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
RuneScape: Dragonwilds
On RuneScape’s forgotten continent of Ashenfall, dragons have awoken. Gather, build, skill and craft to survive in this co-operative (1-4) survival crafting game. Only by mastering survival and uncovering ancient secrets can they hope to slay the Dragon Queen—alone or with allies.
Shadow of the Depth
Shadow of the Depth is a top-down action Roguelite game. Delve into a dungeon world of light and shadow to eradicate the monsters that ravage your home. Be prepared to step into the abyss before you!
Gnomes
A turn-based tower defense with deep roguelike progression, set in ever-expanding, procedurally generated biomes. Build, farm and defend your village as you push deeper into goblin-infested territory. Unlock powerful upgrades and craft your environment to survive the endless goblin horde.
TETRIS® THE GRAND MASTER 4 -ABSOLUTE EYE-
The latest title in the "TGM" series, "TETRIS® THE GRAND MASTER 4 -ABSOLUTE EYE-" offers the ultimate Tetris game that no one has ever experienced before. Challenge yourself in new modes such as ASUKA and SHIRANUI.
LONESTAR
LONESTAR is a strategic Roguelike spaceship deckbuilder. As a bounty hunter, you will capture criminals scattered across the universe. Win the shockwave battle to gain rewards and vacations. Find treasures, customize spaceships, unlock talents, defeat the felons and be a legend!
Ambidextro
A multi-player game for a single player. Learn to control 2 characters at the same time, one with each hand. Achieve ambidexterity and rescue both the prince and the princess at the same time.
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.
Guidus Zero
Guidus Zero is a real-time grid-based action roguelike game. Explore the sinkhole known as the "Scar" to search for spirits and treasure chests, and defeat the corrupted enemies and bosses as you strive to reach the deepest floor of the Scar, where the source of chaos awaits.
Pathologic 3: Quarantine
In this free prologue to a narrative-driven adventure, watch a mysterious plague break out in a small town. Learn what drove a celebrated academic to leave his acclaimed lab. Examine patients, uncover strange secrets, and make first steps towards immortality.
SNØ: Ultimate Freeriding
SNØ is a minimalistic freeriding game. Push your limits for the high score, or simply explore the raw, endless wilderness.
Legacy: Steel & Sorcery
Legacy: Steel & Sorcery is an action-combat PvPvE extraction RPG set in the classic fantasy world of Mithrigarde, rich with expansive outdoor zones. Play solo or with friends to gather loot, slay creatures, and defeat other players.
JUMP KING QUEST
The most BRUTAL Platforming-Action-Multiplayer-RPG in THE WORLD with NO Game-Over, only falling down… Defy the fiends of The Heights TOGETHER or alone to rise as KING on your Quest to The Smoking Hot Babe at the Top!
Rift of the NecroDancer
The NecroDancer's back in an all-new rhythm game! Dragged into a strange new world, Cadence must engage in musical combat with monsters surging through the Rift! Face pulse-pounding Rhythm Rifts where every beat is a battle, all set to an original soundtrack by Danny Baranowsky & friends.
Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter
Embark upon a vast, snow-ravaged kingdom in Tails of Iron 2, sequel to the critically acclaimed action-RPG. As Arlo, heir to the Warden of the Wastes, adventure through harsh northern lands, home to giant beasts and ragtag bandits, in an epic quest to overcome an ancient, blood-starved evil.
Those Who Rule
Join three fresh recruits caught in a web of betrayal as war looms over the land. Lead your band of heroes through tactical turn-based battles, master unique abilities, and forge powerful gear to turn the tide of battle. Will you unravel the conspiracy driving the conflict—or be consumed by it?
NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black
Using Unreal Engine 5 to significantly enhance graphic expression, this is the definitive version of "NINJA GAIDEN 2," featuring additional playable characters and enhanced battle support functions.
ENDER MAGNOLIA: Bloom in the Mist
Decades after the events of ENDER LILIES, Homunculi — sorrowful, artificial life forms — roam the land. In this dark fantasy Metroidvania, face formidable enemies and explore a bewitching post-apocalyptic world. Humans and Homunculi — what awaits at the end of the quest for their salvation?
Few Nights More
Few Nights More is a roguelike turn-based RPG based in a world where Vampire Lords seek to conquer lost territories and their place in the world. Design and defend your stronghold, slay your enemies with traps, fulfill your Lord’s true potential, slowly conquering what is rightfully yours.
Animal Jam
In Animal Jam, you can become your favorite animal, collect amazing items, adopt adorable pets, and create a style to express the real you as you explore the beautiful 3D world of Jamaa! 2017 Google Play Awards Winner ★ Best App for Kids
My Summer Car
My Summer Car is the ultimate car owning, building, fixing, tuning, maintenance AND permadeath life survival simulator. You start the game with hundreds of loose parts and assemble both car and engine.
Rocksmith® 2014 Edition REMASTERED LEARN & PLAY
Play guitar or bass and start your musical journey with Rocksmith 2014 Remastered Learn & Play! Perfect for beginners and pros, learn at your own rythmm with 60 tracks and customizable tools. Get ready to rock!
Caves of Qud
Caves of Qud is a science fantasy roguelike epic steeped in retrofuturism, deep simulation, and swathes of sentient plants. Come inhabit an exotic world and chisel through layers of thousand-year-old civilizations.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 20th 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 1,041,494 reviews of which 967,131 were positive and 74,363 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 36,774 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
967,131
74,363
36,774
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 410,026 reviews of which 383,002 were positive and 27,024 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 20,239 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among difficult games based on player count.
9.3
383,002
27,024
20,239
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 337,547 reviews of which 328,601 were positive and 8,946 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 17,930 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among difficult games based on player count.
9.6
328,601
8,946
17,930
players
4. 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 13,346 reviews of which 12,116 were positive and 1,230 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.8 out of 10. With 8,095 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.8
12,116
1,230
8,095
players
5. 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 409,220 reviews of which 385,989 were positive and 23,231 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 5,391 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.3
385,989
23,231
5,391
players
6. 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 great soundtrack game developed and published by CAPCOM Co. and Ltd.. Released on March 13th 2018 has received 15,125 reviews of which 13,969 were positive and 1,156 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9 out of 10. With 4,636 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played difficult games.
9
13,969
1,156
4,636
players
7. 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 124,783 reviews of which 114,933 were positive and 9,850 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 3,568 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.1
114,933
9,850
3,568
players
8. 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 318,562 reviews of which 303,549 were positive and 15,013 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,771 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
303,549
15,013
2,771
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 77,164 reviews of which 73,491 were positive and 3,673 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 2,291 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
73,491
3,673
2,291
players
10. 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 114,217 reviews of which 96,023 were positive and 18,194 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. With 2,251 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.3
96,023
18,194
2,251
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 20th 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 2,135 reviews of which 1,943 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
1,943
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 3,030 reviews of which 2,401 were positive and 629 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
2,401
629
-94%
16.67€
1.00€
4. Fury Unleashed
Shoot your way through the pages of an ever-changing comic book in this fast-paced roguelike. Play solo, in local or online co-op, expand your weaponry, and upgrade your hero with each run. All that to find out why has your creator lost his faith in you and to prove him wrong. Fury Unleashed is a replay value, rogue-like and fast-paced game developed and published by Awesome Games Studio. Released on May 08th 2020 has received 2,604 reviews of which 2,289 were positive and 315 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 93% discount, this title has earned the #4 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.4
2,289
315
-93%
19.71€
1.38€
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 642 reviews of which 486 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
486
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 1,485 reviews of which 1,223 were positive and 262 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.9 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 92% discount, this title has earned the #6 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.9
1,223
262
-92%
14.63€
1.17€
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 5,602 reviews of which 5,295 were positive and 307 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
5,295
307
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
8. GRIME
Destroy... Absorb... Grow... GRIME is a fast and unforgiving Action-Adventure RPG in which you crush your foes with living weapons that mutate form and function, and then consume their remains with a black hole to strengthen your vessel as you break apart a world of anatomical horror and intrigue. GRIME is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed by Clover Bite and published by Akupara Games. Released on August 02nd 2021 has received 5,620 reviews of which 4,808 were positive and 812 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #8 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.3
4,808
812
-90%
21.30€
2.13€
9. Atomik: RunGunJumpGun
Atomik: RunGunJumpGun is a tough as nails game that puts a gravity-defying weapon in your hands. One button lets you fly, the other blasts obstacles out of the way. With a cast of crazed characters, challenging gameplay, and a pulsing musical score, it delivers twitchy platforming goodness. Atomik: RunGunJumpGun is a action, indie and pixel graphics game developed by ThirtyThree and published by Good Shepherd Entertainment. Released on August 31st 2016 has received 316 reviews of which 272 were positive and 44 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.0 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #9 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.0
272
44
-90%
7.99€
0.79€
10. 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 3,169 reviews of which 2,483 were positive and 686 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.6 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.6
2,483
686
-90%
10.00€
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 20th 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 533 reviews of which 418 were positive and 115 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
418
115
51
players
2. 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 3,339 reviews of which 2,789 were positive and 550 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #2 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
2,789
550
9
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 344 reviews of which 297 were positive and 47 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
297
47
9
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 770 reviews of which 676 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
676
94
6
players
5. 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 5,432 reviews of which 5,139 were positive and 293 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
9.1
5,139
293
2
players
6. 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 #6 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.6
527
43
2
players
7. 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 650 reviews of which 558 were positive and 92 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.1 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
558
92
2
players
8. 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 1,699 reviews of which 1,644 were positive and 55 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
9.2
1,644
55
1
players
9. 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 323 reviews of which 299 were positive and 24 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.5 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.5
299
24
1
players
10. 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 4,325 reviews of which 3,309 were positive and 1,016 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
3,309
1,016
1
players