The Most Difficult FPS Game, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the game you think is the most difficult!

Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:24

Determining which first-person shooter (FPS) game presents the most formidable challenge can spark intense debate among gamers. Each player's experience varies based on skill level, style of play, and personal preferences. By curating a list that ranks these games according to difficulty, it offers a unique opportunity to see how different games stack up against each other through community consensus. This dynamically updated list reflects the opinions of an active gaming community. Gamers are encouraged to contribute their votes and influence the ranking. This not only helps new players identify which games might test their mettle but also gives seasoned players a chance to see how their opinions compare with others.

What Is the Most Difficult FPS Game?

1

70
votes
Rainbow Six Siege

Ubisoft Montreal

This game is known for its high level of difficulty due to its emphasis on tactical gameplay and team coordination. The game requires players to carefully plan and execute strategies, making it challenging for those who are not willing to work together as a team.
Rainbow Six Siege is a highly competitive first-person shooter game that focuses on tactical gameplay and teamwork. It is set in a modern world where players take on the roles of elite counter-terrorism operators from different nationalities. The game offers a unique blend of intense close-quarters combat, destructible environments, and strategic planning.

Genre: First-person shooter

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Release Date: December 1, 2015

Modes: Multiplayer (Online PvP)

Engine: AnvilNext
2

36
votes
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

This game has been around for over a decade and is known for its intense gameplay and high skill ceiling. The game requires players to have quick reflexes and precise aim, making it difficult for many new players to get the hang of.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is a highly competitive first-person shooter (FPS) video game. It is the fourth installment in the Counter-Strike series, developed by Valve Corporation and Hidden Path Entertainment. CS:GO focuses on team-based gameplay, where players join either the terrorist or counter-terrorist team and compete in various objective-based game modes.

Release Date: August 21, 2012

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Linux

Game Modes: Competitive, Casual, Arms Race, Demolition, Wingman, Danger Zone

Maximum Players: 10 players per team

Maps: Over 30 maps
3

14
votes
Doom Eternal

id Software

This game is known for its fast-paced, action-packed gameplay and challenging level design. The game requires players to constantly be on the move, dodging attacks and taking out enemies, making it a difficult game for those who are not used to intense FPS gameplay.
Doom Eternal is an action-packed first-person shooter game that serves as a direct sequel to the 2016 game Doom. It was developed by id Software and published by Bethesda Softworks. In this game, players assume the role of the Doom Slayer, an ancient warrior, as he battles hordes of demonic creatures from Hell.

Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Release Date: March 20, 2020

Genre: First-person shooter

Engine: id Tech 7

Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
Doom Eternal in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular action game
- Position 8 of 10 in Most advanced game
4

20
votes
Titanfall 2

Respawn Entertainment

This game is known for its unique gameplay mechanics, including the ability to control giant mechs. The game requires players to be able to switch between different modes of gameplay on the fly, making it a challenging game for those who are not able to multitask effectively.
Titanfall 2 is a first-person shooter game that offers intense multiplayer battles and a captivating single-player campaign. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, it allows players to control giant mechanical exoskeletons called Titans, while also offering fast-paced traversal and parkour movements. The game takes place in a futuristic science fiction universe where players can engage in epic battles on foot or in their Titans.

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows

Release Date: October 28, 2016

Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer

Engine: Source Engine

Maximum Players: Multiplayer: 12 players
5

15
votes
Escape From Tarkov

Battlestate Games

This game is known for its harsh, unforgiving gameplay and realistic weapon mechanics. The game requires players to carefully manage their resources and plan their movements, making it a challenging game for those who are not willing to put in the time and effort to learn the game.
Escape From Tarkov is a highly realistic and intense first-person shooter game set in the fictional city of Tarkov. The game focuses on a harsh and unforgiving environment where players must scavenge for weapons and supplies, complete various objectives, and fight against hostile AI factions and other players to survive and escape the city.

Genre: FPS, tactical shooter, survival

Platforms: Windows

Release Date: August 4, 2016

Modes: Multiplayer

Maximum Players: 64
6

8
votes
Insurgency: Sandstorm

New World Interactive

This game is known for its realistic, tactical gameplay and unforgiving difficulty. The game requires players to carefully plan their movements and work together as a team, making it a challenging game for those who are not able to communicate effectively.
Insurgency: Sandstorm is a highly challenging first-person shooter (FPS) game that emphasizes realistic warfare tactics and intense multiplayer battles. The game offers a gripping and immersive experience, with a focus on team-based gameplay and objective-driven missions. It is set in a contemporary Middle Eastern conflict, featuring a gripping narrative and authentic environments.

Release Date: December 12, 2018

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Engine: Unreal Engine 4

Multiplayer: Yes

Game Modes: Cooperative, Competitive, PvP, and PvE
7

8
votes
Arma 3

Bohemia Interactive

This game is known for its realistic military simulation gameplay and complex controls. The game requires players to be able to quickly switch between different weapons and vehicles, making it a difficult game for those who are not used to complex FPS mechanics.
Arma 3 is a highly realistic military first-person shooter game that offers a massive sandbox environment for intense tactical gameplay. It is known for its steep learning curve and demanding gameplay mechanics, making it one of the most difficult FPS games to master.

Platform(s): Microsoft Windows

Release Date: September 12, 2013

Genre: Tactical shooter

Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer

Setting: Military, open world
8

3
votes
Metro Exodus

4A Games

This game is known for its intense, atmospheric gameplay and challenging survival mechanics. The game requires players to carefully manage their resources and navigate dangerous environments, making it a challenging game for those who are not able to stay calm under pressure.
Metro Exodus is a first-person shooter video game set in a post-apocalyptic world. It is the third installment in the Metro video game series and follows the story of Artyom, the main protagonist. The game combines elements of survival horror, stealth, and exploration, offering a unique gameplay experience.

Release Date: February 15, 2019

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Google Stadia

Genre: First-person shooter, Survival horror

Modes: Single-player

Game Engine: 4A Engine
9

8
votes
DayZ

This game is known for its harsh, unforgiving survival gameplay and complex systems. The game requires players to manage their hunger, thirst, and health while avoiding dangerous enemies and other players, making it a difficult game for those who are not willing to put in the effort to learn the game.
DayZ is a survival first-person shooter (FPS) game developed by Bohemia Interactive. It is set in a post-apocalyptic open world where players must scavenge for resources, battle zombies, and interact with other players to survive.

Genre: FPS, Survival

Platform: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Release Date: December 2013 (early access)

Game Modes: Multiplayer

Open World Size: 225 square kilometers
10

14
votes
Ank Kumar · CC BY-SA 4.0

Alien: Isolation

Creative Assembly

This game is known for its tense, atmospheric gameplay and challenging difficulty. The game requires players to carefully manage their resources and avoid dangerous enemies, making it a difficult game for those who are not able to stay calm under pressure.
Alien: Isolation is a first-person survival horror game that takes place in the Alien universe. Developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega, it was released in 2014. In the game, players control Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen Ripley, as she seeks to uncover the truth about her mother's disappearance while being hunted by a single dangerous Xenomorph. Alien: Isolation is known for its intense atmosphere, strategic gameplay, and AI-driven enemy that reacts and adapts to the player's actions.

Genre: First-person survival horror

Release Year: 2014

Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Developer: Creative Assembly

Publisher: Sega

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Ranking factors for difficult game

Enemy AI

The intelligence, tactics, and adaptability of enemies play a significant role in the overall difficulty of an FPS game. Games with smart, aggressive, and adaptable AI-controlled enemies are generally more challenging than those with predictable and easily exploitable AI.
Level design

Complex, multi-layered levels with confusing layouts, tight corridors, and limited visibility can increase the difficulty of an FPS game. The presence of cover and multiple paths can also influence how challenging a level is.
Player health and healing mechanics

If a game features limited health and scarce healing resources, it makes the game more difficult because players need to be more cautious, conserving their health and managing resources carefully.
Weapon balance

The availability, power, accuracy, and effectiveness of the various weapons in the game can influence the difficulty. If players are given overpowered weapons, the game becomes easier, while weak or scarce weapons can make it more difficult.
Enemy varieties and quantities

A large number of different enemy types, each with unique abilities, behaviors, and attack patterns can make a game more complex and challenging. Additionally, if the game spawns many enemies simultaneously, players will need to adapt and strategize to overcome these hordes.
Pacing and checkpoints

A game with a relentless pace, frequent ambushes, and few checkpoints makes the experience more intense and difficult. Players need to be constantly on their toes and aware of their surroundings.
Skill-based mechanics

Certain games incorporate intricate aiming, movement, and strategic mechanics that demand a high level of skill to master. Players need to invest time and effort to improve their abilities, therefore increasing the overall difficulty.
Learning curve

A steep learning curve means that players need to develop their understanding of the game mechanics and strategies quickly, making the game more challenging until they adapt and improve.
Environmental hazards

The presence of environmental obstacles, traps, and hazards, such as exploding barrels or collapsing structures, can make a level more challenging and force players to carefully navigate their surroundings.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult FPS game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

5521 views
177 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each game once every 24 hours. The rank of each game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most difficult fps game

First-person shooter (FPS) games have been a beloved genre in the gaming community for decades. These games require quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and an ability to adapt to changing situations. However, not all FPS games are created equal when it comes to difficulty. Some games are notorious for their challenging gameplay, with players often experiencing frustration and even rage when trying to conquer certain levels or opponents. From classic titles like Doom and Quake to modern hits like Call of Duty and Battlefield, there's no shortage of difficult FPS games to choose from. But which one is the most difficult? That's what we aim to explore in this article.