High-End PC, Low-Cost Game: Builder's $3,000 Rig Finds Bliss in $20 Roguelike

Building a PC is an exciting undertaking, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. It’s easy to get carried away, especially with the current market where the best graphics cards are more expensive than they’ve been in years. Even a budget gaming rig can be pricey, and the cost escalates quickly if you're aiming for more power.

The Allure of "Just a Little More"

Despite the expense, building a good computer on a budget is achievable. However, many builders find themselves spending more than initially planned. A common culprit? The fear of missing out (FOMO). It’s the feeling that just a little more money will get you significantly better performance, a notion often reinforced within PC building communities.

It's tempting to think that adding an extra $400 for a better GPU or $200 for the best CPU at the time is a worthwhile investment, especially when you're already spending $2,000 or more. But these extra costs add up quickly. And the cycle continues with each new generation of hardware, enticing you to upgrade even if your current setup is perfectly capable.

A $3,000 PC Primarily for a $20 Game

This tendency to succumb to FOMO is a relatable struggle. One builder recently shared their experience of spending nearly $3,000 on a PC built just over a year ago, exceeding their initial budget of $2,000 by $800. The most surprising part? Their most played game of 2024 was Spelunky 2, a roguelike platformer costing only $20.

The Reality Check of a Steam Library

The transition from an older Nvidia GTX 1060 to an RTX 4080 was incredible at first. AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Hogwarts Legacy looked and played beautifully. However, none of these games were actually finished. They remained largely unplayed in the Steam library.

This disconnect pointed to a key realization: the expensive PC didn't change the builder’s gaming habits. They found themselves drawn to games like Spelunky 2, a challenging and addictive roguelike that emphasized skill and replayability. Over 600 hours were spent on this $20 game, dwarfing the 20 hours spent on the visually stunning Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered.

What Makes Spelunky 2 So Addictive?

• Simplicity: The game is straightforward in its premise: explore underground, rescue animals, collect treasure, and avoid traps.
• Challenge: Spelunky 2 is notoriously difficult, requiring precision and strategic thinking.
• Replayability: Each playthrough is unique due to the roguelike nature of the game, offering endless variety.
• Skill-Based Progression: Improvement comes from developing skill and mastering the game's mechanics, creating a deeply satisfying experience.

Other frequently played games included World of Warcraft Classic (running at max settings with high frame rates), Stardew Valley, Split Fiction, Elden Ring, and R.E.P.O - a mix demonstrating a diverse and perhaps less demanding gaming preference.

Lessons Learned

Despite the budgetary overshoot, the builder doesn't regret having a high-performance PC. It’s enjoyable to play games at maximum settings and avoid future upgrades for a while. However, the experience highlighted the importance of realistic self-assessment.

When planning a PC build, it’s crucial to consider what is actually *needed* versus what is simply *desired*. Evaluate how much each component will contribute to your enjoyment and longevity of the PC. Will a more expensive GPU truly enhance your gaming experience, or will it just add a few extra frames to an already smooth game?

Had FOMO not been a factor, an RTX 4070 might have been sufficient. There are no regrets regarding the current build, but a wistful thought remains: perhaps a little less focus on blockbuster titles and a bit more time dedicated to Spelunky 2 would have been a good balance.