Games That Don't Hold Players' Hands

Key Takeaways

Some games offer high challenge levels with no hand-holding, encouraging players to work for their accomplishments.
Darkest Dungeon, Outward, and Darkwood are examples of games that require patience, perseverance, and exploration to progress.
Games like Pathologic 2 and Escape From Tarkov provide immersive experiences with deep challenges, demanding players to make tough decisions.

As a seasoned gamer who’s weathered countless digital storms, I must say that these three games have left indelible marks on my gaming journey. Each one offers unique challenges and immersive worlds that demand your full attention.

For numerous individuals, video games serve as an enjoyable escape from their routine existence, primarily seeking uncomplicated play for relaxation. Yet, there are some who crave a more demanding experience. Generally speaking, most games profit from a tutorial that outlines the fundamental gameplay mechanics. Nevertheless, overly explaining everything to players can result in games lacking any real challenge.

Some video game creators intentionally take an unconventional approach. These games often feature challenging learning processes, complex narratives that aren’t immediately clear, or no predefined paths for players to follow. Instead of being guided step-by-step, these games challenge players to listen, learn, and improve in order to advance. Unlike many contemporary AAA games that cater to their players, these titles demand effort from the player. This can lead to frustrating situations, but it also provides a sense of achievement that is deeply rewarding and fosters a stronger bond between the player and the game.

7 Darkest Dungeon

An Unforgiving Adventure In Trauma

In this game, players delve into a harrowing realm of adventure, assuming command over a constantly changing band of combatants. They traverse ominous locales teeming with treasure and lethal adversaries, utilizing each character’s unique skills and weaponry. However, stress is the most formidable foe in this world. When pushed beyond their limits, characters may succumb to trauma, causing detrimental effects not only upon themselves but also upon their companions.

In the game Darkest Dungeon, players embark on a tough journey, guiding their characters towards what seems like inevitable doom. The objective isn’t about triumphing, but enduring. As players get stronger, they learn when it’s wise to retreat or engage in battle, earning better treasures and skills. Unlike many games that present ideas of power and might, Darkest Dungeon exposes the brutal reality of combat and its psychological impact on individuals.

6 Outward

A Harsh and Dangerous World to Explore

In contrast to its brief tutorial section, the engrossing fantasy survival RPG, Outward, offers scant preparation for the tough challenges that lie ahead. Once players venture into the main game, they soon realize they’re heavily in debt and risk losing their family home unless they can swiftly amass a substantial sum of money.

Exploring the vast world in ‘Outward’ isn’t a walk in the park. Foes are formidable and can swiftly end your character’s life if you’re not careful. Navigating the expansive map demands both persistence and a sharp memory, as there’s no mini-map to guide you; instead, you must rely on in-game landmarks to figure out where you are. To top it off, this game is a survival simulator, so you’ll need to keep an eye on your character’s thirst, hunger, and exposure to environmental dangers. Starting out can be tough, but as you learn the ropes and grow stronger, each new adventure becomes less daunting.

5 Darkwood

Become Isolated, with Dangers Lurking In the Dark

Among the eeriest games available, Darkwood is a nerve-wracking survival horror title that demands both patience and determination to advance. The action unfolds within a shrouded and perilous forest, creating an unsettling atmosphere of quiet apprehension. Initially, players are left with minimal means for self-defense, and fighting should be a last resort.

In essence, Darkwood offers minimal guidance, leaving it to the player to decipher objectives and destinations. Navigation involves both exhilaration and peril, as adversaries lurk just beyond vision. This game delivers an authentic horror experience devoid of jump scares, instead maintaining a constant sense of unease. Its engaging and difficult gameplay invites players to persist. Darkwood, a hidden treasure, promises one of the finest horror journeys for gamers and is destined to become a future cult classic.

4 Hollow Knight

Rewards Player Exploration

The game titled “Hollow Knight” is a highly praised Metroidvania title that has significantly influenced and elevated the genre since its release, setting new benchmarks for future games within the same category. Similar to numerous modern Metroidvania games, “Hollow Knight” draws inspiration from the Dark Souls series, featuring challenging boss battles, enigmatic storylines, and a lack of clear directions or paths. Initiating players of “Hollow Knight” may initially find themselves disoriented in the intricate labyrinthine tunnels of the initial area without a discernible route to advance further.

In contrast, the game Hollow Knight encourages exploration. Although its vast map can be intricate, every region stands out distinctively. As you unlock additional skills, new areas on the map become accessible, making these discoveries even more satisfying. Players are given the freedom to explore and uncover secrets themselves, leading to a strong feeling of accomplishment upon finding a new region or defeating a boss.

3 Dark Souls 3

A Challenging Boss Blocks The Way

The ‘Dark Souls’ game series gained popularity due to its tough difficulty, intricate storytelling through environments, and secretive quest paths that are not easily found. This is particularly noticeable in ‘Dark Souls 3’. Prior to the release of ‘Elden Ring’, many players experienced their initial encounter with the ‘Souls’ series through this game, a challenge that most had never before attempted.

In Dark Souls 3, novice players get initiated with a brief tutorial level populated by manageable foes. But don’t let that fool you! Before venturing into the main storyline, they’ll encounter their initial boss – Iudex Gundyr. While veterans might breeze through this fight, newcomers to the series should take note: this tutorial boss is a formidable test that many have found too tough to surmount. Dark Souls 3 wastes no time setting the tone, making it clear from the outset that this is just the start of numerous trials awaiting players. It’s up to each gamer to rise and conquer this first hurdle in their journey.

2 Pathologic 2

Creates an Increasing Sense of Urgency and Panic

The intricate survival role-playing game “Pathologic 2” serves as both a continuation and an updated version of the original “Pathologic”. This captivating story unfolds in a secluded Russian settlement where you have only twelve days, within the game’s timeline, to prevent a lethal epidemic from wiping out the townsfolk. Unlike many games, there is no predetermined path for you to follow. Instead, your journey involves engaging with numerous residents of the town and making difficult moral and ethical decisions while simultaneously trying to stay alive yourself.

In Pathologic 2, the opening lesson is an immersive and imaginative initiation into the game’s peculiar universe. However, this tutorial fails to foreshadow the pressure players will encounter later on. Unlike many games, time never halts in this one; instead, each day becomes increasingly bleak. The player is faced with numerous conflicting demands, and as time ticks away and the infection spreads, they must make life-or-death decisions about whom to save and whom to let perish. This game seems to encourage multiple playthroughs, as fresh opportunities unfold with each new adventure.

1 Escape From Tarkov

Complex and Unforgiving

In Tarkov, an exceptionally challenging multiplayer extraction shooter game, it has raised the bar for tactical first-person shooting experiences. Here, gamers embark on raids individually or as a team, with the objective of navigating to an extraction point while evading or engaging other players. The environment is ripe for exploration and looting, yielding items such as armor, firearms, medical equipment that can either be sold or utilized in future missions. When not engaged in a raid, players can offload their found goods or acquire new gear.

Escape from Tarkov is a gritty, in-depth survival shooter game where players are expected to face challenges. Unlike fast-paced games, it doesn’t move at a quick pace. If you get shot, you can potentially survive, but neglecting proper care can lead to death later due to bleeding. Weapons require frequent cleaning and maintenance. Engaging in combat necessitates strategic thinking and careful movement. Even simple actions like reloading or collecting loot have extended animation sequences that leave players vulnerable. Newcomers might find Tarkov particularly challenging, making it beneficial to start with an experienced player. However, for those seeking a realistic FPS experience with significant depth, few games can compare.

2024-09-03 01:35

Games That Don’t Hold Players’ Hands