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
Pirates Outlaws
Pirates Outlaws is a roguelike card game in which you navigate dangerous seas and challenge their masters. Your expedition will be full of ambushes and will not be easy. Build your deck and combos to become a reputed pirate.
UnderParty
UnderParty is an Action Platformer game. This game is made up of a very high level of difficulty. It's very violent, so be careful.
Resident Evil 3
Jill Valentine is one of the last remaining people in Raccoon City to witness the atrocities Umbrella performed. To stop her, Umbrella unleashes their ultimate secret weapon: Nemesis! Also includes Resident Evil Resistance, a new 1 vs 4 online multiplayer game set in the Resident Evil universe.
One Step From Eden
Build a powerful deck, cast spells on the fly, battle evolving enemies, find game-changing artifacts, make friends or make enemies, just make it to Eden.
DOOM Eternal
Hell’s armies have invaded Earth. Become the Slayer in an epic single-player campaign to conquer demons across dimensions and stop the final destruction of humanity. The only thing they fear... is you.
Exit the Gungeon
Exit the Gungeon is a small, spin-off 'dungeon climber' immediately following the adventures of the misfit Gungeoneers.
Last Floor
Оne day your life changes dramatically and you become a hostage of your own home. Your task is to survive but to do this you need to get outside.
DJMAX RESPECT V
DJMAX RESPECT V is the latest installment from the creators of the critically acclaimed rhythm game franchise ‘DJMAX.’ Experience tracks from popular artists such as Marshmello, Porter Robinson, and Yukika, exclusive Full HD Music Videos, online multiplayer, new game modes, and more!
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
MechDefender - Tower Defense
MechDefender is an innovative fusion of two gaming genres - seamlessly blending the intense action of a top-down shooter with the strategic depth of tower defense.
Iris and the Giant
Iris and The Giant is a fusion of the CCG, RPG and roguelike genres. You play as Iris, who must brave her fears in her imaginary world. Dive into a melancholic and gripping adventure, filled with cute monsters and buried memories. Ready to face your inner demons?
Arrest of a stone Buddha
Hitman is searching for an answer in France 70-s.
Stilt Fella
Become the fella. Walk on the stilts.
Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection
Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection brings together six classic titles in one game: Mega Man Zero 1, 2, 3 and 4, as well as Mega Man ZX and ZX Advent. The collection also features Z-Chaser, an exclusive new mode created just for this set of games.
Maiden and Spell
Maiden & Spell is a magical girl battle game, set in a cutesy fantasy world. Select from one of eight young ladies to battle 1 on 1 with a friend, or fight your way through a series of bosses and learn the secrets of The Kingdom of Stars.
Stoneshard
Stoneshard is a challenging turn-based RPG set in an open world. Experience the unforgiving life of a medieval mercenary: travel across the war-torn kingdom, fulfill contracts, fight, mend your wounds and develop your character without any restrictions.
The Watchers
The Watchers is a haunting co-op stealth game in which 2 players take control of a brother and sister trying to uncover the truth behind their mother’s disappearance. Explore the sinister compound of a local cult and work together to evade brutal enemies. But be careful. You’re being watched.
ELDERBORN
ELDERBORN - a Metal AF* Slasher with brutal FPP melee combat and souls-like/RPG character progression. In the times of legend, barbarian tribes need a new dark messiah. Be that merciless slayer. Uncover ancient secrets in the city of doom. Forge your own destiny! *Action Fantasy.
Ministry of Broadcast
Ministry of Broadcast is a narrative-driven single player cinematic platformer mixing Orwell’s 1984 with modern reality TV. A country divided by The Wall; to cross it and reach your family, you must compete on - and win - a reality TV show broadcast by the Regime.
Ether Loop
Ether Loop is a hardcore fast-paced bullet hell with roguelike elements. Descend the unforgiving depths of a mysterious world, encounter challenges, discover dynamic environments and fight ruthless creatures while unveiling the secrets of Ether Loop.
DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT
The Dragon Ball RPG of your dreams! For the first time, you can play the rest of the story. Step into the universe of Dragon Ball Z in all its iconic glory and become the hero you were always meant to be!
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 16th 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 35,242 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
981,540
75,137
35,242
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 26,819 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
26,819
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 15,377 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
15,377
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 5,188 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
5,188
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 3,973 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
3,973
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 3,589 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
3,589
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 2,592 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
2,592
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 2,416 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
2,416
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 1,948 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
1,948
players
10. Celeste
Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain. Celeste is a precision platformer, difficult and pixel graphics game developed by Maddy Makes Games Inc., Extremely OK Games and Ltd. and published by Maddy Makes Games Inc.. Released on January 25th 2018 has received 120,602 reviews of which 117,545 were positive and 3,057 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. With 1,351 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.6
117,545
3,057
1,351
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 16th 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. art of rally
Race in the golden era of rally. Drive iconic cars from the 60s to Group B on challenging stages through stylized environments inspired by real worldwide locations. Will you master the art of rally? art of rally is a racing, driving and physics game developed and published by Funselektor Labs Inc.. Released on September 23rd 2020 has received 5,516 reviews of which 5,115 were positive and 401 were negative resulting in a rating of 9.0 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 98% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in difficult games.
9.0
5,115
401
-98%
24.99€
0.74€
4. 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. Currently offered at a significant 98% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.8
4,398
407
-98%
19.99€
0.53€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.7
1,966
193
-98%
16.79€
0.41€
6. 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 #6 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.6
504
41
-98%
14.79€
0.41€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.8
1,234
277
-98%
14.99€
0.31€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.7
2,421
632
-98%
17.99€
0.45€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.5
639
178
-98%
19.99€
0.44€
10. 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 #10 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.2
492
159
-98%
14.79€
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 16th 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
64
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
17
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 4,355 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 #3 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
3,326
1,029
9
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.0
314
52
8
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
2,811
557
3
players
6. Notanote
Welcome to Notanote！ Notanote is a casual, rhythm and music game developed and published by zzzProject. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 794 reviews of which 696 were positive and 98 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.3
696
98
2
players
7. 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 5,441 reviews of which 5,148 were positive and 293 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
9.1
5,148
293
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. You Have 10 Seconds
You Have 10 Seconds is a fast paced arcade style platformer game with over 40 levels. You Have 10 Seconds is a precision platformer, free to play and indie game developed and published by tamationgames. Released on August 02nd 2016 has received 1,335 reviews of which 1,184 were positive and 151 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.4
1,184
151
1
players
10. The Hardest Game Ever
An insanely difficult precision platformer The Hardest Game Ever is a difficult, precision platformer and adventure game developed by Cupflow Studios and AIAdev and published by AIAdev. Released on September 14th 2023 has received 350 reviews of which 276 were positive and 74 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
276
74
1
players