Best RPGs Where Exploration Is Exhausting

Summary

Overwhelmingly large game worlds can make exploration feel exhausting and hinder the overall gaming experience.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Starfield have large worlds with content that can lead to player fatigue.
Games like Dark Souls 2 and Pathologic 2 feature tense exploration that can drain players quickly.

A successful game, particularly those centered around exploration, should masterfully deliver this experience. Role-playing games are no less demanding in this regard, as many gamers delight in navigating expansive landscapes filled with diversions that keep their curiosity piqued and satisfaction high.

Sometimes, certain games have such expansive and unwieldy worlds that exploring them becomes a tiring chore. Even though other aspects of the game might be well-crafted, the exploration can become a drag after a while, causing players to limit their time spent on it lest they begin to resent the overall experience.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

The Exhaustion Caused By This Game’s Open World Caused Fans To Beg For A Return To The Series’ Basics

Although many fans admired how Assassin’s Creed was trying to refresh its gameplay style, mimicking The Witcher 3 worked well for a while. However, fans were already growing weary of this strategy by the time Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was released.

As an avid fan, I must admit that while there are numerous aspects to love about

Starfield

The Procedural Generation Can Make Some Planets A Chore To Explore

Starfield might have been a triumph for Bethesda, but unfortunately, the game sacrificed one of its key strengths to increase the number of planets. The numerous loading screens in this game are already annoying, but it’s even more frustrating when players encounter them after traveling through space, only to find an uninteresting procedurally generated planet.

Instead of saying “The fact that players should ideally avoid these distractions in the game takes away from the magic of exploration that Bethesda games rely on,” you could rephrase it as: “Avoiding distractions during gameplay diminishes the enchantment of exploration, a key aspect of Bethesda’s games. This is one factor contributing to divided opinions about Starfield among gamers.

Dark Souls 2

Exploration Isn‘t As Great As That Of Its Predecessor, And The Game Is Also Full Of Ambushes

As a devoted admirer, I must admit that Dark Souls 2 isn’t perfect, but it has a special charm that keeps us hooked. Yet, I can’t ignore the exasperating exploration aspects in this game. Instead of preserving the intricate interconnectedness seen in its predecessor, it opts for labyrinthine regions filled with unexpected ambushes and challenging adversaries, making progress tougher than ever.

Over time, the characteristic fear that FromSoftware fans often experience is transformed into a mounting feeling of fatigue as players persistently encounter repeated, seemingly unfair deaths. This recurring challenge contributes significantly to why some view Dark Souls 2 as one of the more controversial installments in the series.

As players advance, they find themselves increasingly drained by the repetitive, seemingly unjust deaths. This aspect makes Dark Souls 2 a game that elicits strong opinions within the series.

STALKER: Clear Sky

The Toughest STALKER Game By A Country Mile With Tense Exploration

In every STALKER game, you’ll encounter challenging gameplay and intense exploration. However, Clear Sky takes this experience to an entirely higher level, as the initial stages of the game swiftly demonstrate its unyielding nature.

In this game, exploration can feel quite exhausting as players venture into unknown territories, constantly dodging gunfire, escaping attacks, or getting bogged down after gathering loot for some time. Fortunately, the distinctive STALKER gameplay keeps players eager to return each day with renewed vigor, but they’ll likely find themselves exhausted all over again on their next journey.

Pathologic 2

Dying Incurs Penalties That Make Exploration A Nerve-Racking Affair

Pathologic 2 isn’t designed for those who prefer quick games. The exploration is tense, and death brings consequences that can last throughout the game. If a player chooses to undo these effects, they might have to relinquish access to one of the game’s multiple endings.

As a devoted fan, I find that each move in Pathologic 2 is filled with tension, which can quickly leave me feeling drained. So, I often choose to engage in short, focused sessions to keep my energy levels up, even when the game’s challenging mechanics get the better of me. Yet, it’s worth it for the captivating storyline and distinctive atmosphere that this game offers.

Kenshi

Exploring The World Can Be Tiring, Especially When Players Have No Idea What To Expect

In a casual manner, Kenshi thrusts players into a barren, unforgiving landscape in which mere survival isn’t automatic. Regardless of players mastering techniques like accumulating skills, stockpiling wealth, and assembling numerous allies, the struggle for existence remains an ongoing challenge.

Over time, the sheer size of this game’s vast open world may become overwhelming for players, leading to feelings of exhaustion. It’s important in such cases to step away for a while and return with renewed energy and perspective. Doing so can significantly help in building up the strength needed to face tougher opponents and discover new paths for advancement.

Fear & Hunger

Players Will Cross Their Fingers And Hope That Exploring A Dungeon Doesn’t End Their Run

Experience Fear & Hunger” is not for the squeamish or timid. This game is deeply atmospheric, with a heavy, unsettling tone that sets in right from the start. In fact, players could find themselves brutally attacked by wolves as soon as they begin their journey within this game.

It’s obvious that this game promises an intense, nerve-wracking experience while exploring, as players will need to constantly remain alert to avoid surprise attacks by formidable enemies. Over time, the constant vigilance required during exploration can become exhausting, potentially leading to mistakes that cause players to fail and restart their journey from the beginning.

Final Fantasy 12

The Incessant Hunts Can Make Exploration Feel Draining

Despite the remarkable nature of Final Fantasy 12, it’s worth noting that its Hunt system, which involves accepting contracts and repetitively revisiting powerful enemies, has started to feel somewhat outdated. Over time, this repetitive gameplay can grow quite tedious.

In simpler terms, while the Zodiac Age feature in the game might help speed things up, it’s not a perfect solution as it doesn’t tackle the fundamental issue. Playing multiple quests simultaneously won’t completely eliminate the tedious feeling of navigating through the vast areas of this grand RPG. However, once players begin to recognize the extraordinary qualities of Final Fantasy 12, they’re likely to overcome this monotony.

2025-08-26 03:35