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
GUILTY GEAR 2 -OVERTURE-
The ultimate melee action [GUILTY GEAR 2 -OVERTURE-] is now on Steam!! Pushing [Gameplay] and [Entertainment] to the extremes, with a splash of [Competitiveness] -- That's GUILTY GEAR 2 for you.
Hyper Light Drifter
Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.
Leap of Fate
Leap of Fate is a furiously-paced cyberpunk roguelite about overcoming your fears and achieving your fate. In a New York City where magic is real, you play as a technomage who must develop unspeakable powers to confront the Crucible of Fates. Can you survive the trials?
Angry Video Game Nerd II: ASSimilation
When a mysterious beam from space transforms the world into a game, the Angry Video Game Nerd must return to put the "ASS" in ASSimilation. Utilize new mechanics, power-ups, abilities, and collectible armor pieces to defeat your most powerful foe yet, and save the world!
FORCED SHOWDOWN
Deckbuilding empowers this challenging bullet hell adventure! Each character is a unique experience: Choose a deck of unlockable cards to boost you in new ways every battle - "My whirlwind shoots fireballs!?". Battle hordes of brutal foes to become a superstar in C-SAR’s ever-changing game show.
1993 Space Machine
Space shooters never die. 1993 is a testament to that. 1993 is a classic shoot em up celebrating games like Gradius, R-Type and Life Force.
The Deer
"The Deer" is an educational interactive experience for children. You'll be an ancient Deer during the Pleistocene (Ice Age) epoch and you'll discover everything about this marvelous era. Unfortunately there were no T-Rex during this age since they were already extinct millions of years before.
Slain: Back from Hell
Slain: Back from Hell. A heavy metal inspired arcade combat with puzzle elements and gore galore. Stunning visuals and true old school gameplay accompanied by the most metal soundtrack you've ever heard.
Trackmania® Turbo
Trackmania offers you the ultimate arcade racing universe where everything is about reaching the perfect racing time. Test your skills in over 200 tracks, experience immediate fun by challenging your friends at home (offline splitscreen) or online.
Defy Gravity Extended
Defy Gravity is an action platformer that is a mix between classic platforming and gravity based puzzle solving.
Sophie's Curse
You got a job, which is to take care of an old man during the night in a recently purchased house; this house does not have electricity and you have to rely on some kind of hand crank generators to light the place up, but there is something in the darkness draining their power, don’t let it happen!
Out There Somewhere
You play an explorer stranded on a dangerous alien planet. Low on fuel, your only hope for escape is to find the planet’s core in this incredibly clever action-puzzle-platformer.
Beat Da Beat
Hurrican-like Bullet Hell. Avoid the rain of bullets to the rhythms of "dubstep". Help the hero to defeat the aliens and to take revenge on the interstellar aggressor!
Deathsmiles
Deathsmiles is CAVE's bullet-hell shoot-'em-up where you take the role of one of five Angels to defend the magical land of Gilverado from an invasion by Hell itself! Eradicate this devilish assault!
Wild Animal Racing
Wild Animal Racing is an exciting go-kart simulation game with a twist. Play as an elephant, a lion, a zebra, a giraffe, a rhino or a hippo! Play against the other animals or against a friend on the same PC with the split-screen mode! Or invite Steam friends in the multiplayer mode!
Graviteam Tactics: Mius-Front
Graviteam Tactics: Mius-Front - tactical battalion level combat simulation. Action takes place in the summer of 1943 at Mius river and Saur-Mogila tumulus area of over 140 sq. km. Four large-scale operations for the Red Army and Wehrmacht.
Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight
Momodora: Reverie Under The Moonlight is the fourth installment in the beloved Momodora series of 2D platformers. Unleash ravaging combos against a variety of formidable monsters and deftly dodge your way through a cursed land to seek audience with the Queen and dispel the evil that threatens all life.
BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Extend
'BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Extend' is the sixth installment of the BlazBlue series, a combination of 2D fighting action game and visual novel.
SUPERHOT
SUPERHOT is the smash-hit FPS where time moves only when you move. No regenerating health bars. No conveniently placed ammo drops. It's you, alone, outnumbered and outgunned. Snatch weapons from fallen enemies to shoot, slice and dodge through a truly cinematic hurricane of slow-motion bullets.
The Flame in the Flood
A rogue-like river journey through the backwaters of a forgotten post-societal America. Forage, craft, evade predators.
Devil Daggers
Devil Daggers is a fast-paced shooter that places you in an abyssal arena to face endless legions of demons. Armed with versatile magic daggers and a fluid movement system, fight to survive as long as you can.
Mindless Running
Mindless Running - it's a classic runner with story mode. Explore a randomly-generated world while listening to a unique soundtrack!
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 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 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. 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 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
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