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
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 11th 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 29,603 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
974,191
74,737
29,603
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 23,306 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
23,306
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 17,214 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
17,214
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 7,012 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
7,012
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 5,127 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
5,127
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 3,318 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
3,318
players
7. 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 15,320 reviews of which 13,906 were positive and 1,414 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 2,835 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.9
13,906
1,414
2,835
players
8. 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 2,600 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
74,093
3,691
2,600
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 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 2,570 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.3
96,819
18,343
2,570
players
10. 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 319,945 reviews of which 304,900 were positive and 15,045 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,237 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
304,900
15,045
2,237
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 11th 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. 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 #4 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.2
485
156
-93%
14.29€
1.00€
5. 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 #5 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.1
429
67
-91%
20.67€
1.86€
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 1,225 were positive and 266 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
1,225
266
-91%
14.33€
1.29€
7. 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 #7 position in the best deals for difficult games.
9.1
5,300
308
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
8. 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 #8 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.6
2,487
689
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
9. 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 #9 position in the best deals for difficult games.
6.5
377
181
-90%
4.99€
0.49€
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 May 11th 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
38
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 4,334 reviews of which 3,315 were positive and 1,019 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
3,315
1,019
16
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.5
297
24
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 353 reviews of which 302 were positive and 51 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
302
51
9
players
5. 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 #5 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
557
92
5
players
6. 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 3,354 reviews of which 2,801 were positive and 553 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
2,801
553
3
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 1,705 reviews of which 1,650 were positive and 55 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
1,650
55
1
players
8. 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 #8 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
9.1
5,146
294
1
players
9. 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 571 reviews of which 527 were positive and 44 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
527
44
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