The Top 10 Hardest Video Games of All Time

Few things in gaming compare to the adrenaline rush of defeating a tough boss that’s crushed you 50 or 100 times in a row. 

And, yep, while modern titles often prioritize accessibility, a handful of games wear their trickiness like a badge of honor. In fact, they’re not just tough, they’re masterclasses in patience, precision, and persistence for many gamers.

So, without further ado, here’s our list of the 10 hardest video games of all time, ranging from cryptic challenges to pixel-perfect platforming:

1. Dark Souls (2011)

The Dark Souls series birthed the "Souls-like" genre, but the original remains unmatched in its ability to punish players. Its interconnected world of Lordran forces you to learn through failure, with bosses like Ornstein and Smough demanding flawless execution to beat the game. 

The game’s lack of hand-holding and emphasis on stamina management make every victory monumental. Game Rant noted that it’s “the gold standard for challenging video games.”

2. Ghosts ’n Goblins (1985)

Capcom’s retro nightmare strips your armor after two hits, leaving you vulnerable in heart-pounding boxers. The final insult? I had to beat the game twice to see the true ending. Its blend of relentless enemies and unforgiving checkpoints has haunted gamers for decades.

3. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)

From Software’s Sekiro ditches RPG mechanics to focus on parrying. Bosses like Genichiro demand split-second timing, and the lack of difficulty settings means there’s no escape. This game forces players to “git good” or quit.

4. Cuphead (2017)

Studio MDHR’s Cuphead merges 1930s animation with boss fights that flood the screen with enemy projectiles. Each battle, like the chaotic Dr. Kahl’s Robot, requires memorizing attack patterns and dodging with pixel-perfect precision.

5. Ninja Gaiden Black (2004)

Team Ninja’s reboot is a masterclass in aggression. Enemies attack in coordinated waves, and the very first boss, Murai, ends runs in a matter of minutes. Its high difficulty curve has established it as a benchmark for hard games.

6. Battletoads (1991)

Rare’s co-op classic is infamous for its Turbo Tunnel, a speeder bike level requiring frame-perfect jumps. Multiplayer makes it even worse because one wrong move can spoil it for both players. The developers themselves mentioned that they struggled to test it fully.

7. Super Meat Boy (2010)

It's a gauntlet of broken platforms and revolving blades. With over 300 levels, playing straight through can be a chore worthy of Hercules. The instant respawns soften the blow—but only slightly.

8. Contra (1987)

Konami’s run-and-gun classic popularized the Konami Code, but without it, you’re limited to three lives and no continues. Alien Fortress’s last level is a masterclass in spamming enemies. Unlike many of the games on this list, the game is also available in app form. If you're into gaming on the go, you might want to check out some of the other mobile gaming apps for a different kind of challenge.

9. I Wanna Be the Guy (2007)

This indie title mocks ’80s game design with invisible spikes, fake power-ups, and an unbeatable final boss. It’s a love letter to unfairly hard games—and a test of patience.

10. La-Mulana (2005)

A Metroidvania with cryptic puzzles that you’ll need a PhD in ancient languages. One riddle involves translating Sumerian poetry, good luck solving that without a guide!

Honorable Mentions: 5 More Harshly Difficult Games

While our top 10 lists the hardest video games ever, these come close to being punishing to play:

1. Devil May Cry 3 (2005)

Capcom’s action masterpiece features a “Dante Must Die” mode that amplifies enemy aggression and health pools. The final boss, Vergil, is a skill check that’s humbled even veteran players.

2. Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out (1987)

NES players still have nightmares about Tyson’s lightning-fast uppercuts. To beat him, you have to memorize his tells to the millisecond.

3. Super Mario Bros. The Lost Levels (1986)

It was originally released in Japan as Super Mario Bros. 2. This game features a trollish level design, invisible blocks, and wind mechanics that will make you quit.

4. Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy (2017)

A climbing game where one mistake can undo hours of progress. Bennett Foddy’s narration mocks you as you struggle—making the pain even sweeter when you finally summit.

5. Mega Man 9 (2008)

A throwback to NES-era difficulty, this game bombards you with enemy projectiles and instant death pits. The “Mr. Perfect” achievement (no damage) is a badge of honor few earn.

Why Do These Games Stand Out?

All the hardest video games ever made share a commonality: they demand mastery. There’s no “pay-to-win” shortcut or adjustable difficulty. Titles like Dark Souls and Cuphead force players to adapt, learn, and persevere—turning frustration into triumph.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Grab a controller and attempt to get through as many of these brutally difficult games as possible. And if you’ve survived Battletoads or bested Mike Tyson, let us know in the comments!