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
Super Meat Boy
The infamous, tough-as-nails platformer comes to Steam with a playable Head Crab character (Steam-exclusive)!
BIT.TRIP BEAT
From gameplay to visuals to music and imagination, BIT.TRIP BEAT is inspired by classic games in every way. Get sucked into a whole new world of sight and sound as you juggle beats and ride the vibe in this modern look at the beginning of it all. BIT.
Lugaru HD
Follow Turner, a rebel bunny rabbit with impressive combat skills in his quest to find those responsible for slaughtering his village. Uncover a far-reaching conspiracy involving the corrupt leaders of the rabbit republic and the wolves of the nearby lands. Streamlined Combat: Gone are the days of combo memorization and button mashing.
Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light
Take control of Lara and her new partner Totec, a Mayan tribesman, and uncover the ancient artifact known as the "Mirror of Smoke" in this all new action adventure game.
Hacker Evolution
Hacker Evolution is a hacking simulation game, featuring unparalleled graphics and features. You play the role of a former intelligence agent, specializing in computer security. When a chain of events sets off worldwide, leaving critical service disabled, you assume the role a computer hacker to find out what happened and attempt to stop...
Riven (1997)
Released in 1997 as the original sequel to Myst, one of the best-selling puzzle adventure games of all time. Prepare to enter a world "torn asunder" by timeless, unresolved conflicts -- a world of incomparable beauty, intrigue, and betrayal.
Chaser
Mars, 2044. The UN establishes MARSCORP (Martian Security and Economics Committee) under the leadership of Samuel Longwood. In the years that follow, the UN gradually loses control of MARSCORP, mainly due to the non-transparent licence policy of its director.
Arma 2: Operation Arrowhead
Three years after the conflict in Chernarus, portrayed in the original Arma 2, a new flashpoint explodes in the Green Sea Region. Coalition forces led by the US Army are deployed to Takistan to quickly restore peace and prevent further civilian casualties.
eversion
The Princess of the Flower Kingdom has vanished! She was taken by the Ghulibas of the north, and it is up to brave Zee Tee to rescue her. On his quest, he - and you - will discover the hidden lands behind the peaceful kingdom, and come face to face with secrets that will set you on edge!
Gothic II: Gold Edition
Gothic II: Gold Edition brings together the excitement of Gothic II and the add-on Night of the Raven to your fingertips!
STAR WARS™ - The Force Unleashed™ Ultimate Sith Edition
A game that will show gamers the deepest, darkest side of the Force in a story that puts them on a collision course with Luke Skywalker himself.
The Void
Only brought to life by scarce sparks of Color, the bleak, grey Void is a peculiar place. The player gets to explore it, get to know the Sisters, Brothers, and other weird creatures inhabiting it, and learn the ways of Color, harvesting it and drawing sigils that change the world around them.
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter
Serious Sam HD: The First Encounter is a visually upgraded and fully Steam supported remake version of the original high-adrenaline single-play and 16-player co-operative arcade-action FPS which was Gamespot's Game of the Year 2001 and which scored overall of 87% on Metacritic!
Gratuitous Space Battles
Who needs backstory? Who needs resource-gathering? Diplomacy is so last year. Gratuitous Space Battles cuts right to the chase of sci-fi strategy games, and deals with large, completely unjustified space battles between huge opposing space fleets.
Hammerfight
Hammerfight is about 2D battles of flying machines equipped with various slashing, piercing and blunt weaponry.A unique combat system is based on realistic physics simulation, and it ties the movements of the rider to the movements of your mouse. As you wave the mouse, your rider swings his warhammer, smashing the foe into the wall!
AI War: Fleet Command
"You are outgunned. You are massively outnumbered. You must win." These are your orders. Humanity has already fought its war against the machines -- and lost. AI death squads stand watch over every planet and every wormhole, the few remaining human settlements are held captive in orbiting bubbles, and the AIs have turned their...
Risen
Delve into a gritty, raw and atmospheric fantasy world in which every action has a consequence. In the epic world of Risen, filled with mysterious earthquakes, fearsome monsters and unimaginable treasures, forge your path with the sword, learn the art of staff fighting or become a powerful mage.
Majesty 2
In the world of Majesty, you are the ruler of the kingdom Ardania. At your service are your loyal and somewhat obnoxious subordinates, who have their own minds about how things should be done. In fact, Majesty is the only game where your heroes decide on their own what should be done and when, leaving you to try to control them through...
STAR WARS™ Dark Forces (Classic, 1995)
Behind a veil of secrecy the evil Empire is creating a doomsday army - one that, if finished, will become the final cog in the Empire's arsenal of terror and domination. Your Mission? Join the Rebel Alliance's covert operations division, infiltrate the Empire.
Zuma's Revenge!
An irresistible force has taken our fearless frog to an island where the puzzle-action of Zuma has evolved in amazing ways… but evil spirits and tenacious tiki bosses rule the land! Survive by firing stone spheres to destroy the deadly stream of balls. Conquer over 60 levels!
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory®
The year is 2008. Citywide blackouts ... stock exchange sabotage ... electronic hijacking of national defense systems ... this is information warfare. To prevent these attacks, operatives must infiltrate deep into hostile territory and aggressively collect critical intelligence, closer than ever to enemy soldiers.
Osmos
Enter the ambient world of Osmos: elegant, physics-based gameplay, dreamlike visuals, and a minimalist, electronic soundtrack. Your objective is to grow by absorbing other motes. Propel yourself by ejecting matter behind you. But be wise: ejecting matter also shrinks you. Relax - good things come to those who wait.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 April 30th 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 1,046,084 reviews of which 971,482 were positive and 74,602 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 24,018 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
971,482
74,602
24,018
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 414,790 reviews of which 387,347 were positive and 27,443 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 17,087 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among difficult games based on player count.
9.3
387,347
27,443
17,087
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 339,421 reviews of which 330,418 were positive and 9,003 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 14,603 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among difficult games based on player count.
9.6
330,418
9,003
14,603
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 409,686 reviews of which 386,446 were positive and 23,240 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 3,501 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.3
386,446
23,240
3,501
players
5. 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 14,169 reviews of which 12,871 were positive and 1,298 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 3,409 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.9
12,871
1,298
3,409
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 125,682 reviews of which 115,794 were positive and 9,888 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 2,287 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.1
115,794
9,888
2,287
players
7. 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 319,203 reviews of which 304,165 were positive and 15,038 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,890 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
304,165
15,038
1,890
players
8. Devil May Cry HD Collection
The popular stylish action games Devil May Cry, Devil May Cry 2, and Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition return in one collection! Devil May Cry HD Collection is a action, hack and slash and difficult game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on March 13th 2018 has received 15,915 reviews of which 14,741 were positive and 1,174 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.0 out of 10. With 1,717 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.0
14,741
1,174
1,717
players
9. 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 77,525 reviews of which 73,844 were positive and 3,681 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,696 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
73,844
3,681
1,696
players
10. 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 182,852 reviews of which 176,124 were positive and 6,728 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 1,640 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.5
176,124
6,728
1,640
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 April 30th 2025. Looking for even more deals? Use the search filters to explore a wider range of discounted difficult games.
1. 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. Featuring a massive 95% discount, this game currently holds the #1 spot in the best deals for difficult category.
8.1
279
38
-95%
29.99€
1.49€
2. 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 2,137 reviews of which 1,945 were positive and 192 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #2 best deal in difficult games.
8.7
1,945
192
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
3. 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 3,039 reviews of which 2,407 were positive and 632 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Thanks to its incredible 94% discount, this game is now the #3 best deal in difficult games.
7.7
2,407
632
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
4. 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 10,815 reviews of which 9,936 were positive and 879 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.9
9,936
879
-93%
34.86€
2.44€
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. 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 1,226 were positive and 265 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
1,226
265
-91%
14.33€
1.29€
7. Titan Souls
Between our world and the world beyond lie the Titan Souls, the spiritual source of all living things. Scattered amongst the ruins and guarded by the idle titans charged with their care, a solitary hero armed with a single arrow is assembling shards of the Titan Soul in a quest for truth and power. Titan Souls is a souls-like, pixel graphics and difficult game developed by Acid Nerve and published by Devolver Digital. Released on April 14th 2015 has received 13,024 reviews of which 10,275 were positive and 2,749 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.7 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 91% discount, this title has earned the #7 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.7
10,275
2,749
-91%
14.56€
1.31€
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 5,604 reviews of which 5,296 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
5,296
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 3,172 reviews of which 2,484 were positive and 688 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
2,484
688
-90%
9.99€
0.99€
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 April 30th 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 539 reviews of which 422 were positive and 117 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
422
117
39
players
2. 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 347 reviews of which 299 were positive and 48 were negative resulting in a rating of 8 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8
299
48
6
players
3. 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 3,344 reviews of which 2,793 were positive and 551 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #3 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
2,793
551
5
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.3
690
94
3
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 4,332 reviews of which 3,313 were positive and 1,019 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
3,313
1,019
3
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 5,438 reviews of which 5,144 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
5,144
294
2
players
7. 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 570 reviews of which 527 were positive and 43 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.6
527
43
1
players
8. 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 651 reviews of which 559 were positive and 92 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
559
92
1
players
9. 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 347 reviews of which 272 were positive and 75 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
272
75
1
players
10. 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 1,702 reviews of which 1,647 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
9.2
1,647
55