What to Do When You're Stuck in a Game

19 December 2025

We've all been there—racing through levels, finishing quests, and then bam! Suddenly, you're staring at the screen, totally clueless about what to do next. Maybe you're lost, maybe the boss is impossible, or maybe you're just burned out trying to figure out that one puzzle that makes your brain want to leap out your ears. If you're stuck in a game right now, don’t rage-quit just yet. Let’s walk through a game plan (pun 100% intended) to help you get unstuck and back to having fun.

Take a Deep Breath (Seriously)

First things first—chill. When you've been banging your head against a virtual wall for hours, it's easy to get frustrated. But getting mad rarely helps. Step away for a few minutes. Grab a snack. Stretch. Sometimes the best way to move forward in a game is to stop playing it... for a bit.

You’d be surprised how often a fresh set of eyes—or a clearer brain—can help you spot something obvious you kept missing.

Check the In-Game Journal, Map, or Quest Log

This might sound basic, but you’d be amazed how many players forget about these in-game features. Many modern games come with a journal, quest log, or map hints to push you in the right direction. Maybe you skipped some dialogue (we all do it), or maybe the game dropped a subtle clue you overlooked. Dig back in. Re-read that last objective. You might find your way unblocked in moments.

Revisit Previous Areas

Think retracing your steps is pointless? Think again. Lots of games (especially RPGs and Metroidvanias) hide clues, doors, or NPCs you weren’t ready for earlier. With your new skills or items, suddenly that cave you skipped now opens up. Or maybe that one corner you thought was a dead end now has an interact prompt.

Pro tip? Keep an eye out for anything that glows, sparkles, or looks slightly out of place. Game devs love visual breadcrumbs.

Try Something Totally Different

When in doubt, experiment. Try suspicious items on random objects. Equip that weird piece of gear you’ve been ignoring. Smash all the barrels in the room, even if it feels silly. Some games reward curiosity (or chaotic energy). That one strange rock you haven’t touched? It could be the key. Or maybe you need to stand on a pressure plate with a chicken (hey, it’s happened).

Games want you to play with their systems—it’s half the fun.

Adjust the Difficulty (No Shame in This Game)

Look, we all have something to prove sometimes, but playing on hard shouldn't make you hate the game. If you’re stuck because a boss fight feels impossible or enemies are just too OP, swap to a lower difficulty—at least temporarily. Get past the hurdle, enjoy the rest of the story, and maybe crank it back up later.

Remember, there’s no "wrong" way to play a game if you’re having fun.

Use Hints Without Full Spoilers

Yes, the Internet is full of walkthroughs. But before you dive headfirst into spoilers, try looking up a hint-based guide. These give you nudges without spelling everything out.

Websites like UHS Hints or Reddit forums often have spoiler-tagged threads where you can say, "Hey, I’m stuck here," and someone will give you a gentle push in the right direction without ruining later reveals.

It’s like getting help from a friend instead of reading the back of the book.

Watch a Playthrough (Skip to the Part You Need)

If you’ve tried everything and still no dice, a YouTube playthrough might be your best bet. Just fast-forward to the part you’re stuck on. Watching someone else tackle the same challenge can light a bulb in your brain. Maybe they noticed a switch you missed. Or a path that blended in way too well.

And hey—sometimes just seeing it done once makes it click.

Don’t Underestimate Game Communities

Fans love helping other fans. Jump into Discord servers, forums, or subreddits for the game you're playing. Drop a question like, "Stuck in [level/boss/puzzle], any tips?" and you’ll be flooded with advice—some of it actually good!

These folks live and breathe that game. They WANT you to finish it. Just ask.

Rebuild Your Setup or Loadout

This one’s huge in RPGs and action games. Stuck on a fight? Rethink your gear, skills, or party setup. Maybe you’re trying to brute-force a strategy that doesn’t vibe with the game’s mechanics.

Switch weapons. Respec your skill tree. Craft items you’ve been ignoring. Sometimes, the solution isn’t out there—it’s inside your inventory all along.

Also: buffs. Use them. Trust me.

Practice Technique, Not Just Strategy

If you’re stuck because you keep dying (again... and again...), it might be time to sharpen your skills. Try focusing on mechanics—timing dodges, parrying, block patterns, or combo chains. Treat it like learning to dance: at first you’re clumsy, then things sync up.

One trick? Practice sections without putting pressure to win. Focus on getting better, not just progressing. The wins will follow.

Use Mods or Cheats (If It’s That Kind of Game)

Mods aren’t just for adding banana skins and anime eyes. Some can help you skip bugs, get past broken levels, or just make things a bit easier. If a game’s really messing with you and you’re not above bending the rules, mods or cheat codes might be your ticket through the wall.

This is especially helpful in older PC games or massive open-world titles where bugs are part of the charm (or curse).

Ask a Friend to Tag In

Got a buddy who’s good with tricky games? Invite 'em over (or screen-share via Discord) and let them take a crack. Sometimes just watching someone else go at the challenge is enlightening. Plus, they might spot something you’ve completely tuned out after trying for hours.

Even if they don’t get it, talking it out might help you figure out what you’re missing.

Consider: Are You Just... Tired?

Look, your brain isn’t a CPU with infinite RAM. If you’ve been at it too long, you’re not thinking straight. If nothing’s working, the game feels too hard, and you’re about to rage-quit, it might be time to do absolutely nothing.

Turn off the console. Go outside. Sleep on it.

It’s wild how often the solution is obvious in the morning.

Know When to Walk Away

This might be the hardest advice in here, but it needs saying: not every game will click with every player. If you're still stuck and just not having fun anymore, it's okay to walk away. Games are meant to entertain, not torture. There are thousands of incredible titles out there waiting for you.

Put this one down. Try something new. You can always come back later with fresh eyes and new motivation.

Final Thoughts

Getting stuck in a game sucks—but it’s also completely normal. Every player hits a wall at some point. The key? Don’t let it ruin the experience for you. Try different strategies, ask for help, and most importantly, give yourself room to take a break when you need it.

Gaming’s about solving problems, growing your skills, and having fun doing it. Trust yourself, mix things up, and you’ll be back on track before you know it.

You’ve got this.