What Video Games Do You Keep Returning To?

There are moments in life when a certain game stands out, relentlessly drawing you back despite the passage of time and the influx of new releases. For many, these are the games that have a lasting appeal, offering intricate gameplay, rich worlds, and the joy of multiple playthroughs.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

One such game is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. First released in 2017 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Wii U, this title has captivated players with its expansive open world, immersive gameplay, and rich exploration elements. Explore transitioning from the player's first encounter with the game to subsequent replaying. The developer, Nintendo, has ensured that players can find new and exciting experiences with every playthrough. Challenges can be tackled in numerous ways, and the depth of the mechanics keeps players engaged long after their initial journey.

Games That Keep Pulling You Back

Other titles that frequently sees players returning include:

Dark Souls

Dark Souls is well-known for its challenging gameplay and intricate world design. Many players find themselves revisiting this game multiple times, not just to challenge themselves, but to discover new strategies and unlockable areas. The game’s difficulty level has become a hallmark of its enduring appeal.

Minecraft

The world of Minecraft offers endless possibilities for creativity and exploration. It’s hardly surprising that many find themselves returning to this sandbox game to build new structures, explore new biomes, and interact with other players. The core mechanics of mining, building, and survival offer a unique and engaging experience that remains fresh with each playthrough.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is legendary for its vast world and numerous quests. Players often return to experience different character builds and storylines, or to delve deeper into the game’s complex lore. The game’s robust character customization and quest system provide a layer of replayability that keeps players coming back.

Personal Favorite Games with Indelible Pull

Here are a few games that I, the author of this article, continuously return to because of their infinite replayability:

Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup

Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup is a roguelike game with heavy RPG elements. In this game, players start at level 1 at the surface of a dungeon and must delve deep to get an orb and return to the surface with it in hand. The game refines this concept through procedural generation, ensuring that every playthrough feels unique. Because of its simplicity and the unique challenges presented through randomization, I can keep playing this game and never get bored. It is like a magical experience that feels as if it was created specifically for me.

DOTA 2

Although I'm not a major fan of the MOBA genre, I find DOTA 2 to be an exception. Classifying it as an "Action Real-Time Strategy" game, it distinguishes itself from other MOBAs with its many complex and deep systems. Each match is different, even when you’re playing on the same character every single time, adding to the game's replayability. The game’s mechanics are designed to keep each action meaningful, and I often return to this game because I'm surprised by what I can discover each time I play.

AI Dungeon

Lastly, AI Dungeon is a newer game that I continuously revisit. This AI-driven interactive story game allows players to explore different outcomes through their choices, creating a unique narrative experience every time. It's a blend of role-playing and emergent storylines that keeps the game fresh and engaging.

These games, along with many others, have a lasting appeal due to their engaging gameplay, rich worlds, and community support. Whether it’s for the challenge, the story, or the endless exploration, there are always reasons to re-experience these enduring classics.