Although they’re often a necessity, tutorial levels in video games can be a real pain. This is especially the case if the game’s tutorial is poorly designed, as excessive help screens and forced, unenjoyable hand-holding can kill the anticipation of a new game in an instant.
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Moreover, in some cases, tutorials levels can be so bad that they’ll put players off a game entirely, with a notable example being the infamousDrivertutorial. For this reason, it’s worth giving credit to games that do tutorials well, so we’ve decided to shine a light on some great tutorial sections over the years.
In a game asinfamously difficultasDark Souls, it’s vital that players have a full understanding of the gameplay mechanics to give them the best chance at success against the numeroustough bosses. Consequently, the Northern Undead Asylum was an important section for FromSoftware to get right.
The game beings by teaching players the basic controls with messages on the floor and gives them some simple enemies to try out attacks on. However, the tutorial’s main strength is how it subtly teaches players the game’s level design, withDark Souls’emphasis on shortcuts to bonfires and bosses being a full display. The game also teases a boss that players can escape from, giving them a false sense of security before soon forcing them to plunge back into its arena - foreboding the unforgiving challenge that is set to follow.
6Kokiri Forest - The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
Kokiri Forest is a nostalgic area for many people and is one of the most recognizable tutorials levels in gaming history. The humble beginning toOcarina of Timeperfectly introduces thecoming of age story, with Link being told that it is his destiny to leave his simple home life in the forest and travel to Hyrule Castle.
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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timetasks players with figuring out how to obtain a sword and shield before having to complete the game’s excellent introductory dungeon, “Inside The Great Deku Tree.”
5N. Sanity Island - Crash Twinsanity
Following on fromDark SoulsandThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, two of the most beloved games of all time, is the infamously unfinishedCrash Twinsanity. Although the game is packed with glitches and has a handful of cut levels, the game does have a cult following that sings its praises, with the tutorial stage being considered a particular highlight.
N. Sanity Island perfectly introduces players to the significant differences thatCrash Twinsanityhas with previous entries in the series, as the game swaps the franchise’s iconic corridor platforming in favor of an open-level design similar to platformers likeJak and DaxterandSuper Mario 64.N. Sanity Island is bursting with color, has a wide range of hidden gems to find, and ends with one ofthe best boss fightsin the entireCrash Bandicootseries.
4Starting Area - The Witness
The Witness’starting area is on this list for very different reasons to the other entries and is also veryspoiler-heavy, so proceed with caution.The Witnessthrows players straight into the game, with no opening cutscene or text screens to contextualize where the player is or what they’re doing. This “show don’t tell” approach continues when the player starts solving puzzles, as they’re given no help or advice as to how puzzles are solved or even what the goal is -making the game brutally difficult at times.
Although the small starting area serves its purpose as a tutorial, it’s the area’s overall design that lands it a spot on this list. At some point in the game, most players will realize that puzzles aren’t just on grids but can be found all over the environment. If the player returns to the starting area after learning this, they’ll be treated to a plethora of smartly hidden puzzles and even a secret ending that is all incredibly rewarding to find and epitomize the game’s wonderful design.
3Prologue - Star Wars: The Force Unleashed
On the flipside ofThe Witness, which makes this list with its meticulous and ingenious design, isStar Wars: The Force Unleashed, which makes this list for simply giving the player Darth Vader and letting them wreak absolute havoc with him.
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Unlike most games, which reward players for progressing by gradually giving them more skills,Star Wars: The Force Unleashedgives players every ability right off the bat before suddenly stripping them away, making players desperate to progress and earn the skills back like they’re suffering from withdrawal. The tutorial is action-packed, memorable and instantly gives players motivation to progress in the campaign.
2Carnival - Bioshock Infinite
2010’sBioShock 2had the tricky task of following the highly-regardedBioShock.The developers decided to play it safe with the entry, which backfired as many players felt that it was too similar to the original game.BioShock Infinitewas a clear response to these criticisms, as the game took players out of the dreary, underwater city of Rapture and brought them to the floating city of Columbia. The game’s tutorial takes players on a visually spectacular journey through the city, which rivals the first trip to Rapture in terms of visual spectacle.
The player passes through a carnival in Columbia, where they can partake in a handful of games that function as well-disguised tutorials. The section ends with the floating city’s beauty being overshadowed by a sudden and disturbing change in tone that is hard to forget.
1The Great Plateau - The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Ocarina of Timeisn’t the onlyLegend of Zeldagame with a great tutorial stage, asBreath of the Wildgives it a run for its money. Both games begin with Link waking up, though unlikeOcarina of Timewhere Link is met with the familiar comfort of home,Breath of the Wild’s Link awakens with no idea where he is or why he’s there.
Breath of the Wild’s tutorial stage is The Great Plateau, a huge area that players can freely explore. The player is guided in the tutorial by a mysterious old man, who tasks players with completing various tasks, which will teach players everything they need to know before obtaining the paraglider and exploringthe dangerous post-apocalyptic Hyrule.
