10 Best Games Where You Start From Scratch

As you make your way through various games, it can feel both challenging and intriguing as you strive to advance your progress.

At first, you possess only your instincts and intellect as your tools for navigation, with no resources, weapons, or special skills at hand. Consequently, you’re exposed and susceptible to any adversary that may present itself.

As you ascend through the ranks and grasp the intricacies of the game, you ultimately transform into an unassailable character with immense power.

These games begin with challenging difficulty settings and don’t provide alternatives, making it necessary for players to advance, thereby experiencing the intensity of the game’s development firsthand.

Here are the best games where you start with nothing and work your way towards becoming invincible.

10. Noita

Everything Hurts

In simpler terms, Noita is a 2D game resembling the roguelike genre where players confront a relentless environment offering no quick escape; instead, progress requires substantial time investment.

Title Idea: “Crafting and Blending an Array of Spells from Scratch” – A great starting point for our collection!

In the game, it’s crucial that you navigate through a variety of settings, each one meticulously designed with pixels that seem determined to penalize you if you don’t familiarize yourself with their intricacies.

In this game, you need to explore multiple types of environments, where every pixel seems specifically programmed to catch you off guard and give you trouble unless you learn them well.

Since Noita includes permanent death, it usually compels you to explore its surroundings and enemies through numerous attempts.

This game provides exceptional magical combat and captivating realms, ensuring countless hours of gameplay if you’re a fan of sorcery. I assure you, it becomes more engaging as you become more familiar with its mechanics.

9. Outward

Every Penny Counts!

In a nutshell, “Outward” is an open-world Action Role Playing Game (RPG) where you take on the character of an ordinary individual, instead of a predestined hero.

In Outward, there’s no guidance or tools provided to help you make money. Instead, the game allows you to explore and understand its world on your own terms and timeline.

In unfortunate circumstances, you find yourself stranded during a journey intended to settle the loan known as the Bloody Price. To add to your misery, you’re accused of causing the shipwreck and given just five days to repay this debt.

Advancing through Outward’s game offers increased challenges, for the consequences of succeeding or falling short in missions are far-reaching. These decisions shape the plot, mold characters, and alter the expansive environment.

As a gamer, I must say, the battle system and mechanisms of this game aren’t exactly a walk in the park at first. But boy, does the journey from being a puny newbie to a mighty hero feel rewarding as you grind your way through!

8. Gothic 2

Grind-Heavy, Minimal Rewards

In comparison to its predecessor, Gothic II leans more towards brutality and offers fewer rewards. Instead of earning experience points by finishing quests, you primarily do so through battles.

In the beginning of this game, you may struggle due to its challenging environment and formidable array of supernatural adversaries. Even if you become proficient in its combat system, it remains difficult to make a powerful start.

The Night of the Raven expansion in Gothic II significantly increased the challenge level, as it introduced a fresh world and characteristics that appeared dauntingly complex for novice players.

Instead, it might be more effective to approach this with a mindset that says, “Let’s take on the challenge and grow from it by pushing through the hard work.

Regarding the topic, I find that among all the games in the series, Gothic II stands out as my preferred one due to its leisurely advancement, captivating and expansive open-world environment, and meticulously crafted artistic design.

7. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

One-Man Army

Among all the Grand Theft Auto protagonists, it’s just Tommy Vercetti who didn’t have the backing of a strong family or crew to lean on at the beginning. I mean, CJ had the Grove Street gang and his siblings, Niko had Roman Bellic, and so forth. Even I, starting from scratch, could use some help like that!

In the game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, your character, Tommy, spends fifteen years behind bars before being freed. Once out, you embark on a solo mission to establish and grow a criminal enterprise from scratch.

Prior to that, it’s crucial to establish strong relationships amidst peers who might be secretly hoping for your downfall or harboring intentions to backstab you.

I have a soft spot for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City because it offers an exhilarating 80s ambiance filled with intense action, a gripping narrative that unfolds rapidly, and top-notch vocal performances.

If Grand Theft Auto 6 is going to take you through the vibrant, neon-illuminated streets of Vice City, make sure not to pass up on this game if it’s new to you!

6. Fallout: New Vegas

What Happened in Vegas?

In a devastated landscape reminiscent of Las Vegas, Fallout: New Vegas functions as a side story within the Fallout series.

As the protagonist, you find yourself in a predicament, having suffered a loss of memory following a narrow escape from unidentified assailants, one of whom was wearing a checked shirt.

After finishing the introduction, numerous paths open up for you to follow. These paths encompass investigating those who attempted to assassinate you, aligning yourself with multiple groups, or immersing yourself in the game world by conversing with non-player characters (NPCs).

Instead of relying solely on initial stat investments, the developmental journey in New Vegas is largely about crafting your unique path, much like shaping a blank slate to your choosing.

With so many options available, you have the freedom to experiment with various strategies during each game session, thus shaping the post-apocalyptic landscape.

5. Sons Of The Forest

Not A Cakewalk

Following directly from The Forest and boasting enhancements, Sons of the Forest delivers heart-pounding action within its chilling, expansive environment.

On an enigmatic island teeming with subterranean mutants reminiscent of strange creatures, and inhabited by savage cannibal clans, your mission is to locate and rescue the missing CEO and his loved ones.

Starting with nothing, you’ll need to create tools like weapons and structures to help you endure your journey throughout.

The stronger gear you are equipped with, the easier it is to clear out its foes.

While Sons of the Forest offers an enjoyable multiplayer experience and simpler navigation, I find venturing alone provides a deeply immersive and personal journey that’s truly worth experiencing.

The storyline and rhythm of it truly captivate me, offering the flexibility for you to engage in combat or create based on your favored gameplay approach.

4. Project Zomboid

Don’t Mistake It For The Sims

In a lively, casual style: Packed with raw, undead excitement, Project Zomboid is an isometric zombie survival game, unfolding within the Kentucky-inspired post-apocalyptic landscape of Knox County.

Besides choosing your occupation and traits, the game doesn’t give you much to start with.

Starting off in this game might find you grappling with an unforeseeable loot distribution, making its initial layout rather tricky to navigate.

In order to simplify the game, you have multiple options to enhance your character’s abilities. But remember, it’s crucial that you scavenge necessary supplies, get adequate rest, and progress steadily. Utilize different strategies to survive longer in the apocalypse.

As a gamer, I don’t really care about winning or losing; all that matters is how long I can survive in this game.

For me, the appeal of Project Zomboid lies in its extended gameplay sessions and endless possibilities for repeat play.

I find myself hooked on Project Zomboid because of its lengthy gaming stretches and limitless chances to start anew.

Or even more casually:

What keeps me coming back to Project Zomboid is the fun I have in playing for long periods and the fact that there’s always something new to explore!

3. Rust

Hitting Constant Rock Bottoms

In line with its predecessor, Rust is a multiplayer game where you compete with other players, primarily emphasizing survival as the main objective.

To create a diverse collection of resources and designs for making tools, weapons, and equipment, you should focus on constructing your base from scratch.

It may sound simple to begin again after being eliminated, given that all your items are gone, but the reality is that in a matter of seconds, you could be taken out by another player. This means starting from scratch every time.

Beyond exacerbating your current discomfort, you’ll also have to manage numerous survival aspects such as preventing famine, evading animal assaults, and avoiding drowning, among other hazards.

Instead of merely wishing things will improve, it’s wise to stay alert and watch out for potential threats that might arise ahead.

Based on my personal experience, having spent more than 200 hours playing Rust solo: you’ll need to learn how to survive in its harsh environment by employing different tactics to prevent constant respawns or being plundered by fellow gamers.

2. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Wake Me Up When It Ends!

In most The Legend of Zelda games, Link is typically found awakening from a deep sleep. But in Breath of the Wild, the storyline deviates significantly as it strips him of his memories, the kingdom of Hyrule, and nearly all those dear to him.

On your adventure without any weapons, Breath of the Wild offers a wonderful opportunity for unrestricted exploration to your heart’s delight, owing to its dynamic open environment and non-conventional gameplay progression.

But that doesn’t mean you won’t have to grind your way through the game.

As a dedicated player immersed in Breath of the Wild, I’ve noticed an intriguing progression: once I surpass a specific enemy tally, they transform into more formidable adversaries. This challenge pushes me to up my game, to grow stronger myself.

As a seasoned adventurer in the realm of Hyrule, I’ve found that amassing resources isn’t just about taking down the main baddies. Clearing out hidden dungeons, mysterious shrines, and side quests tucked away in every corner can net you some serious loot. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon valuable items scattered across Hyrule or strike up conversations with certain NPCs that could lead to unexpected rewards. And let’s not forget the trusty old shop – it’s always got a fresh supply of gear to beef up your arsenal!

1. Kenshi

Ruthlessly Brutal But Rewarding

Leading the pack, Kenshi stands out as a captivating Action Role-Playing Game (RPG) where progression is brutally challenging, pushing players to grow stronger.

In Kenshi, you’re plunged into a sprawling, unstructured universe where survival is tough, and death could come unexpectedly at any moment, as the game provides little backstory or guidance.

In Kenshi, you’ll find a challenging environment, with a desolate desert as its backdrop, where relentless groups of adversaries, beasts, and mythical beings relentlessly test your perseverance.

On my journey, I find myself with the freedom to venture alone, collaborate with diverse non-player characters, or even engage in questionable business endeavors for profit and success.

As a fervent enthusiast, I’d say you can immerse yourself in its desolate, nightmare-like landscape, exploring various gameplay approaches tailored to your preference. Among these options is the tranquil, non-violent approach known as a pacifist run.

Despite their earlier ability to one-shot us, there’s a sense of fulfillment when we manage to defeat those tough mobs who once proved overwhelming, now that we’ve grown stronger.

2025-04-08 18:11