Letting Go of the Pressure to Play Perfectly
Gaming is a unique form of entertainment that offers more than just passive enjoyment. It’s an immersive experience that can transport players into different worlds, challenge their skills, and provide hours of engagement. However, with so much content available, it’s easy to fall into habits that make gaming feel more like a chore than a fun activity. Over time, I’ve realized that some of the things I used to do in games were actually detracting from my overall enjoyment.
Stopping the Hunt for Hidden Treasures
Many single-player games are filled with hidden chests, collectibles, and secrets that are meant to be discovered. While some of these items are valuable or interesting, many are just there to add extra challenges or encourage exploration. I used to feel like I was missing out if I didn’t find every hidden item, but I’ve since learned that not everything in a game is worth the time and effort. Instead of trying to uncover every secret, I now let them come to me naturally. If I stumble upon something cool, great—otherwise, I’ll read about it later or watch a video on what I missed.
Not Forcing Interest in Side Content
Some games are built around side quests and expansions that are just as important as the main story. Others, however, include side content that feels more like filler. I used to force myself to complete every side quest, thinking I was missing out on something meaningful. But I’ve come to realize that not all side content adds value. Some are just there to give players something to do while they wait for the next big event. Now, I only engage with side content that genuinely interests me.
No More Panic Over “Wrong” Choices
One of the most frustrating aspects of gaming is the fear of making the wrong decision. Whether it’s choosing the right path in a story-driven game or deciding which character to ally with, the pressure to make the perfect choice can be overwhelming. I used to replay sections of games to try different choices, but I’ve since learned that sometimes the best decisions are the ones you make without second-guessing. I now stick with my choices, even if they don’t lead to the outcome I wanted.
Stopping the Roleplay Pressure
Roleplaying can be a fun way to immerse yourself in a game, but I found that forcing myself to roleplay often felt more like a burden than a benefit. I used to feel like I had to act a certain way to stay in character, which limited my ability to enjoy the game freely. Now, I make decisions based on how I feel, even if it means breaking the character’s personality or story arc. At the end of the day, it’s my game, and I want to play it in a way that brings me joy.
Playing Games Lightly
I used to take games very seriously, treating them like real-life experiences. But I’ve learned that one of the best ways to enjoy a game is to treat it as just that—a game. This means using game mechanics to my advantage, whether it’s fast-traveling, cutting across the map, or even using cheats when necessary. By playing more casually, I’ve found that I enjoy games more and get more satisfaction from the experience.
Lowering the Difficulty Settings
I used to start every game on hard mode, thinking that was the only way to prove I was a real gamer. But I quickly realized that hard mode wasn’t for everyone. Games have become more challenging over the years, and I no longer feel the need to push myself to the limit. I now adjust the difficulty settings to match my skill level and preferences, allowing me to enjoy the game without constantly dying or getting frustrated.
Letting Go of Completionism
There was a time when I felt like I had to finish every game at 100% completion. I thought that was the only way to justify the money I spent on a game. But I’ve since realized that not every game needs to be completed fully. I now focus on finishing the main story and the side content that interests me, rather than chasing pointless collectibles or grinding through tedious tasks.
Stopping the Hoarding Habit
Like in real life, I used to hoard items in games, keeping every potion, weapon, and ingredient just in case I needed it later. But I’ve learned that carrying too much weight can slow down gameplay and make it harder to move around. Now, I travel light, only keeping what I need and selling off the rest. This allows me to carry more useful items and makes the game feel more manageable.
No More Relying on Online Guides
While online guides and walkthroughs can be helpful, I’ve started relying less on them. I prefer to figure things out on my own, even if it takes a little longer. This approach has made the game feel more rewarding, as I’m able to solve puzzles and make decisions without being told what to do. The only exceptions are when I run into a bug or get stuck for more than fifteen minutes.
Enjoying Gaming Without the Pressure
Gaming should be fun, not a source of stress. By letting go of the pressure to chase every secret, complete every quest, or play on the hardest difficulty, I’ve found that I enjoy games more than ever. My advice to others is to play in a way that brings you joy, rather than trying to meet external expectations. After all, the goal isn’t to finish every game perfectly—it’s to have a good time while playing.
