Best Difficult games on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our strategy game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated difficult games. For those who prefer not to search, lists of the most played, top deals and best free difficult games are available at the bottom of the page.
Filters & Lists
Dimensionals
Dimensionals is the hottest roguelike turn-based RPG with tons of Heroes to collect and level up. Build a party of 3 heroes and combine hundreds of skills to create insane combos in the ultimate tactical challenge. Fight through an epic story told in the style of voice acted comic book cutscenes.
Approaching Infinity
Approaching Infinity is a turn-based space RPG in the spirit of the sci-fi classics, with endless progression and exploration. Fight tactical battles or use diplomacy. Seek powerful artifacts. Quest, mine, trade, and craft. Level up forever or attempt 10 victories in hardcore or adventure mode.
SpellRogue
SpellRogue is the ultimate tactical turn-based roguelike! Draft from over 350 powerful spells to assemble the perfect combination and crush your enemies in 70+ unique encounters. Face brutal choices, adapt to impossible odds, and strike back at the horrors that destroyed the world.
Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree
Slay your way in Mandragora: Whispers of the Witch Tree, an epic action RPG in a dark fantasy world. Battle monsters, master six unique Classes, craft hundreds of useful items, and explore the secrets of an expansive, interconnected world.
RuneScape: Dragonwilds
On RuneScape’s forgotten continent of Ashenfall, dragons have awoken. Gather, build, skill and craft to survive in this co-operative (1-4) survival crafting game. Only by mastering survival and uncovering ancient secrets can they hope to slay the Dragon Queen—alone or with allies.
Shadow of the Depth
Shadow of the Depth is a top-down action Roguelite game. Delve into a dungeon world of light and shadow to eradicate the monsters that ravage your home. Be prepared to step into the abyss before you!
Gnomes
A turn-based tower defense with deep roguelike progression, set in ever-expanding, procedurally generated biomes. Build, farm and defend your village as you push deeper into goblin-infested territory. Unlock powerful upgrades and craft your environment to survive the endless goblin horde.
TETRIS® THE GRAND MASTER 4 -ABSOLUTE EYE-
The latest title in the "TGM" series, "TETRIS® THE GRAND MASTER 4 -ABSOLUTE EYE-" offers the ultimate Tetris game that no one has ever experienced before. Challenge yourself in new modes such as ASUKA and SHIRANUI.
LONESTAR
LONESTAR is a strategic Roguelike spaceship deckbuilder. As a bounty hunter, you will capture criminals scattered across the universe. Win the shockwave battle to gain rewards and vacations. Find treasures, customize spaceships, unlock talents, defeat the felons and be a legend!
The Chef's Shift
The Chef’s Shift is a fast-paced typing game in a restaurant setting, where you’ll both cook & serve food to hungry customers, all done by TYPING.
Ambidextro
A multi-player game for a single player. Learn to control 2 characters at the same time, one with each hand. Achieve ambidexterity and rescue both the prince and the princess at the same time.
The First Berserker: Khazan
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action role-playing game. The player will become Khazan, the great general of the Pell Los Empire, who overcame death, and sets out to reveal the incidents that led to his downfall and seek vengeance on his enemies.
Guidus Zero
Guidus Zero is a real-time grid-based action roguelike game. Explore the sinkhole known as the "Scar" to search for spirits and treasure chests, and defeat the corrupted enemies and bosses as you strive to reach the deepest floor of the Scar, where the source of chaos awaits.
Pathologic 3: Quarantine
In this free prologue to a narrative-driven adventure, watch a mysterious plague break out in a small town. Learn what drove a celebrated academic to leave his acclaimed lab. Examine patients, uncover strange secrets, and make first steps towards immortality.
SNØ: Ultimate Freeriding
SNØ is a minimalistic freeriding game. Push your limits for the high score, or simply explore the raw, endless wilderness.
Legacy: Steel & Sorcery
Legacy: Steel & Sorcery is an action-combat PvPvE extraction RPG set in the classic fantasy world of Mithrigarde, rich with expansive outdoor zones. Play solo or with friends to gather loot, slay creatures, and defeat other players.
JUMP KING QUEST
The most BRUTAL Platforming-Action-Multiplayer-RPG in THE WORLD with NO Game-Over, only falling down… Defy the fiends of The Heights TOGETHER or alone to rise as KING on your Quest to The Smoking Hot Babe at the Top!
Rift of the NecroDancer
The NecroDancer's back in an all-new rhythm game! Dragged into a strange new world, Cadence must engage in musical combat with monsters surging through the Rift! Face pulse-pounding Rhythm Rifts where every beat is a battle, all set to an original soundtrack by Danny Baranowsky & friends.
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter
Embark upon a vast, snow-ravaged kingdom in Tails of Iron 2, sequel to the critically acclaimed action-RPG. As Arlo, heir to the Warden of the Wastes, adventure through harsh northern lands, home to giant beasts and ragtag bandits, in an epic quest to overcome an ancient, blood-starved evil.
Those Who Rule
Join three fresh recruits caught in a web of betrayal as war looms over the land. Lead your band of heroes through tactical turn-based battles, master unique abilities, and forge powerful gear to turn the tide of battle. Will you unravel the conspiracy driving the conflict—or be consumed by it?
NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black
Using Unreal Engine 5 to significantly enhance graphic expression, this is the definitive version of "NINJA GAIDEN 2," featuring additional playable characters and enhanced battle support functions.
ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocalyptic world. Humans and Homunculi — what awaits at the end of the quest for their salvation?
Few Nights More
Few Nights More is a roguelike turn-based RPG based in a world where Vampire Lords seek to conquer lost territories and their place in the world. Design and defend your stronghold, slay your enemies with traps, fulfill your Lord’s true potential, slowly conquering what is rightfully yours.Most played difficult games on Steam
Take a look at the top difficult games that are currently attracting the largest player bases on the Steam platform, as of April 30th 2025.
1. ELDEN RING
THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FANTASY ACTION RPG. Rise, Tarnished, and be guided by grace to brandish the power of the Elden Ring and become an Elden Lord in the Lands Between. ELDEN RING is a souls-like, open world and dark fantasy game developed by FromSoftware and Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware and Inc.. Released on February 24th 2022 has received 1,043,758 reviews of which 969,273 were positive and 74,485 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game has hit the top spot as the #1 most played difficult game, thanks to its 24,952 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
969,273
74,485
24,952
players
2. Geometry Dash
Jump and fly your way through danger in this rhythm-based action platformer! Geometry Dash is a difficult, music and level editor game developed and published by RobTop Games. Released on December 22nd 2014 has received 414,790 reviews of which 387,347 were positive and 27,443 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 16,949 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among difficult games based on player count.
9.3
387,347
27,443
16,949
players
3. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a randomly generated action RPG shooter with heavy Rogue-like elements. Following Isaac on his journey players will find bizarre treasures that change Isaac’s form giving him super human abilities and enabling him to fight off droves of mysterious creatures, discover secrets and fight his way to safety. The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a action roguelike, rogue-like and indie game developed by Nicalis, Inc. and Edmund McMillen and published by Nicalis and Inc.. Released on November 04th 2014 has received 338,481 reviews of which 329,506 were positive and 8,975 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 15,099 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among difficult games based on player count.
9.6
329,506
8,975
15,099
players
4. The First Berserker: Khazan
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore action role-playing game. The player will become Khazan, the great general of the Pell Los Empire, who overcame death, and sets out to reveal the incidents that led to his downfall and seek vengeance on his enemies. The First Berserker: Khazan is a souls-like, difficult and hack and slash game developed by Neople and published by NEXON. Released on March 27th 2025 has received 14,169 reviews of which 12,871 were positive and 1,298 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 3,782 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.9
12,871
1,298
3,782
players
5. DARK SOULS™ III
Dark Souls continues to push the boundaries with the latest, ambitious chapter in the critically-acclaimed and genre-defining series. Prepare yourself and Embrace The Darkness! DARK SOULS™ III is a souls-like, dark fantasy and difficult game developed by FromSoftware and Inc. and published by FromSoftware, Inc. and Bandai Namco Entertainment. Released on April 11th 2016 has received 409,686 reviews of which 386,446 were positive and 23,240 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,591 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.3
386,446
23,240
3,591
players
6. DARK SOULS™: REMASTERED
Then, there was fire. Re-experience the critically acclaimed, genre-defining game that started it all. Beautifully remastered, return to Lordran in stunning high-definition detail running at 60fps. DARK SOULS™: REMASTERED is a souls-like, dark fantasy and rpg game developed by QLOC, FromSoftware and Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware and Inc.. Released on May 23rd 2018 has received 125,343 reviews of which 115,474 were positive and 9,869 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 2,271 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.1
115,474
9,869
2,271
players
7. Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition
Game of the Year - The Game Awards 2019 Best Action Game of 2019 - IGN Carve your own clever path to vengeance in the award winning adventure from developer FromSoftware, creators of Bloodborne and the Dark Souls series. Take Revenge. Restore Your Honor. Kill Ingeniously. Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice - GOTY Edition is a souls-like, difficult and action game developed by FromSoftware and Inc. and published by Activision (Excluding Japan and Asia), 方块游戏 (Asia), FromSoftware and Inc. (Japan). Released on March 21st 2019 has received 319,203 reviews of which 304,165 were positive and 15,038 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,886 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
304,165
15,038
1,886
players
8. Devil May Cry HD Collection
The popular stylish action games Devil May Cry, Devil May Cry 2, and Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition return in one collection! Devil May Cry HD Collection is a action, hack and slash and difficult game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on March 13th 2018 has received 15,915 reviews of which 14,741 were positive and 1,174 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,874 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.0
14,741
1,174
1,874
players
9. Noita
Noita is a magical action roguelite set in a world where every pixel is physically simulated. Fight, explore, melt, burn, freeze and evaporate your way through the procedurally generated world using spells you've created yourself. Noita is a physics, rogue-like and pixel graphics game developed and published by Nolla Games. Released on October 15th 2020 has received 77,525 reviews of which 73,844 were positive and 3,681 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,766 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
73,844
3,681
1,766
players
10. Cuphead
Cuphead is a classic run and gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e. traditional hand drawn cel animation, watercolor backgrounds, and original jazz recordings. Cuphead is a difficult, cartoon and co-op game developed and published by Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.. Released on September 29th 2017 has received 182,852 reviews of which 176,124 were positive and 6,728 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 1,551 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.5
176,124
6,728
1,551
players
Best deals on difficult games on Steam
Discover fantastic savings with the best discounts on a variety of difficult games available on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted difficult games.
1. Battle Ram
Battle Ram - an experiment of scientists developed in a secret laboratory, a powerful creature against robots, who will win? Battle Ram is a spectacle fighter, bullet hell and robots game developed and published by Runic Rise Games. Released on January 05th 2023 has received 317 reviews of which 279 were positive and 38 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for difficult category.
8.1
279
38
-95%
29.99€
1.49€
2. Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?!
Cook, serve and manage your food truck as you dish out hundreds of different foods across war-torn America in this massive sequel to the million-selling series! Cook, Serve, Delicious! 3?! is a typing, management and difficult game developed and published by Vertigo Gaming Inc.. Released on October 14th 2020 has received 2,137 reviews of which 1,945 were positive and 192 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in difficult games.
8.7
1,945
192
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
3. Banners of Ruin
Assemble your party. Answer the call. Win the war. Build a deck and fight a series of turn-based combats with up to 6 party characters through the city of Dawn's Point. Each character can unlock a set of unique cards and abilities that can augment your deck in powerful, exciting ways. Banners of Ruin is a roguelike deckbuilder, rogue-like and card battler game developed by MonteBearo and published by Goblinz Publishing and Maple Whispering Limited. Released on July 29th 2021 has received 3,039 reviews of which 2,407 were positive and 632 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in difficult games.
7.7
2,407
632
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
4. Pathologic 2
Pathologic 2 is a groundbreaking open-world horror RPG. Resist the plague. Make medicine. Heal people. Perform an autopsy. Trade to get what you need. Fight and kill if necessary. Survive. Struggle with an outbreak in a secluded rural town that is rapidly turning into hell. Pathologic 2 is a story rich, atmospheric and choices matter game developed by Ice-Pick Lodge and published by tinyBuild. Released on May 23rd 2019 has received 10,815 reviews of which 9,936 were positive and 879 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.9
9,936
879
-93%
34.86€
2.44€
5. Hot Brass
As an elite SWAT operator, think fast and put your tactics to the test to master a series of missions and save lives. Summon your team of up to four players in online and local co-op, or hone your skills solo. Don’t just be the best—be the best of the best. Hot Brass is a real time tactics, stealth and crime game developed by Walk with Kings and published by Treasure Hunters FanClub. Released on February 26th 2021 has received 641 reviews of which 485 were positive and 156 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.2
485
156
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
6. The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia
Dodge bullets while typing exorcisms at the very same time: Get ready for an electrifying mix between bullet hell and typing game! Turn on both sides of your brain and jump into the adventure of private exorcist Ray Bibbia! The Textorcist: The Story of Ray Bibbia is a indie, action and bullet hell game developed by MorbidWare and published by Headup. Released on February 14th 2019 has received 1,491 reviews of which 1,226 were positive and 265 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.9
1,226
265
-91%
14.33€
1.29€
7. Titan Souls
Between our world and the world beyond lie the Titan Souls, the spiritual source of all living things. Scattered amongst the ruins and guarded by the idle titans charged with their care, a solitary hero armed with a single arrow is assembling shards of the Titan Soul in a quest for truth and power. Titan Souls is a souls-like, pixel graphics and difficult game developed by Acid Nerve and published by Devolver Digital. Released on April 14th 2015 has received 13,024 reviews of which 10,275 were positive and 2,749 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.7
10,275
2,749
-91%
14.56€
1.31€
8. Cook, Serve, Delicious!
One of the few hardcore restaurant sims in existence, Cook, Serve, Delicious! is a deceptively easy game to learn but incredibly challenging to master as you progress through your career from owning a terrible zero star cafe into a five star world famous restaurant. Cook, Serve, Delicious! is a indie, time management and typing game developed and published by Vertigo Gaming Inc.. Released on October 08th 2013 has received 5,604 reviews of which 5,296 were positive and 308 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for difficult games.
9.1
5,296
308
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
9. 10 Second Ninja X
10 SECOND NINJA X is a hardcore sidescroller. You're a ninja, there are robots, you've got ten seconds to destroy them all. Get three star ratings, climb leaderboards, discover secrets and stop Captain Greatbeard. 10 Second Ninja X is a action, indie and platformer game developed by Four Circle Interactive and published by Curve Games. Released on July 19th 2016 has received 3,172 reviews of which 2,484 were positive and 688 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.6
2,484
688
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
10. BLACKHOLE
BLACKHOLE is an award-winning hardcore platformer with over 15 hours of story-driven sci-fi comedy and gravity-twisting puzzles. Complete Edition out now! BLACKHOLE is a adventure, indie and puzzle-platformer game developed by FiolaSoft Studio and published by Fulqrum Publishing. Released on February 27th 2015 has received 1,049 reviews of which 900 were positive and 149 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 89% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.1
900
149
-89%
9.09€
1.00€
Free difficult games on Steam
Check out this fantastic list of free-to-play difficult games you can enjoy on Steam right now, updated on April 30th 2025. Looking for even more free titles? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of free to play difficult games.
1. Tricking 0
Tricking 0 is a physics-based flipping game that lets you perform tricking combos, parkour lines, and cliff jumps with full control. With an intuitive Flick-It system, seamless transitions, and active ragdoll physics, it delivers the thrill of extreme movement sports, but without risking your neck Tricking 0 is a sports, martial arts and difficult game developed and published by Charles Couprie. Released on March 31st 2022 has received 539 reviews of which 422 were positive and 117 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #1 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
422
117
39
players
2. NETHER DUNGEONS
Nether Dungeons is an action-packed dungeon crawler. Battle through procedurally generated dungeons, face relentless enemies, and defeat epic bosses. Customize your hero, wield diverse weapons, and survive intense challenges as you descend into ever-changing, dangerous depths. NETHER DUNGEONS is a action roguelike, dungeon crawler and roguelite game developed and published by Arakuma Studio. Released on November 15th 2024 has received 347 reviews of which 299 were positive and 48 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8
299
48
13
players
3. Never Split the Party
Never Split the Party is an ultra social rogue-like! You're one of four adventurers joining together to explore a procedurally generated dungeon, amass powerful upgrades, and cooperate with your fellow adventures to conquer and crush the evil dungeon champions! Never Split the Party is a action roguelike, rogue-like and indie game developed and published by Legend Studio. Released on May 03rd 2019 has received 4,332 reviews of which 3,313 were positive and 1,019 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
3,313
1,019
9
players
4. Eraser
Throw your stick-figure-self at cannonballs and airplanes in an upward pursuit of the eraser! Play cooperatively online to share the journey! Who's to say whether the company will help or hinder, though... Eraser is a 3d platformer, difficult and online co-op game developed and published by Ringating. Released on December 15th 2021 has received 3,344 reviews of which 2,793 were positive and 551 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
2,793
551
7
players
5. Micro Platformer
A minimalistic platformer with a 1x1 tileset. No enemies, no bullets, no lasers. Just sheer platforming. Micro Platformer is a precision platformer, difficult and minimalist game developed and published by Daveyyy. Released on April 21st 2020 has received 1,702 reviews of which 1,647 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
9.2
1,647
55
2
players
6. OLDTV
Can you think twice in under a second? OLDTV is a free to play, great soundtrack and fast-paced game developed and published by Creability. Released on July 15th 2017 has received 5,438 reviews of which 5,144 were positive and 294 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
9.1
5,144
294
2
players
7. Find You
Play every character simultaneously and reunite them in mind boggling 100 levels Find You is a casual, puzzle-platformer and difficult game developed and published by Byting Games. Released on September 04th 2017 has received 410 reviews of which 382 were positive and 28 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.6
382
28
1
players
8. Furi Demake - The Chain
Fight your way free in this 8-bit-inspired version of Furi's first boss fight against The Chain. Frantic action, nervous controls, a blend of shoot and sword fight reimagined in 90s style. Only 1 boss fight! A gift to Furi’s fans. Furi Demake - The Chain is a action, adventure and difficult game developed by Sylph and The Game Bakers and published by The Game Bakers. Released on November 30th 2023 has received 320 reviews of which 296 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.5
296
24
1
players
9. Notanote
Welcome to Notanote！ Notanote is a casual, rhythm and music game developed and published by zzzProject. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 778 reviews of which 685 were positive and 93 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.3
685
93
1
players
10. MuseSwipr
A rhythm game where you swipe between two lanes to the beat. Form your own flow and unleash your greatest swiping performance. MuseSwipr is a rhythm, music and difficult game developed and published by Kartsu and Erkfir. Released on December 20th 2022 has received 651 reviews of which 559 were positive and 92 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
559
92
1
players