Anyone who engages with live service games understands that there can often be a significant amount of downtime between updates. Typically, games receive patches roughly every six weeks. This is perfectly fine for competitive titles; an update arrives, and players compete throughout the season to collect as many rewards as possible.
However, narrative-driven games present a different scenario. While players must prepare for the upcoming patch by leveling up and equipping characters, as well as tackling challenges and earning titles, not everyone is keen on battling through various levels or participating in PvP matches. Even those who prefer storylines and crafting—like myself—eventually find themselves in search of alternative activities. For those of us who appreciate a laid-back vibe, fishing serves that purpose quite well.
That said, fishing experiences can vary greatly across games. In some, it can be a relaxing pastime, yet it can also transform into a tedious and frustrating endeavor. Take Final Fantasy XIV as a prime example. Leveling up is straightforward; simply board the ocean fishing boat every two hours. This method also earns scripts and tomes during events like the Moogle event. Conversely, other fishing activities can be tedious, plagued by RNG, and hindered by specific conditions—such as time, weather, or previously caught fish. This complexity is why tracking sites exist for those seeking to land the biggest catches.
It’s no surprise that fishing is seen as an achievement-worthy activity. Having goals to strive for in any MMORPG is beneficial, yet it doesn’t necessarily mean the process is enjoyable. In fact, it can often be one of the most monotonous tasks to undertake, and unlike in competitive scenarios, you can’t blame other players for your misfortune. Still, if you’re a crafter or gatherer, eventually, you’ll engage in these activities. It’s all part of the experience, and we learn to accept it.
That being said, it’s hard not to compare fishing across different games and recognize that some have simply done it better. Surprisingly, one of my favorite games for fishing is Zenless Zone Zero. The fishing event is straightforward, relaxing, and sprinkled with brief intermissions where you can dive into story content related to the fishing contest. They’ve even incorporated combat sequences in the Hollows, so you’re not just idly waiting for hours. The mechanics are enjoyable as well.
Another game where I find fishing enjoyable is Wuthering Waves. Similar to Zenless Zone Zero, it features a permanent event tied to the story, where the main character assists in uncovering matters concerning a guardian of an island nation, which necessitates significant fishing efforts. The mechanics involve sailing and other engagements, with sailing being pivotal. While RNG is present—just like in any fishing mechanic—you’re not stuck waiting in one place for hours; instead, you sail around searching for optimal fishing spots. This aspect also introduces the need to navigate through potentially dangerous areas of the ocean to prevent your ship from taking damage.
While neither fishing experience in Zenless Zone Zero nor Wuthering Waves is overly complicated, they both provide enjoyable variety. Interestingly, it’s often the free-to-play games where fishing is not a core focus that deliver the most fun, making it less likely for me to zone out watching a show while fishing. Then again, sometimes zoning out is perfectly fine; it can be a low-effort way to catch up on a series you’ve fallen behind on.
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