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Struggling solo players: how to find joy in gaming

Struggling Solo Players | Finding Joy Amidst Gaming Frustrations

By

Sophie Patel

Mar 13, 2026, 01:01 AM

Edited By

Marco Silva

Updated

Mar 14, 2026, 08:14 AM

2 minutes of duration

A focused solo player immersed in a video game, smiling while holding a controller, surrounded by gaming gear and snacks.
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A surge of frustration grips solo players as they tackle challenges in a popular extraction shooter game. Many are voicing concerns about gameplay balance, especially with premature deaths leading to a sense of futility in their looting efforts.

The Current Solo Experience

Many individuals stepping into the extraction shooter report feelings of hopelessness. "Every loot I get feels pointless," shared one frustrated player. Despite promises of enjoyable solo gameplay, these expectations are often unmet for those without a dedicated squad.

Key Issues Solo Players Encounter

Insights from forums reveal recurring themes regarding difficulties in solo play:

  1. Surviving in a Tough Environment

  • High Time To Kill (TTK): The unforgiving TTK exacerbates challenges, as noted by one player who emphasized that "PvE is way overtuned for solo play."

  • Overwhelming Ambushes: Many players feel ganking ruins fair match dynamics. "Getting ganked feels extra harsh when you're solo," complained another gamer.

  1. Insufficient Resources

  • Lack of Health Supplies: Players are struggling to maintain a steady supply of shields and health kits. "I canโ€™t get a steady stock of shields/heals," lamented a user, reflecting the resource drought.

  • Frequent Loot Loss: The cycle of losing precious loot is leading to disillusionment. "It feels useless when I extract with good stuff, only to get shot in the back later," one player argued.

  1. Community Recommendations

  • Emphasis on Team Play: Forum comments are abundant with advice on improving solo experiences. One commenter recommended, "Play team fill. The game is designed for 3v3 Itโ€™s more manageable."

  • Social Media as a Resource: Other players suggest using platforms like Discord to connect with potential teammates. "Hit me up if you ever want to play," stated one community member, fostering a sense of support.

User Sentiments Reflect a Mixed Bag

While many express discouragement, some remain optimistic. "The solo experience is already viable," mentioned one player confidently, indicating varying perspectives on solo gameplay.

"Playing solo means failing nearly every time you go down," shared another frustrated user.

Yet some have fun playing alone or with teams, showcasing the diverse attitudes within the community. One player noted, "Playing in a trio with comms is really fun."

Recommendations for Improvement

  • Adopt Stealth Tactics: Solo players might find greater success through stealth, steering clear of direct confrontations when feasible.

  • Experiment with Various Classes: Trying different characters can boost chances of survival.

  • Engage in Community Building: Seeking connections might enrich the solo gaming experience.

Insights into Player Concerns

  • โŒ High TTK puts solo survival at risk.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Loot loss consistently frustrates gameplay.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Team strategies could enhance gameplay experience, though solo play remains appealing for some.

Moving Forward for Solo Gamers

Developers may respond to these concerns by refining gameplay balance. With around 60% of players engaged in solo modes likely seeking to collaborate, a push for improved mechanics might emerge. Enhanced survival opportunities and better resource management could alleviate current frustrations.

In a way, this echoes the origins of online multiplayer gaming, where players banded together to forge supportive environments. Today's solo players are discovering that collaboration can reshape their gaming experiences, paving the way for renewed joy amidst ongoing challenges.