The Most Difficult Game Ever Made, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the game you think is the most difficult!
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:24
Many avid gamers seek the challenge of playing what could be considered the most difficult game ever created. Determining which game holds this title is no small feat, given the vast differences in gameplay, strategy, and individual skill levels. A ranked list based on community voting provides a dynamic answer derived from a broad spectrum of player experiences and opinions, which helps to create a more accurate reflection of the gaming community's views on difficulty.
By participating in this voting process, each voter contributes to a more nuanced understanding of what makes a game particularly challenging. This not only assists other gamers in finding games that match their skills and challenge desires but also enhances the community's engagement with these formidable games. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of challenging games, your vote impacts and shapes this evolving list.
What Is the Most Difficult Game Ever Made?
-
178votesKnown for its punishing difficulty and unforgiving gameplay mechanics, Dark Souls is often cited as one of the most challenging games ever made. The game requires players to be patient, strategic, and precise in their actions, as a single mistake can result in death.Dark Souls in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most difficult game to play
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular Dark Souls game
- Position 3 of 10 in Most difficult Dark Souls game
- Position 4 of 10 in Most entertaining video games
-
234votesThis platformer game is notorious for its high level of difficulty. The game requires players to navigate through a series of increasingly challenging levels, filled with obstacles and enemies that can kill the player with a single hit.Super Meat Boy is a challenging platform game where players control a small, animated meat cube named Meat Boy. The game is known for its intense difficulty, requiring precise timing and precise control of the protagonist. It features various levels filled with hazards and obstacles that players must navigate through. The game is renowned for its unforgiving difficulty and addictive gameplay.
- Genre: Platformer
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: October 20, 2010
- Difficulty: Extremely Difficult
- Number of Levels: Over 300
Super Meat Boy in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most difficult game to play
- Position 6 of 10 in Most difficult mobile game
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular Indie game of all time
-
323votesReleased in 1991, Battletoads is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game that is known for its extreme difficulty. The game requires players to master a variety of moves and techniques, and the later levels are almost impossible to beat without a lot of practice.Battletoads is a notoriously difficult video game released in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was developed by Rare Ltd. and published by Tradewest. The game features three anthropomorphic toads named Rash, Zitz, and Pimple, who embark on a quest to save their kidnapped comrade, Princess Angelica, from the villainous Dark Queen. The game is widely known for its intense difficulty level and challenging gameplay mechanics, which have earned it a reputation as one of the hardest games ever made.
- Number of Levels: 12
- Difficulty Level: Very Hard
- Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
- Release Year: 1991
- Genre: Action, Platformer
-
410votes
Corechess · CC BY-SA 4.0This game is a parody of classic platformers, but with a twist - it's incredibly difficult. I Wanna Be The Guy is known for its unforgiving gameplay, which requires players to memorize levels and avoid a variety of deadly traps. -
520votes
Ninja Gaiden
Tomonobu ItagakiOriginally released on the NES in 1988, Ninja Gaiden is a side-scrolling action game that is known for its high level of difficulty. The game requires players to master a variety of moves and techniques, and the bosses are notoriously tough to beat.Ninja Gaiden is a highly challenging action-platformer game released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988. The game follows the story of Ryu Hayabusa, a skilled ninja seeking revenge for his father's death while uncovering a deeper conspiracy involving an evil cult. Ninja Gaiden is known for its fast-paced gameplay, tight controls, and demanding difficulty level, making it one of the most difficult games ever made.- Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
- Genre: Action, Platformer
- Release Year: 1988
- Difficulty Level: High
- Number of Players: 1
-
610votes
Jotego · CC BY-SA 3.0Ghosts 'n Goblins
Takashi NishiyamaReleased in 1985, Ghosts 'n Goblins is a side-scrolling platformer that is known for its punishing difficulty. The game requires players to master a variety of moves and techniques, and the later levels are almost impossible to beat without a lot of practice.Ghosts 'n Goblins is a challenging side-scrolling platform game released in 1985. It is known for its high level of difficulty and has become iconic in the gaming community. The game follows the adventures of the knight Sir Arthur as he battles through hordes of monsters and demonic creatures to rescue Princess Prin-Prin from the clutches of the Evil Emperor.- Genre: Action platformer
- Platform(s): Arcade, various gaming consoles
- Release Date: October 1985
- Difficulty Level: Very high
- Number of Levels: 6
-
719votesReleased in 1987, Contra is a side-scrolling shooter that is known for its high level of difficulty. The game requires players to master a variety of weapons and techniques, and the bosses are notoriously tough to beat.Contra is a highly acclaimed NES game released in 1988. It is a side-scrolling shooting game known for its intense action and challenging gameplay. The player controls a commando who must fight through various levels filled with enemies and obstacles to save the world from an alien invasion.
- Genre: Run and gun, side-scrolling shooter
- Release Date: February 1988
- Number of Players: 1-2 players (cooperative)
- Difficulty: High
- Number of Levels: 8
-
84votesThe predecessor to Dark Souls, Demon's Souls is a notoriously difficult action RPG that requires players to be patient, strategic, and precise in their actions. The game is known for its punishing difficulty and unforgiving gameplay mechanics.Demon's Souls is an action role-playing game developed by Bluepoint Games and SIE Japan Studio. It is a remake of the original Demon's Souls game released for PlayStation 3. Set in the dark fantasy kingdom of Boletaria, players embark on a treacherous journey to save the realm from a dark force called the Old One. The game features intense combat, challenging enemies, and a richly detailed world.
- Platform: PlayStation 5
- Genre: Action role-playing
- Release Date: November 12, 2020
- Mode: Single-player
- Resolution: 4K (PlayStation 5)
Demon's Souls in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most difficult Dark Souls game
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular Dark Souls game
-
94votesReleased in 2017, Cuphead is a side-scrolling shoot 'em up game that is known for its high level of difficulty. The game requires players to master a variety of moves and techniques, and the bosses are notoriously tough to beat.Cuphead is a visually stunning and challenging indie run and gun game. The game follows the adventures of Cuphead and Mugman as they traverse strange worlds, battle bizarre bosses, and collect soul contracts in order to repay their debt to the devil.
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS
- Genre: Run and gun, Platformer
- Difficulty: Very high
- Art style: 1930s cartoon-inspired hand-drawn visuals
- Gameplay: Retro-style side-scrolling action with boss battles
-
106votes
Mega Man
Keiji InafuneOriginally released in 1987, Mega Man is a side-scrolling action game that is known for its high level of difficulty. The game requires players to master a variety of weapons and techniques, and the bosses are notoriously tough to beat.Mega Man is a platformer video game released in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It is known for its high level of difficulty and challenging gameplay. The game follows the adventures of the eponymous Mega Man, a robotic character, as he battles against a group of evil robots known as Robot Masters.- Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
- Genre: Action platformer
- Release Date: December 17, 1987
- Difficulty: High
- Number of Levels: 6
Missing your favorite game?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for difficult game
-
Gameplay complexityThe complexity of the game's mechanics, controls, and strategies should be considered. This involves understanding how intricate and varied the game's various systems are, and how well they interconnect.
-
Difficulty curveThe rate at which the game's difficulty increases over time should be considered. A game that gradually introduces challenges and ramps up the difficulty smoothly is generally easier to navigate than one that presents a steep learning curve.
-
Challenge varietyA diverse array of challenges that test players in different ways should be taken into account. This could include a mix of timed challenges, problem-solving tasks, and memorization tests, among others.
-
Levels of difficultyThe number of difficulty settings and how customizable they are should be considered. The more challenging options there are, the more difficult the game has the potential to be.
-
Player skillThe game should be assessed based on how much it requires the player to master and improve their skills. This can include things like reaction time, accuracy, strategy, and creativity.
-
PersistenceThe amount of effort and patience required to complete the game should be evaluated, including factors like perseverance in the face of repeated failure, long play sessions, and high levels of frustration.
-
RNG (Random Number Generation) elementsRandomly generated elements in the game can lead to differing playthroughs and can have a significant impact on a game's difficulty. If these elements are highly unpredictable, they can make a game more difficult.
-
Online competitionIf the game has a significant online competitive component, then the skill level and competitiveness of the online player base can greatly affect the difficulty of the game.
-
Game lengthThe overall length of the game and whether it requires extended periods of focus and dedication to complete should be considered. Longer games with more content to explore, master, and complete can be more challenging.
-
AccessibilityFinally, evaluating how accessible the game is for various players is important. This could include factors like available tutorials, adjustable difficulty settings, and different gameplay modes that cater to different skill levels.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult game ever made. 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
- 2410 views
- 205 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.
Trendings topics
Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!
Difficulty
More information on most difficult game ever made
The video gaming industry has seen a plethora of games over the years, each with its unique challenges and obstacles. However, some games have stood out as the most difficult games ever made, leaving gamers frustrated and challenged at the same time. The difficulty level of a game can vary depending on the player's skill level, but some games have been universally acknowledged as the hardest of all time. From the classic NES games like Battletoads and Ghosts 'n Goblins to modern-day releases like Dark Souls and Cuphead, the gaming world has never been short of tough games. In this article, we will explore the most difficult games ever made and why they have earned this title in the gaming community.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
