Whether it’s a Survival, RPG, or Adventure title, carry systems can majorly impact gameplay. From carrying essential items like food and water for survival to powerful weapons and ammo for the next boss fight, managing these systems can be the difference between winning or losing a battle or completing an objective.
Survival games rely on realistic carry capacity systems to stop players from becoming too overpowered, which can make the game less challenging. In RPG titles, players must be prepared to drop important items to collect loot or other essential items. In Action Adventure titles, having enough ammunition can be the deciding factor when encountering enemy players or NPCs. In this list, we will look at eight games with realistic carry capacity systems that can make or break a playthrough.
1. The Long Dark
The Long Dark’s inventory system is a standout feature in its survival gameplay. The carry weight is limited by the character’s physical capabilities, and overloading leads to slower movement and quicker fatigue. Players must carefully balance essentials like food, water, clothing, and tools to survive the harsh wilderness. Additionally, weather conditions and injuries can further impact how much weight the character can carry, requiring constant adjustments to the loadout.
2. Escape from Tarkov
This hardcore FPS incorporates a carry system where weight impacts stamina and movement speed. Heavier gear causes faster exhaustion and louder footsteps, making it critical to prioritize items based on their value and utility. The game’s detailed inventory system requires players to carefully organize their loadout for both combat and extraction. Players must also consider the insurance system, which adds another layer of strategy when deciding what to bring into a raid.
3. Green Hell
In this survival game set in the Amazon rainforest, the inventory system is not just about weight but also about spatial management. Items take up physical space in a backpack, and players must arrange them efficiently. The balance of food, medical supplies, and crafting materials is essential for surviving the game’s intense challenges. Players also need to account for item durability and decay, adding urgency to gather resources and repair tools regularly.
4. Resident Evil 4 Remake
The iconic attache case system returns in the remake, requiring players to fit items into a grid-based inventory. Limited space means every weapon, herb, and piece of ammo must be strategically placed. The system adds tension, especially during encounters when quick decisions about what to keep or discard can mean life or death. Customizing the attache case with charms and upgrades offers players slight advantages, adding a layer of personalization to the inventory system.
5. Project Zomboid
In Project Zomboid, inventory management plays a significant role in survival. Items are categorized by weight, and overloading leads to penalties such as reduced mobility, increased exertion, and even potential injuries. The system emphasizes careful planning and strategic decision-making, especially during scavenging runs. The ability to carry extra items with bags or by hand adds flexibility but can also make players more vulnerable to attacks.
6. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
This historically accurate RPG has a carry system that takes weight and encumbrance into account. Overburdening Henry, the protagonist, affects his stamina and movement, making it harder to fight or flee. The realistic system encourages players to use pack animals or store items strategically. Wearing armor or carrying heavy weapons can significantly impact combat effectiveness, making loadout decisions crucial before embarking on quests.
7. Subnautica
Subnautica’s inventory system challenges players to manage their limited storage space while exploring underwater biomes. Items like tools, resources, and food compete for space, and the system’s restrictions make planning and preparation critical for survival. Storage modules on vehicles like the Seamoth and Cyclops provide additional capacity but must be used wisely as they impact vehicle performance.
8. DayZ
DayZ features a realistic inventory system where both weight and space play vital roles. The game’s survival mechanics force players to prioritize essentials while leaving room for weapons and supplies. Wearing larger backpacks increases carry capacity but makes players more visible to others, adding an extra layer of strategy. The inclusion of clothing with specialized storage, like tactical vests and pants, encourages creative use of space for optimal loadouts.
Final Thoughts
Realistic carry capacity systems add depth to gameplay by forcing players to make tough choices about what to carry, keep, or discard. These mechanics not only enhance immersion but also create tension, making every item and decision count. Games that incorporate these systems effectively ensure that players remain engaged and challenged throughout their journey.
