Video games are often celebrated for their ability to challenge players, but some titles take it to the next level. From brutally punishing combat to intricate puzzles, these games push players to their limits—and the completion rates tell the story. Based on data from online achievement tracking platforms, here are the most difficult video games ranked by the percentage of players who completed them.
1. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Completion Rate: ~22%
FromSoftware is synonymous with difficulty, and Sekiro takes the crown as one of the toughest modern games. Its punishing combat system, which requires precision and timing, has proven too much for most players. The final boss, Isshin, the Sword Saint, is considered one of the hardest challenges in gaming history, with many players giving up before reaching the end.
2. Dark Souls Trilogy
Completion Rate: ~30% (average across all three games)
Known for its cryptic storytelling, relentless enemies, and punishing boss fights, the Dark Souls series has earned its reputation as a gaming gauntlet. While completion rates have risen slightly as the series gained popularity, only about one-third of players persevere through Lordran, Drangleic, or Lothric.
3. Cuphead
Completion Rate: ~18%
This charming yet brutal run-and-gun platformer masks its soul-crushing difficulty behind a delightful 1930s cartoon art style. Boss fights demand memorization and perfect execution, leading to many rage quits. Its low completion rate reflects the sheer perseverance required to best the Devil himself.
4. Hollow Knight
Completion Rate: ~25%
Beneath the charming exterior of this hand-drawn Metroidvania lies a deeply challenging experience. With sprawling labyrinths, challenging platforming sections, and punishing bosses like the Radiance, Hollow Knight tests both patience and skill, with many players abandoning their quest before uncovering the full story.
5. Elden Ring
Completion Rate: ~35%
While it’s more accessible than other FromSoftware titles, Elden Ring’s sprawling open world hides bosses that demand patience and mastery. Despite its popularity, only a little over one-third of players make it to the end of this epic journey.
6. Celeste
Completion Rate: ~20%
This indie platformer is celebrated for its heartfelt story and tight controls, but it’s also a masterclass in difficulty. Navigating the mountain’s treacherous peaks requires pixel-perfect precision, especially in optional “B-Side” levels that have completion rates in the single digits.
7. Bloodborne
Completion Rate: ~31%
Another FromSoftware classic, Bloodborne shifts the formula with faster-paced combat and a gothic horror setting. Its intricate lore, punishing difficulty, and memorable bosses like Ludwig the Accursed ensure that only the most dedicated hunters see the credits roll.
8. Super Meat Boy
Completion Rate: ~14%
With its lightning-fast respawns and punishing level design, Super Meat Boy is a platformer that requires unwavering determination. The game’s high skill ceiling ensures that only a small fraction of players complete all its levels.
9. Returnal
Completion Rate: ~28%
This roguelike shooter combines fast-paced combat with a cryptic story and brutal permadeath mechanics. Its procedural levels and challenging bosses have led to low completion rates, with many players stuck in an endless loop on Atropos.
10. Nioh Series
Completion Rate: ~29%
Taking cues from Dark Souls but adding its own flair with faster combat and loot-based mechanics, the Nioh series is a samurai-themed test of endurance. The Yokai bosses are especially punishing, making every victory feel hard-earned.