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
Micro Platformer
A minimalistic platformer with a 1x1 tileset. No enemies, no bullets, no lasers. Just sheer platforming.
Receiver 2
Receiver 2 simulates every internal part of each firearm based on manufacturer schematics and gunsmithing resources. Learn exactly how each sidearm works, including how to load and unload them, clear malfunctions, and operate their safety features.
Pirates Outlaws
Pirates Outlaws is a roguelike card game in which you navigate dangerous seas and challenge their masters. Your expedition will be full of ambushes and will not be easy. Build your deck and combos to become a reputed pirate.
UnderParty
UnderParty is an Action Platformer game. This game is made up of a very high level of difficulty. It's very violent, so be careful.
Resident Evil 3
Jill Valentine is one of the last remaining people in Raccoon City to witness the atrocities Umbrella performed. To stop her, Umbrella unleashes their ultimate secret weapon: Nemesis! Also includes Resident Evil Resistance, a new 1 vs 4 online multiplayer game set in the Resident Evil universe.
One Step From Eden
Build a powerful deck, cast spells on the fly, battle evolving enemies, find game-changing artifacts, make friends or make enemies, just make it to Eden.
DOOM Eternal
Hell’s armies have invaded Earth. Become the Slayer in an epic single-player campaign to conquer demons across dimensions and stop the final destruction of humanity. The only thing they fear... is you.
Exit the Gungeon
Exit the Gungeon is a small, spin-off 'dungeon climber' immediately following the adventures of the misfit Gungeoneers.
Last Floor
Оne day your life changes dramatically and you become a hostage of your own home. Your task is to survive but to do this you need to get outside.
DJMAX RESPECT V
DJMAX RESPECT V is the latest installment from the creators of the critically acclaimed rhythm game franchise ‘DJMAX.’ Experience tracks from popular artists such as Marshmello, Porter Robinson, and Yukika, exclusive Full HD Music Videos, online multiplayer, new game modes, and more!
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
MechDefender - Tower Defense
MechDefender is an innovative fusion of two gaming genres - seamlessly blending the intense action of a top-down shooter with the strategic depth of tower defense.
Iris and the Giant
Iris and The Giant is a fusion of the CCG, RPG and roguelike genres. You play as Iris, who must brave her fears in her imaginary world. Dive into a melancholic and gripping adventure, filled with cute monsters and buried memories. Ready to face your inner demons?
Arrest of a stone Buddha
Hitman is searching for an answer in France 70-s.
Stilt Fella
Become the fella. Walk on the stilts.
Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection
Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection brings together six classic titles in one game: Mega Man Zero 1, 2, 3 and 4, as well as Mega Man ZX and ZX Advent. The collection also features Z-Chaser, an exclusive new mode created just for this set of games.
Maiden and Spell
Maiden & Spell is a magical girl battle game, set in a cutesy fantasy world. Select from one of eight young ladies to battle 1 on 1 with a friend, or fight your way through a series of bosses and learn the secrets of The Kingdom of Stars.
Stoneshard
Stoneshard is a challenging turn-based RPG set in an open world. Experience the unforgiving life of a medieval mercenary: travel across the war-torn kingdom, fulfill contracts, fight, mend your wounds and develop your character without any restrictions.
The Watchers
The Watchers is a haunting co-op stealth game in which 2 players take control of a brother and sister trying to uncover the truth behind their mother’s disappearance. Explore the sinister compound of a local cult and work together to evade brutal enemies. But be careful. You’re being watched.
ELDERBORN
ELDERBORN - a Metal AF* Slasher with brutal FPP melee combat and souls-like/RPG character progression. In the times of legend, barbarian tribes need a new dark messiah. Be that merciless slayer. Uncover ancient secrets in the city of doom. Forge your own destiny! *Action Fantasy.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 26th 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 1,043,758 reviews of which 969,273 were positive and 74,485 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 31,017 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
969,273
74,485
31,017
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 412,355 reviews of which 385,131 were positive and 27,224 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. While seeing 20,958 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #2 among difficult games based on player count.
9.3
385,131
27,224
20,958
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 338,481 reviews of which 329,506 were positive and 8,975 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.6 out of 10. While seeing 16,984 players online at once in the last 24 hours, this game is currently ranked #3 among difficult games based on player count.
9.6
329,506
8,975
16,984
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 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 5,328 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.9
12,871
1,298
5,328
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 4,324 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
4,324
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 125,343 reviews of which 115,474 were positive and 9,869 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.1 out of 10. With 2,822 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #6 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.1
115,474
9,869
2,822
players
7. 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 2,541 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played difficult games.
9
13,969
1,156
2,541
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 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 2,476 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #8 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
304,165
15,038
2,476
players
9. 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 182,333 reviews of which 175,620 were positive and 6,713 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.5 out of 10. With 2,038 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.5
175,620
6,713
2,038
players
10. 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 77,361 reviews of which 73,681 were positive and 3,680 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.4 out of 10. With 1,994 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #10 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.4
73,681
3,680
1,994
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 26th 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 1,491 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. 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. 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 #8 position in the best deals for difficult games.
8.0
272
44
-90%
7.99€
0.79€
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 3,169 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 #9 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.6
2,483
686
-90%
10.00€
1.00€
10. Aeterna Noctis
Aeterna Noctis is a challenging metroidvania that majestically combines action, exploration and adventure. With 2 game modes and difficulty based on action or the exclusive Noctis mode where a level of difficulty is added in precision platforming never seen in the metroidvania genre. Aeterna Noctis is a metroidvania, souls-like and platformer game developed and published by Aeternum Game Studios S.L. Released on December 14th 2021 has received 1,730 reviews of which 1,321 were positive and 409 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. Currently offered at a significant 90% discount, this title has earned the #10 position in the best deals for difficult games.
7.4
1,321
409
-90%
30.60€
3.06€
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 26th 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
51
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
9
players
3. 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 #3 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
3,313
1,019
8
players
4. 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 #4 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
272
75
3
players
5. Notanote
Welcome to Notanote！ Notanote is a casual, rhythm and music game developed and published by zzzProject. Released on February 13th 2024 has received 778 reviews of which 685 were positive and 93 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.3 out of 10. The game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.3
685
93
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
1
players
7. Find You
Play every character simultaneously and reunite them in mind boggling 100 levels Find You is a casual, puzzle-platformer and difficult game developed and published by Byting Games. Released on September 04th 2017 has received 410 reviews of which 382 were positive and 28 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.6 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.6
382
28
1
players
8. Grass Cutter - Mutated Lawns
Challenge lawn monsters! Grass Cutter - Mutated Lawns is a difficult, gore and action game developed by Nikolai Usachev and published by USANIK STD. Released on March 24th 2017 has received 325 reviews of which 286 were positive and 39 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
286
39
1
players
9. 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 #9 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
559
92
1
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
2,793
551
1
players