There are a variety of factors that contribute to your gameplay experience. One of those factors is level scaling, which can tie into progression mechanics and game difficulty.

But what exactly is level scaling in video games? Let's find out.

Level Scaling in Video Games

Level scaling is when enemies dynamically level up alongside you. It's a feature that you'll find in role-playing games (RPGs), but that doesn't mean it's restricted to just that genre.

Focusing on RPGs, level scaling can be an excellent mechanic because it allows you to explore any part of a game world at your own pace. Sure, there may still be tough enemies and different enemy types that warrant leveling up to gain or upgrade more skills, but no area should be near impossible and no enemy should feel too easy.

When done correctly, level scaling can keep a sense of constant challenge as you level up your character, meaning that you might have a bunch of new skills and equipment and still have a combat arena that tests you. And, as mentioned earlier, you've also got the freedom to explore the game world and its quests at your own pleasure.

Related: What Are RPGs? Everything You Should Know About Role-Playing Games

However, in games with level scaling, you might feel you're never improving, despite the wealth of skills and new equipment you've gained. This means that you may never get that feeling of accomplishment and gratification that comes when you easily defeat enemies that previously gave you trouble.

So, though level scaling can be good, it can also lessen the feeling of progression and risk turning your gameplay experience into an unfulfilling one that can ironically evoke feelings of video game grinding.

Explore Level Scaling in Different Genres of Video Games

So, that's level scaling. It's a mechanic that can keep you on toes in almost all combat situations, but can also leave you feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.

Level scaling can come in many forms depending on the genre of video game. So be sure to keep an eye out for it in the game you're playing.