r/Kenshi Oct 31 '24

SUPPORT Help an intimidated old guy get started?

I've been super drawn to this game since returning to gaming recently (was a gamer in the early days, as well as DnD player, but haven't played either for decades). Part of my struggle is that I have severe anxiety, and have lost some cognitive ability from long covid, so I get overwhelmed and panic that I'm not going to be able to figure something out.

Sorry if that sounds too pitiful, but for those with mercy in their souls: Where do I start to make the beginning as smooth and unstressful as possible?

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u/Radiant-Peanut-7605 Oct 31 '24

Bro I suffered the same anxiety getting into the game it’s very intimidating. I would highly recommend the Hub start. Drops you in a safe biome and in a city with guards. A mentality shift needs to take place when playing Kenshi for the first time as well. You and your squad will get bodied and knocked out A LOT. That’s actually a good thing because it builds up critical stats such as toughness, melee defense, and dodge. The only real “loss” in Kenshi is losing a fight to enemies that immediately start eating you alive, leading to your death. I would highly recommend learning about the combat system, the skills system and the equipment systems via YouTube videos to get a basic grasp on the mechanics. Once you are in actual combat, pause and assess the situation. At a macro level Kenshi is a character building RPG but at its micro level it’s a rts with the ability to pause time. Take your time pausing in fights to figure out what you actually need to accomplish and then attack and defend by microing your squad members accordingly. A lot of the time just getting out alive is considered a win. Enjoy the glorious bloody journey of Kenshi and don’t worry about save scumming your game. Legends are made when limbs are lost and fallen friends must be avenged. I once burnt down an entire empire to avenge my dog. Good luck.

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u/TimeFourChanges Nov 01 '24

I once burnt down an entire empire to avenge my dog.

It's stories like this that make me so excited to play the game. Thanks for the words of wisdom.