8 Brutal Open-World Games That Will Destroy You (But You’ll Love Every Second)

Summary

Some open-world games are lauded for their difficult gameplay scenarios, attracting players seeking challenges and rewards.
Titles like STALKER and Gothic ramp up the intensity early on, with daunting survivals and combat systems.
Games like Elden Ring and Pathologic 2 offer tough open-world experiences with steep learning curves and rewarding victories.

In many open-world video games, accessibility takes center stage due to its importance. Since these games are widely played, top-tier developers aim to impress their audience by making accessible and calming open-world games that don’t overwhelm players with challenging gameplay.

Consequently, numerous gamers find this method monotonous due to their desire for stimulating gaming experiences. This is why top-tier sandbox games often gain an increase in popularity when players encounter challenging gameplay situations and somehow surmount them. Overcoming such obstacles contributes significantly to the enjoyment derived from playing a game.

8. The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Master Mode’s Difficulty Is Weirdly Refreshing

In the beginning of Breath of the Wild, the game can seem quite challenging as players lack the strong gear needed for tough battles. Some players even found the original version a bit too simple. To counter this feedback, Nintendo introduced Master Mode in the The Master Trials DLC.

Right from the get-go, when players encounter a nonchalant Lynel on the Great Plateau, they instantly sense it’ll be a tough ride. Enemies glowing with gold and more challenging combat situations increase the game’s overall difficulty significantly. Features like enemy health regeneration add depth to the base game, requiring players to stay sharp and play at their best to overcome the numerous challenges they’ll face in this game.

7. Valheim

Hardcore Mode Will Test The Limits Of A Player’s Skill & Patience

Valheim stands out as one of the most striking survival games currently available, and its anticipation among players skyrockets as we approach the release of the complete game. The current amount of content within the game is already so remarkable that fans are eagerly awaiting more exciting experiences within

The charm of Valheim lies in its distinctive survival mechanics, where even something as routine as eating food becomes an activity that requires careful consideration. For those seeking the ultimate challenge, the hardcore mode offers the perfect platform to experience Valheim’s difficulty, as it is specifically designed for experienced players, transforming every enemy encounter into a daunting challenge.

6. Gothic

Early Struggles Make Players Desperate In Their Quest To Get Stronger

Among the most captivating open-world games available to players, “Gothic” stands out as a distinctive gem, particularly appealing to enthusiasts of traditional sandbox games. However, this game can be harsh for newcomers, often penalizing them for exhibiting excessive enthusiasm during combat.

In this game, even the least formidable opponents can gang up and defeat careless players. That’s why it’s essential for players who aim to survive to rush towards a settlement as quickly as possible. It’s in these safe zones where they can use their accumulated experience points to improve their fighting abilities, enabling them to combat not only common scavengers but also other types of enemies.

5. S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow Of Chernobyl

Tense Gunplay & Hardcore Survival Gameplay

The initial installment of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series served as an entry point for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a grueling survival horror FPS experience. Subsequent games may offer greater difficulty, but the debut adventure with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. will always present the most demanding challenge for players.

To successfully navigate through the perils of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in this game, players should exhibit patience and diligence. In addition to handling encounters with anomalies and combat against numerous mutants, tending to hunger levels, monitoring radiation exposure, and treating wounds are critical aspects of gameplay that deserve equal attention.

4. Monster Hunter Wilds

The First Open-World Monster Hunter Game Is As Difficult As Fans Expect

In this new installment of the renowned Monster Hunter series, entitled “Monster Hunter Wilds,” an entirely open-world environment has been introduced for the very first time. This game is exceptionally well-regarded within the franchise. Moreover, it offers a compelling narrative that provides players with a heartfelt motive to pursue and vanquish the numerous monsters that threaten this world.

The reason Wilds is so engaging is its battle system, proven effective and gradually increasing the difficulty level. Some battles in this game aren’t to be taken lightly, and players must work together to avoid being defeated by their opponents.

3. Elden Ring

Patented FromSoftware Difficulty

Whenever the subject of challenging open-world games arises, it’s just a matter of minutes before Elden Ring is brought up in the discussion. Interestingly, longtime fans of FromSoftware find this amusing, as many players view Elden Ring as the least difficult game that employs the company’s action RPG blueprint.

While it’s inaccurate to describe Elden Ring as easy or simple, it’s also misleading to suggest that every player breezes through the game. Although players do have the option to overlevel and explore the world at their leisure, many prefer to maintain a specific level and repeatedly face challenging bosses such as Melania, Radahn, and Margit, until they achieve a satisfying victory. This approach may involve losing Runes multiple times but provides a unique gaming experience for these players.

2. Pathologic 2

Death Is A Learning Experience That Will Force Players To Get Better

Pathologic 2 is a peculiar follow-up to an unusual video game that honors an underappreciated original. Unlike the initial game, where the quirks could be used to simplify gameplay for players, this sequel does not share the same advantage.

This game can be challenging because it doesn’t allow save-scumming, imposes lasting penalties when you die, and has tough survival elements. However, its strange world and immersive ambiance compel players to keep trying despite the difficulty, as they persevere through a game that may seem unforgiving but isn’t entirely unfair.

1. Kenshi

Players Have No Guidance And Will Struggle Early On

As a gamer diving into the vast open world of Kenshi, I can’t help but feel the brutal sting of its unforgiving nature. Unlike many games that offer a helping hand or tutorial, Kenshi leaves me to my own devices, forcing me to explore, learn, and adapt on my own – often resulting in humbling, repeated deaths as I grapple with the game’s intricacies.

After encountering some setbacks, players will finally grasp the significance of honing their combat abilities and amassing a team of characters rather than venturing alone. Once they conquer the initial challenge, the joy of establishing their own base and accessing a fresh aspect of gameplay makes Kenshi an exceptional, albeit challenging, open-world adventure.

2025-05-03 00:34