The 9 Hardest Video Games of the 2020s That Tested My Skills

Video games in the 2020s have pushed boundaries with stunning visuals and deep stories, but some stand out for their brutal difficulty. These titles demand patience, precision, and a willingness to fail repeatedly before tasting victory. 

I’ve explored the toughest games of this decade, from punishing action adventures to mind-bending puzzles. Here are nine that left me both frustrated and amazed, ranked from ninth to first for their relentless challenges.

Returnal (2021)

Housemarque’s ‘Returnal’ drops you on an alien planet as Selene, a space pilot trapped in a time loop. The game blends fast-paced shooting with roguelike mechanics, where death resets your progress and shuffles the world.

Every run tests your reflexes against waves of hostile creatures and bullet-hell attacks. The random layouts and limited resources force quick thinking and perfect timing. I spent hours mastering patterns, only to get wiped out by a single mistake. It’s a thrilling yet exhausting fight for survival.

F1 23 (2023)

Codemasters’ ‘F1 23’ delivers a realistic racing experience that’s as unforgiving as it is immersive. The game simulates Formula 1 with pinpoint accuracy, demanding flawless driving to compete at the highest levels.

Tracks like Monaco punish the slightest error, and the AI racers don’t hold back. I struggled to balance speed with control, often spinning out on tight corners. Mastering setups and tire management adds another layer of complexity, making every race a high-stakes challenge.

Lies of P (2023)

Inspired by Pinocchio, ‘Lies of P’ is a dark soulslike action game set in a grim Belle Époque city. You guide P, a puppet, through a world of grotesque enemies and brutal bosses, with combat that’s precise and unforgiving.

Each encounter demands perfect dodges and well-timed attacks. I died countless times to the game’s relentless foes, learning their patterns through trial and error. The intricate level design and steep learning curve make every victory feel hard-earned.

Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course (2022)

The DLC for ‘Cuphead’, titled ‘The Delicious Last Course’, ramps up the already brutal difficulty of the 1930s cartoon-inspired run-and-gun game. New bosses like Chef Saltbaker bring chaotic attack patterns that test your reflexes to the limit.

Every fight requires memorizing complex sequences and reacting in split seconds. I spent hours retrying stages, cursing my missed jumps and mistimed shots. The charming art and jazzy soundtrack only deepen the frustration when you fail again.

Super Monkey Ball Banana Ball (2021)

‘Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania’ revives the classic series with fiendishly tough platforming stages. You roll a monkey in a ball through vibrant, trap-filled courses, where one wrong move sends you plummeting.

The later levels demand near-perfect precision, with narrow paths and moving obstacles. I gritted my teeth through countless falls, restarting stages over and over. It’s deceptively cute but brutally challenging, rewarding only the most persistent players.

Sifu (2022)

‘Sifu’ is a martial arts brawler where you play a kung fu student seeking revenge. Its unique aging mechanic means every death makes you older, tougher, but closer to permanent failure.

The combat demands mastery of combos, parries, and dodges against aggressive enemies. I struggled with the tight timing, often aging decades in a single level. The steep skill curve and punishing fights make ‘Sifu’ a true test of determination.

Demon’s Souls (2020)

Bluepoint Games’ remake of ‘Demon’s Souls’ brings the 2009 classic to the 2020s with gorgeous visuals and unrelenting difficulty. This soulslike RPG sets you in a dark fantasy world filled with lethal enemies and massive bosses.

Every step feels like a trap, with ambushes and unforgiving combat. I learned to tread carefully, memorizing enemy placements after countless deaths. The game’s haunting atmosphere and brutal challenge make it a standout.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)

FromSoftware’s ‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’ is a ninja epic that demands precision and patience. Set in feudal Japan, you play as a shinobi facing relentless enemies and towering bosses, with a combat system focused on posture-breaking parries.

Mistiming a deflect can end you in seconds, and I spent hours perfecting my rhythm against foes like Genichiro. The steep learning curve and lack of mercy make it one of the decade’s toughest experiences.

Elden Ring (2022)

FromSoftware’s ‘Elden Ring’ tops the list as an open-world soulslike masterpiece. Its vast world is filled with deadly creatures and bosses like Malenia, who punish even the smallest mistakes with devastating combos.

The freedom to explore doesn’t ease the challenge—every area tests your combat skills and strategy. I died repeatedly, refining my build and tactics to overcome each hurdle. Its scale and difficulty make it a legendary trial for gamers.

Which of these tough games broke you, or is there another 2020s title that pushed you harder? Drop your thoughts in the comments!