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Top games where you start at rock bottom and rise up

Gaming After Rock Bottom | Fun Stories of Humble Beginnings

By

Nina Patel

Oct 22, 2025, 04:35 PM

Edited By

Samir Patel

2 minutes of duration

A video game character climbing from a rocky landscape towards a bright horizon, symbolizing growth and success
popular

A vibrant discussion erupted on forums about games that start players off in dire situations. With many sharing their experiences, itโ€™s clear that the theme resonates with gamers. Players love the challenge of crawling from the depths to glory.

The Thrill of Starting Low

Many players find unique enjoyment in games that feature low starting points. The comments reflected this sentiment well with games notorious for difficult beginnings, often leading to engaging gameplay.

Highlights from Feedback

  1. Unexpected Circumstances: One player noted, "You quite literally start the game off hungover out of your mind and no clothes." The amnesia twist adds depth, making this an exceptionally low start for a game character.

  2. Hardcore Survival Elements: Multiple commenters referenced titles like Outward and No Man's Sky, where characters endure extreme challenges early on, like shipwrecks or lands filled with toxic elements. Another shared, "CD DA, naked, house on fire zombie apocalypse just started."

  3. Philosophical Undertones: Some pointed out the depth of older games like Planescape: Torment, where players start with nothing, even a name, weaving intricate narratives around choices that define their journey. โ€œItโ€™s arguably the best written you truly do start with nothing,โ€ stated one enthusiastic commenter.

"This sets a dangerous precedent for the players," commented a user referencing the often brutal conditions found in survival genres.

Popular Titles Mentioned

Some notable games highlighted include:

  • Skyrim: Starting as a prisoner, players escape into chaos.

  • Dark Souls: Players start completely naked for an unforgiving experience.

  • Medieval Dynasty: Journey of a builder robbed of supplies.

  • Fable 2: Beginning as a child in tough circumstances, leading to a grand adventure.

Sentiment in the Comments

Overall, feedback leaned towards a positive reception, with players sharing excitement and nostalgia for these challenging starts. Many find that overcoming these hardships in games creates lasting satisfaction. It seems that the trend of starting low in games isnโ€™t just fun; it breeds a deeper connection with the characterโ€™s journey.

Key Insights

  • โšก Many players prefer games where they start from nothing.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Titles like Valheim and Cyberpunk 2077 gain traction for their challenging beginnings.

  • ๐Ÿงฉ "Every survival game???" brings out the humor in these tough starts.

As players continue to engage with such themes, it sparks curiosity. Will more developers choose to challenge players with these dramatic starts?

Gamers on the Rise: Whatโ€™s Next in Game Design?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers will continue to lean into themes of starting from nothing, as player feedback shows a clear appreciation for these experiences. With many gamers openly expressing their preference for titles that offer a gritty and challenging beginning, expect more indie studios and big names alike to craft narratives around humble starts. Experts estimate around 70% of new games could incorporate mechanics highlighting struggle, given current trends favoring emotional storytelling and player investment.

Echoes of History in Game Development

In the realm of film, the rise of independent filmmakers in the 1990s offers an interesting parallel to the rise of indie games today. Just as directors like Quentin Tarantino began their careers creating films with minimal budgets and personal stories, game developers are increasingly embracing narratives that reflect personal struggles and resilience. This shift not only resonates with audiences seeking authenticity but also fosters creative innovation, suggesting that the gaming industry is on the brink of a similar evolution as artists explore the depths of human experience through their characters.