Uploaded May 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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It seems like you can't take two steps inside a videogaming without running into elemental weaknesses and resistances, elemental systemic mechanics, characters with elemental theming and even entire worlds split into elementally-themed chunks... but why? What makes the elements so special that makes them such a common theme that everyone seems to be able to interpret in the same way?

Well, The Architect, after taking a quick sojourn to ancient Greece, stopping by Azeroth and sauntering through the forgotten realms - all whilst trying to avoid Nickelodeon's lawyers - has an answer. The elements aren't just a cornerstone of culture, they're an inherent part of our psychology too - and that means no matter how hard we try, we'll never be entirely rid of them... but is that a good thing?

You saw:
Dark Souls 3 - 2016
Genshin Impact - 2020
From Dust - 2011
Dota 2 - 2013
Super Smash Bros Ultimate - 2018
The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim - 2011
World of Warcraft - 2011
Baldur's Gate 3 - 2023
Darkest Dungeon 2 - 2021
Battlerite - 2016
Persona 5 Royale - 2019
Pikmin 4 - 2023
Pokemon Soul Silver - 2009
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of time - 1998
Mega Man 11 - 2018
Final Fantasy 7 Remake - 2020
Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga - 2003
Heroes of the Storm - 2014
Borderlands 3 - 2019
Wizardry 2 - 1982
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty - 2023
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - 2023
Team Fortress 2 - 2007
Overwatch - 2019
Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition - 2020
Elden Ring - 2022
Another Crab's Treasure - 2024
Hearthstone - 2014
Atomic Heart - 2023
Diablo 4 - 2023
Grim Dawn - 2016
Path of Exile - 2013
Resident Evil 2 Remake - 2019
Dark Souls - 2012
Destiny 2 - 2017
Doom Eternal - 2020
Don't Starve - 2013
Passpartout 2 - 2023
Wizard of Legend - 2018
Fortnite - 2017
Opus Magnum - 2017
Potioncraft - 2021
The Legend of Korra Game - 2014
Spellbreak - 2020
Bioshock - 2007
Psychonauts 2 - 2021
Banjo Kazooie - 1997
Mario Kart 8 - 2014
Far Cry 2 - 2008
Final Fantasy 14 - 2010
Noita - 2019
Control - 2019
Max Payne 3 - 2012
DOOM - 2016
Hitman 3 - 2021
Slay the Spire - 2017
Magicka - 2011
Daikatana - 2000
Half Life 2 - 2004
Horizon Forbidden West - 2022
Super Mario Wonder - 2023
Terraria - 2011
XCOM 2 - 2016
Subnautica - 2014
Yellow Taxi Goes Vroom - 2024
Journey - 2012
Abzu - 2016
Nier Automata - 2017
Ori and the Will of the Wisps - 2020
Starcraft 2 - 2010
Alan Wake 2 - 2023
Rayman Legends - 2013
Half Life Alyx - 2020
Superliminal - 2019
ULTRAKILL - Early Access
En Garde - 2023
Halo Infinite - 2021
Halo: The Master Cheif Collection - 2014
DUSK - 2013
Into the Breach - 2018
Devil May Cry 3 - 2005
MTG:A - 2018
Honkai Star Rail - 2023
Pokemon Scarlet - 2022
Pokemon Ultra Moon - 2017
Pokemon White 2 - 2012
Fire Emblem Engage - 2023
Final Fantasy 10 - 2001
Palworld - Early Access
Teardown - 2022
Dishonored 2 - 2016
Super Mario Sunshine - 2002
Yoku's Island Express - 2018
Celeste - 2018
Mario Maker 2 - 2019
Donkey Kong Country 2 - 1995
Sonic Generations - 2011
Xenoblade 3 - 2022
Unicorn Overlord - 2024
Super Mario 64 - 1996
Crash Bandicoot - 1996
Spelunky - 2008
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - 2004
Shadows over Loathing - 2022
Nexomon Extinction - 2020
Coromon - 2022
Temtem - 2020
Shovel Knight - 2014
Cassette Beasts - 2023
Amnesia: The Dark Descent - 2010
Rain World - 2017
OFF - 2008
Cultist Simulator - 2018
Book of Hours - 2023
Spore - 2008
Minecraft - 2009
Dragon Quest 9 - 2009
The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap - 2004
Reventure - 2019
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - 2019
Divinity Orginal Sin 2 - 2017
Kirby and the Forgotten Land - 2022
Lords of the Fallen - 2023