
When you are heading out to the dangerous wilds where dismemberment, face melting, certain death, or even experience loss might be around every corner, it’s always a good idea to bring along a trusted companion — whether that be a friend, a pet, or some bizarre plaything of mad magicians.
Miol went with the last one there in Guild Wars 2: “Who wouldn’t want to rely on such a companion to get you through harsh and brumal mountain passes? Sure, it’s actually a construct made of remnants of tormented magic left by cultists, turned ethereal demons, of a dead god, but I was assured by some djinns, they don’t bite! Djinns are usually trustworthy characters, right?”
“So uh… I’ve been playing Genshin Impact,” admitted Little Bugbear. “It’s really pretty, these pics are on low graphics (still stunning). The game gives lots of rewards to get characters for just playing (chests, events, puzzles, patches, achievements, leveling, etc.). I highly recommend this.”
I also highly recommend a seat belt if you’re going to sit that high without safety rails. But that’s just me.
Before City of Heroes Homecoming put the kibosh on streaming, Hikari joined up with the Massively OP team to take a picture of writers and readers alike being all sorts of noble and heroic. We really, really want you to notice our costumes.
“There is also the wonderful MOP Stream team and the assortment of minions MJ has assembled,” Hikari said in response to a call for companion photos.
Utakata gave us a sad ballad of Jinbin with this Blade and Soul picture: “He is a kid who came out of abject poverty and inconsequential to the Earthen Realm humanoid’ity, declaring me his ‘master’ right off the bat when we first met. Ever loyal, overly enthusiastic servant who gladly take a bullet for me. Yet became a nuisance in following me around, always gleefully trying to help me. Even to the bathroom, when I told that’s not okay. I keep this pic to remind me to always hold what is precious to me in RL Even when I’m tempted to strangle it figuratively sometimes.”
“I don’t know what’s going on in this MapleStory scene,” said Minimalistway. “This does not look like a monastery, more like a disco hall — and that handsome monk is up to no good.”
For this week’s screenshot challenge, why not share a picture or two of the first steps you ever took into a particular zone? C’mon, we all act like googly eyed tourists when that happens, and you know it!

Late to the game this week
As for playing tourist, how about some shots of our first time in the new nebulas in Star Citizen? We literally went touring around the various L points when they came out.
This is a shot of the beginning zone for the plant people in GW2. My human ranger with her dogs decided to visit one day.
Thank you, Justin! /bow
About 4 months ago, I already admitted here, that I feel more like a tourist passing by in GW2!
How convenient then to find out about this week’s challenge!
With the launch of Path of Fire, it let’s you begin near these majestic pyramids and ruins – toppled and half buried by sand dunes – only making me want to see more, right from the start! Though the story script, that brings you there initially, stresses you completely out to keep going, since there are always someone that needs to be saved! – “Yes, yes! I know! I’m supposed to be the hero here, not a tourist!”
^
It’s not so much that I was taking my first steps into whatever La Noscea zone this was, more that the sun was and I was prepared to punch it in its stupid face.
Thanks for the post! I did fall off of that statue and kill Kaeya (RIP).
The shot I have today is of the city of Mondstadt. You can see the statue from last week in the distance.
To fit the theme this week, I offer an old shot I took of Enedwaith in LotRO looking out from the first Ranger camp you come to there shortly after I first arrived there. Overall not as stunning as some of LotRO’s landscapes, but I remember it being quite stunning at the time, perhaps because I had just spent a fair amount of time in Southern Mirkwood which is very dark and dreary and this seemed very bright and green and lush by comparison.
The beginning of the end. As one of the first duty of this game is carrying the dead to be cremated. The thing in the background is where you put ’em… >.<
I know this whack job isn’t in a game but was I the only one that didn’t think Reachmen when I saw him, and wondered what loot he’d drop?
I can not take credit for that meme by the way, I just liked it enough to download.
No, but he looks like he came from it… o.O
Is that original screen from ESO, btw?
Skyrim actually, the beginning cart ride.
Haha, omg, hadn’t realized that. Thanks!
I’d have to check the wiki to be sure, but I believe those drop cosmetic armor and skooma.
Don’t normalize domestic terrorism!
The first zones of the dwarf race in Archeage are quite beautiful but not really special as they are full of winter. It’s the first time i ever make one of these little buggers and i was impressed how much the housing customization has evolved since i last played, years ago. Makes the cold areas look quite cozy and sugar-rush inducing
One of the first things you notice as you enter the The Bozjan Southern Front is the Castrum Lacus Litore in the distance. Not really a “pretty” zone as it’s a war torn landscape, but…anywhoo.
If allowed, I’d also like to plug our FC’s lastest magazine issue that we just finished (some of the screenshots found inside are below) :)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sp8Md6DDBjPbTW7IYsACLhJGabksj3o3/view
Note: The ninja and bunny outfit shots were taken by my fellow editor/FC member Liss Rakuzu