Visiting this decade-old MMO made me realise that being a hero is overrated

In the realm of video games, it is a rare occurrence to feel like an outsider, especially in a world filled with familiar yet alien landscapes. Foxhole presents such an experience, where the bustling activities of its players evoke a sense of recognition, yet I find myself adrift, much like an ant on a hill, overwhelmed by the collective efforts around me.

Exploring the Airbourne Update

With the recent Airbourne update making waves, I decided it was time to immerse myself in this MMO and attempt to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing war effort. In Foxhole, the importance of not being a liability cannot be overstated; players are quick to remind you of this expectation if you falter in your duties.

This latest update introduces player-controlled aircraft, a thrilling concept that beckons exploration. However, as a newcomer, I recognized the necessity of mastering the basics before diving headfirst into the chaos. Baby steps, as they say.

A fascinating tidbit from Foxhole‘s history: a few years back, players dedicated to logistics staged an in-game strike. This group, known as the Logistics Organisation for General Improvement (LOGI), found themselves overwhelmed by the demands of supplying frontline troops. Their commitment to ensuring that soldiers had enough ammunition led them to pen an open letter to the developers at Siege Camp, addressing the burdensome resupply processes. When their concerns went unanswered, they took a stand, refusing to restock until their grievances were acknowledged.

The strike lasted an impressive 49 days, culminating in a response from Siege Camp, who promised to address the issues raised. This episode encapsulates the spirit of Foxhole and its community, and now, I find myself among them.

As I ventured into the eerily serene home base, I was directed to the training area, where I underwent a series of drills. I ran, crawled, and learned to shoot—an endeavor that proved more challenging than anticipated. The game’s top-down perspective evokes comparisons to a World War II version of Hotline Miami, albeit with a significant focus on logistics.

The global chat buzzed incessantly, with players engaging in discussions about the war, expressing disdain for the enemy, and even sharing tips on coal transportation. It was a whirlwind of activity, yet the players seemed to revel in the camaraderie. With the base feeling too quiet for my liking, I resolved to head to the front lines.

Equipped with a rifle and ammunition, I set out, albeit with little direction. A glance at the map indicated that the enemy lay to the south, and I ventured forth, only to be met with the sounds of gunfire. A soldier politely requested I step aside to allow him to transport supplies, maintaining a calm demeanor despite the chaos surrounding us. I complied and ducked into a nearby trench, but a grenade soon ended my brief foray into combat.

In the aftermath, I became transfixed by a medic nearby. This player, eschewing the traditional role of a soldier, focused solely on saving lives. They waited patiently for cries for help, springing into action to rescue fallen comrades and patch them up for another round in the fray.

Across the street, two players were diligently constructing a pillbox, undeterred by the bullets whizzing past. Armed only with hammers, they embodied a spirit of resilience, prioritizing their construction efforts over personal safety. Their commitment to building, despite the risks, struck me as more impactful than my own attempts at combat.

It quickly became evident that Foxhole is not about heroics; rather, it revolves around fulfilling one’s role effectively to support the collective effort. It’s about ensuring that supplies reach those in need and preserving one’s own safety to assist others. While I may not fully grasp the intricacies of Foxhole, my brief encounter at the front has deepened my appreciation for the dedication of its players, who invest countless hours crafting ammunition they may never fire, yet do so with unwavering respect for the mission at hand.

AppWizard
Visiting this decade-old MMO made me realise that being a hero is overrated