Games That Are Best Played With No HUD

The heads-up display, often called the HUD, is now a common part of video games. Many games from the 1980s and 1990s were very challenging, so the HUD helped guide players and made the experience more fun and understandable. However, large mini-maps or visible crosshairs can sometimes pull players out of the game, reminding them that it’s still just a video game.

These days, most games let players either turn off the HUD completely or reduce it so it’s less distracting. Given how realistic many video games look now, removing the heads-up display can make players feel more immersed in the game world. This is particularly true for the fantastic games listed below, which are best experienced without any HUD elements on the screen.

The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

Venture Through Hyrule Without Getting Distracted By On-Screen Icons

Man, Tears of the Kingdom is seriously gorgeous, and Nintendo really understood that. They kept the heads-up display (HUD) pretty minimal so we could really lose ourselves in Hyrule. But honestly, I think it’s even better to turn the HUD off completely in the settings, and here’s why. First off, Tears of the Kingdom is easily one of the best-looking games on the Switch, and with the Switch 2 upgrade, the visuals and frame rate are just incredible. It really makes a difference!

So, the most immersive way to enjoy this beautiful world is to turn off the on-screen markers and symbols. These can distract you from the stunning locations Link explores during his journey. Turning off the HUD also enhances the game’s survival aspects. Instead of depending on indicators telling you if you’re getting warmer or colder, you’ll have to carefully observe Link himself. This means paying attention to whether he needs different clothing or perhaps a spicy pepper or two to stay warm in cold areas.

Battlefield 1

Experience The True Chaos Of An All-Out War Without Any Prompts Or Guidance

The Battlefield series has always aimed to give players a believable and captivating war experience, but Battlefield 1 really took things further. From the soldiers yelling at the start of each match, to the incredibly detailed sound effects, and even the massive amount of destruction you can cause to the environment, this game tries its best to fully immerse you in the action. To get the most out of it, though, players who want complete immersion should consider turning off the HUD in the settings menu.

I’ve been playing, and honestly, ditching the minimap and objective markers makes each battle feel way more intense and real. It really forces you to pay attention to the incredible map and soldier designs – they’re seriously good. Now, I’d say turning off the HUD is best for players who already know their way around Battlefield 1. It *does* make it harder to quickly figure out who’s on your team and who’s the enemy, but if you’ve already got a good handle on the game, this little tweak will definitely make your matches way more immersive.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Explore Skyrim At Your Leisure

As a huge Skyrim, fan, I’ve noticed it’s so easy to get caught up in rushing to every objective marker on the map. But honestly, I think that actually *takes away* from what makes Skyrim so amazing – the exploration! I recently started playing without a HUD, and it’s made traveling so much more fun because I get lost way more often. This world is just *filled* with caves, temples, and villages, each with its own enemies and treasures. It’s easy to miss all of that when you’re just focused on the main story, though. Playing without the HUD really encourages you to discover everything Skyrim has to offer.

Bethesda games are famous for letting players explore and do what they want, and turning off the heads-up display makes the world of Skyrim feel even more realistic. This is particularly true for the newer versions of Skyrim, which look fantastic. Without icons cluttering the screen, it’s easier to appreciate the scenery and stay immersed in the game.

Metro Exodus

Players Must Rely On Their Basic Instincts To Survive The Monster-Ridden Surface

Given that the Metro series focuses on surviving in a post-apocalyptic world, it makes sense that the games have a minimal HUD to keep players feeling tense. However, in Metro Exodus, players can increase the challenge by starting in Ranger Hardcore mode. This mode makes resources much harder to find and completely removes the HUD. This compels players to be very careful as they explore new locations, requiring them to manually track ammunition and rely on their own instincts to figure out where to go next.

Naturally, you’ll encounter many mutants affected by radiation, making travel challenging, but ultimately, the tension and fear they create are major reasons why Metro Exodus is so popular. The Ranger Hardcore mode is a real challenge, one that only the most skilled and resilient players will be able to conquer, so it’s absolutely worth giving it a try.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Turn Red Dead 2 Into An Even More Immersive Cowboy Simulator

Rockstar consistently aims to create games that feel like authentic life simulations, and Red Dead Redemption 2 is a prime example. The development team clearly put in extra effort to make the fundamental gameplay incredibly immersive and believable. However, a few small symbols and icons remain in the corners of the screen. While useful, these can sometimes break the feeling of being fully absorbed in the game due to their visual contrast with the environment.

Turning off these on-screen indicators definitely increases the difficulty, but it’s a worthwhile change because it motivates players to explore more freely. For instance, instead of depending on the minimap, players will have to learn paths between places like their camp and the nearest town through experience. They’ll also need to pay attention to Arthur’s weight and make sure he’s eating appropriately. Ultimately, all of this transforms Red Dead Redemption 2 into a complete cowboy experience, allowing players to truly live as an outlaw without the game interfering.

The Last Of Us Part 2

Amplify The Horror While Increasing The Challenge

It’s frightening enough when a Clicker or aggressive infected person is lurking nearby, but The Last of Us Part 2 becomes truly terrifying when the on-screen display disappears. Without any helpful hints or guidance on the screen, players face a much greater challenge, making the scares feel ten times more intense and impactful.

Although The Last of Us Part 2 includes a feature where Ellie and Abby can locate enemies through walls by listening, the game is actually more fun if you don’t rely on it. The gameplay becomes more immersive when you have to actively listen for enemy sounds – like footsteps and conversations – to figure out where they are. This makes each successful encounter and kill feel more satisfying and earned.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Players Must Rely On Their Skills To Defeat Each Boss Without Any Assistance

Everyone knows that games in the Soulslike genre are really challenging, and this is Sekiro in particular. To succeed, you almost *have* to master timing your blocks perfectly to deflect enemy attacks. Beating a tough boss like a huge ogre or a skilled warrior after a long, hard fight feels amazing. However, if you get too much of an edge over your enemy, it can actually make the victory feel less rewarding.

This explains why many players choose to experience Sekiro without any on-screen display. It forces you to rely solely on your abilities in every fight. When you don’t have a HUD, remembering where items are and which prosthetic tool you have selected becomes crucial for winning boss battles. Players who finish the game this way can feel a real sense of accomplishment, knowing they completed it using only their own skill.

2025-09-30 03:35