Kenshi

The main pros of the game

• Absolute Freedom: Players appreciate the game's open-ended nature, allowing them to choose their paths, whether as traders, thieves, farmers, or adventurers.
• Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The game emphasizes survival, character development through struggle, and a lack of hand-holding, making victories feel earned.
• Dynamic World: The world reacts to player actions, with factions and events that change over time, adding depth to the gameplay.
• Robust Modding Community: Many players highlight the extensive modding options available, which enhance and expand the game's features.
• Replayability: The variety of play styles and scenarios encourages multiple playthroughs, each offering a different experience.
• Immersive Lore: Despite a lack of traditional storytelling, the game’s world-building and lore create a rich backdrop for players to explore.

The main cons of the game

• Difficult Learning Curve: New players often struggle with the game's mechanics and may find it frustrating at first, leading to many restarts.
• Performance Issues: Users report bugs, long loading times, and optimization problems, especially on lower-end PCs.
• Graphics and Audio Quality: The game is criticized for its dated graphics and monotonous audio, which some players feel detracts from the overall experience.
• Lack of Guidance: The absence of a clear quest system or objectives can leave players feeling lost, particularly at the beginning.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• More Polished Mechanics: Some players feel the game could benefit from additional features or improvements in existing mechanics, such as combat and base-building.
• Enhanced NPC Interactions: A desire for more meaningful dialogue and interactions with NPCs and factions was noted, as many felt the game lacks depth in this area.
• Improved Quest System: While the sandbox nature is appreciated, some players wish for more structured quests or storylines to guide their adventures.
• Better Graphics and Performance: Users expressed a desire for updated graphics and smoother performance to enhance the gaming experience.

Summary

• Overall, Kenshi is celebrated for its unique approach to sandbox gameplay and the freedom it offers, but it also faces criticism for its steep learning curve and technical shortcomings. The game’s community is passionate, with many players finding it to be a deeply rewarding experience despite its challenges.

Summary generated on: June 1, 2026