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
Blitzkrieg Anthology
March into the real-time strategy legend, Blitzkrieg, and prepare for war. This legendary WWII RTS blends unprecedented realism and accuracy to form immersive 3D backgrounds and a game where brute force often takes a back seat to strategy and wits.
Hexcells Infinite
Hexcells Infinite is an ambient logic puzzle game for PC, Mac and Linux.
Metro: Last Light Redux
It is the year 2034. Beneath the ruins of post-apocalyptic Moscow, in the tunnels of the Metro, the remnants of mankind are besieged by deadly threats from outside – and within. Mutants stalk the catacombs beneath the desolate surface, and hunt amidst the poisoned skies above.
Super Time Force Ultra
Super Time Force Ultra is an insane platformer filled with robots and dinosaurs and fun and time travel... sometimes all at the same time!
Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition
The definitive version of the smash hit Metroidvania-style action-platformer, Guacamelee! STCE adds new levels, powers, challenges and refinements to the sprawling, ridiculous, Mexican-inspired adventure of the original Guacamelee! Gold Edition.
Five Nights at Freddy's
Welcome to your new summer job at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, where kids and parents alike come for entertainment and food! The main attraction is Freddy Fazbear, of course; and his two friends. They are animatronic robots, programmed to please the crowds!
Morphopolis
Morphopolis is about transformation and discovery. Morphopolis takes you on a puzzle adventure through a fantastical insect world. Starting as an aphid grub, you embark on an epic journey of metamorphosis toward your spawning ground.
Ultra Street Fighter® IV
The world’s greatest fighting game evolves to a whole new level with Ultra Street Fighter IV.
Road Not Taken
Road Not Taken is a roguelike puzzle game about surviving life’s surprises. You play as a ranger adventuring through a vast, unforgiving forest in the aftermath of a brutal winter storm, rescuing children who have lost their way.
Jet Gunner
Jet Gunner is a 2D platform action indie game that's full of Nestalgia. Full of action, gunfights, bosses and explosions so if you're into the whole 8-Bit vibe you should love this. From the sound, to the graphics to the flicker, this should pay tribute to those classic hard as nails, run 'n' gun games.
Lovely Planet
A First Person Shooter Gun Ballet set in a cutesy abstract world. Jump and shoot your way through five worlds full of treacherous enemies with your trusty semi-automatic!
Gold Rush! Classic
Gold Rush! takes you back to the year 1849, when gold was discovered in California. It was certainly one of the most exciting times in American history. Gold Rush! includes the three routes tens of thousands took to the gold regions. Become Jerrod Wilson and experience each trek as you travel from New York to California.
Gods Will Be Watching
Gods Will Be Watching is a minimalistic “point and click thriller” centered on despair, commitment, and sacrifice as players face intriguing puzzles and tough decisions that will affect their entire crew’s wellbeing.
Freedom Planet
Fight your way across the celestial world of Avalice where cats are green, motorcycles drive up walls and monster girls do most of the buttkicking! Freedom Planet is a cartoony, combat-based platform adventure that pits a spunky dragonoid and her friends against an alien attack force.
Sunrider: Mask of Arcadius
As Captain Kayto Shields, embark on a galactic voyage of heroism and survival. With his home world destroyed and his nation conquered, the inexperienced Captain Shields, and his newly minted vessel, the Sunrider, are left as the only hope against a galactic evil intent on subjugating all sentient life.
The Howler
Use gravity, tension, and wind currents to get your hot air balloon to its destination, dropping off cargo on your way, in this ultra-challenging physics-based game. All art used in the Howler was meticulously created by classically-trained experienced painters.
Momodora III
Momodora III is a classic action platform game with a variety of items and secrets. It's the third installment of the Momodora series, although playing the previous titles is not necessary to enjoy the game!
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove is the complete Shovel Knight collection, containing all 5 games in the epic saga! Dig, blast, slash, and bash your way through a fantastical, 8-bit inspired world of pixel-perfect platforming, memorable characters, and world-class action-adventure gameplay.
A Wizard's Lizard
Conquer the forces of Death in A Wizard’s Lizard, an action RPG for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Explore ever-changing dungeons, filled with powerful weapons and items. Battle back the hordes of evil. Rescue villagers to improve your town and increase your power for your next trek into the dungeon.
Spy Chameleon - RGB Agent
Spy Chameleon RGB Agent is a challenging arcade-puzzle game where the player needs to avoid being spotted thanks to the color-changing mechanisms of the main character.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 19th 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 35,441 peak concurrent players over the last day.
9.2
967,131
74,363
35,441
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 19,908 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
19,908
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 18,190 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
18,190
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 12,907 reviews of which 11,725 were positive and 1,182 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.9 out of 10. With 8,030 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #4 spot among the most played difficult games.
8.9
11,725
1,182
8,030
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 408,738 reviews of which 385,520 were positive and 23,218 were negative resulting in an impressive rating of 9.3 out of 10. With 5,155 concurrent players in the last 24 hours, the game currently holds the #5 spot among the most played difficult games.
9.3
385,520
23,218
5,155
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 5,130 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
5,130
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 3,489 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
3,489
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 2,745 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
2,745
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 2,442 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
2,442
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 2,137 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
2,137
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 19th 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 1,942 were positive and 193 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
1,942
193
-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 314 reviews of which 271 were positive and 43 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
271
43
-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 3,165 reviews of which 2,480 were positive and 685 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
2,480
685
-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 19th 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
50
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 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 #2 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.0
297
47
11
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 4,325 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 #3 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
3,309
1,016
10
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 3,339 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 #4 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
2,789
550
7
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 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 #5 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.3
676
94
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 1,699 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 #6 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
9.2
1,644
55
3
players
7. 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 346 reviews of which 272 were positive and 74 were negative resulting in a rating of 7.4 out of 10. The game currently holds the #7 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
7.4
272
74
3
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 564 reviews of which 522 were positive and 42 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
522
42
1
players
9. Electronic Super Joy 2
Electronic Super Joy 2 is a brutally hard platformer, set in a world of brain-smashing electronic music. Run, jump, smash, & slice your way through 55+ weird & different levels, with giant monsters, swarming missiles & secret areas. Electronic Super Joy 2 is a indie, difficult and platformer game developed by Michael Todd Games and published by 2&30 Software. Released on August 09th 2019 has received 713 reviews of which 620 were positive and 93 were negative resulting in a rating of 8.2 out of 10. The game currently holds the #9 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.2
620
93
1
players
10. 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 #10 spot among the most played free difficult games on Steam.
8.1
558
92
1
players