Open-World Games That Punish You for Playing on Autopilot

Gaming can be a hobby that fits your mood. Sometimes you might want something calming and simple, like losing yourself in a game like Stardew Valley. Other times, you might prefer a more immersive experience with games like The Witcher 3 or Skyrim, where you can live out exciting adventures and quickly master challenging combat, even if you fail a few times.

Some games really challenge you, demanding intense focus and careful planning. They can be frustrating because mistakes are quickly punished, but a dedicated group of players loves the feeling of accomplishment they offer. If you enjoy a good mental workout, here are a few games that will really put you to the test.

The Forest

Starts Slow, But Builds Into A Tough Crescendo

I have to say, The Forest starts out deceptively calm, but it quickly gets really challenging! The enemies get tougher and tougher as time goes on, so you really need to be prepared. It’s a survival game, so thinking things through is key. I found that choosing the right spot for my base and building good defenses – traps are a lifesaver! – was super important against the cannibals. Even if you’re good at fighting, don’t get cocky! You’re all alone, and there are a lot of them.

While it’s natural to want to explore right away, always be fully prepared, particularly when entering the island’s caves. These are incredibly challenging areas in The Forest, so bring good gear, weapons, food, and plenty of water. The game is all about constant preparation – it’s a bit like a race against time. Without a plan or a goal, you’ll likely find yourself dying repeatedly.

Outward

Planning Ahead Is Everything

Outward is a challenging fantasy RPG where simply acting like a typical Skyrim player will quickly lead to defeat. The game world is harsh and requires significant effort to progress. You’ll need to consistently gather better equipment, prepare food, and craft potions to improve your character. Don’t expect to easily defeat enemies or explore dungeons without careful preparation. Even when playing with others, enemies can quickly overwhelm you with just a few attacks.

This game rewards careful planning and strategy. While it has strong role-playing elements, it also feels like a survival game – you’ll need to manage things like hunger and fatigue and choose your battles wisely. Even as you get stronger, combat remains challenging, so paying attention to enemy attack patterns is crucial.

STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl

Going In Guns Blazing Will Get You Killed

While STALKER 2 is a shooting game, it’s much more challenging and unpredictable than something like Halo. The series is known for its quirks – affectionately called ‘STALKER jank’ – which have been present since the beginning. Players have even reported enemies seeing and shooting through walls in Heart of Chornobyl. Despite this, STALKER 2 remains incredibly difficult, especially for newcomers, even though the original games were known for being even harsher.

As a fan, I’ve learned that playing this game is all about being sneaky and thinking things through. Seriously, running into fights without a plan is usually a quick way to get taken down. You really have to pay attention to everything around you – the tough enemies, how much ammo you have, and all your supplies. It feels so good when you go into an area with a solid plan, but it’s easy to get cocky with a new weapon. Trust me, the game will punish you for it! It’s a long haul, not a quick rush, so pacing yourself is key to surviving the Zone. And one last thing: save your game constantly, because you’re going to die… a lot.

Green Hell

The Title Isn’t A Joke

If you’re looking for a challenging survival game, Green Hell lives up to its name with incredibly difficult gameplay. The rainforest is a harsh environment, and staying alive will push your limits physically and mentally. Wandering without a plan will quickly lead to failure, and forcing things when your strategy isn’t working will only make things worse.

What makes Green Hell truly stand out is its respect for the player’s ability to figure things out. The game challenges you to observe and learn from the dangers of the rainforest, like the sounds of approaching jaguars or crocodiles. It doesn’t offer much guidance; you’re left to discover how to survive on your own, though using common sense and logical thinking is essential. Don’t expect a fast-paced, easy experience like some other games – Green Hell is deliberately slow and intensely stressful, particularly when you’re first building shelter and securing food and water.

Kenshi

The World Is Unapologetically Vicious

If we’re talking about challenging games, Kenshi is another one that demands perseverance. It constantly reminds you that you’re just a normal person trying to survive – not a powerful hero like Geralt or the Dragonborn. You build your own story as a survivor, and while the game offers a lot of freedom, it’s difficult to learn and unforgiving.

The beginning of Kenshi is incredibly challenging. Expect to struggle, learn through trial and error, and experience frequent defeats. Combat is unforgiving if you’re unprepared, and you’ll often find yourself knocked down, attacked, and needing time to recover. However, Kenshi is a deeply rewarding game if you’re willing to learn from your mistakes and approach survival and fighting with a careful, strategic mindset. It requires patience, but the grind is worth it.

Project Zomboid

Be Ready For Anything, At Any Time

While Project Zomboid offers ways to make the game easier, we’ll be focusing on the typical experience you’ll find in its Apocalypse mode. This means zombies are challenging – they’re intelligent, dangerous, and can quickly overwhelm you if you’re not careful. To survive, you’ll need to search for supplies and secure a safe place, all while moving slowly and deliberately to avoid attracting too many zombies or exhausting yourself.

In Project Zomboid, everything feels slow and deliberate. Every choice matters, from how you enter a building to what tasks you prioritize, and even how you’ll react if things go wrong – like setting off an alarm. You can’t just rush in anywhere; you need to carefully check your surroundings, look around corners, and see what’s behind doors. It’s a really stressful game, and you’ll quickly find yourself bitten or injured if you’re not constantly paying attention.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Realistic Melee Combat That Punishes Mindless Slashing

Released in 2025, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 caught many new players off guard with its challenging combat. Unlike the more lenient fighting in Skyrim, this game demands skill and strategy. The original Kingdom Come was already known for its realistic and demanding combat system, rewarding players who took the time to learn and practice, and the sequel continues that tradition. Success depends on both your character’s training and your own ability to master the intricacies of each fight.

Success in battle requires focus – watch for openings to block, and don’t rush your attacks. Simply button-mashing will exhaust you quickly, leaving you vulnerable. This combat style isn’t for everyone, but those who master it will find it deeply enjoyable and satisfying.

Elden Ring

Don’t Snooze, Even When Exploring

A challenging, Souls-like game was exactly what players needed, and Elden Ring fits the bill perfectly. While it’s relatively more approachable than other games in the genre, Elden Ring still demands skill and prevents you from becoming overconfident. The bosses are genuinely tough – Malenia is a notorious example – and the DLC increases the challenge even more. Simply button-mashing won’t work; success relies on precise dodging and timing. Beyond the bosses, even exploring the world is dangerous. Enemies lurk around every corner, ready to overwhelm you, and heavily armored knights force you to carefully plan each encounter until you reach a safe haven.

As you get stronger, these obstacles become easy, but during your first time through a challenging area, be careful if you’re not significantly over-powered. Pay close attention and be ready to react quickly, as you can be unexpectedly killed, especially by common enemies inflicting dangerous conditions like bleeding, scarlet rot, or death blight.

2026-01-17 08:38