RPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is Helpful

RPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is Helpful

Key Takeaways

  • Final Fantasy 8 scales enemies to the player’s level, promoting the Draw system.
  • In Dark Souls, staying at a low level benefits PVP modes.
  • Dragon Quest 7 discourages grinding to prevent class system issues.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that I’ve learned a thing or two about the art of strategic level management in video games. Each title has its unique quirks and challenges, and it’s fascinating to see how developers encourage players to approach their games differently.

For some individuals, playing RPGs and focusing on grinding helps them become extremely powerful for upcoming challenges. Yet, it’s not always the optimal approach. In certain games, developers have implemented mechanisms to prevent players from excessively defeating minor opponents, thereby gaining an unfair advantage.

In certain role-playing games (RPGs), there can be penalties if players advance their character levels excessively. The motivations behind this vary from game to game, either due to designer intent or the intricate interplay of the game’s mechanics. These games often reward players for maintaining a lower level.

1. Final Fantasy 8

Level Scaling Makes Enemies Harder Than They Need To Be

RPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is Helpful

In Final Fantasy 8, unlike previous games in the series, it didn’t innovate the leveling system for the first time, but it was the pioneer that made all enemies adjust to the player’s level. Unlike other games where being at a higher level gives an advantage in battles, players in this game need to interact with the Draw system to strengthen their characters.

It is an interesting idea, but it oddly ends up being more of a grind than just leveling up. At least in the remaster players can speed up the game time to make drawing from enemies feel less like a chore. It is a neat idea to avoid traditional level grinding, but it has its own faults. To further encourage the Draw system to get more powerful as opposed to leveling up, the enemies do not only directly scale to the party’s level but become notably harder at higher levels.

2. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion

Never Level Up And Become Obscenely Powerful

RPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is Helpful

The “Elder Scrolls” franchise consistently employs a system where levels adjust dynamically. In the case of “Skyrim”, this system provides a balanced and seamless progression of difficulty from early stages to higher levels. Conversely, “Oblivion” experiences some challenges in handling its level scaling system effectively.

As the player progresses, their opponents become stronger and more resilient, scaling up with the player’s level until their power greatly surpasses that of the main character. On the other hand, players can opt for an intense playthrough by remaining at level one, instead enhancing their abilities through alternative methods. This approach allows them to outmatch even the enemies that also remain at level one.

3. Dark Souls

Stay At A Low Level For The Sake Of PVP

RPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is Helpful

In Dark Souls, it might appear that the primary motivation to remain at a lower level is for an extremely tough challenge. Yet, many gamers discover reasons to keep their characters at a lower level by engaging in PVP modes. Some of these players choose to stay at a lower level, but manage to acquire much stronger equipment, providing them with a considerable edge when invading other players’ games.

For enthusiasts of Player versus Player (PVP) battles, this tactic could prove effective – it’s a method that might frustrate fresh players who are just beginning their journey in the game and are still at the early stages of their adventure.

4. The Witcher 3

Just To Keep Getting Experience For Side Quests

RPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is Helpful

In a simple, conversational manner: “The Witcher 3 is enormous, with numerous side missions and hidden treasures that lay untouched by many gamers. It appears the creators are aware of this abundance and limit experience gains for Geralt once he surpasses the suggested level.

From my perspective as an avid gamer, I understand that some fellow players might feel a sense of relief, while others could be frustrated about not receiving rewards for completing quests. To cater to the latter group, it’s essential to ensure your character level is low enough so that main story quests continue providing appropriate experience points. It’s impossible to make every side quest grant XP at a lower level, but it does allow us to embark on more quests instead of just mindlessly slaying random enemies.

5. Dragon Quest 7

Leveling Up Too Much Messes Up The Class System

RPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is Helpful

In Dragon Quest, despite its conventional JRPG mechanics, there’s a unique system that discourages excessive grinding. Unlike Dragon Age 7 where classes level up based on the number of battles your party takes part in, once you reach a certain level within an area in Dragon Quest, further battles will no longer contribute to your class advancement in that specific region.

As I progress through the challenging world of Dragon Quest 7, I’ve found that the consistent accumulation of experience points can lead to a tricky situation where my characters don’t have enough time to fully develop and master their unique skills. This could potentially hold me back later in the game, making what seemed like necessary grinding actually detrimental to my journey.

6. Disco Elysium

Having Few Points In Certain Attributes Is All A Part Of The Story

RPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is Helpful

Disco Elysium stands out as a unique take on the role-playing genre, given its distinct characteristics. Unlike most games in this category, it doesn’t feature traditional combat. Instead, leveling up and stat allocation are not tied to survival through challenging encounters.

Deliberately keeping your character’s abilities weak in certain aspects serves as an alternative approach to enjoying the game. It might offer unique advantages that are both amusing and engaging. Consequently, it’s not essential for players to follow the conventional path of becoming powerful or intelligent in RPG games.

7. Tactics Ogre: Knights Of Lodis

Keep The Main Character At A Lower Level Than The Party

RPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is HelpfulRPGs Where Staying A Low Level Is Helpful

The turn-based strategy game “Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together” is highlighted as a cult favorite. Additionally, there’s a less well-known prequel in the series that was released on the Game Boy Advance. In the game “Tactics Ogre: Knights of Lodis“, enemies and bosses adjust their difficulty level based on the protagonist’s progression.

To ensure that Alphonse Loeher, our main character, avoids direct combat and stays at a lower experience level than the rest of the group, you can adjust the game mechanics accordingly. This strategy will result in enemies encountered by Alphonse being around the hero’s level, while the remaining party members will become substantially over-leveled. In turn, this will make the gameplay experience much easier, almost like a walk in the park.

Read More

2024-12-06 07:34