8 2025 Games That Are Ridiculously Hard

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As 2025 comes to a close, it’s clear this has been an incredible year for video games. We’ve seen fantastic shooters like *Borderlands 4*, immersive RPGs such as *Monster Hunter Wilds*, and compelling Metroidvanias like *Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist*, alongside many other amazing titles. While many of these games stood out for their quality, some were particularly memorable due to just how challenging they were.

Okay, so 2025 had some *seriously* tough game launches, and I’m curious which ones really gave players a headache. I want to know which games were brutal at first, and whether the developers managed to smooth things out with updates. I’m looking for the most challenging console and PC titles from that year – either for those of us who love a real test, or just to commiserate with others who struggled!

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Dividing Fans

Much of the discussion around the quality of *Hollow Knight: Silksong* centers on its increased difficulty compared to the first game. Players have noted challenging events, frustratingly long trips back to boss arenas after defeat, and a tricky new diagonal attack. Overcoming these hurdles requires patience, but everything is achievable with enough practice. While tough, the game’s beautiful art style, memorable characters, and well-crafted world make even the most difficult parts enjoyable.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Timed Counters

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 uses gameplay elements inspired by classic RPGs, particularly the turn-based combat system from Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. In battle, players can either dodge enemy attacks or attempt to counter them – dodging is simpler, while countering is harder but more effective. Failing to do either will lead to quick defeats, even against common enemies.

While the game has options to adjust the difficulty, it remains quite challenging. Plus, several of the optional bosses in *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33* are extremely difficult for standard characters, making them very hard to beat.

Elden Ring Nightreign

Co-Op Or Die

While still challenging, Elden Ring is often considered the most accessible game from FromSoftware, largely due to its open-world format. It strikes a good balance, making it more welcoming to players new to the Souls-like genre.

Elden Ring Nightreign is a new, separate game that transforms parts of the open world into shrinking battle arenas, similar to a Battle Royale. As you play and get stronger, these areas get smaller. It’s a challenging roguelike game designed for three players to team up and defeat a powerful boss in each level. The game is especially difficult because you won’t steadily gain power, and the world changes randomly with each playthrough.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

A More Traditional Soulslike

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a new action RPG in the style of the Souls series, now available on multiple platforms. Drawing inspiration from Chinese mythology, the game features a vast and dangerous world filled with enemies like bandits and demons. Like other games in the genre, precise timing and skillful play are crucial for success. However, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers appears particularly challenging, requiring newcomers to progress cautiously and learn the ropes at a deliberate pace.

Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition

A Wii U Classic Returned With A Sharp Edge

As a huge Xenoblade fan, I’m so excited that Xenoblade Chronicles X is finally on the Switch! It’s a remastered version of the Wii U game, which means now all the Xenoblade titles are available on one console. It’s awesome they kept the game pretty challenging though – they didn’t really add a bunch of stuff to make it easier, and I appreciate that!

The game features a vast world filled with powerful monsters that are much stronger than the player. Random encounters are frequent, and the best way to avoid them is to take long detours around quest locations – though these detours can sometimes lead to tough fights. While it’s a satisfying RPG with elements similar to massively multiplayer online games, especially after unlocking mechs, be prepared for a challenging and repetitive experience.

Hell Is Us

No Guiding Map

Hell is Us plays a bit like a Soulslike game, but it also feels similar to action-adventure titles like Zelda. What makes it unique is that the game doesn’t use quest markers or a map – players have to figure things out for themselves in this post-apocalyptic world.

In *Hell is Us*, players need to carefully examine each clue and note they discover to overcome challenging puzzles. Unlike many games, the difficulty doesn’t come from fighting; it’s the exploration and puzzle-solving that truly tests your skills.

Front Mission 3: Remake

Mechs Designed To Explode

Front Mission 3: Remake is a reimagining of the classic PlayStation tactical RPG. Players control powerful, customizable mechs known as Wanzers, and can improve their performance by finding and equipping new parts and weapons.

Getting new parts and weapons will be expensive, and you’ll have to work to unlock them. While pilots can improve their abilities, these upgrades don’t have a huge impact during combat compared to other strategy RPGs. Success in this game relies heavily on both smart tactics and a bit of luck, particularly during the first few hours of gameplay.

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Still Hard Almost Two Decades Later

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is a remastered version of the classic Xbox 360 game. The original Ninja Gaiden reboot was known for its extreme difficulty, and this sequel doesn’t hold back either. Even weaker enemies can quickly defeat you if you’re not careful. Players need to become skilled at blocking, dodging, and taking down enemies swiftly. With this remaster, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, and the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 4, fans of the series are in for a serious challenge!

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2025-09-24 17:51