Ever felt like you need a ton of energy just to make yourself do even the most basic tasks? That’s exactly how Mr. Harrow feels under the Total Lack of Motivation status effect in Rue Valley. It’s arguably the most limiting condition at the start of this Disco Elysium–inspired, narrative-driven RPG. If you’re ready to start interacting with the world, here’s how to get motivated and shake off this effect.
What Does Total Lack of Motivation Do in Rue Valley?
Total Lack of Motivation is a status effect. Like most others in Rue Valley, it primarily has negative consequences for your dialogue options. However, this one is particularly nasty, as it severely limits your ability to interact with the environment, simply because you're too unmotivated to do so. Early in the game, for instance, you won’t be able to talk to the girl outside kicking the vending machine, or even unpack your things.
This is a persistent effect that will block a wide range of interactions until you remove it, so you’ll want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Fortunately, doing so isn’t difficult, and you’ll be able to clear it in no time. Read on as we explain, step by step, how.
How to Remove the Total Lack of Motivation Status Effect
To regain motivation in Rue Valley, simply progress through the opening portion of the story. Don’t worry if you’re unable to perform a few interactions early on. Mr. Harrow (your character) is just too unmotivated at this stage. This isn’t tied to your character build, and as far as we know, there’s no hidden action required. Here’s how to remove the Lack of Motivation effect with as few spoilers as possible.
- When you finish your session, take a moment to interact with everything outside. It’s not required, but I recommend it for the sake of immersion and world-building.
- Head to the Reception desk.
- The receptionist will be busy talking on the phone. Look through the window, then mess around with your phone to pass the time.
- Eventually, she'll give you a Keycard.
- Head to your room, try to unpack (you won’t succeed), then look around and interact with things until there’s nothing left to do.
- Go to sleep.
- A major event will happen at this point, which we won't spoil.
- After that, complete a few mind-mapping tasks and repeat the cycle. You’ll know what I mean when you get there. I don’t want to spoil anything just yet.
- The next time you end up at a session, you will remember things.
And that’s it! Once you remember what happened, the Total Lack of Motivation status effect will be lifted, and Mr. Harrow will finally feel motivated, ready to uncover the mystery of Rue Valley. From this point on, all previously blocked interactions and dialogue options will become available again. You’ll be free to explore, progress through the story, and uncover new secrets.
Related: Rue Valley Willpower & Inspiration Points – Intentions Guide
So there you have it. Now you know how to get motivated in Rue Valley. Hopefully, it also motivates you to keep playing, because this game packs a magnificent story, gorgeous visuals, and a cast of intriguing (if quirky) characters, all delivered with just the right touch of humor.
Rue Valley FAQ
No, Owlcat Games is the game's publisher; they aren't making the game. Emotion Spark Studio, a Belgrade-based game dev team, develops Rue Valley.
The game is narrative-heavy and uses a system where your personality traits replace traditional RPG stats like Strength or Dexterity. It also features stylish, isometric visuals. Oh, and there's the mirror, as well.
Yes, in a broader sense. Rue Valley is definitely not a traditional RPG with battles, builds, and the like. Instead, the focus here is on the role-playing aspect of the genre: rich dialogue, meaningful choices, deep characters, and so on. It’s more of a narrative-driven visual adventure than a conventional RPG.
Nikola has been playing video games since his father bought him an NES and a Sega Mega Drive in the early 1990s. Over the years, he has mainly become a PC gamer with a love for narrative-driven RPGs, real-time strategy games, and psychological/survival horror titles. Still, he enjoys any game that’s worth his time.
