Embarking on an adventure in many video games can often feel both daunting and exhilarating. These titles typically begin with players stripped of resources, abilities, and even weapons, demanding reliance on sheer intuition and strategic thinking. In these early stages, vulnerability is a constant threat, as enemies lurk nearby, eager to exploit your helplessness.
However, as players progress through the game mechanics and level up, they can transform from powerless novices into formidable characters that command respect and fear. Many games start with a steep difficulty curve, effectively pushing players to grind and engage with the gameplay to truly feel the progression. Here’s a curated list of exceptional games that begin with nothing and challenge you to build your power.
10.Witch
Everything Hurts
Noita, a 2D roguelike, immerses players in a harsh, punishing world where the path forward requires a significant time investment. Here, you must discover and blend a wide array of spells, making it an ideal starting point on this list. The gameplay involves navigating intricate environments where each pixel can lead to deadly consequences if approached carelessly. With its permadeath feature, players frequently experiment with different strategies and encounters through repeated runs, offering some of the most engaging combat and enchanting worlds for fans of magic.
9.Outward
Every Penny Counts!
Outward presents an open-world action RPG that provides a refreshing perspective by placing players in the shoes of a regular individual rather than a legendary hero. Stripped of any initial abilities or weapons, players are left to navigate the world independently and learn how to earn their keep. You find yourself shipwrecked with a debt hanging over your head, blamed for the sinking ship and pressured to repay it in just five days. Each decision influences the storyline, environment, and characters, making the combat system particularly rewarding as players evolve from underdogs to heroes.
8.Gothic 2
Grind-Heavy, Minimal Rewards
In contrast to its predecessor, Gothic II increases the stakes with a more difficult and less forgiving design. Players gain experience primarily through combat, leaving them vulnerable to the harsh environment and formidable foes at the outset. Even mastering the combat mechanics doesn’t guarantee an easy start, especially with its Night of the Raven expansion adding complexity and difficulty. Yet, by embracing the grind and focusing on leveling up, players can find joy in the intricate world and elaborate visuals, making Gothic II a standout title.
7.Grand Theft Auto: Vice City
One-Man Army
In Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, players take on the role of Tommy Vercitti, who emerges from a 15-year prison sentence with no support. Unlike other GTA protagonists, Tommy must navigate the treacherous underworld alone to build a criminal empire. Players must forge alliances while dodging betrayal from those closest to them. The vibrant 80s setting combined with an action-driven story and stellar voice acting makes Vice City a classic, especially with the anticipated arrival of GTA 6 in a similar neon-lit universe.
6.Fallout: New Vegas
What Happened in Vegas?
Set against a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas backdrop, Fallout: New Vegas allows players to step into the shoes of the amnesiac Courier. After a near-fatal encounter, you can choose various paths: tracking your assailants, joining factions, or freely exploring the vast world. While skill points can aid initial progression, the game’s true essence lies in crafting a personalized adventure on a blank canvas, offering players the opportunity to shape the narrative in countless ways.
5.Sons Of The Forest
Not A Cakewalk
In Sons of the Forest, players find themselves stranded on a sinister island filled with underground mutants and tribal adversaries while on a quest to rescue a missing CEO and his family. Starting without any gear, you must develop your crafting skills to survive, constructing both weapons and shelters. Acquiring stronger equipment becomes critical to overcoming the multiple threats on the island. While the game encourages group play, going solo offers a more immersive experience, challenging players to adapt strategies based on personal playstyles.
4.Project Zomboid
Don’t Mistake It For The Sims
Project Zomboid brings players into an isometric zombie survival experience within the Kentucky-inspired Knox County. Initiating the journey, you choose an occupation and traits but start with very limited resources. The unpredictable looting system and environment make it a challenging setup for newcomers. Players must focus on looting essential resources, resting efficiently, and evolving their skills while maintaining a singular goal: survival. Its addictive nature lies in the unending challenge and infinite replayability, making each session feel fresh and intense.
3.Rust
Hitting Constant Rock Bottoms
Similar to Project Zomboid, Rust is a multiplayer survival game where the battle is not just against the environment but also other players. You must scavenge for resources and blueprints to craft necessary tools, weapons, and create a safe haven. Surviving is frustratingly difficult, often faced with the risk of player ambushes that can reset your progress instantly. Survival elements like hunger and wildlife attacks compound the struggle, demanding quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Drawing from the experiences of over 200 hours in Rust, adaptability is essential for a successful gameplay experience.
2.The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Wake Me Up When It Ends!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild begins with Link awakening in a world devoid of memories, weapons, and allies. This title redefines exploration, offering players the freedom to roam at their discretion within a richly interactive open world. However, determination and grinding are still essential to progress through the game. As players defeat enemies, stronger variants replace them, necessitating enhancements to gear and combat skills. To expand your arsenal, tackling various dungeons, shrines, and side quests is crucial, making every discovery rewarding.
1.Often
Ruthlessly Brutal But Rewarding
Claiming the top position is Kenshi, an action RPG notorious for its merciless progression system. With sparse narrative and complete freedom, Kenshi challenges players in a hostile world where danger lurks at every corner. The barren desert setting punishes unprepared players, introducing them to a range of hostile creatures and adversaries. Throughout your journey, you have the option to go solo, recruit NPCs, or engage in risky business ventures to flourish. Players can explore various playstyles, including a unique pacifist run, adding to the game’s depth and variability.
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