Procedural vs. Handcrafted Game Level Design: Which Creates Better Experiences?

In game design, the way levels are created significantly impacts player experience. Some games rely on procedural generation, using algorithms to create environments dynamically, while others focus on handcrafted level design, where designers carefully build each area with intent.

Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them depends on the type of experience a game wants to deliver. So, which one creates better gameplay?

What is Procedural Level Design?

Procedural generation uses algorithms to generate game levels dynamically, meaning no two playthroughs are exactly the same. This approach is common in games that emphasize replayability, exploration, and unpredictability.

Advantages of Procedural Level Design

Infinite Replayability – Since levels are randomly generated, no two runs are identical. Games like ‘No Man’s Sky’ and ‘Hades’ benefit from this, keeping players engaged over multiple sessions.

Efficient Content Production – Developers can create vast game worlds without manually designing every level. This is especially useful in open-world and survival games.

Surprise Factor – Players never know exactly what to expect, leading to fresh and unpredictable experiences.

Disadvantages of Procedural Level Design

Lack of Narrative Depth – Randomized levels often struggle to tell compelling, structured stories compared to handcrafted environments.

Repetitive or Unintuitive Layouts – While procedural generation can create variety, it can also result in levels that feel generic or poorly structured.

Difficulty Balancing Challenge – Because levels are randomly assembled, maintaining a fair and engaging difficulty curve can be challenging.

What Is Handcrafted Level Design?

Handcrafted level design means that game designers create environments manually, paying close attention to layout, pacing, and storytelling. This approach is common in linear games, RPGs, and narrative-driven experiences.

Advantages of Handcrafted Level Design

Stronger Narrative and Atmosphere – Since every detail is intentional, handcrafted levels can create immersive worlds with deep storytelling. Games like ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Dark Souls’ use this to great effect.

Better Gameplay Flow – Designers can fine-tune enemy placement, puzzle design, and pacing to create optimal gameplay experiences.

Memorable and Iconic Locations – Many of gaming’s most beloved environments, like ‘BioShock’s Rapture’ or ‘Half-Life 2’s City 17’, exist because of careful handcrafting.

Disadvantages of Handcrafted Level Design

Limited Replayability – Once players experience a handcrafted level, they already know its secrets, which can reduce long-term engagement.

Time-Consuming Development – Handcrafted worlds take significantly more time and resources to build.

Linear Constraints – While some handcrafted games offer exploration, they rarely match the endless possibilities of procedural generation.

Which One Creates a Better Experience?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach depends on the game’s goals and player expectations.

For Open Worlds and Roguelikes: Procedural generation works well in games that emphasize exploration, randomness, and endless replayability. Examples include ‘Minecraft’, ‘Hades’, and ‘Spelunky’.

For Narrative-Driven and Cinematic Games: Handcrafted levels excel in games that require tight storytelling, emotional engagement, and detailed world-building. Examples include Uncharted, The ‘Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild‘, and ‘Resident Evil 4‘.

For Hybrid Experiences: Some games combine both approaches. ‘No Man’s Sky‘ uses procedural generation for its planets but also includes handcrafted story elements. Dead Cells procedurally generates its layouts but maintains structured progression to ensure fairness.

Both procedural and handcrafted level design offer unique advantages, and neither is inherently superior. The best games use the right approach for the experience they want to create. Procedural levels offer variety and unpredictability, while handcrafted design ensures deliberate storytelling and gameplay flow.

Ultimately, the best level design is the one that immerses players, enhances gameplay, and keeps them coming back for more.

Also Read: How Set Design in Movies Uses Neuroarchitecture to Influence Emotion

–Silviya.Y