Replay Or Forget
Tired of sinking a fortune into buying a new game only to realize you've seen everything it has to offer within a couple of hours? Yeah, we've all been there. Some games leave you wanting more, while others leave you feeling like the fun never stops. So, first, let’s take a look at ten games that just don't have that replay magic before moving on to 10 with unlimited potential.
1. The Last Of Us (2013)
A heart-wrenching, narrative-driven adventure, The Last of Us is beloved for its emotional storytelling. Yet, once you've experienced the gripping journey of Joel and Ellie, replaying feels redundant. The linear path doesn’t offer much new with each playthrough, making it a one-time journey worth remembering.
Revisiting The Last of Us by videogamedunkey
2. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End (2016)
Nathan Drake’s final adventure wraps up in spectacular fashion, but that’s part of the issue. The story is tightly woven, leaving little room for variation or new discoveries on a second run. Once you've solved the puzzles and discovered the treasures, the thrill starts to fade quickly.
UNCHARTED 4: A Thief's End (5/10/2016) - Story Trailer | PS4 by PlayStation
3. God Of War (2018)
While God Of War offers incredible combat and exploration, its main narrative is linear, pushing players through a single path. After completing Kratos’ emotional story with Atreus, there’s little incentive to replay, even though the world is vast and beautifully crafted. Replayability is a challenge here.
God of War – Story Trailer | PS4 by PlayStation
4. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)
Rockstar's epic Western immerses you in its world with remarkable detail. However, after completing the main story, you might feel that the missions grow repetitive. The beauty of the open world is undeniable, but the game's set storyline leaves you with few reasons to revisit.
Red Dead Redemption 2: Official Trailer #2 by Rockstar Games
5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (2015)
Despite its massive world and complex mechanics, The Phantom Pain struggles with replay value due to its slow pacing and repetitive missions. Once the central story is done, the open-world format doesn’t offer much incentive to dive back in, leaving many players with a feeling of "been there, done that."
Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain | Gamescom Trailer | PS4 by PlayStation Europe
6. BioShock Infinite (2013)
Once the stunning twist of Columbia’s floating city is revealed and the story concludes, you’ve experienced it all. BioShock Infinite is a one-way ride—there’s not much to revisit, and a replay will make the lack of dopamine hit quite noticeable.
BioShock Infinite | TV Commercial (2013) [EN] | FULL HD by XboxViewTV
7. Heavy Rain (2010)
If you love interactive drama, Heavy Rain pulls you in with suspenseful moments. However, there’s not much to keep you invested. The story’s heavy reliance on player choices means multiple endings, and after a few runs, the shock value fades.
HEAVY RAIN Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 FULL GAME [4K 60FPS PC ULTRA] - No Commentary by MKIceAndFire
8. Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
Sure, Modern Warfare delivers an action-packed campaign, but it doesn’t demand a return visit. The game’s cinematic flair and gritty action are excellent for a single playthrough, but the lack of significant variations makes replaying less exciting.
9. Assassin’s Creed III (2012)
Set during the American Revolution, Assassin’s Creed III is a feast for history buffs and action lovers alike. Yet, once you’ve experienced Connor’s journey through colonial America, there’s little incentive to relive it. The narrative’s rigidity means you won’t be revisiting the story for a second time.
Assassin's Creed 3 - E3 Official Trailer [UK] by Ubisoft
10. Far Cry 3 (2012)
Far Cry 3 offers an open-world adventure where you can hunt, explore, and liberate a tropical island. After completing the main storyline, you may find yourself without a compelling reason to dive back in. The site content, while fun, doesn’t significantly alter the core experience.
Far Cry 3 | E3 2012 Step Into Insanity Trailer [NORTH AMERICA] by Ubisoft
Now, let’s flip the script and take a look at ten that will keep you coming back for more, time and time again.
1. The Binding Of Isaac (2011)
A rogue-like dungeon crawler where each run is different, The Binding of Isaac offers endless variety. With countless items, enemies, and a randomly generated world, every playthrough feels fresh. You could spend hours exploring new strategies and hidden secrets.
The Binding of Isaac 100% Walkthrough [HD] [#01] - The first Playthrough by TheKuskus23
2. Civilization V (2010)
What makes Civilization V endlessly replayable? The deep strategy and constantly-changing world. You can experiment with different civilizations and difficulty levels. Each game keeps you engaged for hours without ever feeling repetitive. New challenges await each time.
Civilization 5 gameplay (PC Game, 2010) by Squakenet
3. Terraria (2011)
A sandbox adventure where the only limit is your imagination, Terraria offers procedurally generated worlds. The sense of discovery never fades, as there’s always a new structure to construct or biome to explore. Plus, the depth of creativity is compelling enough to make you keep coming back.
Terraria Official Trailer by Re-Logic
4. No Man’s Sky (2016)
No Man’s Sky has transformed into a vibrant universe full of procedurally generated planets, each with unique ecosystems. No two journeys are alike, and every new planet offers new species and resources. Explore endless galaxies, and you’ll always have something new to find on every playthrough.
No Man's Sky (dunkview) by videogamedunkey
5. Stardew Valley (2016)
A farming simulator that gets better the more you play. Stardew Valley offers a world that feels alive with every crop harvested, animal tended, and festival celebrated. The random events and numerous paths to progress give you endless reasons to return and build your farm into something extraordinary.
Stardew Valley Trailer by ConcernedApe
6. Hades (2020)
Hades combines fast-paced action with deep narrative and randomly generated dungeons. Each run through the underworld feels fresh with new power-ups and enemies. The storytelling weaves in with the gameplay, keeping you invested in character progression.
HADES Full Gameplay Walkthrough / No Commentary 【FULL GAME】4K Ultra HD by Gamer's Little Playground
7. Minecraft (2011)
You’re only limited by your imagination in Minecraft, the world-building sandbox game that never stops giving. Whether you’re building intricate structures or surviving the night, the game’s procedural generation ensures each world feels unique, making it a game that always feels fresh.
Official Minecraft Trailer by Minecraft
8. Path Of Exile (2013)
With a focus on loot, skill trees, and randomized dungeon layouts, Path of Exile is perfect for players who crave replayability. The deep customization and seasonal updates ensure that no two playthroughs are alike. Lastly, every character build brings a unique experience.
Path of Exile Overview Video by IGN
9. Rocket League (2015)
Soccer meets cars in this high-energy multiplayer game, where each match offers a different experience. Rocket League’s combination of skill, strategy, and unpredictability makes it endlessly replayable. Even after hundreds of matches, the thrill of a close game or a crazy goal keeps players coming back.
Rocket League - Announce Trailer | PS4 by PlayStation
10. Spelunky (2008)
Spelunky offers a challenging, rogue-like platforming experience where every playthrough presents new dangers and rewards. Its procedurally generated levels mean no two runs are alike, and the thrill of trying to survive the caves and collect treasure keeps you returning again and again.
