Is Elden Ring truly deserving of its reputation as one of the most challenging games of all time?
Ever since its release, Elden Ring has sparked discussions about video game difficulty. The recent addition of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has introduced a multitude of new bosses to the game.
Despite the widespread belief that FromSoftware has transformed the idea of challenging games, developing experiences that value ability, endurance, and determination, the Souls games were not the initial games to utilize this approach.
Therefore, here are ten additional challenging video games and series, along with their placement compared to Elden Ring.
Flappy Bird
Just one…more…try.
Flappy Bird gained a notorious reputation for its highly addictive gameplay, to the extent that its creator chose to remove it from multiple app stores. This sparked a surge of copycats, further solidifying its legendary status. Today, this seemingly straightforward yet exasperating game is widely recognized as one of the most challenging games ever created.
The game revolves around a single bird, which can be controlled with just one button to fly higher and progress to the next area. Flappy Bird has a certain quality that hooks you in and drives you to persist, regardless of how many attempts it takes, earning it the title of one of the most challenging games ever.
9. Returnal
Returnal is a clash of various genres, but it works.
Returnal’s devilish difficulty takes heavy inspiration from third-person survival horror shooters and the Souls series. A major factor in this challenge is the game’s strict rules for progression, although some of these concepts have been updated in patches to improve accessibility.
Although this sci-fi adventure may not appeal to everyone, those who enjoy challenging games will discover many elements to admire, particularly those who value a complex and well-crafted narrative. Despite occasionally causing frustration, Returnal is ultimately worth enduring in order to reach the end.
Ninja Gaiden Series
Ninja Gaiden is an experience and a battle of patience and understanding.
Despite its difficulty, every Ninja Gaiden game is adored by those who have mastered its mechanics. While an easy mode does exist, players who choose this option may be mocked by the game and labeled as “Ninja Dogs.”While the first game is widely considered to be the most challenging, all three Ninja Gaiden adventures are known for pushing players to their limits.
The game is known for its relentless difficulty, with hordes of enraged enemies attacking from every direction. Completing a Ninja Gaiden game, even on the normal difficulty setting, is a testament to one’s gaming prowess and is a major factor in the series’ devoted fan base.
7. Sifu (Title)
Sifu is a rock-solid beat-em-up.
Sifu bears a strong resemblance to classic beat ’em ups, as it is challenging, unrelenting, and highly dependent on skill. Players who excel at mastering patterns and movesets will find great enjoyment in Sifu and have the best chances of survival. Although it falls under a different genre compared to Elden Ring and the Souls series, Sifu does have some parallels, particularly in its boss battles. A single mistake can spell the end for a player, and to make matters worse, the game penalizes death and failure by causing the protagonist to age with each defeat.
As the player dies more frequently, Sifu’s chances of seeking revenge decrease, and as he ages, the player and Sifu approach closer to permanent death. This mechanic is reminiscent of the lost souls feature found in FromSoftware’s games, but it has a much greater impact.
6. Cuphead
Easily one of the most fascinating games in recent memory, plus an obligatory comment about how it’ll make you pull your hair out.
Despite its initial appearance as a tribute to 1940s and 1950s cartoons, Cuphead proved to be much more than meets the eye. Beneath its charming exterior lies a lesson in perseverance and one of the most challenging games of all time. It’s important not to judge a Cuphead by its cover and to perhaps enjoy a cup of chamomile tea before taking on this daunting experience.
Cuphead demands unwavering focus and accuracy, with a majority of its challenges being boss fights. Despite its unforgiving difficulty, Cuphead remains endearing and a true work of art. For those seeking an even greater challenge, the game’s Expert Mode can be attempted, but be prepared for some frustration.
Ghosts ‘n Goblins
Taking damage will bizarrely remove your clothes in Ghosts ‘n Goblins.
Despite the abundance of modern games, it’s a refreshing change to take a trip down memory lane and experience the challenge of repeatedly dying. Ghost ‘n Goblins can be completed in less than an hour, though many will struggle to reach the end. For newcomers, it could take days or even weeks to conquer. While watching skilled players on YouTube may make it seem effortless, the reality is often much different.
The ever-changing movement patterns of enemies, along with their never-ending respawn, a ticking timer, and numerous other obstacles, make advancing in Ghosts ‘n Goblins a seemingly futile endeavor. Unlike Souls games, there is no opportunity for character progression, leaving only practice as a means to improve, without ever achieving perfection.
4. Super Meat Boy
It’s like Mario only unbelievably, stupidly harder.
Super Meat Boy is essentially a straightforward, fluid platformer. Its gameplay is expertly crafted and its visuals and ideas are captivating. The only minor drawback is that the game can be unforgiving, leaving players feeling like yesterday’s leftovers tossed in the trash. Those who persevere through the main game and conquer its challenges will then face the even more intense ‘Dark’ levels.
Only those who have dedicated time to playing Super Meat Boy and experienced the frustration that comes with it will understand its classic appeal.
Elden Ring and the Souls Series
Elden Ring took the Souls formula in an open world.
Despite falling into third place, Elden Ring is in good company with its older siblings, the Dark Souls trilogy, its cousin Bloodborne, and its grandsire Demon’s Souls. To prevent the list from being overrun by FromSoftware’s titles, we have grouped the entire Souls family into one entry. These games typically follow a similar and punishing formula, but Elden Ring stands out as one of the easier titles, despite featuring challenging late-game bosses like Malenia and Radahn.
All things considered, the initial Dark Souls installment is the one that truly stands out in terms of challenge. Building upon the foundation of Demon’s Souls, it intensified the difficulty and desolation, immersing its players in a twisted realm of sadistic pleasures that would make even a Cenebite blush. While Elden Ring may have brought the series into the light, it was Dark Souls that ensnared players in FromSoft’s alluring and addictive atmosphere.
Remember, there are many other Soulslike games available to explore that were not created by FromSoftware. These titles are also known for their extreme difficulty.
An axe
Playing Sekiro like a Souls game can lead to frustration.
Many may find it unexpected that Sekiro is not mentioned in the third place on the list of games. However, even though Sekiro is developed by FromSoftware, it is not considered a ‘Souls’ game. Despite having several similarities with Dark Souls and Elden Ring, Sekiro is a challenging single-player adventure. Unlike Souls games, where players can call upon allies to assist in defeating tough bosses, Sekiro requires players to either hone their skills or face repeated deaths.
The game highly values mastery of its mechanics, as well as patience, practice, and cunning. Those who attempt to simply button mash their way through Sekiro will not make much progress. FromSoftware has created the most challenging game experience yet with Sekiro, surpassing even their notoriously difficult Souls games due to its lack of multiplayer and unwavering difficulty. However, those who manage to conquer Sekiro will never have their skills doubted again.
Against
Be prepared to die, die, and die again.
Select any of the original Contra games to experience what we are describing. Initially, we despised it, but eventually, we came to adore it and yearn for its recognition. Contra still sets the standard for extreme difficulty and continues to be just as challenging to this day. If you are prone to stress, it is best to steer clear. However, if you are up for a true test, set aside some time and prove your resilience.
Despite the absence of limited lives and continues in Contra, many players still struggle to successfully complete the game. The use of the Konami code does not provide a solution either. Similar to Ghosts ‘n Goblins, Contra games maintain a fast-paced intensity throughout, requiring players to quickly adapt to their mechanics. There is no room for hesitation or panic; players must be at their best and master various behavioral patterns and movements in order to survive.
The franchise will most certainly include some of the most challenging games in history, cementing its place in the annals of gaming.
These were the most difficult video games ever ranked. You can also check out the top survival games or best Assassin’s Creed games for similar rankings.
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