Best Open-World Games With High Difficulty Curves

As a seasoned gamer who’s weathered countless digital storms and traversed labyrinthine virtual landscapes, I can attest to the fact that difficulty in games is as subjective as a favorite flavor of ice cream. Some games, like the infamous Dark Souls series, have become my personal Mount Everests, while others have served as serene picnic spots for a leisurely gaming experience.

Difficulty in games is a wholly subjective topic, as every player is different; what some may find tremendously easy, others may struggle with. While many games offer multiple difficulty options, some (such as Dark Souls) omit them entirely. Overly difficult games can turn some players away, but some offer truly rewarding experiences for those that stick it out.

Some games are designed to present players with tough challenges right away, which may make them hard to get into, harsh, and sometimes aggravating. In contrast, open-world games usually offer flexible problem-solving opportunities, allowing players to tackle challenges at their own pace. Though exploration can provide a refreshing break from constant challenges, the best open-world games still manage to present a steep learning curve that keeps players engaged.

5 STALKER: Shadow Of Chernobyl

An Inaccessible But Immersive Experience

The game “STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl” isn’t the most difficult game around, but newcomers might struggle initially due to some roughness and its aging nature. However, what makes it challenging is not just its complexity, but also the need for players to grasp multiple systems and intricacies before they can thrive in its expansive open-world setting.

Shadow of Chernobyl” is an open-world role-playing game played from the first-person perspective, blending survival horror with a strong emphasis on resource management. It’s filled with dangerous creatures and intense gunfights against rival factions. Navigating through combat and preparing for journeys can be challenging, but these aspects contribute to the distinct experience offered by “STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl” and its sequels.

4 Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Strategic First-Person Combat In A Medieval Open World

In a meticulously recreated medieval ambiance, Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers an immersive first-person role-playing experience set within a historically accurate open world. As you embark on quests and traverse its expansive landscape, the game’s immersion is often captivating; however, some players might find the combat challenging to their liking.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers a combat style that’s not everyone’s cup of tea right away, but it rewards those who are patient, skilled, and strategic. Engaging in fights with multiple enemies at once is usually a bad idea, and reckless attacks often lead to consequences. The tough-as-nails combat presents a challenge that may be inconsistent at times, but mastering it offers a satisfying learning experience throughout the game.

3 The Long Dark

Hardcore Survival In A Remarkably Tranquil World

In a peaceful yet merciless setting, The Long Dark stands as an intense survival game that plunges players into a frigid wilderness, the primary objective being the struggle for mere existence. Although encounters with wolves and bears may occur occasionally, these creatures are usually not the main threats. Instead, there are numerous ways for characters to meet their demise in The Long Dark. Being hurt or even killed by wildlife is merely one of the many possible outcomes.

In The Long Dark, players start off in a relatively good state, possibly with some supplies found along the way. However, these resources won’t last forever, leading to a deterioration of their character’s condition. This compels the player to venture out and discover new places, which often introduces additional challenges. Mastering the game’s complex mechanics requires significant playtime, but when everything goes smoothly, its peaceful atmosphere can provide a serene gaming experience.

2 Kenshi

A Deeply Replayable Sandbox That’s More Than Meets The Eye

Kenshi is a role-playing game that might seem simple at first glance, but it provides a great deal of freedom for players and an expansive world to delve into. However, this world is ruthless and surviving in it requires skill. Dying in Kenshi is quite common due to the numerous dangers lurking everywhere. Additionally, the game’s complex user interface can be overwhelming for beginners.

In the game Kenshi, players initially manage a single character, yet have the opportunity to amass a whole group if desired. Mastering skills such as earning wealth, engaging in combat, constructing a base, and enduring within its universe could take numerous hours of playtime. What’s unique about Kenshi is that it doesn’t guide players; instead, it lets them explore freely. While this might be challenging initially, it’s precisely what makes Kenshi so satisfying – and addictive.

1 Elden Ring

An Expansive Open World With Classic Soulslike Challenge

FromSoftware has a reputation for creating challenging video games, such as the Dark Souls series and especially Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. While Dark Souls isn’t strictly linear, most of its world is restricted and guides players along specific routes. In a sense, the game has similarities with Metroidvania games rather than fully open-world titles.

In the recently launched game titled Elden Ring by FromSoftware, players enjoy an unprecedented freedom to roam the vast and immersive world as they please. The world is teeming with expansive landscapes filled with distinctive landmarks and memorable spots, along with a multitude of dungeons that cater to varying levels of difficulty and player engagement. Remaining true to its roots, Elden Ring retains the challenging gameplay dynamics synonymous with the Dark Souls series, creating a truly taxing open-world adventure for gamers.

2024-08-18 14:34