The Most Annoying Escort Missions In Gaming History

Many video games ask players to safeguard helpless characters while facing danger. These missions can be more challenging and annoying than regular fights, demanding careful timing and a lot of patience. Often, the game’s computer-controlled companions are designed to move slowly or accidentally run into harm’s way. Here’s a look at some of the most frustrating escort missions from games throughout history.

‘GoldenEye 007’ (1997) – Control

In this mission, players need to defend Natalya Simonova while she attempts to hack a computer terminal within the Control bunker. The developers at Rare intentionally created this scenario to challenge players to hold their ground against a continuous stream of enemies. However, Natalya frequently puts herself in danger by moving into direct combat or not noticing nearby threats. If she takes too much damage – either from enemies or due to a lack of player protection – the mission will fail instantly.

‘Resident Evil 4’ (2005) – The Water Room

In Resident Evil 4, Leon Kennedy needs to keep Ashley Graham safe as she operates mechanisms to raise platforms while they’re surrounded by water. Capcom designed this section so that enemies attack from all sides, trying to kidnap her. Players must skillfully shoot enemies far away and fight off those who get close, all while being careful not to accidentally hit Ashley, which means instant failure.

‘Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty’ (2001) – The Oil Fence

Raiden provides cover for Emma Emmerich with a sniper rifle as she carefully makes her way across a dangerous, narrow path. The game adds a challenging swimming element to this section. Emma moves slowly and pauses often, making her an easy target for hidden enemies like Cyphers and guards. Players have to protect her while also monitoring their own oxygen supply.

‘World of Warcraft’ (2004) – Jail Break

Alliance players venture into Blackrock Depths to rescue Marshal Windsor. The game is designed so that Windsor moves at a speed between a walk and a run, which can be a challenge. Because the dungeon is packed with enemies, players need to quickly clear a safe path for him to prevent him from being attacked. This quest was a necessary step for players wanting to access the original Onyxia raid.

‘Silent Hill 4: The Room’ (2004) – Hospital Escort

Okay, so in this game, I’m playing as Henry, and I have to protect Eileen. She’s seriously hurt, which makes things tough because she moves really slowly and is constantly taking damage. The developers actually made it so her injuries affect how the game ends, which is intense! She’s always falling behind, and I’m constantly worried about her getting trapped when doors close. Plus, her weapons break down quickly, so I’m always having to keep an eye on her health and make sure she doesn’t get overwhelmed by the ghosts and monsters. It’s a lot to manage!

‘Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’ (2002) – Death Row

In a frantic race against time, Tommy Vercetti must rescue Lance Vance from a junkyard. The return journey is especially challenging, demanding skillful and fast driving while dodging enemy vehicles intent on causing crashes. Because Lance is severely injured, players are forced to weave through heavy traffic at top speeds. Making things even harder, the unpredictable behavior of pursuing cars makes it tough to avoid damage and keep the vehicle in good condition.

‘Ico’ (2001) – The Queen

You play as a horned character who must guide and protect Princess Yorda through a huge, falling-apart castle. The main idea of the game is holding Yorda’s hand to lead her away from shadowy monsters. She can’t fight back on her own, and if the shadows catch her, the game ends. You’ll need to frequently revisit areas and solve puzzles to keep her safe.

‘The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess’ (2006) – Telma’s Carriage

Link needs to protect a wagon carrying an injured Zora prince as they travel to Kakariko Village. The game presents challenges – if you don’t defeat enemies fast enough, the wagon will be forced to loop back. Bulblins on horseback fire flaming arrows that can ignite the wagon, and you’ll need to use a boomerang to put out the fires. Watch out for Kargaroks too – these bird-like creatures drop bombs that scare the horse and make it veer off course.

‘Dead Rising’ (2006) – Image in the Monitor

In Dead Rising, Frank West meets several survivors inside the Willamette Parkview Mall who need help reaching the safe room. Unfortunately, the game’s programming isn’t perfect – survivors often wander into zombie hordes or get stuck on objects. Players have to keep track of these survivors’ health and guide them to safety, all while racing against the clock to complete the main story.

‘Daikatana’ (2000) – Episode 1

In a futuristic Kyoto, Hiro Miyamoto teams up with Superfly Johnson and Mikiko Ebihara. The game features AI companions who help in battle, but players need to find weapons for them to be truly useful. These companions are often clumsy, getting stuck in doorways or running into dangerous obstacles like water and toxic goo. If a companion dies, the mission fails, and players have to restart from a previous save point.

‘Fallout 3’ (2008) – Big Trouble in Big Town

The player character in Fallout 3 guides a Little Lamplight resident named Sticky to Big Town. Bethesda gave Sticky repetitive dialogue that many players find irritating during the trip. He’s defenseless – he doesn’t wear armor and constantly runs into danger from super mutants and wild animals, even though he’s easily injured. To keep Sticky alive, players either have to carefully clear the way ahead or use fast travel strategically.

‘Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell’ (2002) – CIA Headquarters

In this part of the game, Sam Fisher needs to grab Mitchell Dougherty and sneak him out of a heavily guarded building. The developers at Ubisoft Montreal intentionally made it so players can’t use weapons or violence. Carrying Dougherty slows Fisher down and makes it harder to stay hidden. Guards are constantly patrolling the escape route, so players need to be perfectly timed and stealthy to avoid setting off alarms.

‘Fable’ (2004) – Trader Escort

In this mission, the player character agrees to escort two merchants across the dangerous Darkwood, a forest full of monsters. The game features a challenging element where the merchants are constantly attacked by creatures, and their health keeps dropping. To make things worse, one of the merchants will actually transform into a monster and attack the others unless the player quickly intervenes. This lengthy forest section is particularly draining, forcing players to carefully manage their healing items and stay focused.

‘Dragon’s Dogma’ (2012) – Off With Its Head

In the game, the player character, known as the Arisen, helps transport a hydra head to Gran Soren with the Enlistment Corps. The ox pulling the cart is intentionally slow, and players can speed it up by kicking it – though this also injures the ox and requires healing. The journey is frequently interrupted by attacks from harpies and goblins, slowing down the convoy’s progress.

‘Perfect Dark’ (2000) – Air Force One

During a plane hijacking, Joanna Dark is tasked with getting the President to safety via an escape pod. The President will follow the player, but he can’t crouch or dodge attacks, making him vulnerable. Aliens emerge from vents and hallways, specifically targeting the President during the escape. The tight spaces inside the plane make it challenging to protect him from enemy fire.

‘The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion’ (2006) – The Battle for Castle Kvatch

During the Battle of Kvatch, the player fights with Captain Savlian Matius to reclaim the castle courtyard. Unfortunately, the game’s programming often makes important characters like Captain Matius act carelessly in battle, rushing into danger. Players frequently see him run into flames or get overwhelmed by strong enemies such as Dremora Valkynaz. If the captain is killed before the battle ends, the player fails the quest.

‘Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader’ (2001) – Prisoners of the Maw

In this mission, Wedge Antilles needs to escort a prisoner shuttle away from a heavily guarded Imperial base. The game features a system where the shuttle will halt if enemy TIE Interceptors get too near, forcing players to constantly engage in aerial combat. Success depends on skillfully balancing fighting off enemies with protecting the shuttle’s shields and destroying shield generators along the way, all while keeping up with the slow-moving transport.

‘Far Cry 3’ (2012) – The Medusa’s Call

In a daring mission, Jason Brody sneaks onto a ship to safeguard Beardy, a radio operator, while he downloads crucial data. The player is confined to a limited space as waves of pirates relentlessly attack. Beardy is vulnerable, exposed to enemy fire from all directions. Players need to take out tough, armored enemies and snipers before they can kill Beardy.

‘Yakuza 0’ (2015) – Chapter 13

In a thrilling chase and fight, Kazuma Kiryu protects Makoto Makimura from attacking yakuza. The game is designed so enemies focus on Makoto, who is vulnerable, meaning players need to strategically control the crowd and keep thugs away from her while moving through crowded streets. The scene restricts Kiryu’s movement, pushing players to focus on defense.

‘The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind’ (2002) – Pemenie and the Boots of Blinding Speed

Okay, so as a big Elder Scrolls fan, let me tell you about this frustrating quest. You meet this trader, Pemenie, who needs help getting to Gnaar Mok. The problem is, she’s incredibly slow – way slower than you are, which makes protecting her a real pain. And she has this habit of running off the path to fight animals like Cliff Racers and Kagouti, which just adds to the hassle! The worst part? After all that effort, the reward is a pair of boots that actually blind you when you wear them. Seriously, what a letdown!

Share your most frustrating escort mission experiences in the comments.

2025-11-22 16:46