When Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn launched it generated a mixture of excitement and technical issues within the gaming community. While many of these issues might be overlooked, one decision has notably frustrated a significant portion of its player base: the restriction on earning achievements based on difficulty levels.
For those unfamiliar with the game, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn offers three difficulty settings: Story, Normal, and Possessed, with the latter being the most challenging. At first glance, this seems to cater to players of all skill levels. However, developer A44 Games has implemented a controversial restriction: players cannot earn achievements while playing in Story mode.
This decision has sparked frustration among players who may not excel in high-difficulty gameplay but still want to engage with and enjoy the game. The shift away from the “git gud” mentality—once prevalent in the Soulslike community—was a positive development, promoting inclusivity and encouraging players of all skill levels. A44 Games’s current approach seems to contradict this trend by effectively penalizing those who choose a more accessible difficulty. While some may think that this approach is ok, it can also be seen as gatekeeping. It sends the message that the player who plays the game on Story mode isn’t as good as someone who doesn’t. Is that
Flintlock locks you out of achievements if you change the difficulty and thats really changed how I feel about the game.
— Kyle D GhostSpydr (@AGhostlySpydr) July 25, 2024
Imagine punishing the player for using a setting that YOU put in the game 😭😂
That's what makes this achievement discussion about #Flintlock so important.
It doesn't make any sense. Just give separate achievements for higher difficulties.— Casper (@Red_Casper_) July 26, 2024
This issue mirrors the controversy surrounding Cuphead, which similarly restricted progression for players opting for an easier difficulty. In both cases, such restrictions appear counterproductive. By making achievements exclusive to higher difficulty settings, developers risk alienating players who might otherwise be enthusiastic about the game.
While this doesn’t affect me as I’m used to playing Soulslikes and Soulslites, all of which don’t have the option to change the difficulty if I want to progress through them. I also don’t care very much about achievements. I never have and more than likely never will. I understand and respect that there are scores of people who feel that achievements are super important and go out of their way to achieve them.
A44 Games’s decision to bar achievement access on Story mode creates an unnecessary divide between casual players and those who thrive in challenging environments. It sends a discouraging message to gamers seeking an enjoyable experience rather than a relentless grind. This feels like a step backward if I’m being honest. With so many developers taking steps towards accessibility and inclusivity as of late, then we have this game that penalizes those who see the helping hand, but then ultimately gets slapped by it when reaching out for help. Especially so when Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn feels downright unfair at times on Normal difficulty. Even more so in its early hours.
A44 Games could have locked specific achievements behind the Story mode, and some behind the other difficulties. It would have allowed those who played through both difficulties to enjoy the game while getting some achievements at the same time. That way both sides could have enjoyed the game without any frustrations, outside of getting their asses handed to them in the game and getting some achievements to boot.
I hope A44 Games will reconsider this approach and address the concerns of players who have chosen Story mode for a more relaxed experience. Gaming should be about enjoyment and inclusivity, not about creating barriers that detract from the overall experience. This decision undermines the community that should be embracing the game, potentially driving them away. At least, that’s what I think about the matter.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is available for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
