Games With Mechanics So Deep Even Veteran Players Struggle

Everyone enjoys different kinds of games, and that’s what makes them so great! Games can appeal to all ages and interests, and they come with varying levels of challenge. Some games let you easily adjust the difficulty, while others are naturally very complex and require a lot of skill.

Some games go to incredible lengths with their core features – building complex systems, designing intricate movement controls that need special equipment, or even simulating physics so realistically it feels like real-world space travel. Let’s explore some of these exceptionally detailed games.

5. Balatro

Almost Endless Hidden Depth

Balatro might seem like a simple game at first glance. But beneath its fun, cartoonish style lies a surprising amount of strategic depth. As you try out different card combinations and strategies, you’ll quickly realize there’s a huge difference between just finishing the game and truly mastering it – pushing its limits and maximizing your score.

It’s amazing to watch players reach unbelievably high scores in Balatro. Achieving these scores takes skillful manipulation of the game’s starting conditions, smart choices during gameplay, and a deep understanding of how everything works. Many players fondly remember the first time they used a clever strategy with the Blueprint effect (copying the Joker card) to score over a million points, but that was just the beginning. As you strive for even higher scores, you’ll realize the incredible potential of the game – and that’s what makes Balatro so captivating.

4. Eve Online

The Infinite Possibilities Of Space

When No Man’s Sky first came out, it didn’t live up to the enormous expectations. The game promised a vast, limitless universe to explore, but it took developer Hello Games a while to fully deliver on that vision. However, it demonstrates that outer space offers unparalleled potential for expansive gameplay and intricate systems, as seen in another long-running example, Eve Online.

Many players describe MMORPGs as stepping into another world, but Eve Online takes that idea to a galactic scale. Since 2003, this continuously evolving game has immersed players in the New Eden Galaxy, a distant future home to five unique civilizations. You select a race, customize your character, and then forge your own path within this shared universe. The game’s complexity is truly remarkable – almost overwhelming. In fact, the CEO of CCP Games recently told Bloomberg they sometimes questioned whether they were creating a real economy, despite being a game. Everyone plays a vital role, from traders and explorers to miners, and you can trace the journey of items from raw materials to finished products. Spaceship flight is governed by intricate physics and calculations, whether you’re piloting a solo craft or commanding a massive fleet that would rival anything seen in Star Wars.

3. Steel Battalion

How Do You Steer This Thing?

Highly realistic simulation games are known for being incredibly detailed and challenging. To truly capture the feeling of the real world, many of these games use specialized controllers with a lot of buttons and controls. A great example is Steel Battalion, which is famous for its complex controller featuring joysticks, pedals, and numerous buttons – all designed to give players complete control over the game’s mechs.

What made Metroid Prime special was experiencing the game through Samus’s eyes. Steel Battalion gives you that same feeling of being inside the action – you truly feel like a mech pilot (or, as the game calls it, a Vertical Tank pilot). The war unfolds one mission at a time, putting you right in the middle of the battle. Each mission starts with a thorough briefing, then drops you into a remarkably detailed cockpit. Everything feels authentic, and all the displays and sensors actually provide useful information. It’s one of the most immersive gaming experiences ever created, and while the complex controller might seem over-the-top, it’s essential to achieving that level of immersion. You’ll even use a fire extinguisher button and shift gears! As you play, you can also purchase more advanced Vertical Tanks. Other games let you build mechs, but none capture the feeling of being in one quite like Steel Battalion.

2. Darkest Dungeon 2

Another Potentially Doomed Quest Into the Abyss

The first Darkest Dungeon required careful planning before any fighting could begin. Players had to think about their team’s makeup, equip the right skills and items for the enemies ahead, account for character flaws that could cause problems, and pack enough supplies. And that was just the preparation! Darkest Dungeon 2 takes this level of challenge and complexity even further.

Red Hook made a bold and divisive choice in completely overhauling the sequel, but the result is a truly distinctive game. You control a team of four heroes traveling by wagon towards the Mountain, encountering various locations and challenges along the way – a classic setup for a roguelike. Your goal is to bring what little hope remains and defeat the darkness that lies ahead. However, be warned: this is a deeply intricate game with a lot to manage. Damage to your wagon triggers unavoidable fights while you repair it, and things like building up ‘Loathing’ or running out of torchlight can severely hinder you in combat. You’ll also need to carefully manage several different types of currency and make smart choices at Inns to get the buffs your team needs.

Even with preparations like equipping your stagecoach and planning your journey, a small error can lead to big problems down the line. Combat is more intricate than before. The game still focuses on positioning for skills, but now includes tokens that provide temporary buffs or debuffs to your team and enemies. Teamwork is crucial, as combining skills with ‘Combo’ tokens creates powerful effects. While these powerful plays are possible, the game’s complexity can be overwhelming to learn. And get ready – the bosses have some brand new, challenging tricks up their sleeves this time!

1. Dwarf Fortress

One Of The Most Complicated Games Of All Time

Just how detailed do video games need to be? Some games, like Dwarf Fortress, go to extremes – even telling you exactly which tendons and ligaments your characters have injured. Despite its simple appearance, Dwarf Fortress actually has a surprising amount of complex activity happening behind the scenes, more than many large-scale strategy games. The main goal is to build and manage a fortress for a growing community of dwarves, although you can also play as an adventurer exploring the world.

What makes this game so special is how incredibly detailed it is. You’ll gather materials, grow your settlement, and make sure your dwarves don’t go hungry – but they’re not just obedient workers. They have their own personalities and will act in unpredictable ways, forcing you to adapt. The world feels remarkably real, with accurate weather and resources appearing in the right kinds of rock formations. Your dwarves will also become experts in very specific skills within their jobs. Soon, your tiny outpost could become a thriving city, even a whole nation, attracting visitors, nobles, and a sizable army if your workshops are productive enough. And you’ll need those defenses, because success will attract enemies. Unlike games like Civilization, there’s no set goal or ending in Dwarf Fortress. It’s all about experimenting, learning from mistakes, and building a fortress that’s uniquely yours. Each attempt will teach you more about how things work, so remember these beginner tips, don’t hesitate to check a guide if you get stuck, and good luck!

2026-02-04 04:05