Top 6 Games That Take A Little While Before You Get Absolutely Addicted

It’s no secret that some video games aren’t that good at gripping the interest of the player the moment one starts playing. You could easily write such titles off as “boring” or “unexciting,” but oftentimes, it’s worth pushing past the slow initial hours in pursuit of something that’s a lot more fruitful. This article is dedicated to those gems that may take some time before they start showing what they’re truly made of.

However, it’s worth noting that this formula certainly doesn’t work on all games, and no matter the amount of hours you put in, there’s no changing the end-user experience of some titles out there. I found Forspoken falling in this category, but your experience could vary. 

Put In The Hours And Watch The Experience Shift Dynamically

In case you have a suggestion to make in terms of adding another game to the list here, make sure to talk about it in the comments section below. 

1. Vampire Survivors 

First off, we’re going to talk a bit about Vampire Survivors, a merely $2.99 game on Steam that seems cartoony and minimal at first, but later goes on to let the player in on its full potential. The minimalism stays there, yes, but the way the game executes its roguelike elements and time survival mechanic makes it certain that as soon as you get home, the first thing you’re doing is firing up Vampire Survivors. 

• Get it on Steam.

2. Slay The Spire 

The deck-building genre may not have amassed the type of popularity other video game genres have, considering that it’s a niche preference, but after playing through the burst of joy and fun that Slay the Spire is, I can comfortably say that this is my new comfort place, with a newfound perception toward deck-builders in gaming. 

The title in question has a lot going on for itself. For starters, the game somehow yet very intelligently mixes roguelike mechanics in deck-building, leading you to pour hours and hours without being able to keep track of time.

• Get it on Steam.

3. Subnautica

Unknown Worlds Entertainment’s Subnautica is one of those games that sport a lot more than what meets the eye, boasting deep-dyed lore, fantastic gameplay, amazing visuals, and a scale so large that you start feeling insignificant the moment you start realizing the game’s core nature at hand. It’s not uncommon that this game seems a bit goofy at the start, but take it from me — and I don’t want to spoil things here — a lot awaits you in Subnautica. I repeat, a lot. 

• Get it on Steam.

4. Red Dead Redemption 2 

While the first Red Dead did a better job with the pacing, I’ll admit, Red Dead Redemption 2 takes a bit more time before its actual impressions start settling in. The open-world behemoth by Rockstar does come across as slow often, but is still unequivocally a gorgeous experience all the same that’s loaded to the brim with attention to detail.

When it takes off, it really takes off, that’s what I’ve come to see, pouring hundreds of hours into the open-world action-adventure. eXputer rated the game 4.5/5.0 in its revised review, with author Obaid ur Rehman remarking, “Even after five years, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands at the top next to new AAA titles, so it is still not too late to experience its greatness.”

• Get it on Steam.

5. Hades

Hades, a 2020 roguelike that has gone on to bag various Game of the Year awards is an enthralling platformer that does take a bit to really get the ball rolling. You won’t find yourself enjoying Hades as much as you should right away, given that many of the game’s features are locked at the time, but once you start learning the ins and outs of the systems involved, you’ll have a hard time putting the controller down.

Being one of the best-rated games on Steam to ever exist, Hades is a must-try for gamers with all sorts of preferences. And make sure to try out the sequel as soon as you’re done beating the first game. That’s right. Hades 2 is currently in early access, and it’s already making a killing.

• Get it on Steam.

6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt isn’t just a regular game; it’s a total experience. But yes, just like every other game on this list, this too takes time before you’re addicted to it, and the latter comes from personal experience.

I dropped The Witcher 3 multiple times before getting hooked, and I’m so glad I did. Talk about insane replayability, an amazing expansion that outclasses even the base game, and the added amusement of one of the best sidequests in gaming. 

• Get it On Steam.

7. Katana Zero

Last but not least, we’ve got Katana Zero to focus our attention on, being one of the most lesser-known yet special platformers out there. Like Hades, this one packs serious potential once you start leaning into how fun Katana Zero’s gameplay can be, but before you get to that point — which is, like, a couple of hours from the starting — don’t give up! 

• Get it on Steam.