The Most Difficult Video Games (Part 1)

Difficulty is often perceived as simply a matter of reflexes or demanding combat. In video games, however, it takes many more varied forms. It can also come from precision, mental management, punishment for mistakes, or even complex systems. Thus, some games test the player at every moment in many different ways. Through this selection of games known for their difficulty, we will see that the challenge is not limited to “getting gud”, but to understanding, accepting, and sometimes even questioning the way we play.

When we talk about difficulty in video games, we might naturally think of FromSoftware productions such as Elden Ring or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. While these are very well known and good candidates for our selection, given the demands of the combat, we’re going to focus our list on different themes. Exploration is quite punishing, as getting lost or dying far from a save point is always a heavy blow.

In a slightly different vein, Noita is difficult because of its extremely complex and unpredictable systems. Every spell and every physical interaction can be deadly, and the lack of explanations forces the player to experiment, often at the cost of brutal deaths. Cuphead, on the other hand, requires razor-sharp reflexes to counter enemies with fast and unpredictable patterns. The margin for error is very small, and you need to keep your cool to complete the game.

Continuing with a slightly different type of difficulty, we move on to patience and endurance, where the slightest mistake can be fatal and cost you all your progress. Games such as Getting Over It offer an approach focused on traversing terrain with atypical and unintuitive controls. The goal is to reach the end of a huge course. You play as a man stuck in a cauldron who must propel himself using his hammer without ever failing… or risk starting over from the beginning.

There are some interesting offerings among small independent projects. A certain Hollow Knight: Silksong offers a well-balanced level of difficulty, striking a balance between exploration, combat, and memory, with no safety net. The combat requires very precise timing, with fast and aggressive enemies, and learning comes through failure.

There are more games also worth mentioning, such as Sifu and Tails of Iron. In the former, the difficulty lies in a demanding combat system that rewards mastery rather than raw reflexes. The aging of the character and the need to replay levels turn every mistake into a lesson, requiring patience and discipline. In the latter, slow and methodical combat is required, where every action must be anticipated. Managing stamina, timing, and observing enemies are essential, as the slightest mistake can be severely punished.

In the end, as this first selection shows, difficulty in video games is not simply a matter of a slider or tougher enemies. These difficult games seek not only to defeat the player, but to provoke a memorable experience, where every bit of progress is earned and every success has meaning. Whether it frustrates, stimulates, or fascinates, difficulty then becomes a true design tool, capable of shaping unique and deeply memorable experiences.

10. Battletoads

• Available on PC, Switch, and Xbox One

9. Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy

• Available on PC

8. Tails of Iron

• Available on PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

7. Sifu

• Available on PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

6. Elden Ring

• Available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

5. Noita

• Available on PC

4. Lies of P

• Available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

3. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

• Available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One

2. Hollow Knight: Silksong

• Available on PC, Switch, Switch 2, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S

1. Cuphead

• Available on PC, Switch, PS4, and Xbox One