20 MORE Pointless Video Game Mechanics Nobody Used
Did anybody bother taking care of the magical creatures in Hogwarts Legacy?
Mechanics are the very rules and systems that dictate what players can and cannot do in a video game. They inform everything from how players get from point A to B, fight enemies, and how they upgrade their heroes. The more complex and ambitious a project is, the more mechanics tend to be involved to make the end product as fun and immersive as possible.
Some mechanics like fully controllable 3D cameras completely changed how games could be played, while innovative titles like What Remains Of Edith Finch and Her Story made us rethink what a game could be. However, not all mechanics are as memorable or integral to their respective title.
No matter how fun or interesting a gameplay idea is, if it doesn't add value to the player's experience it's likely to be completely overlooked or quickly forgotten about.
Even some of the best games in recent years aren't immune to including some mechanics that, despite sounding good on paper, are generally useless during actual gameplay. These mechanics are so pointless that it's possible some players may not even be aware of their existence.
20. Alchemy – Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023)
Set within the expansive world of Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur's Gate 3 is an enormous RPG that offers a level of freedom rarely seen in other titles.
Not only did developers Larian Studios deliver an epic adventure overflowing with meaningful choices, but they also gave players one of the most robust character creators in recent years. With various races, classes, and subclasses to pick from, players have complete control over how they choose to play.
A game of this scope requires a multitude of systems and mechanics to accommodate various playstyles, allowing players to face encounters head-on or to come up with more creative solutions. For those wishing to dabble in magic, BG3 also features an alchemy system. However, players will seldom have much use for it.
Although some quests involve brewing a specific concoction, these are always entirely optional steps. It also doesn't help that the game never teaches players how to use this complicated mechanic, meaning that those who want to engage with this system will have a difficult time figuring it out without a guide.
Given the sheer number of potions and elixirs scattered throughout the world, players will never need to open the alchemy menu.