What is New Game Plus?

What is it?

New Game Plus (NG+) is an unlockable gameplay mode available after a player completes a game's main story. When starting a NG+ run, players typically retain their character's stats, levels, abilities, and items from the first playthrough. This allows them to re-experience the story from a position of power. Often, the game's difficulty is increased to compensate for the player's advanced state, featuring stronger enemies, new item placements, or remixed challenges. The concept was popularized by the classic 1995 role-playing game Chrono Trigger and has since become a beloved staple in many genres, especially RPGs and action-adventure titles.

Why is it trending?

New Game Plus is a powerful tool for developers to increase a game's longevity and replay value. In an era of massive open-world games, NG+ encourages players to stick with a single title long after the credits roll. Titles like Elden Ring and God of War Ragnarök use NG+ to introduce new content, such as exclusive gear or tougher boss variants, rewarding dedicated fans for their continued engagement. It keeps the community active, sharing strategies for NG+ runs and discovering secrets that are only accessible on a second playthrough, which generates sustained buzz online.

How does it affect people?

For players, NG+ provides a deep sense of satisfaction and mastery. It transforms the early game from a challenging struggle into an empowering experience, allowing them to dominate areas that once gave them trouble. This mode appeals to completionists aiming to unlock every achievement or see all possible narrative outcomes. It also enhances the value proposition of a game, making players feel they got more for their money. By offering a fresh perspective on a familiar world, NG+ fosters a stronger connection between the player and the game, turning a one-time adventure into a repeatable journey.

Discover another trend: Game Writers: Crafting Interactive Worlds