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
Battle Ram
Battle Ram - an experiment of scientists developed in a secret laboratory, a powerful creature against robots, who will win?
The Crackpet Show
The Crackpet Show is an action-packed rogue-lite shoot’em-up about mutated animals that fight in a bizarre TV show, crushing their opponents with a variety of weapons. Choose your beastie, gear ‘em up, and go kill your enemies in the name of fame and sweet sponsorship deals!
Melatonin
Melatonin is a rhythm game about dreams and reality merging together. It uses animations and sound cues to keep you on beat without any intimidating overlays or interfaces. Harmonize through a variety of dreamy levels containing surprising challenges, hand-drawn art, and vibrant music.
IXION
IXION is an unrelenting, city-building odyssey across the stars. As Administrator of the Tiqqun, DOLOS’ prototype space station, you are tasked with balancing preservation and exploration as you manage infrastructure, resources and crew. Can you keep the flame of humanity alight in the cold dark?
Dwarf Fortress
The deepest, most intricate simulation of a world that's ever been created. The legendary Dwarf Fortress is now on Steam. Build a fortress and try to help your dwarves survive against a deeply generated world.
Retro Gadgets
Retro Gadgets is a sandbox where you build, code, and customize gadgets inspired by old-school electronics.
We Who Are About To Die
Fight & strategize your way through spectacles and arenas -- rise from lowly slave to Grand Champion and earn your freedom. Or... die trying. This Gladiator RPG Roguelite features in-depth career management and a unique physics simulated combat system. To those who are about to die, I salute you!
Poker Quest: Swords and Spades
Poker Quest is a fantasy roguelike where players use a standard 52-card deck to take on fierce enemies in epic battles. Featuring over 20 unique heroes, thousands of items, and deep gameplay that will test even the most experienced players.
14 Minesweeper Variants
Minesweeper but the rules are changing.
Ghost Song
On the desolate moon of Lorian, a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Journey beneath the surface on an atmospheric 2D adventure of self-discovery, ancient mysteries, and cosmic terror. Explore winding caverns and acquire new abilities to unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.
The Entropy Centre
Think in reverse. Outsmart the impossible. A mind-bending first-person adventure where you solve ingenious and complex puzzles by rewinding objects through time.
USAC: Code Breach
USAC: Code Breach™ is a unique coop experience set in a cyberpunk universe. As a special police unit, you and your partner are called in to investigate the unexpected shutdown of a high-tech research facility. Between reflection and action, you must survive a situation that is beyond you.
Last Command
Last Command is a fast-paced Snake x Bullet Hell action game. Maneuver through enemies’ barrage of attacks, collect Data Points to deal damage! Mix and match skill chips as you progress, overcome intense Boss battles, and uncover the secrets of their program world...
Cosmoteer: Starship Architect & Commander
Design and simulate the starships of your dreams! Command your ship or fleet in epic battles and manage your crew while exploring a dangerous galaxy. Play alone or with friends, test your ships in online PvP, and let your imagination reach for the stars!
Heads Will Roll: Downfall
Heads Will Roll: Downfall is a combination of a tactical role-playing game and visual novel, in which you will assume the role of a medieval soldier.
The Last Hero of Nostalgaia
The Last Hero of Nostalgaia is a satirical action-adventure, brought to life by a twisted and wicked tale. Featuring hard but fair combat, *full character customization, unique battle armor and engaging narrative mechanics rich in lore, Nostalgaia plunges you into almost certain death at every turn.
Crash Bandicoot™ 4: It’s About Time
It’s About Time - the critically-acclaimed Crash Bandicoot™ 4: It's About Time is now on Steam!
Alina of the Arena
A roguelike deckbuilding tactics game that combines elements from 'Slay the Spire' and 'Into the Breach'. Play as a gladiator to survive. With roguelike deckbuilding and hex-based tactics, no longer bound by simple attack and defense. Make use of dodges and knockbacks to stay alive!
Vault of the Void
Vault of the Void is a fast-paced roguelike deckbuilder where the power is in your hands. Continuously customise your deck, crafting powerful combos and ingenious strategies. Upgrade your cards with Void Stones, infusing them with new abilities to help defeat the minions of The Void!
Dark Light
Dark Light is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk action-platformer with intense hack'n slash combat. Explore the unknown, enhance your abilities with cyberwares, and face off against supernatural entities to seal the Dark Void and end the eternal darkness.
Yoiyami Dancers: Twilight Danmaku Dancers
Dodge bullets to the rhythm and take down everything that moves! A rhythmical danmaku action game.
Little Witch Nobeta
Control the lovely little witch Nobeta, explore the unknown mysterious castle, and gradually discover the truth!
Moonscars
Push the limits of your combat skills, and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Face off against the relentless darkness that seeks to destroy you. In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed.
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 June 15th 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 1,056,677 reviews of which 981,540 were positive and 75,137 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 38,194 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
981,540
75,137
38,194
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 429,921 reviews of which 401,026 were positive and 28,895 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. While seeing 28,762 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among difficult games based on player count.
9.2
401,026
28,895
28,762
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 343,420 reviews of which 334,165 were positive and 9,255 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 15,782 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among difficult games based on player count.
9.6
334,165
9,255
15,782
players
4. 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 413,775 reviews of which 390,326 were positive and 23,449 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 5,640 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.3
390,326
23,449
5,640
players
5. 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 322,234 reviews of which 307,041 were positive and 15,193 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 4,475 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
307,041
15,193
4,475
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 129,299 reviews of which 119,152 were positive and 10,147 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 3,805 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.1
119,152
10,147
3,805
players
7. 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 78,477 reviews of which 74,759 were positive and 3,718 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,656 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
74,759
3,718
2,656
players
8. 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 186,835 reviews of which 179,894 were positive and 6,941 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 2,414 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.5
179,894
6,941
2,414
players
9. DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin
DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin brings the franchise’s renowned obscurity & gripping gameplay to a new level. Join the dark journey and experience overwhelming enemy encounters, diabolical hazards, and unrelenting challenge. DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin is a souls-like, dark fantasy and rpg game developed by FromSoftware and Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware and Inc.. Released on April 01st 2015 has received 116,710 reviews of which 98,052 were positive and 18,658 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 2,103 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.3
98,052
18,658
2,103
players
10. Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition
Battle hordes of yokai in this masocore Action RPG. Create your protagonist and embark on an adventure through a myriad of locales across Japan during the Sengoku period. Utilize the new Yokai Shift ability to defeat even the most ferocious yokai and be prepared to brave through Dark Realms created by your enemies. Nioh 2 – The Complete Edition is a rpg, action and souls-like game developed and published by KOEI TECMO GAMES CO. and LTD.. Released on February 05th 2021 has received 45,496 reviews of which 39,965 were positive and 5,531 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. With 1,499 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.6
39,965
5,531
1,499
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 June 15th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted difficult games.
1. Taiji
Solve puzzle panels and uncover the meaning of the symbols within. Explore a dense world where secrets are hidden in plain sight. Taiji is a puzzle, nonlinear and difficult game developed and published by Matthew VanDevander. Released on September 09th 2022 has received 1,250 reviews of which 1,143 were positive and 107 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 99% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for difficult category.
8.7
1,143
107
-99%
24.50€
0.47€
2. 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. Thanks to its incredible 99% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in difficult games.
8.1
279
38
-99%
29.99€
0.44€
3. Ring of Pain
Enter the Ring of Pain, a roguelike card crawler where encounters come to you. Each step around the ring a dire decision. Go for the loot or backstab a creeping horror? Meet strange friends bearing gifts and treasure. Choose your gear wisely to survive and discover the secrets of the Ring of Pain. Ring of Pain is a dungeon crawler, card game and rogue-lite game developed by Simon Boxer and Twice Different and published by Humble Games. Released on October 15th 2020 has received 4,805 reviews of which 4,398 were positive and 407 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in difficult games.
8.8
4,398
407
-98%
19.99€
0.53€
4. 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 2,159 reviews of which 1,966 were positive and 193 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.7
1,966
193
-98%
16.79€
0.41€
5. Cosmic Express
Plan the train route for the universe's most awkward space colony! Cosmic Express is a difficult, cute and puzzle game developed by Cosmic Engineers, Alan Hazelden, Benjamin Davis and Tyu and published by Draknek & Friends. Released on March 16th 2017 has received 545 reviews of which 504 were positive and 41 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #5 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.6
504
41
-98%
14.79€
0.41€
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 1,511 reviews of which 1,234 were positive and 277 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.8 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.8
1,234
277
-98%
14.99€
0.31€
7. 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 3,053 reviews of which 2,421 were positive and 632 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.7
2,421
632
-98%
17.99€
0.45€
8. Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX
A legend returns in stunning new detail with Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX! Fire up your power bracelet and relive a platforming classic alongside new modes, levels and features! Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX is a precision platformer, 2d platformer and difficult game developed by Merge Games and Jankenteam and published by Merge Games. Released on June 22nd 2021 has received 817 reviews of which 639 were positive and 178 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.5
639
178
-98%
19.99€
0.43€
9. 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 651 reviews of which 492 were positive and 159 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.2 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.2
492
159
-98%
14.79€
0.37€
10. 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 5,620 reviews of which 5,311 were positive and 309 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 97% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for difficult games.
9.1
5,311
309
-97%
9.99€
0.37€
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 June 15th 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 578 reviews of which 454 were positive and 124 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
454
124
57
players
2. TRIBE NINE
Defy the madness. Brutal Action RPG "TRIBE NINE" Set in the nation of Neo Tokyo, where absolute madness rules. Here, teens face life-or-death battles, constantly resisting the harsh and unjust world—all in pursuit of reclaiming their lost freedom and dreams. TRIBE NINE is a action, rpg and free to play game developed and published by Akatsuki Games Inc.. Released on February 18th 2025 has received 4,834 reviews of which 3,242 were positive and 1,592 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
6.6
3,242
1,592
34
players
3. 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 366 reviews of which 314 were positive and 52 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.0
314
52
11
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 3,368 reviews of which 2,811 were positive and 557 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
2,811
557
5
players
5. 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 4,355 reviews of which 3,326 were positive and 1,029 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
3,326
1,029
5
players
6. 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 1,714 reviews of which 1,660 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
9.2
1,660
54
2
players
7. Mini-Dead
144 FPS boss battle action with a devilishly creative game mechanic. Mini-Dead is a free to play, indie and action game developed by Alec Smith and published by Milo Games. Released on May 04th 2018 has received 871 reviews of which 821 were positive and 50 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.9
821
50
1
players
8. 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. SCP: Observer is a resource management, horror and survival horror game developed by and published by GetMyIsland. Released on April 25th 2023 has received 579 reviews of which 534 were positive and 45 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.6
534
45
1
players
9. 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 368 reviews of which 342 were positive and 26 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.6
342
26
1
players
10. Overclocked
Overclocked is a free-flowing action game that blends combat and platforming to create a fluid and rhythmic experience. Take on the role of Amber, a glass-cannon vigilante, as you fight to uncover a plot that threatens to tear your home apart. Overclocked is a action, free to play and indie game developed and published by Magnesium Ninja. Released on October 09th 2018 has received 324 reviews of which 300 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.5
300
24
1
players