Many classic and modern video games feature level scaling, enhancing the overall experience. But will this mechanic live up to your expectations?
Level scaling influences how players interact with the game world and enjoy its content. It even affects such vital elements as choice-making, exploration, and the playable character’s gear. But to help you understand how all that happens, we first must explain what this term means!
Scaling in Games Explained
Scaling Meaning in Games
Level scaling (or adjusting) affects how a player experiences the game regardless of their playable character’s level. In simpler terms, it tailors enemies’ levels to your level, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected battles with overpowered opponents. This feature is common in role-playing games (RPGs), but you can also encounter it in other genres.
What is Scaling in Gaming?
Since level adjusting allows for confrontations with opponents of similar experience, the mechanic encourages spontaneous exploration of the game world. Moreover, players can enjoy a constant sense of a challenge without worrying about being under or over-leveled. After all, who wouldn’t want to play a game knowing the mightiest bosses will eventually be beatable?
On the other hand, such a system can sometimes take away that sweet sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Players may feel that constant improvement doesn’t make them skilled or powerful, and epic items and stats don’t matter in the face of another confrontation.
Video Games featuring Scaling
- Elden Ring
Elden Ring is an example of a game that doesn’t use level adjustments, so exploring the dangerous Lands Between can result in many surprising (often deadly) encounters. Nevertheless, the title rewards patience and thoughtful skills-honing!
- Destiny 2
In Destiny 2, enemies partially adjust to the player’s level. Unlike Elden Ring, the title evens the chances between players but keeps the most difficult missions more challenging.
- World of Warcraft
This incredibly popular MMORPG features partially dynamic level adjustment – all enemies, loot, and quests adapt to your experience within the chosen zone. Once you cross the border of a level-alike zone, you may feel over-leveled or instantly die.
Does this mechanic sound like your kind of thing? Before you buy a game, be sure to check out what level scaling it offers. It’s one of those vital gameplay systems capable of changing your entire experience, so do your research!