Summary
There are many games that give players an almost instant sense of gratification, quickly giving players the means to progress with little effort. However, by giving players access to few initial resources, some games are able to provide gameplay that’s more rewarding in the long term.
Strategy games don’t often give players much to start with,especially those that are match-based. However, starting players at rock bottom doesn’t always result in a positive player experience; the best of these titles typically use a lack of resources as a point of conflict to facilitate engaging gameplay. By asking players to overcome challenges with little resources, these games are able to champion creative and efficient play.
Thronefallisa minimalist combinationof tower defense and real-time strategy that starts players with very little. In the game, players are given but a handful of gold coins with which to kick-start not only their defenses, but their economy, and both must be managed with equal efficiency in order to be successful.
Thronefall’saccessible approach to design is commendable, but players looking for a challenge won’t be disappointed, especially thanks to the addition of a score system. However,Thronefallis relatively fast-paced, and players won’t have to work too hard before their kingdom begins to fill out.
AlthoughQuasimorphdoes give players a small stock of supplies, to begin with, that’s the only kindness it affords them. In this gritty turn-based strategy game, players are thrust intoa grim-dark futurepacked with Eldritch horrors and aggressive goons, tasked with scavenging what they can from a variety of decrepit facilities without dying.
Death is inevitable inQuasimorph. However, despite the inclusion of permanent death, players are always able to make use of whatever they’ve got stashed in their cargo hold. This allows for a sense of progression without artificially lowering the difficulty of the game, making for a particularly rewarding experience.
InDune: Imperium, players are given a small starting deck and very little means with which to improve it; cards are typically expensive inDune: Imperium, and even acquiring the cheaper cards often means sacrificing turn efficiency. Resources are also valuable in this digital board game, and, barring some exceptions, players start the game with a few of them.
Dune: Imperium’sworker-placement structure also makes it difficult to get started, giving players just one action to perform every turn. However, this slow and methodical pace only results in a more rewarding experience.
Battle Brothersisa sandbox RPGthat tasks players with running a mercenary company in a dangerous low-fantasy world. Though it does feature customizable starting positions,Battle Brotherstends to start players with very little.
Depending on the options players choose, they’re given very little in the way of cash. Regardless of options, resources and numbers are limited and, as a result,Battle Brotherscan be an unforgiving experience from the very start. Furthermore, it’s mighty easy to lose valuable members of the company in battle, and it takes a good few hours of play before players can become comfortable with their situation. However, this only makes each victory more rewarding.
Darkest Dungeonis a deeply unforgiving strategy RPG, thanks in large part to its roguelike influences. It’s no easy start, either, asDarkest Dungeonstarts players with very little in the way of party members or gear, and even much of the town is in dire need of upgrades.
This meager start makes overcomingDarkest Dungeon’svarious challenges all the more rewarding. It’s not all doom and gloom, though, as players are given a hefty sum of cash to start with. However, it doesn’t take long to dwindle.
Providing players with a truly expansive and utterly harsh open world,Kenshiisa sandbox RPGthat offers genuine agency to its players. With no set goals to follow and a total lack of hand-holding, the game allows for immense freedom. However, this also makesKenshirelatively inaccessible to newcomers.
What makesKenshieven less approachable is the complete lack of assets it starts players off with. Now, this depends on the player’s chosen game start. However, the default start gives players control over a single character with little to their name. Nevertheless, this fresh start does allow players to take their character in whichever direction they’d like.
Dune: Spice Warsisa slow-burning strategy gamethat deftly combines elements of the 4X and RTS genres to great effect. Part of this slow burn is the game’s lack of generosity when it comes to starting assets, giving players access to very little of the many resources available throughout the game.
Players are also encouraged to immediately expand inDune: Spice Wars, as they’re given no territory to begin with besides a main base, which - at the start of the game - can’t be built in. Furthermore, players are given no military units or spice harvesters, and only a single ornithopter with which to scout. This makes the opening minutes ofDune: Spice Warsfairly frantic, as players rush to acquire important territory and build a wealth of resources.
StarCraft 2isa classic real-time strategy gamethat’s still worth playing today for its distinctive asymmetric factions and incredible build variety. However, it can be overwhelming at first, not only because of the speed required to compete on the ranked ladder but also because of the blank slate players are given at the start of each match.
Players start each game ofStarCraft 2with zero resources and just twelve workers. This gives players complete freedom at the start of the game, but it also requires them to be efficient; building army units or investing in technology too soon can have a severe impact on a player’s economy. While it can be easy for newcomers to get overwhelmed, learning a simple build order can makeStarCraft 2’sonline play much more accessible, providing a jumping-off point for players to express skill and get creative.
