Pretty much, I’m looking for a game where I’m not the hero, I’m not the protagonist, I’m just a pawn in the big picture.
Preferably a game with a big open world too, one that feels real and isn’t just a predetermined path for my player.
I also like games where you aren’t clearly stronger than all your opponents like you’re some sort of God so they actually feel intimidating and there is a fear of dying
All suggestions are welcome
Thanks :>
X3: Terran Conflict - Ignoring the story plot and just playing sandbox (“custom game”) makes you nothing more than a citizen in a universe that doesn’t care if you succeed and success is a long, hard road to the top of whatever avenue you pursue. One of the best space games there is. It’s also moddable and there are some awesome mods out there to make the game even better.
Mount & Blade: Bannerlord - Basically the same as above; but in a medieval wargame/RPG… It’s pretty unique in gameplay so I’m not sure what to really call it. You start off as just a dude and can work your way up to becoming a king and conquering the entire country. The combat is part large-scale strategy, part 4X and part action sim as you move units around a world map for positioning and getting to cities and outposts, and battles put you in control of your singular dude swinging your weapon with some nice mouse controls, while also able to command your literal thousands of men in moment to moment tactical decisions.
Dwarf Fortress - Specifically Adventure mode in the pre-Steam version (since Adventure mode is not yet in the Steam version). You’re literally whatever character you create living in a fantasy world. It’s a simulation more than any other kind of genre. You can basically do whatever you can think of. You can be whatever you want up to and including a literal god if you work hard enough. There is no story other than the history of the world, which the game records and even after you die and make a new character in the same world, any mark that previous character left continues to exist and can affect others. Like say you steal from a guy, get into a fight and end up killing him. His son might seek revenge on your character, succeed and then fall into a depression. It’s kind of a mad lib of sorts so you have to have some imagination, but it’s the most complex game that exists right now.
Kenshi - Nobody likes you, you own nothing, you’re weak as shit, the world is massive, and you can also basically do anything if you work at it. Command huge armies. Become a robot and forego the need to eat. Build cities. Conquer the planet. Not only is the game play incredibly fun and rewarding, it has a super interesting world with plenty of cool lore. Plays kind of like an ARTS and has complexity that comes close to Dwarf Fortress’s.
Super heavy agree with Kenshi, it’s probably as close to what’s being requested in OP as it’s gonna get
Kenshi is without doubt the answer to OP.
I stopped playing and disliked the game because I felt too small and insignificant, all the time.
I eventually became a cyborg and destroyed every settlement in the game with an army of the undead. It made me feel like God. But it was hard as shit and took many hours of being beaten and forced into slavery.
Every game I mentioned is like this. Kenshi just straight up uses it as a descriptor on the store page lol
Project1999.
Subnautica!
You feel pretty damn small when that reaper grabs you
Real life
Respawn sucks though.
Cheat code pcp for god mode.
Fear and hunger.
It has enemies that are tougher than they should be. You are just a small part of the story. It’s pretty good.
Perhaps Outer Wilds? You zoom around in a small space ship in a solar system and when you approach different phenomenas and see how big they get it gets pretty amazing.
I’m playing this right now (no spoilers please!) and find this game kind of scary! Fear of the unknown, etc.
Same here, I tried getting into this game and I love the concept but actually playing it gives me too much anxiety!
Sometimes it can feel that way, but try to keep pushing if you can. It’s a very rewarding experience and left me with good memories.
Dark Bramble is somewhat anxiety inducing (especially at that one point), but the rest it’s more just learning to ignore the timer. There’s no rush ever. You can always come back.
There’s 0 danger in the base game (aside, you know, the sun…), so you can progress, fail, and retry without any stress.
The DLC though, it radically changes that and there are actually jump scares. It’s a whole different vibe.
There’s an option to turn off the jump scares. I didn’t think it detracted from the plot.
Wasn’t it called “reduce frights”? Unless is has changed in the recent weeks, that option doesn’t turn off jump scares. They would have to redesign half of the DLC to be able to turn that mechanic off.
It is and I think it makes them into not jump scares. But here’s a good description. Slight spoilers for a small section of dlc.
In the DLC, there are stealth sections. Alien creatures patrol certain areas that you need to sneak by. Normally, if they notice you, they will turn on their lights to get a better look at you, creep up slowly, then charge you with a scary sound effect very quickly. Spooky music starts playing, and you get killed. With this setting on, they will no longer turn on their lights. This means they will only see you if you have your light on. Secondly, they will no longer charge you. Instead, they walk VERY slowly towards you. It’s quite easy to avoid them like this. Finally, if they do catch you, no scary music, and no creepy sound effects will play. They still kill you, but the animation leading into it is much more gentle and it’s not scary at all. The “killing” animation is just them blowing out a candle you’re holding.
You can, but I still think that the last third of the DLC is too different from the base game, and really stressful. It soured the ending for me :(
Dark Souls?
Pretty much, I’m looking for a game where I’m not the hero, I’m not the protagonist, I’m just a pawn in the big picture.
You’re just one of the many undead who try but eventually fail. One of the first characters you meet makes sure you know this. :)
Preferably a game with a big open world too, one that feels real and isn’t just a predetermined path for my player.
DS1 isn’t very large, but there’s no predetermined path at all, especially if you get the master key. DS2 isn’t as open, but you still have multiple choice of routes. DS3 is limited in this regard, though.
I also like games where you aren’t clearly stronger than all your opponents like you’re some sort of God so they actually feel intimidating and there is a fear of dying
That’s the hallmark of the Soulsbourne series as a whole.
Arma 3
I haven’t seen:
Night in the Woods
Or
Don’t Starve
Mentioned. Idk if they fit the bill, but came to mind.
World of Warcraft Classic. You start as a no one. Everybody around you seems to know what to do. Your items are shit. You look like a peasant. The silliest enemies force you to rest and are able to kill you.
It‘s challenging but so rewarding. It makes you feel grateful for every single lvlup, item and skill you can get.
Even after spending literal days of your life, there always will be people who are better than you. Everything is said and done. Still this game manages to pull me back in from time to time. It’s so much fun.
Outward is really good for this. You aren’t the chosen one, you aren’t special, you’re just a person trying to get by and the game really makes sure you know it haha
Absolutely. For me it was waay too much old school. No fast travel, unforgiving combat and lack of real map or meaningful ways of navigating the world was a turn off for me.
This is a game I’ve been holding off because I don’t wanna feel too small and insignificant.
Seconding this, going into this game with a hero complex will get you dead quickly
You just described Shadow of the Colossis.
One of the best games I’ve ever played.
Can’t believe how long it took to find this answer
try Champions of Regnum. Easily 20+v20+v20+ RvR open pvp. You do feel somewhat like a small cog in a big war machine, but with still opportunity to shine if you can perceive it.
kinda a weird game but it definitely fits your request : everything
ETA: This review from polygon explains it well!
I love how multiple gaming magazines do clickbait when this game goes on sale. Articles titled “Everything on Steam is 60% off for the next week!”
Omg right? I’ve bought this game on switch and steam and still get tricked on both
Does Don’t Starve fit your bill?
Also second Submautica.
