When it comes to the most difficult games in the world to complete, Dark Souls and Elden Ring are certainly the first to spring to mind. However, it's not all about these famous games for the gamer who wants a great challenge.
Knowing that there are many other titles just as difficult as those mentioned above, we've put together a list of the eleven most difficult video games to complete so that you can choose your next adventure! Have you managed to complete any of the games on this list?
Against
Anyone who is a gamer at heart will remember Contra as one of the first titles to bring real difficulty to players. Nowadays it may no longer be considered one of the most difficult games in the world with the amount of cheats available on the internet and mods for the game, but anyone who lived through the golden age of the title released by Konami remembers how difficult it was.
In the game's story, players take on the role of soldier Bill Rizer (and, if you're in multiplayer, Lance Bean too) on his journey against the Red Falcon terrorist organization. The game was very successful both on Nintendo 8 Bits and in arcades.
Celeste
Unlike most of the games here, Celeste focuses much more on the narrative than on the gameplay itself. However, this doesn't stop it from being one of the most difficult games in the world. If you like story-driven games that are complex, this is the game for you!
The narrative itself follows a girl called Madeline who wants to climb a high and dangerous mountain called Celeste. Despite people telling her that this will be an almost impossible task, Madeline is determined to reach the top of Celeste and the player will have all the classic elements of platform games to help her on this mission.
Hollow knight
Although the cute visuals may fool you at first, Hollow Knight can easily be considered one of the most difficult games in the world. The mechanics presented by the game demand patience from the player and this makes it very difficult to reach the end of the story.
As for the plot, the player will accompany a small knight who must seal a kind of evil infection that is about to destroy the world. The gameplay is very similar to Dark Souls, Metroid and Castlevania, having been inspired by these titles, so it's very suitable for those who prefer games with this feel.
Super meat boy
If you're a fan of platform games and don't mind constant frustration, Super Meat Boy is the game for you! In it you control a little cube of meat who has to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend in the best Nintendo Super Mario Bros style.
The problem is that the gameplay makes it one of the most difficult games in the world. The jumps over spikes and the most complicated challenges possible can stress the player out, but perhaps not as much as the way to get through the levels. You can only progress by trying again and again, which more often than not ends in the worst possible way. Would you have the patience to get to the end even knowing that?
Dead cells
For fans of RPGs in the best Roguelike style, Dead Cells deserves its place among the most difficult games in the world. In it, the player will control a kind of cellular goo that needs to possess dead bodies in order to achieve its goal of killing the local king and escaping from the island it's on.
The game features a combat system with various weapons, items and counterattacks. The fact that the map is randomly generated, as is common in Roguelikes, makes it even more fun, unpredictable and, of course, difficult as hell, since the location of items also changes.
Cuphead
At the time of its release, Cuphead drew attention for its visuals that were very reminiscent of 1940s cartoons. What players didn't expect was to come face to face with one of the most difficult games in the world.
Here you control a cup-headed character who has to go through a series of challenges in order to pay off a debt owed to the Devil himself. The sheer number of monsters to be fought requires the player to be extremely calm and precise.
Remnant: From the Ashes
For lovers of Dark Souls, here's a game that has been affectionately nicknamed "Dark Souls with guns" because it's so similar. Just like in the most popular game, the player will still have to spend a lot of lives before they can face the enemies and get past the bosses. But with a third-person shooting system, a map that resets randomly and a difficulty that suits the number of players online.
The plot of this title takes place in a post-apocalyptic setting and the player will control one of the last remnants of the human race. Armed with weapons, you'll have to fight Root, an evil interdimensional being who has invaded and taken over planet Earth.
Nioh
Nioh is also an excellent choice for those who like Dark Souls, having been inspired by the game. It comes from the same developers as the 3D Ninja Gaiden franchise and has a story based on real events, but with that touch of fantasy that only poetic freedom can provide.
This is one of the most difficult games in the world because even the first enemy mobs that appear are capable of killing you with ease, just like in Dark Souls, but with a few additions such as a stamina system. The player-controlled protagonist is an Irish samurai called William.
Battletoads
For fans of classic games, Battletoads could be the perfect challenge. This game was released in 1991 and has transcended generations as one of the most difficult games in the world. Despite the simple graphics, getting to the end of this game can be one of the most stressful tasks a player will ever face.
Here you play three frogs with half-human appearances and names for skin diseases who have to fight enemies that keep appearing. An interesting curiosity is that the franchise was created to rival a fever of the time: The Ninja Turtles. Instead of beating its great rival, it managed to establish itself as one of the most difficult games in history.
Bloodborne
Here we come back to games similar to Dark Souls, although this one is considered a little less difficult than its "cousin" in the gaming universe. Which doesn't mean it's easy by any means. Although the fights are more fluid, the enemies keep coming and staying alive can be more of a challenge than you might think.
In this game, the player will take on the role of a hunter in a place that has been devastated by a mysterious disease that turns people into frightening creatures. It's up to the protagonist to uncover the town's secrets and find a cure for the evil brought on by the disease.
Monster hunter: World
The Monster Hunter series isn't known for being one of the easiest, but this chapter of the franchise could easily be considered one of the most difficult games in the world. Here we continue with the objective of learning more about the monsters we face in order to defeat them and use their drops to build and upgrade things, always focusing on group combat using multiplayer.
At Monster Hunter: WorldIn this game, the player is tasked with exploring a new world full of secrets and dragons. If you're into cooperative games that are too difficult for anyone to tackle, this is an excellent choice for you!
But what about you? Do you agree with the titles on this list? Would you like to add any more? Leave your opinion in the comments! Enjoy and also check out the 7 tips for progressing in Palworldthe game of the moment! And if you want to see more difficult games, watch the video below:
