Best Games With High Difficulty Curves

Highlights

Video game difficulty is subjective; what’s a breeze for one player could be a nightmare for another.
Cuphead
offers a challenging but accessible experience with stunning art and tough bosses.
XCOM 2
and
Sekiro
emphasize punishing mistakes and mastering skills, making for a rewarding challenge.

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges and steep difficulty curves in various games throughout the years. But among all the titles I’ve encountered, the ones that truly stand out are those with unforgiving difficulty curves that never cease to climb.

Balancing difficulties in games is highly individual and can vary greatly among players. Some may struggle with certain gameplay mechanics or systems, while others find these same challenges effortless.

In simpler terms, games like “Dark Souls” pose a significant challenge for newcomers to the genre with numerous obstacles that call for swift reflexes and precise timing to avoid damage. Conversely, strategy games such as “XCOM 2” present a mental hurdle instead, necessitating careful planning as the level of difficulty escalates, making every error a costly mistake.

6 Cuphead

An Easy-To-Learn Game With Distinctly Challenging Boss Fights

In this vibrant, fast-paced platform game, the stunning artwork and diverse array of formidable bosses set it apart. At first, playing feels like a enjoyable experience, but soon enough, you’ll encounter a range of demanding boss battles that demand your full focus.

I’m glad I don’t encounter insurmountable challenges in Cuphead, and the game’s captivating, hand-drawn visuals make pushing through setbacks a tad less daunting. Although Cuphead isn’t an easy game, its accessibility with a manageable learning curve sets it apart from other notoriously difficult titles.

5 Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy

An Unforgiving Experience That Never Holds The Player’s Hand

“Scaling the challenging mountain in ‘Getting Over It’ might not appeal to everyone, as is common with rage games. However, for those who persevere, the sense of accomplishment is immense. In this game, players are given a seemingly straightforward goal – to climb a mountain filled with trash from the cauldron’s interior using only a hammer. The game’s notoriety stems from its absence of manual saves and the numerous opportunities it provides for players to fall back to the beginning.”

Progressing through the game becomes increasingly challenging, as mastery of character movement is essential for overcoming hurdles. Yet, just as players gain proficiency, mischievous hindrances emerge, compelling them to learn new strategies. Consequently, the level of difficulty continues to escalate, mirroring the player’s persistent upward journey towards triumph.

4 XCOM 2

A Tactical Experience That Starts To Punish Every Mistake

The XCOM series is famous for its steep learning curves and intricate, tactical battles that recognize clever plans but severely penalize careless actions. Consequently, numerous gamers find themselves unable to continue playing XCOM, particularly when they encounter the game’s unrelenting challenge. While XCOM 2 might not start out as a demanding title, its difficulty can surge dramatically, similar to XCOM: Enemy Unknown.

In “XCOM 2,” the challenge level increases progressively as enemies grow stronger and missions become more complex. Players are expected to keep up with these advancements by continually upgrading their units and advancing through levels, which often follows success. Consequently, those who struggle early on or make unfortunate choices during the early-to-middle stages of the game may find the difficulty curve quite steep. Nonetheless, this demanding aspect is inherent to the “XCOM” series, and mastering its intricate mechanics across multiple campaigns adds to the enjoyment.

3 Dark Souls

A Twisted Difficulty Curve That’s Different For Everyone

In the initial installment of the renowned “Dark Souls” franchise, newcomers often face a significant challenge due to its demanding nature. The level of difficulty can be influenced by various factors such as a player’s starting inventory, character build, and progression through the game. Despite the choice of build, most players will encounter a relatively easy beginning in the Undead Asylum. However, once they venture beyond its boundaries, particularly if they head towards Blightown immediately, the game’s difficulty escalates rapidly.

In simpler terms, bosses such as Ornstein and Smough, Gwyn, and Artorias are infamous for providing a difficult experience for players. However, it’s important to note that these formidable foes aren’t the only hurdles players encounter. Even routine exploration can be challenging due to numerous other hostile enemies.

2 Kerbal Space Program

A Knowledge-Based Difficulty Curve

In this space simulation game, you’ll find realistic physics and engaging gameplay focused on building rockets and executing successful space missions. Although the quirky Kerbals, the game’s characters, are not based on fact, the mechanics are grounded in reality. This setup offers a challenging learning experience that becomes even more complex as players take on bolder challenges.

Instead of most games that present steep challenges, Kerbal Space Program‘s level of difficulty lies mainly in the player’s understanding or lack thereof. Consequently, mastering Kerbal Space Program is immensely satisfying because once past the initial hurdle of launching a rocket into space, the potential for exploration and experimentation is vast.

1 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

A Soulslike That Emphasizes Mastery And Skill

FromSoftware, the creators of the challenging “Dark Souls” franchise, offer a different kind of experience with their game “Sekiro.” Instead of the diverse builds and RPG elements that characterize “Dark Souls,” “Sekiro” provides a more focused gameplay experience, centering on skill development. Players are equipped with only one weapon from the start, marking a departure from the complex combat systems found in “Dark Souls.”

Sekiro is not an easy game to begin with, and it progressively becomes more challenging as you advance. Several of the game’s later bosses are incredibly hard to defeat, compelling players to hone their abilities. The final boss in the main storyline is infamously difficult but also incredibly gratifying, as overcoming them demands that players have fully mastered the game’s combat system.

2024-07-21 05:33