10 Best Games That Don't Treat Players Like Idiots

It’s not uncommon these days for games to offer extensive guidance, which can sometimes be overly restrictive or limiting. While initial instructions are beneficial when starting a new game, some titles cross the line by providing excessive help.

Poorly designed games may belittle your intellect by insulting it or force you through tedious, unskippable tutorials. Conversely, many games recognize that there’s a thinking mind within you and challenge it effectively.

Keeping this thought in mind, I’d like to share a few intriguing titles that will stimulate your intellect if you wish to fully appreciate them.

I’ve made an effort to include diverse game genres, ensuring there’s a choice suitable for all tastes. I’ve steered clear of games that intentionally confuse players, as these tend to appeal to niche audiences instead.

10. Final Fantasy XIV

The Right Amount Of Hand Holding

Final Fantasy XIV is widely recognized as one of the top-rated massively multiplayer online games globally. Despite its use of numerous dialogue boxes, this aspect is seldom deemed excessive.

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but marvel at the intricacies of Final Fantasy XIV. With more than 20 distinct ‘Jobs’, each offering a unique moveset and optimal damage sequence, it’s a game that never ceases to amaze me. The skills for each Job are gradually unveiled as you progressively level them up, but what I find particularly refreshing is Square Enix’s hands-off approach to each profession. It allows for a sense of personal growth and exploration in the game, making every adventure unique.

The trade-off is you’ll have to delve into research beyond the game for maximum DPS, a common aspect of this genre. Once you grasp the fundamentals, FFXIV offers the freedom to discover Eorzea as per your rhythm, catering to both dedicated and casual players alike.

9. Escape From Tarkov

Die, Learn, Repeat

Escape From Tarkov” is a challenging first-person shooter game that’s known for its toughness. It isn’t suitable for those who prefer a gentle experience; instead, if it catches your interest, prepare to bid farewell to your spare moments.

This game has a well-earned tough reputation, and even after investing 100 hours into it, many players would consider you a beginner. However, the game itself isn’t complicated; there’s just a wealth of content to explore. It might take only a few play sessions for you to grasp the gameplay mechanics, but mastering them against other players could take significantly longer. The crafting system for weapons is remarkably detailed and enjoyable to tinker with.

In this game, there aren’t just any ordinary maps; they leave much to be desired. However, you can find alternative resources if needed. But here’s the kicker – this game, unlike anything I’ve encountered before, values knowledge and experience like no other.

8. Monster Hunter Wilds

A Capcom Flagship

In simpler terms, “Monster Hunter Wilds” offers the greatest ease of access in the entire series, yet it by no means diminishes one’s intellectual capacity while playing.

As an experienced Monster Hunter player, I found it a tad inconvenient that I couldn’t completely turn off the tutorials. However, most text boxes are primarily used to explain new game mechanics, and they will only reappear if you deliberately look for them in your Hunter Log.

In simpler terms, “Wilds” is a comprehensive game with numerous interconnected mechanisms. Despite its intricate nature, “Wilds” manages to be quite hands-off at times, ensuring that intense monster battles remain uninterrupted by unnecessary information.

7. Bloodborne

Yes, I Want A Remaster Too

It was only a matter of time before a game in the Souls-like genre found its way onto the list. Although these games have a reputation for being challenging and sparing with guidance, they usually aren’t deliberately confusing.

In my opinion, the game I most enjoy from FromSoftware is none other than Bloodborne. Given this preference, it seems fitting to suggest it. The city of Yharnam in this game is a merciless environment where you must explore and learn on your own, beyond the absolute fundamentals.

There are numerous pitfalls for beginners, tough opponents, and plenty of instances where one might find themselves utterly disoriented. However, the challenge level increases steadily most of the time, with only a few notable exceptions that are quite steep.

From Software games are renowned for providing players with opportunities to learn from their errors, as it’s often said that mistakes serve as valuable lessons.

6. Street Fighter 6

A Hardcore Fighter Made Accessible

In olden days, if you sought knowledge on mastering a fighting game, it was necessary to delve into the remotest, most obscure sections of Fighting Game Community (FGC) forums. However, in today’s world, you possess the means to uncover information independently.

Street Fighter 6 is a highly engaging fighting game that offers a World Tour mode where you can engage with series veterans and customize your own combatant. The tutorials and training modes are exceptionally comprehensive and user-friendly, making them stand out in the genre without talking down to players.

Fighting games can be challenging, but Street Fighter 6 tackles this difficulty head-on without compromising the player’s experience. It offers a wealth of resources for learning character matchups, leaving the depth of mastery in your hands.

5. Tokyo Xtreme Racer

A Classic PS2 Racer Reborn

The game titled “Tokyo Xtreme Racer” is like a fulfillment of every street racing enthusiast’s dreams, as it provides an invigorating, nostalgic twist on the racing genre.

Genki’s racing games are recognized for their detailed car customization features, and TXR 25 is no different. You’ll find yourself urged to experiment with your vehicle’s gearbox settings, suspension, and tire configurations. Be warned, if you’re not careful, you could end up damaging your ride. However, few games in the racing genre offer as much satisfaction when you eventually find a setup that suits your style.

In Tokyo Xtreme Racer, they don’t explicitly detail what each car setting does, yet they also don’t provide extensive explanations. If you choose, you can race on the C1 Loop with an unmodified vehicle, but there’s a vast array of customization options for those who are willing to explore deeper.

4. Dragon’s Dogma 2

Let’s Get To Work, Arisen

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an exceptional open-world RPG that can be surprisingly unforgiving.

In a visually stunning, fantastical setting that dwarfs the original’s map in size, we find DD2. This game boasts numerous interwoven mechanics which, though thoroughly explained, can sometimes be overlooked by novice players due to their complexity.

For example, there’s no quick travel option available other than a horse-drawn cart in the dark, pitch-black night. The combat is merciless, particularly for those who haven’t played the original game, making it easy to feel trapped and struggle to find a way out.

As you get accustomed to DD2, things seem to fall into place more smoothly, however, it might require a bit of trial and error initially, and the game usually doesn’t offer much guidance along the way.

3. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

A Roguelite Masterclass

Over the past few years, the Roguelike genre has significantly grown in appeal, and “The Binding of Isaac: Repentance” continues to be one of the most impactful and cherished games within this category.

In TBOI, you’re largely on your own to explore most areas, with only a handful of rudimentary hints scribbled on the basement floor as guidance. This game is fundamentally straightforward in terms of mechanics, but a significant aspect of its charm lies in figuring out the function of each item.

In the game called TBOI, numerous items interact in unique ways, creating a multitude of astonishing combinations. No other game within its genre has managed to replicate this level of synergy and variety. The sheer quantity of items can be overwhelming, leading some players to utilize an item-identifying mod for assistance.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say, the mod is totally up to you. If you give it a try and learn a bit about its ins and outs, the gaming experience can be extraordinarily satisfying.

2. Hollow Knight

Defining A Genre

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that Hollow Knight stands out as one of my favorite Metroidvanias. The game’s charm lies in its rewarding exploration and the thrill of adapting to fresh challenges that keep popping up.

You don’t get explicit instructions but instead receive guidance from NPCs, and after a quick tutorial, you can independently navigate Hollowest. The controls are straightforward, and if you have experience with 2D platformers, the gameplay will feel instantly recognizable.

Hollow Knight secures a unique position on the list due to the increasing buzz about its upcoming sequel, Silksong. For those eager to immerse themselves in a stunning, albeit melancholic, fantasy realm, this game is definitely worth exploring.

1. Phasmophobia

Ghost Hunting 101

In simpler terms, “Phasmophobia” is an exceptional game that combines elements of horror and detective work. You and your team attempt to discover which ghost is causing the disturbance on a given map, using an assortment of creative and effective ghost-hunting tools.

As a fresh gamer diving into this game, there’s a helpful tutorial to guide me. Once I conquer that, though, I’m left to my own devices. Luckily, a journal I carry around fills me in on every ghost, and it’s my responsibility to scrutinize the entries and unravel the mysteries.

Regrettably, the Journal contains a few entries that stretch or entirely distort the truth. Nonetheless, it boasts some remarkable community-created resources which are not necessarily indispensable, unless one is keen on mastering the finer details of Phasmophobia.

2025-04-21 16:10

10 Best Games That Don’t Treat Players Like Idiots