Top 10 Games Where Save-Scumming Is Crucial for Success

Save Scumming has evolved into a strategic gameplay technique, prevalent in various video games. While some titles impose restrictions on saving during critical moments, others allow players to save at any point—even during intense combat scenarios. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial as it mitigates the risks associated with exploration and leveling up in expansive open-world environments.

Although Save Scumming can lead to addictive behaviors, it often becomes essential for maintaining your sanity throughout challenging gameplay segments. Let us explore several titles that embrace this mechanic and make it nearly indispensable for players aiming to tackle the most difficult encounters.

10 Skyrim

These Lands Are Dangerous

Mirmulnir flies circles around a watchtower in the fog in Skyrim.

Regarded as one of the most expansive games in history, Skyrim is packed with content that can lead players into unexpected peril. Imagine returning to town post-quest only to be ambushed by a dragon. In such a scenario, the instinct to save your progress immediately becomes apparent—perhaps multiple times to ensure you’re in the clear.

9 Baldur’s Gate 3

The Dice Are Brutal

Baldur's Gate 3 Giant Barbarian in Combat

In Baldur’s Gate 3, narrative complexity meets the randomness inherent in dice rolls. Players who aren’t meticulous with Save Scumming may find their experience quickly turning frustrating, as pivotal moments are determined by chance rather than skill. This mechanic is vital during intense boss fights, where lengthy battles can be thwarted by a single bad roll.

8 X-Com: Enemy Unknown

Life or Death

Featuring permadeath mechanics, X-Com: Enemy Unknown emphasizes the dire consequences of each decision. The potential for a permanent loss transforms every tactical maneuver into a high-stakes gamble. Save Scumming here isn’t merely a choice; it’s an essential strategy to preserve your team and enhance your gameplay experience.

7 Dishonored

A Delicate Dance

With its intricate stealth mechanics, Dishonored can be punishing if you aren’t careful. The game requires constant vigilance, as even the smallest slip can lead to alerting guards and chaos. Frequent saves are your best defense against inadvertently undoing hours of planned execution.

6 Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords

The Force is Strong with RNG

My introduction to Save Scumming came with Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, where complex combat sequences often hinge on unclear success rates. The ability to save before crucial moments means you can retry an attack without the fear of losing substantial progress, lending a layer of strategy to the gameplay.

5 Fire Emblem: Three Houses

You Don’t Want To Lose Your Allies

Edelgard pointing off-screen in Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Fire Emblem: Three Houses introduces intense battles where saving mid-fight is not just a convenience, but a necessity to protect your allies. The potential for unit loss creates high stakes and encourages Save Scumming to re-strategize whenever things go awry.

4 Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

You Didn’t Ask For This

In Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, the player’s multiple approaches to missions can lead to unintended consequences. Save Scumming becomes crucial in scenarios where a dialogue or tactical misstep might otherwise lead to an undesirable outcome.

3 Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

The World is Too Real

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 offers a deeply immersive experience that demands player investment in saving through a unique potion system. Collecting ingredients for Saviour Schnapps allows players to save whenever tactical scenarios demand it, ensuring that you can prevent missteps that might result in failure.

2 Starfield

Choices Have Consequences

Starfield may initially appear straightforward, but the complexity of its decisions enhances the need for Save Scumming. The potential for significant consequences from your choices makes saving at crucial moments imperative, especially when exploring vast opportunities and challenges.

1 Divinity: Original Sin 2

The Boss Fights Last Forever

Wooden Fortress in Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is notorious for its complex gameplay and challenging boss battles that often require extensive Save Scumming. Design decisions lead to scenarios that can become unwinnable without the option to save frequently, especially in chaotic settings demanding precision.

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