I’ve been feeling nostalgic about the old days of gaming when you could really get lost in a world. Recently, I replayed *Morrowind* and remembered how little guidance it offered—you just had to follow vague directions from NPCs instead of quest markers or arrows. It made me focus and engage with the game in a different way than modern titles, which often hold your hand way too much. Am I alone in missing that feeling of exploration and stumbling upon amazing places? Or is this just a classic case of ‘the past was better’?
6 Answers
There’s definitely a balance to strike; I enjoyed older games like *Zelda* where guidance was minimal. *Breath of the Wild* even does this well with the wind directing you. It feels poetic rather than just a simple marker.
You might want to check out *Subnautica* and *The Long Dark*. They both focus on exploration and make navigation a real challenge but rewarding. You get immersed in the worlds, trying to figure out what’s around you without constant road signs.
Totally! *The Long Dark* is harsh, but that’s what makes it exciting. It forces you to be observant and really think about survival.
If you’re looking for a modern experience with that lost feeling, check out *Kingdom Come: Deliverance*. Even in normal mode, you can turn off quest markers and really get that lost vibe. The hardcore mode is even more intense; you have to navigate by the stars or sun, and you’ll accidentally discover incredible places. It’s honestly the best way to play, in my opinion!
Exactly! *Kingdom Come* nails the balance well. There’s plenty of side quests that demand you pay attention to what NPCs say, and it’s an awesome excuse to explore.
In KCD2, one quest giver gives such detailed, poetic directions that you feel satisfied when you finally find your objective without any hand-holding. It’s a wild ride!
I’ve been engrossed in *Hollow Knight* for the same reason. Initially, I struggled with it, but then I just let myself get lost and explore without worrying about completing everything. It’s so rewarding to stumble upon hidden areas without a guide!
I relate on that—currently 40 hours in and having a blast! I really don’t care if I’m off-track; I’m just enjoying the exploration.
Give *Animal Well* a shot too; it has a similar vibe with an open-ended map and no pressure. It feels great to explore at your own pace.
Have you tried *Atomfall*? It’s all about the vibes over arrows. Finding notes with coordinates on a styled map really brings a sense of adventure. You actually have to explore and piece together where to go based on rumors you hear. It’s refreshing to get some agency in a game instead of being led around by the nose.
Totally agree! I love that exploration feel. Getting to piece things together without constant prompts makes the journey so much more enjoyable.
I was drawn to *Atomfall* because it resembles *Morrowind*—just raw exploration with minimal direction. It’s like a breath of fresh air!
Looking forward to *Subnautica 2*! It’s hard to beat the first game’s blend of exploration and curiosity.