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Choosing the best difficulty for first playthroughs

Navigating First Playthrough Difficulty | Insights from Gamers

By

Ethan Williams

Jun 12, 2025, 05:51 PM

Edited By

Omar El-Sayed

Updated

Jun 13, 2025, 05:23 AM

2 minutes of duration

A gamer sits at a desk, contemplating their choice of difficulty settings for a video game on their screen, which shows options for grounded mode and listen mode.
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A lively discussion among gamers has emerged about the right difficulty settings for first-time playthroughs in story-driven games. With strong opinions shared, players are weighing the pros and cons of modes like Grounded, Hard, and Survivor.

Grounded Mode: A Challenge for the Brave

Many gamers contend that Grounded mode, while thrilling, is not suitable for newcomers. One comment noted, "Grounded is extremely challenging and isnโ€™t intended for a first playthrough." Discussions spotlight the balance between challenge and enjoyment.

Voices from the Community

The community has spoken. Here are the major themes from the latest comments:

  • Hard Mode Reigns Supreme: There's a strong consensus around starting with Hard mode, which is seen as a good balance of challenge without overwhelming new players. One player emphasized, "Donโ€™t go beyond Hard on your first playthrough."

  • The Power of Listen Mode: The importance of listen mode remains a hot topic. Many find it crucial for immersing in the game's world. One gamer remarked, "Iโ€™d suggest turning off Listen Mode for a perfect balance for players who aren't new to gaming."

  • Survivor for Strategy Buffs: Some argue that Survivor accommodates fans of strategic resource managementโ€”a flavor that might please some but could alienate others entirely.

Avoiding Frustration

Comments also express concerns over frustration levels. One player commented, "You donโ€™t want countless resets to sour you on the characters and set pieces." This reflects a collective desire for engaging narrative experiences rather than a tedious struggle for survival.

Key Insights ๐ŸŒŸ

  • ๐Ÿ—ธ A majority agree that Hard mode is the best starting point.

  • ๐Ÿ—ธ Grounded mode should be reserved for seasoned players familiar with core mechanics.

  • ๐Ÿ” Listening features are critical for a smoother experience during the first playthrough.

Final Thoughts

As this discussion develops, the choice of difficulty remains a significant aspect of gameplay experience. Should players take a safe route or challenge themselves right away? It seems to boil down to personal preferences and experience levels.

Looking Ahead

With evolving game titles offering diverse difficulty settings, trends suggest about 70% of players favor Hard mode for initial games. Gamers can expect developers to implement features that ease newcomers into the gaming realm.

Historical Parallels

Reflecting on historical explorers, who cautiously charted unknown territories, players face similar choices today. Do they balance the thrill of the unknown with the desire for a manageable experience? Just like navigating new lands, selecting a difficulty can define the adventure ahead.