Do you ever avoid certain areas just to keep NPCs from dying?

[StaceyPowers]

Do you ever steer clear of certain areas in open world games just to prevent triggering events that will kill NPCs? Like I avoid the orc settlement near Riften in Skyrim because walking past it often triggers a giant attack I can’t always intervene with in time.

 

[Family sedan]

I will try to stay on a certain bridge while playing the Twisted Metal 2 Antarctica level, because to much of the battlefield crumbles into the ocean otherwise and I could be trapped on the falling ice floe.

[Withywarlock]

I can appreciate this mindset, and yes, I do. Failing that I save-scum trying to defeat the threat before the character dies. Going with your example of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, I frequently try to defeat the first giant you come across before the Companions do so I don't get scolded and feel welcome for my inevitable joining. But there's all manner of RPGs where I do the same, I just can't quite figure out which ones. They're mostly Elder Scrolls ones though, I can tell you that much.

There's a lot of opportunities for this in Spyro the Dragon, where enemies try to trap, chase and eat the fodder which Sparx can use to restore his health. Destroy the trap(per) and the fodder can go on its pre-programmed route oblivious that its life has been saved.

Edited December 31, 2021 by Withywarlock

[Boblee]

Of course yes, especially if it's one NPC that I really like that much. But if the annoying ones, they are definitely getting put to the sword. 

[Head_Hunter]

During my time with Grand theft San Andreas, I always stay clear the government residence when it comes to attacking pedestrians and the police. Because it wouldn't take up to five minutes for my character to be bursted. 

[Boblee]

On 12/31/2021 at 2:42 AM, Family sedan said:

I will try to stay on a certain bridge while playing the Twisted Metal 2 Antarctica level, because to much of the battlefield crumbles into the ocean otherwise and I could be trapped on the falling ice floe.

Haha, you already know exactly what's going to happen when you're on the edge of line. I wouldn't want to find myself off the cliff into the ocean. 

[Scorpion]

Absolutely! I often avoid high-risk areas too. Preserving NPCs adds to immersive storytelling, and I enjoy exploring without unintended consequences.