How to make spending in-game currency feel worthwhile in RPGs?

[StaceyPowers]

In most RPGs, I notice I almost never spend any of the gold I loot, except on healing supplies. I always end up with a huge pile of cash, but nothing that seems worth buying with it.

If you are like me, do you have any ideas for what games could do to make spending in-game currency feel rewarding?

What would probably work for me would be if I could use it to improve the game world, especially if it’s an open world.

[killamch89]

Games like Fable or Dragon Quest Builders 2 let you invest in towns and see them grow as a result. Maybe more RPGs could adopt this kind of system to make your spending feel impactful.

[Scorpion]

That's a great point! Introducing meaningful upgrades to the game world, like enhancements or new quests, could definitely make spending feel rewarding.

[killamch89]

13 hours ago, Scorpion said:

That's a great point! Introducing meaningful upgrades to the game world, like enhancements or new quests, could definitely make spending feel rewarding.

I couldn’t agree more. Enhancements and quests make it feel like you’re shaping the game world.

[GameOn]

I believe one should be able to purchase things which are permanent like a boost. This would make spending feel like a good thing, and players would gain what they actually spend on. 

 

[killamch89]

On 1/17/2025 at 2:54 AM, GameOn said:

I believe one should be able to purchase things which are permanent like a boost. This would make spending feel like a good thing, and players would gain what they actually spend on. 

 

Or even better - permanent perks. Ones that can add unique traits to your character which enables your build to be far more unique.