I’m looking for games where the main story is almost like a setup or tutorial, and the real gameplay or challenge starts in the post-story content. I’m not talking about games like Nier: Automata with multiple story endings during the credits, but more like Monster Hunter or Path of Exile where once you finish the main campaign, the ‘real game’ begins with tougher challenges, extra content, or endgame systems that define the core experience.
5 Answers
I’d also toss in games like Hades, Dead Cells, and the Fire Emblem Warriors or Hyrule Warriors games. Their stories introduce you to the basics, but the real fun and challenge are in the post-story runs or extra game modes that keep you hooked for hundreds more hours.
Monster Hunter is the classic example where the campaign just gets you started, but the meat of the game is hunting high-rank monsters and building gear after the main story. Some also mention Dragon Quest Monsters for a similar vibe.
Mario Odyssey’s an interesting one — before you beat the story, it kind of feels like a small game, but once you unlock the post-credits moons, the game opens wide with tons of new challenges and exploration. Some say the story part almost feels like a tutorial for the main content.
Games like Nioh and Nioh 2 fit this really well too. Honestly, about 85% of their content is after beating the story, with challenging missions and extra bosses that really test your skills.
I’d add that games like The Disgaea series basically treat the main game as a tutorial, with the real insanity and depth kicking in during the post-game. Also, Diablo 3 and Diablo 4 mostly shine once the campaign wraps and you dig into endgame systems like rifts or seasons.
Yeah, Monster Hunter’s post game feels like a whole other level once you unlock the tougher monsters and better gear.