Hardest Western RPGs - Investment Policy

Summary

Western RPGs like Kingdom Come: Deliverance provide satisfying challenges and immersive progression loops.
Games like Gothic and Divinity: Original Sin 2 offer tough combat and require strategic progression.
Titles like The Age of Decadence and Fear & Hunger provide intense difficulty, making every decision crucial.

Western role-playing games (RPGs) consistently remain popular choices among gamers. The resounding success of games such as Baldur’s Gate 3 demonstrates an eagerness among fans to invest in immersive games that whisk them away on thrilling journeys, offering a rewarding progression system along the way.

While it’s tempting to design role-playing games for mass appeal, there’s something particularly satisfying about the intricate challenges that hardcore fans adore. That’s why I find myself drawn to immersive Western RPGs that respect my gaming prowess and invite me to delve deep into their complex mechanics.

8. Kingdom Come: Deliverance

The Combat Is Ridiculously Hard Early On

As a devoted gamer, I found Kingdom Come: Deliverance to be an invigorating change of pace. It immersed me in a meticulously crafted medieval world where my character, born into the humble life of a blacksmith’s son with minimal combat skills, embarks on a journey of transformation. With grit and determination, I strive to rise from obscurity, honing my abilities until I can stand tall against hordes of bandits without meeting an untimely end.

Instead of being straightforward in sequels, fighting multiple enemies can prove tricky. This complexity often leads to challenging experiences, and it’s particularly tough because the game restricts save points and may thrust players into perilous situations without warning, such as ambushes. If players fail to survive these unexpected encounters while merely trying to travel from one place to another swiftly, the outcome can be frustrating.

7. Gothic

The Nameless Hero Can Be Taken Out By The Weakest Enemies Early On

It is evident in Gothic that the Unnamed Protagonist is a pitiful, downtrodden character as he finds himself confined within the game’s vast prison. He must confront weak enemies individually, with even the least powerful Scavengers quickly defeating any other foe.

Reaching the camp and utilizing the guidance of skilled professionals is crucial for players to grow stronger. This engaging process allows them to level up, promising an enjoyable cycle where they can eventually face more challenging opponents to collect additional experience points.

6. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Managing Physical And Magical Armour Is Way Harder Than Fans Would Expect

Larian Studios has consistently expanded their horizons, beginning with their remarkable work on the critically acclaimed game, Divinity: Original Sin. The follow-up game showcased improved balance in combat and more challenging advancement, making each battle a thrilling test for players as they adapted to the intricacies of the combat system.

In Original Sin 2, the emphasis is on using both Physical and Magical Armor, which players need to reduce before they can effectively use status effects against enemies. Similarly, this rule applies to the party members as well. It can be quite annoying when you’re a few levels behind in expensive equipment, finding it challenging to win battles against common opponents.

5. The Age Of Decadence

A Hardcore, Old-School CRPG That Takes No Prisoners

Players searching for a classic role-playing game experience will find “The Age of Decadence” perfectly suited. This game strives to allow players to create their desired character without being bound by traditional classes, yet making thoughtless decisions in skill point distribution may lead to difficulties later in the game.

In the game’s strategic, turn-based battle mode, players should stay alert and employ smart tactics to emerge as winners. Initially, the early-game combats may seem challenging, but once the pieces fall into place, players will appreciate the role-playing aspects that make this fantastic game worthwhile.

4. Pathfinder: Wrath Of The Righteous

Expects Players To Have Prior Knowledge Of Tabletop RPGs

It’s perfectly fine to enjoy the Pathfinder games even if you play them on easier settings. Keep in mind that both “Wrath of the Righteous” and its prequel are designed with the assumption that gamers are familiar with the fundamentals of tabletop role-playing games.

As a gamer, diving into this game without prior knowledge can feel like jumping off a cliff blindfolded. You’ll learn as you go, but let me tell you, it could lead to some intense, nail-biting battles where your party takes an unexpected beating, leaving you puzzled about what went wrong. The learning curve here is steep, but if you’re up for the challenge and crave a Western RPG that pushes you to the limit, it’s worth every moment of struggle.

3. Darkest Dungeon

The Turn-Based Combat Is Ridiculously Hard

The challenging nature of Darkest Dungeon permeates throughout its gameplay and narrative. Regardless of the players’ efforts, they are consistently battling against overwhelming odds. With each venture into the dungeons, there’s a possibility that their characters may suffer psychological trauma, as they encounter one terrifying adversary after another.

In some games, particularly challenging turn-based RPGs set within dungeons, it’s crucial for players not only to employ effective strategies but also to recognize when it’s time to retreat and regroup. Trying to rush through a dungeon without proper preparation can lead to encounters with formidable foes that may cause early defeat. The lesson here is similar to the saying: “Slow and steady wins the race,” where patience and careful planning often yield better results in the long run.

2. UnderRail

A Single Mistake Can Be Deadly In This Hard RPG

UnderRail is a fantastic choice for enthusiasts of the classic Fallout series. It captures the essence of those CRPGs, from the grim atmosphere to the challenging gameplay.

Adventurers veering off the main route in the game ‘UnderRail’ soon understand why the game nudges them towards the conventional path. Each combat situation is incredibly tough at first, but those who grasp the game’s mechanics can effectively exploit its systems. It’s crucial to remember that mastering these mechanics takes time, and it’s normal to face challenges when embarking on an adventure in ‘UnderRail’.

1. Fear & Hunger

The Game Is Tailored Around Numerous Difficult Situations That Players Must Overcome

The game titled “Fear & Hunger” presents a challenging experience that tests players’ skills relentlessly. With each playthrough, they gain knowledge, making steady advancements, but one misstep in battle can abruptly terminate their adventure.

Playing this game creates an invigorating feeling of suspense throughout each session, as players grapple with the challenge of surviving a harrowing ordeal filled with cosmic dread. The challenging nature of ‘Fear & Hunger’ makes it one of the most difficult turn-based RPGs available, but the reward is undeniably satisfying.

2025-06-05 05:54