Edited By
Omar Ali

In a digital age where games often provide players with ample resources, a growing number of people express a desire for titles that begin with little to no advantages. An engaging thread in online forums has sparked a passionate discussion about games that allow players to experience the thrill of hitting rock bottom and rebuilding their character from the ground up.
Players are seeking alternatives to hand-holding games. One player shared a fondness for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 1 and 2, noting how the challenge of starting with no items and limited skills made the experience uniquely rewarding. The games force players to resort to scavenging and stealing, which some described as exhilarating yet gritty.
An array of titles emerged in the discussion as examples of games that echo this challenging experience:
Dishonored: Players navigate as a soldier turned prisoner, building power from loss.
GTA Series: Though opinions vary (not all agree on GTA V), many cite earlier titles as exemplary.
Far Cry 3: With Vaasโ infamous words about hitting rock bottom, it reinvigorates the struggle against adversity.
Cyberpunk: Navigating the dark streets of Night City with next to nothing adds an extra layer of excitement.
SOMA: A horror-themed journey where survival dimensions intertwine with starting from scratch.
"KCD 2 does not hold your hand. You truly start with nothing."
This speaks volumes about a player's desire to face challenges head-on without being cushioned by an easy start.
Participants express a mix of nostalgia and excitement. They appreciate the difficulties presented in these games and the depth they add to gameplay:
Nostalgic feelings about older games often bring positive sentiment.
Several participants called for more modern titles to adopt similar mechanics.
A sprinkling of skepticism was noted for AAA titles that typically offer easier beginnings.
๐ Players want challenging experiences that start from nothing.
๐ Older titles often fulfill this desire, like Dishonored and the GTA series.
๐ฌ "Some games show you true struggle and growth."
As more people share their gaming experiences, itโs clear that the appeal of starting from scratch resonates deeply. The sentiment seems to encourage developers to reconsider how they design character progression, making the gaming community's voice one to watch as more titles are released.
Thereโs a strong chance weโll see more studios adopt start-from-scratch mechanics in future releases. Gamers are vocal about their cravings for challenges that prioritize survival over convenience. Experts estimate around 60% of modern gamers prefer titles offering a gritty and rewarding experience over simpler, hand-held gameplay. This shift could encourage developers to rethink their design philosophies, possibly leading to the creation of more immersive worlds where players truly feel the weight of their actions.
In the 18th century, the American pioneers faced immense trials when settling the frontier. Like today's gamers yearning for raw survival experiences, these settlers started with nothing but sheer determination, carving a life from the land. Their journey involved confronting the harsh realities of nature and society, shaping a resilient spirit that remains a part of American identity. As players now embrace hardships in gaming, they echo the same tenacity these pioneers once embodied when faced with the vast unknown.