Hardest Games of 2024 - Investment Policy

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen it all – from pixelated classics to modern masterpieces. But nothing quite compares to the sheer brutality and unyielding challenge that these games pose!

2024 is generally recognized as a stellar year for gaming, boasting top-tier releases like Wu Kong and Hades 2 that generated significant excitement among gamers. Many outstanding games were launched, but just a select few are notable for their incredible difficulty levels.

In addition to popular hits like Astro Bot and Metaphor: ReFantazio in 2024, there were numerous challenging games that put players’ abilities, patience, and mental fortitude to the ultimate test. Unlike their more mainstream counterparts, these games weren’t seeking friendship; rather, they were designed for those who enjoy a tough challenge. If you’re up for a grueling gaming experience with some of the most demanding releases of 2024, then feel free to add any of the following titles to your wishlist!

11. S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Never-ending Radioactive Nightmare

If you enjoy playing games that are set in post-apocalyptic landscapes, particularly those focusing on the Chernobyl disaster like Chernobylite and Metro Exodus, then STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is right up your alley.

In this game, you’ll experience more than just being thrown into a radioactive wasteland. You’ll encounter mutants, monstrous creatures, and toxic gases lurking nearby at every turn. Additionally, there are bands of ruthless bandits who believe your equipment would be an excellent addition to their own possessions.

In STALKER 2, virtually everything poses a threat, extending to the very atmosphere enveloping you. Merely surviving within Chernobyl’s contaminated no-man’s land is an arduous endeavor on the brink of impossibility, especially when factoring in the relentless adversaries lurking to undermine your safety.

Thriving in this game feels much like balancing razor-sharp knives while wearing a blindfold: it’s tense, chaotic, and strangely satisfying when you manage to pull it off successfully. A large portion of your time will be spent gathering marginal items, and the rest will have you second-guessing your decisions as you shoot another hole through the eye of a grotesque, corrosive monster.

If you’ve sometimes pondered about the experience of a holiday in an authentic Hell, simply give STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl a download!

10. Hades 2

Literally in Hell

For individuals who still cherish the spirit of Percy Jackson from their childhood days, Hades 2 offers an irresistible gaming experience. Richly immersed in mythology and brimming with captivating lore, this role-playing game promises a challenging adventure that’s hard to shake off.

In the sequel to Hades, you’ll find all the elements that made the original game captivating: swift battles, stunning visuals, and gods with a witty, seductive charm. However, it ramps up the turmoil and challenge to an unprecedented level!

In this game, each opponent seems to harbor a deep-seated grudge towards you, relentlessly pursuing their perceived revenge with unwavering determination. Notably, even seasoned players of Hades find the intricate mazes and hordes of adversaries challenging.

Navigating enemy assaults and retaliating at the same time seems unattainable due to this game’s rapid-fire combat, but the triumph is all the more satisfying when you eventually succeed. If success on every level was a drink, you’d be stone-cold sober like a nun after just one try.

As a dedicated fan, I must admit that rogue-like games usually present a tough challenge. However, Hades 2 takes it up a notch, making even the trials of the original Hades seem like a walk in the park. Prepare yourself for a gun-fueled Hell unlike anything you’ve experienced before – that is, if the term “Hades 2” doesn’t already give it away!

9. Sons of the Forest

Mutated Madness

In early 2018, The Forest caused quite a stir in the gaming community upon its release, and its sequel garnered equally positive reception when it was fully launched in February 2024.

Sons of the Forest seems to honor all the strengths of its precursor, while making amends for areas where it faltered; it offers an abundance of mutants and cannibals beyond your wildest dreams, coupled with survival challenges that would make Bear Grylls shudder in fear.

In a straightforward and engaging manner: The video game titled “Sons of the Forest” is a survival horror experience that truly embodies its ‘survival’ label. To thrive on an abandoned island when all you have are your mental faculties, well, that’s tough enough on its own. But an island overrun with savage cannibals and grotesque mutants? You might as well wish for a lucky charm. If someone claims they navigated this game unscathed, they’re pulling the wool over your eyes.

In order to thrive in the challenging environment of Sons of the Forest, essential skills include starting fires for warmth, tracking and hunting wild game for sustenance, devising traps to protect against cannibals, and constructing shelters to rest under during your journey.

In this game, staying alive is undoubtedly crucial, but there’s more than just survival at play. Sons of the Forest also offers an engaging narrative brimming with suspense, mystery, and unexpected turns that might leave you scratching your head in wonder.

If you need a game that’ll stay at the forefront of your mind weeks after you’ve finished it, then Sons of the Forest should be at the top of your wishlist!

8. No Rest for the Wicked

So Long, Sleep Schedule

Title not misleading at all, this challenging game may very well prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. According to its creators, No Rest for the Wicked is designed to revolutionize the genre entirely, and after giving it a spin, I can confidently agree that they have achieved their goal without a doubt.

In a nutshell, “No Rest for the Wicked” is an action role-playing game that infuses fresh intensity into the concept of ‘struggle.’ As soon as you grab your weapon, whether it’s a sharp blade or a rickety one the game assigns you, you’ll have the sense that the developers are secretly working against you.

In this game, the foes pack quite a punch, hitting harder than a jolt from an overly strong morning coffee. They’re so powerful that they could make even the most courageous young adults rush to the restroom in a hurry! Not only are these game’s creatures terrifying enough to induce premature bed-wetting, but they’re also some of the most challenging adversaries you’ll ever encounter.

As you start feeling confident about mastering the complex and erratic battle system in this game, it takes pleasure in proving you wrong by humbling you again. Regardless of this, No Rest for the Wicked is so captivating that you’ll find yourself playing it deep into the night and beyond dawn.

Every victory, no matter how small, feels like a massive accomplishment. Seriously, if you’ve got some time on your hands and need a hefty dose of dopamine, then you need this game.

Beating this game should come with a trophy or something.

7. Silent Hill 2

Sleep With Both Eyes Open

2024’s version of Silent Hill 2 represents a fresh start for the game that was originally a 2001 sequel in the Silent Hill series. It’s challenging to discover a scarier horror game from 2024 than this remake.

As a dedicated gamer, I can attest that Silent Hill has always had me on edge with its haunting landscapes, chilling creatures, and relentless battles against the vilest beings from the depths of Hell. But this new chapter in the series takes the terror to a whole new level, leaving all previous installments in the dust!

In Silent Hill 2, each dreadful creature from our childhood nightmares seems to resurface, validating every fear we harbored as kids. The monsters under the bed, the figures in the closet, and even those terrifying sleep paralysis experiences – they all return to torment you within this game. Hiding under the blankets won’t shield you anymore.

If you’ve ever found yourself pondering, “Gosh, I’d be intrigued by a persistent, claustrophobic sense of dread alongside encounters with unimaginable terrors,” then Silent Hill 2 should be your top pick for this year’s game.

In Silent Hill 2, the intricate riddles might challenge even the sharpest minds, the frantic battles may force you to guard every bullet as if it were your life’s fortune, and the creatures? Let’s just say they might make you think twice before turning off the lights at night.

With utter sincerity, Silent Hill 2 offers an intensely frightening and nerve-wracking journey that I highly recommend for those seeking a challenge. However, be cautious about playing it when you’re alone, in the dark, or if you have any heart conditions or weak bladder control.

6. Dragon’s Dogma 2

Apparently, Hell Has a Basement

Any game bearing the name “Dragon” promises quality, and Dragon’s Dogma 2 certainly lives up to that expectation. Reminiscent of its forerunner, this game exhibits no mercy when it comes to difficulty, featuring tough bosses and chaotic initial skirmishes lurking at every turn.

I recall that moment when my father unceremoniously tossed me into the deep end of the pool to teach me how to swim. It seems as though Capcom has adopted a similar approach with Dragon’s Dogma 2, plunging players straight into the thick of things without any training wheels or kickboards in sight. Unlike my dad when I was eight, however, this game doesn’t seem too concerned if you end up getting swept away by the current.

For those who thrive on challenging titles like Elden Ring and the Dark Souls saga, due to an affinity for tougher gaming experiences that some might consider self-inflicted torment, this game is likely to appeal greatly. On the other hand, if your gaming preferences lean towards more laid-back, farm-based simulations, then this game might not align with your current playstyle.

Despite being unusually challenging, Dragon’s Dogma 2 remains among the top-tier games of 2024.

This chaotic and anarchic battle is what makes the game so exciting; you’ll find yourself on the very brink of excitement throughout the entire experience. You won’t need to clench your controller tightly, but rather be fortunate enough to still possess your fingers after playing this game due to how intensely it will make you hold onto it.

If you can handle going without sleep for a few days and don’t often get frustrated to the point of damaging your game equipment, then I strongly recommend giving Dragon’s Dogma 2 a try. You may find yourself in need of a good shower and some counseling once you finish it, but conquering this game will likely feel like one of the most significant accomplishments in your gaming history.

5. Deathbound

Shapeshift into a Better Player

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to experience shapeshifting? That’s exactly what you’ll do with Deathbound. The game offers a distinct combat system that lets you switch among the different forms of your team members, taking advantage of each character’s unique battle skills in turn.

Though Deathbound’s impressive shapeshifting ability is undeniably captivating, it’s a game that’s not for the timid or weak-hearted. It’ll devour you swiftly and eject you just as quickly, leaving you breathless like Grandpa struggling with his dentures during Thanksgiving dinner, amidst a whirlwind of gravy.

This challenging souls-like game delights in its tough difficulties, making each fight seem like a steep struggle against adversaries that resemble our deepest childhood fears. Although hardened criminals on death row might find it unremarkable, average players such as us have minimal chances of triumphing over it.

Regardless of its apparent impossibility or extreme difficulty, Deathbound can still be conquered. Initially, progress might be slow, but as you familiarize yourself with the game’s mechanics, it gradually becomes less challenging.

In Deathbound, like other soul-like games, the pain is what makes the appeal. The triumph you feel when you ultimately defeat a boss is unparalleled. If you’re willing to persevere and confront this game’s difficulties directly, then you’ll discover an exceptional roguelike experience that’s both gratifying and tough.

4. Enotria: The Last Song

Sanity? In This Economy?

Enotria: The Last Song wasn’t widely talked about upon its release, yet I can’t help but feel that, given its exceptional quality, it deserved more attention. This game will teach you humility in the most ruthless manner, consistently reminding you that victory is always just out of reach.

Enotria: The Last Song resembles Dark Souls on a relaxing holiday in Italy, but without the laid-back vibe. Every moment you pause to appreciate the Italian-inspired scenery, you’ll encounter unexpected threats lurking around that could potentially cause harm.

In this game, not only do the adversaries appear as fearsome beasts, but they’re also ruthless, resulting in a truly petrifying encounter during combat.

In this game, virtually anything or everything seems to harbor hostility towards you, so remember that any pauses you might take could potentially be your final respite.

Beyond just stating that, it’s important to note that the battles in this game are incredibly intense, almost as if each strike of your sword is piercing a T-Rex with a toothpick. If you prefer tranquility over the chaos of a cat café, then perhaps this game isn’t for you.

This game appears to be tailored primarily for experienced soulslike players, as the learning process can feel quite steep, resembling a nearly vertical wall with jagged edges at its base.

If you derive pleasure from being mercilessly defeated in video games and find joy in battling virtual terrors, it might be beneficial for you to seek advice from a mental health professional. However, prioritizing your gaming passion, consider giving Enotria: The Last Song a try!

3. Black Myth: Wukong

Good Luck, Bro.

2.

Black Myth: Wukong is undeniably one of the toughest games released in 2024, and its glowing reviews only reinforce this viewpoint. It might seem surprising that a game starring a monkey could be so challenging, but you’d be greatly mistaken.

“Black Myth: Wukong doesn’t aim to make friends; instead, it challenges you, pushes your boundaries, and may even strain your social life. It’s important to note that this game isn’t for the sensitive or timid, but I feel compelled to add a warning just in case.

One way to rephrase the given text in a more natural and easy-to-understand manner is as follows:

In a less gruesome but equally engaging way, this game seems reminiscent of the intricate puzzles designed by the Jigsaw character from the SAW films. Compared to his infamous leg-sawing trap, navigating through Black Myth: Wukong is a challenge that surpasses anything the tricycle-riding puppet master could have devised.

Black Myth: Wukong might be among the toughest games in 2024, but it’s also one that offers a great deal of satisfaction. If you’re ready for the struggle (and can handle a good amount of difficulty), this game promises a feeling of achievement that you won’t find elsewhere.

If you don’t mind sacrificing your social time, regular sleep pattern, and gaming reputation, Black Myth: Wukong could be an excellent addition to your gaming library!

1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

Insanity Simulator

If you want a game that will make you cry, then this is it.

The expansion pack known as Shadow of the Erdtree was launched for the challenging game Elden Ring in early 2024, and ever since then, people have been raving about how tough it is to beat. Despite not being a standalone game, Shadow of the Erdtree is so difficult and extensive that it might as well be one.

The DLC (Downloadable Content) for Elden Ring is akin to a child born from two harrowing nightmares. It’s puzzling why the game creators decided to add yet more madness and disorder, but that’s precisely what they’ve delivered with Shadow of the Erdtree.

This could be incredibly emotional for you, potentially even causing tears. However, it may also leave you overwhelmed before that point, bringing you close to surrender.

This DLC will be incredibly challenging. It may overwhelm you, take away your resources, and leave you in tears during playtime in front of everyone else. Essentially, Shadow of the Erdtree is an unwanted antagonist that appears to have insurmountable odds, making victory seem almost hopeless.

Each fresh leader in this game seems tailor-made to induce frustration, as the expansive and dangerously tricky new zones make you feel insignificant, like a tiny speck adrift in an endless sea of chaos.

As a dedicated gamer, I must confess that this DLC packs an intense punch – it’s as if every foe hurls freight trains at me! Yet, each triumph feels like scaling Mount Everest without shoes. Frankly, it leaves me pondering the fortitude and mental resilience of its creators.

Regardless of its heartbreaking nature, the DLC consistently reels you in again and again, even after repeated defeats in Shadow of the Erdtree.

Experience Elden Ring like never before, as its challenging, torturous, and love-hate aspects are amplified to the maximum. If you found Elden Ring’s numerous treacherous terrains daunting before, brace yourself for the Land of Shadow. Be warned, your mental fortitude and gaming equipment may not survive this journey intact.

2024-12-18 22:10