Do you prefer regenerating health or health packs?

In shooters particularly. Honestly, I'm undecided. I think there's a place for both of them. Regenerating health is more convenient, but it doesn't always make sense in the context of a game. What do you guys prefer?

Yeah, it depends on what the game is going for. If it's balls to the wall action, regenerating health probably makes more sense. Let's you dive in face-first, consequences be damned. But if it's meant to be a more tense or strategic experience, managing limited resources to overcome an obstacle, then health packs would be the way to go.

Depends on the game.

For most games I prefer healing to be a finite resource. Or something that requires risk taking. But health regeneration can also be something that has to be managed rather than just being a take a break mechanic. In games like Jagged Alliance, Dwarf Fortress, Liberal Crime Squad and Rimworld. All use health regeneration, but healing takes time, usually days depending on the severity of the wounds.

A huge problem I have with a lot of games using health regen is that it is too heavily designed around you taking damage.

But these systems are not mutually exclusive. Resistance iirc, used a hybrid of both. The SaGa series strikes a good balance, where characters are fully healed after combat, but can take sustained damage through the LP system, which is potentially lethal if they get knocked down too many times.

Regeneration is convenient, but more often than not it only sets 2 states. Either you are alive at t he end of combat, or you are not. Whereas games without generous healing systems can leave you battered and bruised, and many other shades of grey.

Ahhh this old debate. A classic!

I will give the frustrating, non-committal answer of "both are good!"

No I think both have their place. I like having medpacks you can pick up use, STALKER 2 has really brought that mechanic back in strength and it's a lot of fun, and really sort of ups the challenge without making it unfair.

I will say I think health regen is a safer bet, but it also slows down the pace of the game because you basically resort to attack, take cover, attack, take cover...it's cheap.

With healthpacks you can heal yourself before a fight (sometimes there might be an "overcharge" mechanic), then rush in and fight and take a gamble or maybe you retreat midfight, heal, then dive back in when you're ready. Medpacks feel more tactical.

You left out no health regen at all, which is what I prefer. Although, of the two it kind of depends on the game. Fast paced shooters probably regen, and slower more tactical I'd prefer health items.

Depends on the game.

Health pickups / items. Actually can't think of a game that has regenerating health that I particularly like.

Depends on the game, also sometimes narrative choices in a story will take a game in one direction or another. I don't think I have a preference - I've always like the way healing works in The Witcher III.