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
Mafia
It’s 1930. After an inadvertent brush with the mafia, cabdriver Tommy Angelo is reluctantly thrust into the world of organized crime. Initially, he is uneasy about falling in with the Salieri family, but soon the rewards become too big to ignore.
Deathmatch Classic
Enjoy fast-paced multiplayer gaming with Deathmatch Classic (a.k.a. DMC). Valve's tribute to the work of id software, DMC invites players to grab their rocket launchers and put their reflexes to the test in a collection of futuristic settings.
Gothic 1
War has been waged across the kingdom of Myrtana. Orcish hordes invaded human territory and the king of the land needed a lot of ore to forge enough weapons, should his army stand against this threat. Whoever breaks the law in these darkest of times is sentenced to serve in the giant penal colony of Khorinis, mining the so much needed...
Half-Life
Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world.
Shadow Warrior Classic (1997)
Strap on your combat sandals...Lo Wang is coming to the Land of the Rising Sun to turn out the lights. Experience total blood immersion. If you can't touch, kill or drive something...then blow it away! Whether you're wielding shurikens, an Uzi, or a freshly plundered Guardian head...you've got your work cut out for you.
Serious Sam Fusion 2017 (beta)
Serious Sam Fusion is a central hub for several existing Serious Sam games developed by Croteam. Cool new features, engine upgrades, patches and updates will be released to existing owners for FREE!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 May 14th 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 1,048,928 reviews of which 974,191 were positive and 74,737 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 26,353 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
974,191
74,737
26,353
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 417,573 reviews of which 389,871 were positive and 27,702 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 18,826 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among difficult games based on player count.
9.3
389,871
27,702
18,826
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 340,441 reviews of which 331,322 were positive and 9,119 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 15,798 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among difficult games based on player count.
9.6
331,322
9,119
15,798
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 410,499 reviews of which 387,232 were positive and 23,267 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 6,049 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.3
387,232
23,267
6,049
players
5. 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 126,414 reviews of which 116,466 were positive and 9,948 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 4,683 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.1
116,466
9,948
4,683
players
6. 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 183,450 reviews of which 176,695 were positive and 6,755 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 2,886 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.5
176,695
6,755
2,886
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 77,784 reviews of which 74,093 were positive and 3,691 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,469 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
74,093
3,691
2,469
players
8. 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 115,162 reviews of which 96,819 were positive and 18,343 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 2,329 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.3
96,819
18,343
2,329
players
9. 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 16,082 reviews of which 14,574 were positive and 1,508 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 2,165 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.8
14,574
1,508
2,165
players
10. Nine Sols
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm. Nine Sols is a metroidvania, souls-like and difficult game developed and published by RedCandleGames. Released on May 28th 2024 has received 26,877 reviews of which 25,637 were positive and 1,240 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 1,996 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.3
25,637
1,240
1,996
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 May 14th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted difficult games.
1. 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 2,143 reviews of which 1,951 were positive and 192 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Featuring a massive 94% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for difficult category.
8.7
1,951
192
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
2. 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 3,045 reviews of which 2,412 were positive and 633 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in difficult games.
7.7
2,412
633
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
3. 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 10,840 reviews of which 9,961 were positive and 879 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 93% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in difficult games.
8.9
9,961
879
-93%
34.43€
2.41€
4. Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a blistering hardcore platformer with contrasting worlds. Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is a side scroller, difficult and platformer game developed by Black Forest Games and published by Black Forest Games and HandyGames. Released on October 22nd 2012 has received 1,892 reviews of which 1,469 were positive and 423 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.5
1,469
423
-93%
15.71€
1.10€
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. Toki
The return of the wacky monkey!Toki sets off on a new adventure! The cult action/platform game originally released on arcade machines in 1989 is back with a super-simian new version, featuring all-new hand-drawn graphics and re-orchestrated music! Toki is a adventure, platformer and retro game developed and published by Microids. Released on June 07th 2019 has received 496 reviews of which 429 were positive and 67 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.1
429
67
-91%
20.67€
1.86€
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 1,494 reviews of which 1,226 were positive and 268 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.9
1,226
268
-91%
14.33€
1.29€
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 5,608 reviews of which 5,300 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
5,300
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 3,176 reviews of which 2,487 were positive and 689 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
2,487
689
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
10. Alter World
Inspired by Stephen King’s book - “The Dark Tower”, Alter World is a 2D platformer with interesting gameplay mechanics. Player can pass on an alternative universe anytime and use an alternative realms to move to another level. Levels are unique, with puzzles. player will have to react quickly and assess when to move between the Worlds. Alter World is a indie, puzzle and puzzle platformer game developed by Giorgi Abelashvili and published by SA Industry. Released on May 29th 2015 has received 558 reviews of which 377 were positive and 181 were negative resulting in a rating of 6.5 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for difficult games.
6.5
377
181
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
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 May 14th 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 554 reviews of which 432 were positive and 122 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
432
122
27
players
2. 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 4,340 reviews of which 3,319 were positive and 1,021 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
3,319
1,021
11
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 356 reviews of which 305 were positive and 51 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
305
51
10
players
4. 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 649 reviews of which 557 were positive and 92 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
557
92
5
players
5. 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 321 reviews of which 297 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.5
297
24
4
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 5,440 reviews of which 5,146 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
5,146
294
2
players
7. 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 1,706 reviews of which 1,652 were positive and 54 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
9.2
1,652
54
1
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.6
382
28
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. Notanote
Welcome to Notanote！ Notanote is a casual, rhythm and music game developed and published by zzzProject. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 784 reviews of which 690 were positive and 94 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.3
690
94
1
players