans with its portrayal of Oxenfurt. As an admirer of the series, I find myself among the letdown crowd.
In the novels, Oxenfurt thrives as a vibrant college town brimming with culture. However, its representation in the game leaves much to be desired, presenting an expanse filled with scant content.
The town’s illustrious college is locked away and inaccessible, and there are hardly any quests contributing to the overarching narrative.
In essence, there’s minimal incentive to explore Oxenfurt, making it a top candidate to skip entirely.
9 Malis – Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
The Frustrating Volcano Climb Isn’t Worth A Crafting Location
The allure of visiting ancient cities and Greek islands is a highlight of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, which I, as a history enthusiast, greatly appreciated.
Nonetheless, some islands, like Malis, are simply not worth the effort.
This location features Hephaistos’ forge, the only site of interest, but traveling all the way to Malis—especially for a single upgrade—seems hardly justifiable given the multitude of tasks available in Odyssey.
To make matters worse, reaching this forge requires climbing a volcano, cementing Malis as a place best left alone.
8 Pacifica – Cyberpunk 2077
A Former Resort That Leaves Much to Be Desired
While Night City is a rich, stimulating playground that’s easy to lose oneself in, one area fails to deliver—Pacifica. Originally envisioned as a thriving resort, it devolves into an abandoned district overrun by gangs.
This desolation could suggest hidden treasures and quests, but that is simply not the case.
Accessing shops is futile, as they stand deserted, and NPC interactions echo those found throughout the rest of Night City. Aside from a solitary rollercoaster, players would do well to focus on more valuable regions and leave Pacifica in disarray.
7 Woodfolk Ruins – Elden Ring
Best Avoid If You Prefer Not to Embrace Survival Horror
Venturing into Elden Ring’s expansive universe, I was unprepared for how surreal the Woodfolk Ruins would prove; this area unwittingly shifts into survival horror territory.
Home to a multitude of Lesser Wormfaces, this grim locale offers none of the game-changing loot that players might hope for, rendering it a place best bypassed.
By skipping this section, you’ll save yourself from unnecessary fright.
6 The Reach – The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
An Overabundance of Forsworn with Insufficient Reward
Although The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim boasts an extraordinary world to explore, certain locations are often avoided. One such place is The Reach, home to the Forsworn.
These foes complicate gameplay with their poisoned arrows, especially for new players. The lack of rewarding content exacerbates the situation, leaving much to be desired.
Even Markarth, noted for its Dwemer architecture, offers minimal engagement, making The Reach an area many players overlook.
5 The Hissing Wastes – Dragon Age: Inquisition
An Area Lacking Significance and Excitement
Dragon Age: Inquisition presents a lopsided experience, with some zones overflowing with quests while others, like The Hissing Wastes, feel sparse.
The nocturnal setting and arid landscape render the area uninspiring. Despite housing a singular dragon, there are limited quests to engage with.
Overall, The Hissing Wastes is one such location that you can easily bypass to avoid unnecessary gameplay time.
4 Van Horn Trading Post – Red Dead Redemption 2
A Town That May as Well Be Absent
Exploration is a core element of Red Dead Redemption 2, with towns serving as oasis-like hubs. Yet, Van Horn Trading Post stands out as a lackluster location.
Aside from a saloon and a few duels, Van Horn lacks significant quests or attractions, leaving it feeling nearly pointless.
Visiting it proves disappointing—almost like an afterthought designed merely to clutter the map. In summary, it feels so dispensable that its absence wouldn’t be missed.
3 The Festering Cove – Baldur’s Gate 3
A Side Quest So Unwanted Only A Few Find It
Baldur’s Gate 3 features remarkable zones; however, The Festering Cove is one you may want to gloss over after your initial visit. Players access this area through Auntie Ethel’s domain.
Here, Koa-Toa worship a figure called BOOOAL, raising significant ethical dilemmas, including the possibility of sacrificing a companion for BOOOAL’s favor.
While this quest might appeal to players opting for darker choices, most would rather not irrevocably sacrifice a party member, especially since this choice has no bearing on the game’s conclusion.
As a result, this area can be easily skipped without regret.
2 Aite – Mass Effect 2
Bypass the Entire Planet to Evade a Futile Quest
Aite is the setting for the Project Overlord mission in Mass Effect 2, leading players through a tedious investigation of a potential VI outbreak. Despite some narrative implications for later titles, Project Overlord wastes your time.
The mission is a repetitive slog involving endless skirmishes with Geth, which quickly becomes monotonous and lacks innovation.
With minimal rewards to justify the effort, I always choose to skip Aite and the associated tasks.
1 Hundred Acre Woods – Kingdom Hearts
Primarily Mini-Games and Nostalgia
Kingdom Hearts is renowned for its intricate storyline, yet the purpose of the Hundred Acre Woods eludes me. Unless you’re a dedicated Winnie-the-Pooh fan, this segment is largely unnecessary.
Upon entering this whimsical realm, I waited for something significant to happen, expecting challenges to arise post the various mini-games and character reunions.
Instead, the Hundred Acre Woods continues as a realm filled with fluff without a substantial threat, transforming it into a purely nostalgic diversion more than a key adventure space. With countless other worlds to discover, this area ultimately proves to be a waste of time.
Being an entire world rather than just an area solidifies Hundred Acre Woods’ position at the top of our list of optional sections that players typically skip.
Leave a Reply ▼