Embarking on an adventure with nothing but rusted gear or a desperate escape from captivity has long been a staple in role-playing games (RPGs).However, some titles elevate this concept by immersing players in the life of a complete nobody, vulnerable and without resources. This dynamic not only emphasizes character development but also presents thrilling challenges for those who appreciate a true “zero-to-hero”narrative.
The games featured in this list plunge players into the depths of adversity, demanding resilience and resourcefulness as you fight to carve out your identity and change your fate. While they may be relentless in their difficulty, the rewarding nature of these experiences ultimately leads to a profound sense of accomplishment.
10 Pathologic 2
Complete Nobody In A Plague-Stricken Town
Pathologic 2 thrusts you into the role of a surgeon navigating a town ravaged by plague. From the onset, you confront a harrowing landscape filled with disease, distrust, and hunger. This harsh environment is compounded by the unwelcoming nature of the townsfolk, making every step feel perilous.
Initially, the game seems punishing for the sake of difficulty; however, as you progress, you uncover the intentional design behind its challenges. While you may feel like the last hope against the plague, you’re reminded that you cannot save everyone nor complete every quest. This brutal honesty about survival enhances the gameplay experience, prompting you to embrace the struggle and grow from it.
For newcomers, Pathologic 2 serves as an excellent entry point into the series, representing a modernized reimagining of the original. Its unique blend of surreal storytelling, symbolism, and existential themes promises an unforgettable journey.
9 Gothic 2
At The Deep End Of A Forsaken Land
In the realm of RPGs, starting weak serves as a narrative device to illustrate character progression. The Gothic series, particularly its inaugural entry, amplifies this theme of suffering and indifference from the very beginning.
Your journey begins as a nameless convict thrown into a magical open-air prison, surrounded by hostile inhabitants. The initial cutscene leaves no room for doubt about your status: you are a nobody. In spite of clumsy controls and dated visuals, Gothic draws players into its rich, multifaceted world populated by intriguing factions and unforgettable characters.
The game masterfully blends progression, combat, and narrative, crafting a cohesive experience that still resonates with players today. Gothic pioneered elements such as open-world exploration and complex interactive factions, laying the groundwork for innovations in contemporary RPGs.
8 Often
Brutal And Unforgiving
Kenshi presents a uniquely punishing experience where each moment counts. Players either struggle for survival or spend countless hours transforming a band of misfits into powerful rulers of the wasteland. It’s a game devoid of mercy; players are thrust into a harsh reality where even basic survival feels like an uphill battle.
Unlike many RPGs that offer some initial equipment, Kenshi provides a crushing start—you barely possess enough to survive the initial onslaught of foes. However, this realism contributes to the game’s enjoyment. Overcoming obstacles feels genuinely rewarding, crafting an authentic ascent from despair to power.
The game’s challenges resonate with escapists and those who thrive in competitive environments, as Kenshi’s struggle weaves into its core narrative, drawing players back time and again.
7 Dragon Age: Inquisition
Familiar Premise, Solid Execution
As a devoted fan of Dragon Age, I appreciate how Dragon Age: Inquisition masterfully executes a familiar RPG narrative. Within a genre rife with hero myths, BioWare’s expertise in storytelling and dialogue shines through.
Players assume the role of the Inquisitor, starting as an undeniable nobody amidst a political and supernatural storm. Unlike traditional setups in RPGs, the game immerses you in an environment where every non-playable character (NPC) questions your worth and impact.
Despite wielding a pivotal role in the narrative—the Herald of Andraste, tasked with closing demonic rifts—the game successfully underscores the protagonist’s humble beginnings, ensuring that you remain grounded throughout your journey.
6 Dark Souls
Husk Of A Soul
Dark Souls stands as a pivotal RPG that redefined player expectations within the genre. With its unwavering commitment to challenge, players face a world indifferent to their struggles. In the early moments, players are often overwhelmed, challenged by formidable foes that necessitate careful strategy and determination.
Starting with minimal equipment—if any—Dark Souls emphasizes the journey from weakness to strength. Each triumph becomes a testament to skill and persistence. This paradigm pushes players to invest considerable time into mastering the mechanics, reinforcing why its legacy endures.
Even as players grapple with feelings of insignificance, every choice they make holds weight within the game world, lending an unmatched depth to the experience.
5 Disco Elysium
You Only Have Shame And Vague Memories
Disco Elysium boldly plunges you into the depths of despair as you control an amnesiac detective, devoid of gear and dignity. The game excels at presenting a psychological journey, emphasizing self-discovery amidst chaos.
Unlike conventional RPGs where you quickly gather equipment and quests, Disco Elysium invites players to engage with their fractured psyche and the world around them, highlighting the importance of understanding one’s self as a catalyst for growth.
This rare approach allows for deep character development, making each moment of progression profoundly impactful and showcasing the unique potential of RPG storytelling.
4 Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord
A Complete Nobody In A Land In Turmoil
As the anticipated sequel to Mount and Blade: Warband, Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord expands the universe, enhancing role-playing elements significantly. Players commence their journey as an inconsequential peasant in a land filled with turmoil, yet the game offers limitless possibilities for growth.
You can aspire to become a ruler, a powerful trader, or engage in moral quandaries. The path is yours to choose. Each beginning is humbling, starting with nothing but the will to survive amidst lurking dangers.
3 Fallout: New Vegas
You Have Nothing, Not Even Your Memories
Among the finest entries in the Fallout series, Fallout: New Vegas allows you to step into the shoes of Courier 8, who begins their journey with a bullet between the eyes and no recollection of their past. The absence of memory signifies a true starting point, as you navigate through a landscape filled with potential.
This allows players to transform from a mere individual with a bullet in their head to a powerful figure who can alter the fate of the Mojave Wasteland. The arc is exceptionally rewarding, as the growth from nothing to significant influence feels especially gratifying.
2 Outward
A Nobody With Tons Of Debt
Outward deviates from the conventional format of beginning with nothing; instead, it thrusts players into a world burdened by the weight of significant debt. This financial strain propels you into diverse adventures uniquely suited for your situation.
Right from the outset, Outward challenges you with practical survival scenarios, refraining from the typical hand-holding narratives often encountered in RPGs. Navigating the world feels raw and significant, motivating players to overcome their circumstances and confront their debt head-on.
The game’s unforgiving nature, devoid of markers and conveniences, truly embodies the essence of a relentless RPG experience, ensuring every success is earned through grit and perseverance.
1 The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
The Ultimate Zero-To-Hero Experience
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, while showing its age, remains a quintessential RPG for those seeking deep, challenging progression. The game immerses you in a world that is as indifferent to your existence as it is expansive, offering no guidance or support.
Armed only with a rusty dagger, players must navigate the landscape and forge their own destiny amidst apathy. Morrowind stands out for its unforgiving nature, firmly establishing itself as a classic example of the “zero-to-hero”archetype, and proves that true growth comes from overcoming adversity.
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