
Hello adventurer! In today’s quest, we’re going to explore more ways of defeating the evilness of… yellow paint! I have prepared some more examples used by different games, and how they guide the players without painting the world yellow.
Did you miss the intro to this topic and the first 5 examples?
Find them here:
GUIDE THE PLAYER WITH…
‘Someone has been here‘ Patterns - Footsteps, worn-out 1 texture, used path, dirt/dust, blood trail, broken branches, etc. This works because it shows that other people have been through the area, so you should follow them. This works best in small doses, together with other designs to guide. (Game example: Alan Wake 2)

Alan Wake 2 uses footsteps and a blood trail to guide players
Rewards - Coins/Crystals or other money to show the way. This is often used in kids’ games to use positive reinforcement to guide and encourage players to explore and go in the right direction. (Game example: Super Mario, Zelda)
7.5. Enemies - An alternative to this is to put enemies where the player should go. This works if the game is about taking out enemies and going deeper into the area, to the centre of the enemy camp or nest.

Mario game using coins (and enemies), guiding players where to go
Environment Texture - Pattern or type of element that can be climbed on, such as roots, rock walls, or metal. This should be consistent across levels, areas, and materials, so as not to confuse players or require teaching them a new style for each area/level/world. The Jedi games do a great job of being consistent across planets and ship environments (Game example: Star Wars Jedi Survivor)

Metallic-lined grates that can be climbed on
Plants - Use a certain plant to indicate areas to climb. It should stand out in some way through shape, pattern, and colour (or all in combo) so it contrasts with the rest of the game’s environment. (Game example: Jedi Fallen Order)

Red/orange flowers mark vines and climbable areas
Cloth or fabric - This is often used on specific areas where the player needs to climb when the other parts can’t be climbed. This works extra well if the rest of the fence or structure is jagged or rough, except for this part that is now climbable without hurting. (Game example: Mafia DE)

Cloth fabric marking where to climb and vault
TLDR:
There are a lot of ways a game can guide its players, and not only using (yellow) paint. Just find what style fits your game best.
Thank you for reading!
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