Stamina and fatigue have become something of a gaming staple. It makes sense, as larger, flashier games of the current era often mean greater immersion — and what better way to convey this than to present a hero that isn't an infallible human machine? While stamina has sometimes been critiqued for being overused, burdensome, and adding little to a game, there are some examples that break the mold.
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Particularly when it comes to survival, horror, adventure, and simulator genres, stamina and fatigue can add a layer of intrigue and intensity — bringing an engaging element that must be accounted for and a rewarding challenge to overcome. This feature can be further enhanced when used tastefully and creatively. Here are a few examples of some great titles that do just that.
6 Avowed
A Rare Clever Use Of Stamina In A High Fantasy RPG
Avowed
- Released
- February 18, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Obsidian Entertainment
One wouldn't expect a dynamic, realistic stamina system for a colorful high fantasy game involving spells and powerful gods — but in many ways, that's the case for this ARPG Pillars of Eternity spinoff. Players may take the role of a quasi-deity, but that doesn't mean they're impervious. The game incorporates a stamina and fatigue feature that can really be felt in the heat of a fight.
Their first-person avatar will start huffing and puffing when it runs low, making them vulnerable for a bit, depending on the weight and style of their weapon. Even spell-casting takes some of this energy, throwing in another element one must manage along with HP and Essence (mana). Various goodies, buffs, and weapons/gear will alter one's constantly-in-flux stamina.
Another neat aspect is that enemies have — in a sense — their own version of exertion, via Stun Meter that players can utilize by disrupting and stunning them in battle when it fills up. This produces a visceral, raw, semi-realistic feel in these slug-fests, which complements the more immersive first-person view.
5 Death Stranding 2: On The Beach
Subtle, Nuanced, And Effective In The Game's Context
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
- Released
- June 26, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Kojima Productions
- Engine
- Decima
This Kojima Productions sequel to the ambitious, memorable Death Stranding amps up the scope, gameplay, and nuances to an even more impressive degree. The epic and cinematic survival romp is complemented by a refined, multi-layered stamina system — along with endurance — that must often be managed and maintained.
Many aspects (from weight to dynamic weather) contribute to the boosting or wearing down of stranded porter Sam Bridges' stamina as he wanders the hostile wilderness of post-apocalyptic Australia (and elsewhere). The game makes these elements of fatigue and wear-and-tear a central component — as it should be given the super-harsh circumstances — without being overwhelming, repetitive, or one-dimensional.
4 Nioh 2
Players And Enemies Alike Are Given A Similar, Deep Stamina Mechanic
Nioh 2
- Released
- March 13, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Team Ninja
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Much like the thrilling, well-crafted Samurai adventure-sim that preceded it, Nioh 2 continues to entice amateur Eastern swordsmen with tougher, grittier fights, cool weapons like kusarigama and odachi, Soul Core-fueled abilities, and several rewarding modes of progression throughout.
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While the player's stamina mechanic is quite interwoven and detailed as is, what brings this title to the next level is a comparable system inflicted on foes. These differ in potency and vulnerability depending on the enemy's makeup and current actions; adding a thick layer of depth to a game already oozing detail and immersion.
3 Valheim
Fatigue Attached To Consumables And Viking Actions
Valheim
- Released
- February 2, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Iron Gate AB
- Genre(s)
- Sandbox, Survival
While it remains confined to "Early Access" status, Valheim has already impressed many with imaginative Viking-mythology themes, unpredictable procedurally-generated locales, and fun co-op offerings. The game masterfully blends wild arcade-style action with the grit and nuance of survival adventures. There are seemingly endless ways to approach a fight and customize one's Viking warrior — and the prominent use of stamina further mixes things up.
Being described by Iron Gate AB as "stamina-based combat," the feature is clearly crucial, as would be the case when laced with heavy armor while swimming (and even the mere state of being wet), chopping wood, and fending off tough monsters. In true Viking fashion, plundering for food is also key, as some will restore much-needed stamina in-between battles.
2 Dark Souls 3
A Soul-Crushing Burden Attached To Most Player Actions
Dark Souls 3
- Released
- March 24, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Coupled with the ever-pressing ability to survive and maintain one's acquired Souls, this grueling From Software dark fantasy thrives on its weighty, tactile combat that almost feels as if the player's really lugging the Ashen One's heavy armor and axe. Complementing this is a prominent stamina feature, which is further refined for the robust third entry in this groundbreaking series.
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While stamina makes up the seemingly standard appearance of a green bar, there are several actions and conditions that subtly affect this bar. In fact, just about anything that doesn't include simple walking chips away at this crucial meter on some level. This serves as one of the main points of the game's difficulty, realism — and thus heart-pounding excitement — as players desperately scurry to the next Bonfire or fend off that ominous Serpent-Man.
1 The Long Dark
Players Must Juggle And Balance Various Conditions Tied To Stamina
The Long Dark
- Released
- August 1, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Blood, Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Hinterland Studio
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Adding stamina can inject intensity and fear into chilling horror romps, and The Long Dark is not shy about using this tool to its advantage. Taking the role of a crash-landed, solitary bush pilot, players will be vulnerable as they make their way across the cold, empty Canadian wilderness in first person. The game can be played via a more typical campaign, or in stripped-down, grittier survival fashion.
The latter really brings stamina to the forefront, as oscillating fatigue levels must be managed to just make it through. Several obstacles and hardships are thrown at the player, including body temperature, hunger, illness, and injury — and many of these work hand in hand with stamina. A seemingly basic action like rope climbing would naturally require ample exertion from protagonist Will Mackenzie and thus fatigues him. Details like this make The Long Dark feel organic and "pop-off-the-screen" real when playing survival mode in particular.
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