Top 30 Most Difficult Video Games of All Time
#30: “Geometry Dash” (2013)
Just like its name suggests, this game has players on a seemingly endless run. With over 20 levels to play through, “Geometry Dash” delivers a solid level of depth for a side-scroller. While its fun factor is without question, it doesn’t take light on its challengers. Each level has a fast-paced environment filled with obstacles. These tend to get trickier the longer you survive, which is putting it lightly. By the time you reach the end, some of the environments become hard to believe. The game looks to mess with players further by injecting some tense and thrilling pieces of music to keep the urgency going. But if there’s one thing “Geometry Dash” isn’t, it isn’t easy.
#29: “Nioh” (2017)
When it comes to Soulslike games, being difficult goes without saying. The presence of bloodthirsty enemies is a regular sight in what is a mostly hostile environment. “Nioh”’s hack-and-slash gameplay leads to spots where the only option is to swing for your life. It’s not all doom and gloom, as exploration and upgrading character attributes is an essential part. Still, “Nioh” never makes it a walk in the park, and fans need to keep an aggressive approach at all times. Boss fights are another aspect that contributes to its difficulty. Enemies attack just about every second when these sequences are triggered. Navigating its learning curve allows players to crack “Nioh”’s style of play. But that comes after hours worth of grit and determination.
#28: “XCOM 2” (2016)
When you think of turn-based tactical games, difficulty isn’t the first thing that generally comes to mind. And yet, “XCOM 2” makes that its defining factor, with a playthrough that will have you sweating bullets. Although there are difficulty modes to choose from, even the easiest one puts players through the wringer. The A.I. here is remarkable for its effectiveness, providing fans with the kind of challenge few would see coming. The slightest hiccup on your part might just spell the end, as the enemy rarely ever lets up. The developers designed the game with this in mind, wanting fans to feel a true sense of accomplishment when tasting victory. While you might just win, it’ll likely arrive after a whole lot of failures.
#27: “FTL: Faster Than Light” (2012)
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On the face of it, “FTL” doesn’t look all that intimidating. Its difficulty is apparent only after you realize that one misstep costs the entire game. Players need to guide a spacecraft through eight sectors to complete the mission. That’s easier said than done considering everything that’s thrown our way. Any damage that may happen to the spacecraft happens in real-time. Because there aren’t any do-overs, players have no choice but to deal with worsening conditions. There isn’t any specific way to beat the game either, meaning we’re left to our imaginations to get creative. While it is an exciting challenge, “FTL”’s no-holds-barred gameplay can be punishing. So, if you’re looking to try it out, get ready to harbor thoughts of rage-quitting as well.
#26: “Shinobi” (2002)
It’s not every day that a game actively punishes you for fighting too slowly. When it comes to “Shinobi,” going at your own pace isn’t much of an option. The protagonist’s sword feeds on souls, no matter who it is. This means that the hero himself is up for grabs if he doesn’t satiate the sword’s hunger. As a result, the focus is on killing as many enemies as you can, and as quickly as you can. There’s no doubt that this manner of play gets fans in butt-kicking mode. On the other hand, it creates a tension-filled atmosphere throughout the game’s runtime. Keeping the energy high from start to finish is a task that tests gamers’ ability to fight under pressure.
#25: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1989)
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When you’re an adult, you realize just how hard games from your childhood really were. This is more than true for “TMNT,” which tricks us with its simple aesthetic. It traps players in confined environments with dozens of foes onscreen. The protagonist’s minimal move set and low health add to its crushing difficulty. It’s increasingly clear that enemy attributes are better than the player’s, so it all just seems unfair. Even platforming sequences are designed to go for the kill. Unlike many other games on our list, “TMNT” didn’t receive a unanimously positive reception. The game’s so-so quality results in few memorable levels. Because of this, we’re inclined to remember it mainly for its difficulty rather than the fun factor.
#24: “Hades” (2020)
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When it comes to this title, it’s not a question of “If” you’ll die – it’s more about when you’ll die… and then die again. “Hades” is credited as one of the games that revitalized the roguelike genre. The kind of exhilaration it brings extends beyond just its quality. Thanks to its high level of difficulty, you might just have to look after your blood pressure. The game can be unrelenting in its battles. As part of the hack-and-slash genre, “Hades” offers a lot of variety when it comes to attacking gameplay. Even still, combat is brutal and chaotic, with fight sequences ending in all-out button-mashing if it gets too overwhelming.
#23: “Zelda II: The Adventure of Link” (1987)
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Almost four decades since its release, “Zelda II” remains the most unique entry in the long-running franchise. Its 2D side-scrolling style of play provides a different lens to view the series. One of those is realizing just how grueling Link’s journey is. It’s kind of like playing “Super Mario Bros.” with a perpetual adrenaline rush. “Zelda II”’s combat rarely lets up, as enemies of multiple types pop up on a frequent basis. It combines this with platforming sequences, requiring players to be quick on their toes if they don’t want to start over again. The way the game tests fans’ patience with limited lives is something the series hasn’t explored since. But those who’ve braved through can proudly claim to have survived Hyrule’s dangerous landscape.
#22: “Returnal” (2021)
When a game outright states it’s going to be difficult, you better believe it will be. “Returnal” issues a warning about its challenging environment from the get-go. Those who’ve tried it out know that it lives up to its promise. Any death during playthrough results in respawning at the start of your run. With its horror-filled backdrop and powerful enemy swarms, the game is just merciless to the uninitiated. For the most part, dying and restarting is the way to achieve completion, as players have to learn from their mistakes. Of course, getting frustrated is inevitable, especially when being forced to restart after reaching so far. So, if you’re one to rage-quit, then you’ll be doing a lot of that here.
#21: “Ninja Gaiden” (1988)
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Before it became synonymous with 3D hack-and-slash games, “Ninja Gaiden” arrived in 2D format. But don’t be fooled by its low-graphic environment because the game packs an absolute wallop. Although there are unlimited lives, beating “Ninja Gaiden” isn’t for everybody. No matter which level it might be, each area comes with its blend of tricky platforming and hordes of enemies. It’s among the first games to have a consistent number of bosses to tackle. Cracking the strategy to beat these antagonists is a trial-and-error process with a whole lot of errors. The game has a relatively short runtime. But considering how long it actually takes to beat it, “Ninja Gaiden” might just feel like an eternity.
#20: “Gradius” (1985)
Before “Gradius” released in 1985, audiences had grown used to the simplistic nature of games like “Space Invaders” and “Galaga”, titles where few bullets took up the screen and enemies came in from one side of the screen. “Gradius” subverted expectations by introducing more complex patterns in enemy movement as well as placing enemies in various areas. Now, you could get flanked from behind or taken out from a hidden turret below. You could say it was one of the earliest examples of the “bullet hell shooter”, and the harder difficulty may or may not have caused players to hold onto their quarters.
#19: “VVVVVV” (2010)
Since the dawn of gaming, spikes have become the bane of every player’s existence. If they aren’t being a nuisance in chipping off even more health, they’re insta-killing players at the smallest pixel. However, spikes haven’t been more frustrating than in “VVVVVV”, a 2010 indie title that’s littered with the little buggers. Instead of jumping, you’ll have to rapidly reverse the game’s gravity in order to clear pits. Yes, it is easier said than done, and because of the intricate and tricky level design, you may find yourself seething with rage by the end of your first hour. How anyone can finish this game in under two hours is unfathomable, and yet, some managed to do so.
#18: “Ikaruga” (2003)
If you thought “Gradius” was too easy, then might we suggest tackling on “Ikaruga”? Sure, it looks similar to other bullet hell shooters, but there’s a whole new mechanic you’ll have to manage. “Ikaruga” requires you to change the polarity of your ship in order to negate bullets or destroy ships. A simple concept on paper, but the game wastes no time mixing things up, peppering you with bullets of both polarities at the same time! Best pay attention to what you’re doing or you may find yourself quickly decimated.
#17: “Silver Surfer” (1990)
Yeah, it wouldn’t be long before we started getting into the unfairly hard games, and “Silver Surfer” was one of the worst. A side-scrolling shooter starring Galactus’s servant sounds decent, but in reality, it’s one of the most frustrating experiences we’ve ever endured. Literally, ANYTHING in this game can kill you in one hit from enemy projectiles and even walls! One touch equals game over! Needless to say, the game was far too brutal, and we soon found ourselves kneeling over just like the Surfer. We can only imagine how many tantrums were thrown by younger players.
#16: “F-Zero GX” (2003)
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Due to its intense speed and wild track designs, the “F-Zero” franchise has always been one of the toughest racing games you could play. However, the roughest ride in the series was “F-Zero GX” on the GameCube. As breathtaking as it was to see a game running at sixty frames per second, the game’s fast-paced action made it hard for the average player to keep up. The learning curve is so sharp that anyone who picked up a controller would find their vehicle exploding before finishing their second lap. Those that stuck around to hone their skills found a wild and exhilarating experience.
#15: “Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening” (2005)
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The “Devil May Cry” series has been known to be rather challenging in its combat; you’ll need to pull every combo you know and take as little damage as possible if you want a high grade! Of them all, “Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening” is the most notorious entry in the franchise. Players had to be at their best performance to emerge victorious, but because the game’s normal mode was Japan’s Hard mode, few made it to the end. Fans had become so frustrated that Capcom had to re-release the game as “Devil May Cry 3: Special Edtion” with adjusted difficulty.
#14: “Takeshi's Challenge” (1986)
“Takeshi’s Challenge” is certainly one of the oddest titles you could find on the Famicom, but don’t let its absurd (and occasionally depressing nature) demeanor fool you. This game’s difficulty lies in just not knowing what the hell you’re supposed to do. There are no checkpoints, little indication that the player is progressing, and some actions can potentially make the true ending blocked off. Considering this game holds one of the worst, anti-climatic endings in gaming history, you best consider your life choices before booting it up.
#13: “Mega Man 9” (2008)
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Yeah, the first “Mega Man” game was pretty damn hard, but of every game in the franchise, “Mega Man 9” has held the title for being the hardest. In addition to having stronger enemies, tricky levels, and tougher boss fights than previous installments, “Mega Man 9” features an unforgiving list of achievements, some of which require you to beat the entire game without losing a life or using an E-tank. You’ll also have to beat the game five times in one day and beat the game in under an hour for two other achievements. Hope you like the Blue Bomber enough to complete it!
#12: “Cuphead” (2017)
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With its gameplay similar to another platformer-shooter and frenetic boss battles, “Cuphead” has quickly become one of the most memorable games of the 2010’s. Said boss battles, however, are also why it is on this list. As you take on the likes of Goopy Le Grande, Hilda Berg, and the Phantom Express, you’ll be enduring phases for so long that it’ll feel like you’ve been in the fight for at least an hour. With so many objects filling the screen, you may find it difficult to keep yourself from getting hit long enough to see the end. The game may say the boss battle was a minute or two, but we could have sworn we aged a few years.
#11: “Ghouls 'n Ghosts” (1988)
Ah, yes, Capcom’s most infamous game in their entire catalog, where Arthur must traverse several hazardous areas to rescue Princess Prin from Lucifer. When it comes to talking about difficult games, you simply can’t leave this one out of the conversation. The game is constantly spawning monsters that can kill you in two hits. On top of that, health is rare, and the platforming requires a hefty amount of precision. As if it wasn’t hard enough to beat the game on your first run, you’ll have to defeat Lucifer a second time if you want to see the true ending. Although, is the stress really worth it?
#10: “Contra: Hard Corps” (1994)
“Contra” was already hard enough in how it demanded players to avoid getting hit once as bullets filled the screen. “Contra: Hard Corps”, on the other hand, cranked the difficulty to eleven. Enemies are harder to kill, there are more bullets flying across the screen, and bosses are bigger and badder than ever. While the bosses do hold weak points, it doesn’t make the game any less difficult. Plus, if you want to experience everything the game has to offer, you’ll have to do multiple playthroughs as the game features branching paths.
#9: “Super Meat Boy” (2010)
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If “Cuphead” was enough to make your blood boil, then “Super Meat Boy” will have your thyroid pulsating. “Super Meat Boy” is one of the most tantalizing experiences you’ll have in a video game. Every level is loaded in buzz saws, and the platforming demands players to be near-perfect in execution. The boss battles are no laughing matter either, especially the fight against Little Horn which requires you to memorize his entire pattern! Mind you, “Super Meat Boy” is an excellent game, but it is definitely not for those who rage easily.
#8: “Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!” (1987) a.k.a “Punch Out” (1990)
Nintendo has made its fair share of difficult games (as we’ll see later on), and one of their toughest games was “Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!” While many of us have shown King Hippo who the real champ is, few have risen to the challenge to take on challengers like Bald Bull, Super Macho Man, and of course, the former heavyweight boxing champ himself - Mike Tyson. Even though every boss has their tells, some happen so quickly that we can’t react fast enough to throw a punch! Not even Tyson himself could beat his video game counterpart!
#7: “Dark Souls” (2011)
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I mean, come on - are any of us surprised to see a “Dark Souls” game (let alone a FromSoftware game) on this list? While the last two games were hard in their own ways, we just have to give the spot to the very first game, specifically because there’s so much more unfair BS. One area that immediately enters our minds is the accursed Blighttown, an area that throws incredibly strong enemies into groups and requires a hefty amount of backtracking. Veteran players may not find the first “Dark Souls” to be as hard as they did initially, but newcomers will be foaming at the mouth.
#6: “Castlevania” (1986)
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Think you’ve got the chops to take on Dracula’s legendary castle? Well, maybe you do, but aren’t just gonna walk in and walk out. “Castlevania” will find every way to troll you while beating you senseless! Enemies can take away large chunks of your health, and the knockback could potentially cause you to fall off the level. (Trust us - it WILL happen!) Boss fights can be equally frustrating at times as you’ll have specific windows to dodge their attacks, and some may only take damage when hit in certain areas. Still think you can bring down Drac?
#5: “Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels” (1993)
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Originally the true “Super Mario Bros. 2” (at least in Japan), Nintendo had sheltered this game from Western audiences fearing it would steer them away from the franchise. And they had every right to do so. “The Lost Levels” is insanely punishing in comparison to the first game’s standard platforming, requiring pixel-perfect jumps and utilizing levels where Mario or Luigi has to cross specific paths in order to progress. Frustrating? Absolutely. Fair? [hesitantly] Mmm...no. If you dare approach this game, do so with the NES subscription service on Switch. You’re going to need that rewind feature.
#4: “Celeste” (2018)
Didn’t think “VVVVVV” had enough spikes? Well, say hello to 2018’s media darling, “Celeste”! While it boasts a wonderful tale that focuses on a character struggling with depression and anxiety, “Celeste’s” main attraction is its intense platforming. As you progress, levels will demand flawless execution, throwing in more obstacles and more spikes to kill you off. And you’ll find the game gets extremely hard when you get to the B-Side or C-Side stages. Our advice? Enjoy the breathers while you can and don’t be afraid to walk away for a bit.
#3: “I Wanna Be the Guy: The Movie: The Game” (2007)
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Most platformers on this list have been difficult due to tough jumps and tricky obstacles. “I Wanna Be the Guy” is unlike any of them, relying heavily on trial-&-error. The game does everything in its power to kill you off in some ludicrous way whether it is by hurling a wall of spikes at you or blocks suddenly plummeting to the bottom. So, if there’s a friend that gets on your nerves sometimes or has done something mildly irritating recently, have them sit down and play this game! You’ll enjoy witnessing their rage and colorful language!
#2: “Battletoads” (1991)
Even when TWO FromSoftware games are on this list, we still have to declare “Battletoads” as the hardest game of all time. There’s simply too much that this game throws at players that have caused many a controller to break. For starters, those speeder bike levels… DEAR GAWD, the speeder bike levels! The increasing speed demands fast inputs that are almost impossible to execute with primitive controllers. And if you thought co-op would make the game easy, you’re dead wrong! It can be really easy to hit your friends and possibly cost them a life AND if just one of you die, you both have to restart the level. If there was one word to describe “Battletoads”, it’d be “sadistic”.
#1: “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” (2019)
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“FromSoftware” is synonymous with extreme difficulty, and their latest release was no exception, leaving even the best “Souls” veterans struggling at certain parts. “Sekiro” added a unique posture mechanic to its combat, meaning that hanging back and waiting for the opportune moment to strike wasn’t on the cards; instead, players have to be constantly on the offensive, attacking repeatedly to reduce posture in order to hit a decisive blow. Painful as this was to learn, the game is just as outstanding as its siblings, featuring incredible graphics and some of the best enemy variety and design of any modern title.
Which game’s difficulty haunts your dreams? Let us know in the comments.
