Exploring the Early Missions: A Glimpse into the Game’s Depth

16 February 2025

If you’ve ever started a new game and immediately felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things to do, you’re not alone. Early missions in games are like the opening chapters of a book—they set the tone, introduce key mechanics, and, most importantly, draw you into the world. But let’s be real: some games absolutely nail it, while others hit you with a whirlwind of tutorials that are about as fun as reading a tax manual.

So, what makes early missions shine? How do they give you a taste of the game’s full scope without dumping too much on you all at once? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of early-game missions, how they act as the foundation for the entire experience, and why they matter more than you think.

Why Early Missions Matter

Think of the early missions as the appetizers before the main course. They’re not just there to teach you how to press buttons; they’re there to make you feel something. Whether it's the thrill of your first daring escape, solving a tricky puzzle, or even just meeting quirky NPCs, these missions introduce the game’s personality.

Setting the Tone

The opening missions are where the game screams, “This is who I am!” Is the game dark and brooding, like The Last of Us? Or is it lighthearted and full of chaos, like Borderlands? The tone they set right at the beginning matters because it frames how you’ll perceive everything else moving forward.

For example, in Red Dead Redemption 2, the first missions have you trudging through the snow with your gang. The pace is slow, deliberate, and paints a vivid picture of survival and camaraderie. It’s a stark contrast to something like DOOM Eternal, where the opening moments are more like a caffeine-fueled trip into carnage. The early missions tell you what to expect—and if done right, they’ll leave you hungry for more.

Teaching Without Preaching

No one likes sitting through a 30-minute tutorial. Yet, games need to teach you the ropes somehow. Early missions often walk the fine line between educating you and keeping things engaging.

The best games sneak lessons in when you’re not paying attention. Take The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. In the opening areas, the game subtly teaches you about temperature mechanics when you try to climb a snow-covered mountain. No hand-holding; just pure, organic learning—or failing. And honestly? Failing is sometimes the best teacher in gaming.

Compare that to games that overdo it with static tutorials and text dumps. You’re here to play, not read a user manual! Early missions work best when they toss you into the thick of things and let you figure it out.

What Makes Early Missions Memorable?

Not all early missions are created equal. Some stick with you long after you’ve logged out, while others fade into the background like elevator music. But what is it that makes one mission unforgettable and another completely forgettable?

Strong Narrative Hooks

Imagine starting a game where the first thing you do is… fetch apples. Snooze-worthy, right? Now think about starting a game where the opening mission has you escaping an exploding spaceship or pulling off a high-stakes heist. Big difference.

Games like Mass Effect 2 kick things off with an unforgettable bang. You wake up on a space station under attack, and before you know it, you're making life-and-death decisions. Compare that to games where the stakes feel low at the start—it’s like comparing a rollercoaster ride to a stroll through the park. Both are fine, but one gets your adrenaline pumping in a way you’ll never forget.

Balancing Challenge and Accomplishment

The best early missions give you just enough challenge to feel accomplished without overwhelming you. They make you feel like a hero-in-the-making, not someone struggling to figure out which button does what.

Take Dark Souls, for example. The early missions don’t hold your hand—they slap it away and say, “Figure it out, buddy.” And honestly? That’s part of the charm. You feel a surge of pride when you finally beat that first boss after multiple failed attempts.

On the flip side, not every game needs to be punishing. Some games, like Spider-Man (PS4), focus on making you feel powerful right from the start. Swinging through Manhattan as Spidey within 10 minutes? That’s the kind of start that leaves a grin plastered on your face.

The Role of World-Building in Early Missions

World-building isn’t just about lore dumps and backstory; it’s about making the game’s universe feel alive. Early missions are the perfect vehicle for this. They give you your first glimpses into the world without overwhelming you.

Introducing the Game World

At the start of Skyrim, you’re a prisoner about to be executed. Not exactly the happiest of beginnings, but it’s genius. Within minutes, you witness a dragon attack, marking the return of an ancient threat. That one event kickstarts your journey and hints at the game’s vast, open world filled with danger and mystery.

Early missions should make you ask questions. “Who built this world?” “Why are these factions at war?” “What secrets are hiding in that forest over there?” They should make you curious enough to want to keep pushing forward.

Interacting with NPCs

NPCs (non-player characters) are often the heart of early missions. Whether they’re quirky sidekicks, wise mentors, or total jerks, they help breathe life into the game.

Take The Witcher 3, for example. Early on, you meet Vesemir, Geralt’s mentor. Through their dialogue, you get a sense of their history, the world’s state, and the overarching conflict. It’s not just about killing monsters—it’s about the relationships and stories that unfold as you play.

Pacing is Everything

Ever played a game where the early missions felt like a slog? Poor pacing can kill the excitement before it even starts. Great early missions strike a balance—they’re fast-paced enough to keep you engaged but not so chaotic that you’re completely lost.

Gradual Unfolding of Mechanics

Early missions shouldn’t throw everything at you at once. Imagine trying to drink from a firehose—it’s messy, overwhelming, and kind of ridiculous. Instead, the best games introduce mechanics gradually. Think of it like peeling an onion layer by layer.

In God of War (2018), the opening missions teach you about basic combat with your Leviathan Axe. Then, as the game progresses, you’re introduced to more advanced moves, puzzles, and strategies. It’s a steady progression that lets you master the basics before diving deeper.

Freedom vs. Linear Paths

Some games excel with linear early missions, while others throw you into a sandbox. Both approaches can work, but the key is balance.

In Horizon Zero Dawn, the opening hours are somewhat linear as Aloy grows up and learns the basics. Once you’ve got the hang of things, the game opens up into a sprawling open world where you’re free to explore. This gradual transition feels natural and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.

Wrapping It Up: Why Early Missions Stick With Us

The early missions of a game are the gateway to an unforgettable experience. Done right, they’ll hook you, teach you, and leave you eager for more. Done wrong, they can feel like a chore, making you hit the uninstall button faster than you can say “refund.”

Whether it’s the storytelling, the world-building, or just the pure adrenaline of that first boss fight, early missions set the stage for everything else. They’re the prologue to your adventure, and when crafted with care, they can be just as memorable as the climax.

So the next time you fire up a new game, pay attention to those opening missions. They’re more than just tutorials—they’re your first taste of what’s to come. And if they’re done right? You’re in for a wild ride.