8 Games That Hook You After a Slow Start

8 Games That Hook You After a Slow Start

Many games have slow beginnings, but these eight titles prove that patience pays off with rewarding and engaging gameplay that grabs you once you get past the initial hurdle.

We’ve all been there. You start a game, hyped for the adventure, only to find yourself slogging through tedious tutorials, slow pacing, or confusing mechanics. But what if I told you that some of the most rewarding gaming experiences are hidden behind these initially underwhelming starts? These eight games prove that a slow burn can lead to an explosive payoff. Patience is key, and the rewards are well worth the wait.

First up is **Disco Elysium**. Its famously slow opening, focused on character creation and internal monologue, might seem daunting. However, once you’re immersed in the world of Revachol and the intricate web of its mysteries, you’ll find yourself utterly captivated by the unparalleled depth of its writing and the unique investigative gameplay. The initial sluggish pace is deliberate, allowing for a richer, more believable character arc that unfolds organically.

Next, consider **Subnautica**. The early game centers on survival; gathering resources and building a basic base. However, this initial focus lays the groundwork for an incredible underwater exploration experience. Uncovering the planet’s secrets, facing its dangers, and building increasingly advanced technology is a truly rewarding journey, making the initial survival struggles feel worthwhile in hindsight.

Then there’s **Outer Wilds**. The initial mystery of the 22-minute time loop might feel frustrating at first, but this limitation actually fuels the exploration. The sense of urgency and the methodical gathering of information are integral to unraveling the captivating cosmic mysteries. The slow start here is a clever mechanic that drives the game’s unique charm and narrative depth.

**Stardew Valley** also begins slowly. The initial tasks of farming, mining, and fishing might feel repetitive, but as your farm grows and your relationships develop, the game reveals its incredible depth. The comforting rhythm of rural life, the deep social mechanics, and the satisfying sense of accomplishment make it a rewarding experience that blossoms over time.

**Hades**, despite its fast-paced combat, begins with a steep learning curve. Mastering the game’s mechanics and various weapons takes time and patience. However, each subsequent run becomes more engaging as your skills develop and your relationships with the other characters deepen. The rogue-like elements, the compelling story, and the satisfying sense of progress transform the initial challenge into an addictive loop.

For strategy fans, **Crusader Kings III** demands patience. The game’s complex mechanics and vast scope can feel overwhelming initially. However, once you grasp the intricacies of medieval courtly life, scheming and maneuvering within your dynasty becomes an endlessly compelling challenge, making the initial learning curve a worthwhile investment.

Similarly, **Factorio**, the ultimate factory builder, is another prime example. The initial tasks of gathering resources and building your first production lines may seem repetitive. However, the journey from a simple factory to a highly optimized, automated industrial empire is an incredibly satisfying, deeply engaging, and intricately rewarding process.

Finally, **The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt**, while not slow in action, takes a little while to fully blossom. Initially, you might feel like you’re just going through the motions, but as you get deeper into Geralt’s story, and the richness of its world unfolds, the game truly becomes unforgettable. The detailed quests, engaging characters, and stunning world reveal themselves gradually, making the wait worthwhile.

These games prove that sometimes, the most rewarding journeys begin with a slow, deliberate pace. So, be patient, persevere, and you might just uncover some of your new favorite games.

Veteran game reviewer and news specialist, providing informed commentary and critical analysis of video games for 13 years. With expertise spanning diverse genres and platforms, he offer a nuanced perspective on the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

15 comments

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AlexGamer87

Great list! I can definitely vouch for Subnautica. The early survival felt a bit tedious at first, but exploring the ocean depths and uncovering the mysteries was incredible. Totally worth the initial grind.

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SarahPlaysGames

I agree with the sentiment about Disco Elysium. The slow start is intentional, and it creates such a rich and immersive experience. The writing is phenomenal, and it makes you really connect with the character.

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Retro_Reggie

Outer Wilds is a masterpiece. The time loop mechanic might seem frustrating initially, but it’s what makes the exploration so compelling. Unraveling the mysteries was such a rewarding journey.

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GamingGranny

Stardew Valley is my comfort game. It’s true that it starts slow, but the feeling of building your farm and relationships is incredibly satisfying. It’s a perfect game to unwind with.

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LevelUpLucy

I struggled with Hades at first, but the more I played, the better I got, and the story became so engaging. The rogue-like nature made each run feel fresh, even with the initial difficulty.

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KingKaiju

Crusader Kings III is definitely a slow burn but the payoff is immense. Mastering the game’s systems allows for such intricate and engaging gameplay. The depth is staggering.

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FactoryFreak

As a hardcore Factorio player, I wholeheartedly agree. That initial building phase is monotonous but witnessing your automated empire is just so incredibly fulfilling. It’s the most satisfying game I’ve ever played.

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WitcherFanatic

The Witcher 3 is a classic for a reason. While not strictly ‘slow’, it takes a while to fully immerse yourself, but the world and story are incredibly detailed and rewarding, and Geralt is such a great character.

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IndieAddict

This is a solid list! I’m adding a few of these to my backlog. I’ve heard great things about Disco Elysium and Outer Wilds in particular.

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CasualGamer7

I’m not a fan of slow-paced games, but I might give a couple of these a try. The post makes a compelling case for patience.

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DarkLordOfGaming

Hmm, I’m not sure I agree with all the choices. Some of these games felt REALLY slow for me, and I gave up before experiencing any ‘payoff’. But to each their own, I guess.

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NoMoreTutorials

I hate slow starts in games. Tutorials and slow pacing can really kill my enjoyment. This post is preaching to the choir for me… but I’ll maybe consider Outer Wilds?

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SpeedyGonzalez22

I appreciate the sentiment but I prefer games that get straight to the action. I don’t have the patience for long intros and tutorials. Too much work!

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PatientPenguin

Totally agree with this post! I love games that reward patience, and the payoff is always so satisfying. Great selection of titles.

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UnhurriedGamer

I’m a huge fan of slow-burn games, and this list is right up my alley! So many great games that showcase how a deliberate pace can lead to an amazing gaming experience.