Games With Realistic Carry Capacity Systems

Summary

• Survival games like
  Red Dead Redemption 2
  limit weapon capacity, challenging players to be strategic.
• State of Decay 2’s
  realistic weight system impacts movement and stamina, adding depth to gameplay.
• Escape From Tarkov’s
  grid-based inventory system requires players to manage space and weight for efficient looting.

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.

8 Red Dead Redemption 2

A Breath Of Fresh Air For The Genre

Although the carrying system in Red Dead Redemption 2 isn’t the most realistic example on this list, it’s still a breath of fresh air for the genre. Compared to its most obvious counterpart, GTA 5, the carrying system is much more realistic. In GTA 5, whether online or in single-player, players can carry nearly 60 weapons simultaneously.

In Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur can only carry two big weapons and two smaller weapons, storing the rest of his arsenal on his horse. This carrying system means that players must be selective with their weapons choice before starting a mission or encounter, especially when they may not be able to call for their horse to make changes in the heat of battle.

7 State Of Decay 2

Realistic Mechanics In An Apocalyptic World

In State Of Decay 2, gathering resources is a primary gameplay mechanic. Supplies like medicine, building materials, ammunition, and food are important for players to keep their camp up and running. When collecting supplies, they can only carry one backpack at a time, meaning players must be prepared to either make a long trek to and from their camp or bring a large vehicle to carry their gear for them.

The inventory system is also realistic, with the weight and size of items affecting gameplay. If the player carries too much weight, their movement will be significantly slower, their stamina will drain faster, and they may even sustain an injury. These realistic mechanics make for more challenging, and thus more rewarding gameplay.

6 Outward

An Immersive Open-World RPG

The Outward carrying capacity system is based on realism and revolves around the character’s backpack of choice. Players can choose to equip many different backpacks, each with different and corresponding stats. For example, a backpack with more weight and capacity will slow their movement and dodging ability but provide more space.

Unlike other similar titles, the armor, weapons, and tools that players choose to equip do not have an impact on the character’s weight, meaning players can carry more without the concern of balancing protection and firepower with carrying essential items. Players can even drop their backpacks during combat for better movement and agility.

5 Death Stranding

Action-Adventure Meets Cargo Transportation

Death Stranding has one of the most fun, challenging, and realistic carrying systems in gaming. A core gameplay feature is delivering cargo across a variety of terrain, obstacles, and locations while keeping the cargo safe and secure for progression and reputation. The physics-based movement system keeps players on their toes as they journey between settlements.

Every item has a unique and realistic size and weight, meaning players must plan and prepare before every journey. Players must be careful not to become overloaded, as this can increase their chances of slipping, potentially causing damage to their cargo or character.

4 Kingdom Come: Deliverance

A Medieval RPG With An Emphasis On Realism

Much like other gameplay mechanics in Kingdom Come: Deliverance, the carrying system is based on realism to reflect the medieval setting. Every item has a unique and realistic weight based on the real-life object, including weapons and armour. When starting out, players can carry more items, but as they progress and get more durable but heavier armor, they will have to sacrifice certain items to account for the added weight.

The carrying system has a direct impact on the core gameplay. If players become encumbered, they will become slower and unable to sprint, stamina will drain faster, and they will not be able to jump. These effects can have a serious impact on gameplay, especially when traversing the open world and engaging in combat.

3 DayZ

The Hardcore Zombie Survival Game

DayZ is known for being one of the most popular survival games of all time, and its carrying capacity system is often praised by fans. DayZ has an almost Tetris-like inventory system, where players can move objects around in an inventory grid to maximize efficiency and capacity.

Backpacks and clothing go hand-in-hand with the carrying system in DayZ, with certain clothing and backpacks providing more slots on the grid, but usually weighing more. Each item has a unique and realistic weight, meaning players must make difficult choices when trying to survive the harsh world.

2 The Long Dark

A Snowy Survival Experience

The Long Dark is a challenging survival experience that puts even the most seasoned players to the test. The carrying system in this game is one of its most important gameplay mechanics, as players must carry essential items with them at all times for the best chances of survival.

In The Long Dark, the base carrying capacity is 66 pounds, and this includes any items the player is wearing. As they traverse the unforgiving icy world, players will want to carry fire starters, food, water, tools, weapons, medical, sleeping supplies, and the list goes on. While carrying these items, players must ensure they don’t become encumbered, as this limits their speed, increases fatigue, makes climbing more difficult or impossible, and can cause injury.

1 Escape From Tarkov

A Tactical First-Person Shooter

Escape From Tarkov has a famous carrying capacity system. Much like DayZ, Escape From Tarkov has a grid-based inventory system where larger items take up more space than smaller ones, much like in real life. Every item also has a weight based on its real-life counterparts.

Items like the Tank Battery create significant issues for most players. It weighs more than the player can carry without becoming overloaded, causing slow and risky gameplay. Other items like guns and ammunition can quickly add up when players loot after a raid, meaning they must always weigh the benefits and dangers of carrying even the most essential items.