Difficult Hidden Gems on Steam
Unlike generic lists, our game recommendations use a rigorous analysis of Steam user reviews to identify and feature only the best, community-validated difficult games.
Filters & Lists
Skelethrone: The Prey
This game is a challenging 2D action platformer with RPG elements inspired by games like Castlevania and Dark Souls. Skelethrone: The Prey is a free prequel to the main game, setting the stage for the events that will unfold throughout Skelethrone: The Chronicles of Ericona campaign.
Berserk Boy
BERSERK BOY is a high speed action packed Platformer, with Metroidvania elements. Packed with vibrant and stylish pixel art. Go Berserk! as you change into different forms and use the power of Lightning, Fire, Ice, Air, and Earth to save the planet!
Wulin Chess
Wulin Chess is a turn-based strategy game set in a captivating dark fantasy world. Employ diverse characters across various boards/battlefields, and devise strategic thinking for victory. Strengthen your heroes by collecting equipment and enhancing attributes to face the challenges that lie ahead.
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.
Valfaris: Mecha Therion
Therion returns as the hunt for Lord Vroll continues. Pilot an advanced machine of death and destruction in this explosive 2.5D side-scrolling shoot ‘em up, and sequel to the critically acclaimed Valfaris. Strap in and unleash mecha hell!
Hans
Hans is a physics-driven, parkour adventure. Ascend to the sky with our lonely watermelon hero. Navigate treacherous platforms, defy physics by slowing down time, try not to fall and chase the dream of reuniting with humanity. No saves. Bounce, fail, adapt, and bounce again.
Alien Hominid HD
The 2D side-scrolling shooter from The Behemoth is back! With your mighty blaster and a group of mysterious kids by your side, destroy the agency and reclaim your spaceship!
Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire
Phantom Rose 2 is a roguelike deckbuilding game. Fight and collect powerful cards as Aria, trying to survive in her cherished school that’s being ravaged by evil creatures.
Sands of Aura
Sands of Aura is an open-world action adventure with a fantasy setting of a realm in its twilight--a world buried beneath a sea of sand. Sail across the sandseas to return life to a dying world in an unforgettable experience that is equal parts engaging story and unrelenting, souls-like combat.
Scene Investigators
Scene Investigators is a hardcore deductive reasoning game for fans of the "true crime" genre. Step into re-created crime scenes, observe closely for pieces of evidence, analyze possible motives behind the crimes, and uncover what truly happened.
The Fabulous Fear Machine
The Fabulous Fear Machine is a narrative-driven strategy game with a pulp horror style. As the Machine's new Master, you must sow fear and expand your influence by creating Legends, harvesting resources, manipulating events, and spying on your enemies.
Heads Will Roll: Reforged
Hardcore survival RPG with non-linear story that lets you play as a young medieval soldier who over the course of battles and adventures becomes the most formidable and respected knight of his era. Or, if he’s not lucky enough, perishes in the chaos of the Hundred Years' War.
BIT.TRIP RERUNNER
The classic rhythm platformer is back as BIT.TRIP RERUNNER + RUNNER MAKER! The fun of the original now sports fresh mechanics, art, and soundtrack – plus RUNNER MAKER, which allows you to create custom levels. A must-play for rhythm newbies, experts, and everyone in between.
The Hardest Game Ever
An insanely difficult precision platformer
Summum Aeterna
Summum Aeterna is a fast-paced Roguelite inspired by the Metroidvania Aeterna Noctis. Create your own worlds, challenges, difficulty and influences in each new run. Die, learn, become stronger, and achieve victory. Death is inevitable, but glory is only for the chosen.
AK-xolotl: Together
The cutest, deadliest top-down roguelike shooter featuring AK-wielding Axolotls. Blast your way through the animal kingdom with an arsenal of kick-ass guns, mighty power-ups and even raise an army of trigger-happy baby axolotls. 🔫🔫 Double the firepower! Local co-op update now live!
Sim Companies
Become a Business Tycoon. Build your own company from the ground up. Do business in a virtual economy with players all around the world! Gain valuable business skills for free. An advanced, proprietary, Economy simulation model is used to deliver the best gaming experience.
Cervus Blade
Cervus Blade is an enchanting third-person action adventure game that takes players on an epic journey through a deer-worship desert world. Engage in high-octane combat, testing your skills in challenging encounters, unleash the power of the Blade and become a legend in this captivating adventure.
Mega City Force
Retrowave Action Roguelike featuring tough agents battling crime to the electrifying music of artists like Droid Bishop, Timecop1983, and more! Choose your agent and dive into hardcore action against enemies and bosses, utilizing a vast arsenal and special abilities that will define your playstyle
Doomsday Hunters
Shoot stuff in a perfect pixel world, combine items, build guns, die every time! Roguelite twin-stick shooter where magic and post-apocalyptic future technologies collide. Defeat evil lord Dracula and save everyone!
Etrian Odyssey HD
Beyond the village of Etria lies a mysterious forest with a colossal crack opening to a puzzling labyrinth. Lead a team of explorers into the dungeon with the promise of riches, fame, and adventure!
The Last Case of Benedict Fox Definitive Edition
Take on the last case of Benedict Fox and dive into a twisted world of secret organizations, forbidden rituals, and cold-blooded murders. Explore the memories of deceased victims as you search for clues and fight demons in this fantastical Lovecraftian Metroidvania.
Ash of Gods: The Way
Solve tactical puzzles in constantly changing battles and overcome circumstances that are NEVER in your favor. Defend your commander, win duels, capture points, experiment with your strategy to defeat a superior enemy, and make decisions that affect your story.
SCP: Observer
SCP: Observer is a frightening experience in which you'll play the role of a maintenance engineer trapped inside a security room. Survive by managing the emergency power supply, monitoring the facility's camera system for threats and blocking the paths of oncoming horrors.
Stray Blade
Stray Blade is an action-adventure where you play a rogue Adventurer exploring the ancient Valley of Acrea with your companion, the Xhinnon wolf Boji. Unveil the history of the forgotten valley and master the powers of the three Acrean Metals to restore balance to this war-torn land.
Deepening Fire
Deepening Fire is a side-scrolling action adventure game. Choose different classes, with appropriate equipment, explore hidden complex map, defeat powerful enemies, expose the conspiracy of the chaotic world, experience the souls-like battle
Desktop Dungeons: Rewind
Desktop Dungeons: Rewind bestows bites of tactical roguelike action, which will quickly fester into a deep, lingering, and strategic obsession. Bargain with gods, equip your spoon and pick your battles, before retreating into the healing darkness. But beware… there are still many monsters to face!
Beyond Contact
A fiercely formidable sci-fi survival game, set on a hostile alien world that wants you dead! Alone, or with a crew, do you have what it takes to survive?
Deflector
Deflector is a top down action rogue-lite set in a deadly microcosm. Dive deep into hostile worlds teeming with viruses. Strike down increasingly challenging enemies with your weapons and their own deflected projectiles. Live, die, grow stronger and become powerful enough to reach the Source!
The Ouroboros King
The Ouroboros King combines the strategic depth of chess with the build variety and replayability of roguelikes. Assemble a formidable army, discover powerful relics, and buy surprising gadgets to defeat the Coven.