Summary
Growing up, I discovered one of my favorite video game genres was RPGs. The flexibility with character builds, strategic gameplay, and compelling stories were more than enough to get me invested. However, the more I played, the more I noticed a sort of perfectionist attitude manifesting.
If an in-game conversation went south, I’d quickly reload for a better outcome. If a character’s abilities or equipment were suboptimal, I’d change them to be as good as humanly possible. Any kind of shortcomings were no longer an option, and I came to realize some games had become exhausting, rather than entertaining. This mentality persisted until I discovered challenge runs, which changed my perspective entirely, and I now welcome the adversity my inevitable defeats bring.
The Journey Is More Satisfying With Failure and Loss
I first learned about challenge runs more than a decade ago through my friends doingPokémonNuzlockes, which they always referred to asthe best way to play olderPokémongames. Nuzlockes are a type of run where there are certain rules in place, the two most notable being the strict limits on the Pokémon you can catch and that Pokémon fainting means you have to release it or store it in the PC forever.
I couldn’t bring myself to try them for the longest time, but through Nuzlockes, I also learned of Iron Man runs for the tactical role-playing game franchise,Fire Emblem. InFire Emblemgames, units that fall in battle actually die and can never be used again. Most people reset and replay the chapter when a character dies, but in Iron Man runs, not only is that not allowed, but if you game over at any point, the run is over and you must delete your save file.
I finally decided to try streaming an Iron Man ofFire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, and to this day, it was one of the best gaming experiences I’ve ever had. Though it’s one of the easiest games in the series, even the smallest mistakes could snowball and spell my end.
Each completed map brought with it increased euphoria, while the horror of watching a handful of my favorite characters vanish after uttering their death quote provided a very real sadness. After defeating the final boss and seeing the credits roll, I realized I was addicted—I could never go back to the way I used to play games.
There Are Lots of Challenge Runs to Try
The best part about challenge runs is how versatile and creative you may be with them. You could forbid yourself from using a weapon or character you know is especially powerful, or maybe you play a different build from your go-to in an RPG, perhaps one you know isn’t very good. There are a number of already established challenge runs too, such as one of my personal favorites, speedrunning.
As you might expect, speedrunning tasks the player with beating a game as quickly as possible. The concept may seem straightforward, but the fastest runs often involve incorporating complex glitches and messing one up could mean you have to start the run over.
Speedrunning tests your reflexes and knowledge of the game, while demanding a large degree of mechanical execution. Some games can take a while to learn, but once you’ve completed a few runs, it’s exhilarating to see just how much time you can shave off. There’s even huge speedrunning events, such asGames Done Quick(GDQ), where you can see the best runners do some absolutely mind-blowing stuff in your favorite games.
Regardless of how you choose to challenge yourself, it’ll be a unique experience. Plus, by stepping outside your comfort zone, you might find a more enjoyable way to play games.
Save-Scumming and Item Hoarding Are a Thing of the Past
Until a few years ago, my gaming playthroughs always had to be “perfect.” I’d save-scum if I didn’t like a certain choice’s outcome, min-max my characters, and hoard items like stat-boosters because I might need them later. I was hellbent on making everything optimal, of having my in-game character’s journey be the ideal path with no mistakes. Challenge runs have freed me from this obsessive pursuit of perfection.
Because I’ve truly been tested by games likeFire Emblem, I no longer finish playthroughs with an inventory full of the best healing items and stat boosters. When every mistake could spell the end of your run, you don’t have the luxury of holding onto them, and you don’t have the safety net of your save file to come to your rescue. Now, I absolutely spoil my favorite characters with the best equipment, pump them full of stat-enhancing items, and smile as they destroy everything around them.
I’m surprised it took me so long to realize just how much time I spent reloading save files and contemplating how to allocate my items and equipment. If this sounds like you in any way, though it may be difficult, I strongly urge you to resist the temptation to reload and to use everything at your disposal.
Challenges Made Me a Better Player
Iron Man runs make me critically think about every single move I make, while speedruns constantly test my endurance and perceptiveness as I try to complete the game as fast as possible. When you’re forced to adapt and every choice matters, you need to play well, or you’ll fail.
But these mistakes are crucial learning experiences, and as long as you take them to heart, you’ll only get better. These lessons translate into every game you play, and I guarantee you’ll be surprised how much better your reactions and execution become.
These self-imposed challenges have also birthed some of the craziest videos and achievements in gaming. You may have heard of theElden Ringplayer,TsuboiKlein, also known as “Let me solo her,” who assists others by defeating Malenia alone and completely naked, save for the jar on his head. There’s evensomeone who beatDark Souls 3using only banana controllers.
Though these may be extreme examples, the fact remains that the constant pressure and threat of failure fuels progression. Honestly, justwatching a speedrun will make you better at playing video games.
Perfect Playthroughs Are Overrated
One of the biggest takeaways from my experiences is just how overrated “perfect” playthroughs are, especially with RPGs. I’ve put 1,500 hours into theMass Effecttrilogy, and only recently realized the majority of my runs have been purely paragon or renegade, with no middle ground. While one could argue the game’s systems encourage players to commit to one side or the other for certain dialogue checks, the fact remains that I played every game in a completely binary way.
Challenge runs breathe new life into games you’ve played dozens of times because of how radically different the experience is. For example,Fire EmblemandPokémongames have their fair share of weak characters, but by being forced to use them, you develop a newfound appreciation for them. You’ll always remember that Nuzlocke or Iron Man run where they helped win a seemingly lost battle, or carried you most of the game, just to fall at the very end. Every playthrough tells its own story and I promise they’re all memorable.
There truly is no right or wrong way to play a game as long as you’re having fun, and to some, a pristine playthrough may be what grants them the greatest amount of joy. However, I’ll admit it was liberating to realize I didn’t need to worry so much about the little things, like a missed dialogue check. Embracing your failures and adapting to them while playing may be a tall ask, but it only makes the journey that much more satisfying when it concludes.
