Stuck
There are several ways to get "stuck" in video games. The terminology can be confusing and elicit different responses and approaches depending on what the situation actually is.
Definitions
Softlock
You've encountered a place in the game where you cannot progress forward. Your game is not frozen and you still have control of your character. A soft reset (or Save & Quit in ALttP's case) or hard reset are possible solutions.
Progress | Frozen | Control | Soft Reset | Hard Reset |
---|---|---|---|---|
Not this path | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Logic error
A softlock situation where there are no possible paths to progress forward.
Progress | Frozen | Control | Soft Reset | Hard Reset |
---|---|---|---|---|
No Paths | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Hardlock
You've encountered a place in the game where you cannot progress forward. Your game may or may not frozen and you no longer have control of your character. A hard reset is the only solution.
Progress | Frozen | Control | Soft Reset | Hard Reset |
---|---|---|---|---|
No Paths | Yes/No | No | No | Yes |
Run-ender
You've encountered a place in the game where you cannot progress forward. Your game is not frozen. You may or may not have control of your character. Starting up the game places you in this same position of not being able to progress forward.
Progress | Frozen | Control | Soft Reset | Hard Reset |
---|---|---|---|---|
No Paths | No | Yes/No | Yes/No | Yes |
A Link to the Past
Softlock
Going down a not-yet-available path for logical progression.
Hardlock
Infinite screen scroll after taking damage while Fake Flippering on a screen that is not your origin screen from entering the Fake Flippers state.
Run-ender
???
Super Metroid
Softlock
Passing through a passage of bomb blocks without Morph Ball Bombs nor enough Power Bomb ammo to return.
Hardlock
Firing Power Beam with both Spazer & Plasma active.
Run-ender
Saving at a Save Station without enough health/ammo to reach another Save Station (with possible refill stations in between).