Cloudabouts
Choosing the most challenging game on the PlayStation 5 is a tough ask, given the console’s impressive library spanning diverse genres. From brutally difficult action RPGs to demanding puzzle games and strategically complex simulations, the PS5 offers a plethora of titles designed to test your skills and patience. This article will delve into some of the most notoriously challenging games available on the platform, examining what makes them so difficult and ultimately attempting to crown the single most demanding experience. So, grab your controller, maybe a stress ball, and let’s dive in!
The Usual Suspects: Action RPGs and Soulslikes
Okay, let’s be honest, when we talk about challenging games, our minds immediately jump to the “Souls-like” genre, right? These games are notorious for their unforgiving gameplay, intricate combat systems, and bosses that can make you question your life choices.
Demon’s Souls (Remake)
The remake of Demon’s Souls isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a brutal gauntlet wrapped in stunning visuals. If you’re new to the Souls-like world, prepare for a serious wake-up call. The level design is deliberately cruel, enemies hit like trucks, and even mastering the basic combat takes time and dedication. Dying? You’ll be doing that. A lot. But hey, that feeling of finally conquering a boss after countless attempts? Pure, unadulterated bliss. Or is it relief? Hard to tell sometimes.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring. Oh, Elden Ring. FromSoftware’s open-world masterpiece isn’t necessarily harder than their previous titles, but its sheer scale and the freedom it offers can be overwhelming. You can wander into areas way above your level, get absolutely wrecked, and then spend hours grinding to level up. Or, you could cheese your way through some bosses. No judgment here! The challenge is what you make it, really. But trust me, some of those optional bosses? They’re there to humble you. And they succeed. Gloriously.
Nioh 2
Nioh 2 takes the Souls-like formula and adds a heaping dose of samurai action and complex combat mechanics. Stance switching, Ki pulsing, Yokai Shift… it’s a lot to take in. And the enemies? Relentless. This isn’t a game where you can just button-mash your way to victory. You need to learn the intricacies of the combat system, master your timing, and exploit enemy weaknesses. It’s rewarding, sure, but be prepared to put in the hours. It’s like learning a new language, but the language is pain. A beautiful, pixelated pain.
Beyond the Soulsborne: Other Contenders
But hey, the PS5’s challenge doesn’t start and end with FromSoftware. There’s plenty of other games ready and waiting to stomp all over your hopes and dreams.
Returnal
Returnal is a rogue-like that traps you in a time loop on an alien planet. The fast-paced, bullet-hell gameplay is incredibly intense, and the randomly generated levels mean you can never truly get comfortable. Add in the fact that dying sends you right back to the beginning of the cycle, and you’ve got a recipe for frustration. And addiction. It’s a love-hate relationship, really. You’ll scream at the TV, then immediately hit “restart”. Don’t pretend you wouldn’t.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (PS4 via Backwards Compatibility)
Okay, technically it’s a PS4 game, but Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice plays beautifully on the PS5. And it’s brutally difficult. The combat is all about parrying and deflecting, and if you can’t master the timing, you’re going to die. A lot. There are no easy ways out here, no grinding for levels to become overpowered. Just pure, skill-based combat. Prepare to “hesitate and lose.” Because you will. Repeatedly.
Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (Legendary Dark Knight Mode)
Want to feel truly overwhelmed? Try Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition’s Legendary Dark Knight mode. Hordes of enemies swarm you from all sides, and the game demands you master the intricacies of each character’s combat style. It’s stylish, it’s fast-paced, and it’s absolutely relentless. Good luck even surviving the first few waves. You’ll need it.
Strategy and Puzzle Pain
Difficulty isn’t just about fast reflexes and precise button presses. Sometimes, the greatest challenge comes from using your brain. These games will make you question your intelligence (or lack thereof).
Crusader Kings III
Crusader Kings III is a grand strategy game that lets you take control of a medieval dynasty. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong. You’ll need to manage your vassals, navigate complex political relationships, deal with rebellions, and try not to get assassinated. The learning curve is incredibly steep, and even once you think you know what you’re doing, something will inevitably go wrong. Probably involving a family member and a goat. Don’t ask. Just play it. And prepare to lose…a lot.
The Witness
The Witness is a puzzle game set on a mysterious island filled with line puzzles. Sounds relaxing? Think again. The puzzles start simple, but quickly escalate in complexity, requiring you to think outside the box and master abstract concepts. There’s no hand-holding here, no tutorials, just you and hundreds of increasingly difficult puzzles. Prepare for moments of pure frustration, followed by the occasional “aha!” moment that makes it all worthwhile. Just don’t throw your controller at the screen. Please.
Baba Is You
Baba Is You is a puzzle game with a twist. You manipulate the rules of the game itself by rearranging blocks. “Baba Is You,” “Flag Is Win,” that sort of thing. Simple, right? Not even a little. The game constantly throws new mechanics at you, forcing you to rethink everything you thought you knew. It’s mind-bending, infuriating, and incredibly rewarding. Just be prepared to spend hours staring at the screen, trying to figure out how to make “Wall Is Win”. It’s harder than it sounds. Trust me.
Factors Influencing Difficulty
What actually makes a game hard, though? It’s not just about enemies hitting harder. It’s a combination of factors that test different aspects of your gaming skill.
Enemy AI and Aggression
Smart enemies that actively try to outmaneuver you can dramatically increase the challenge. Games with aggressive AI force you to be constantly on your toes, adapting to their tactics and exploiting their weaknesses.
Resource Management
Limited resources, like health potions, ammo, or crafting materials, can add another layer of difficulty. You need to make every shot count, plan your routes carefully, and scavenge for every last scrap.
Punishing Death Mechanics
Losing progress upon death can be incredibly frustrating, but it also forces you to play more carefully. Games that punish death harshly, like rogue-likes, often require a different mindset and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.
Steep Learning Curves
Games with complex systems and mechanics can be overwhelming at first. Mastering the intricacies of the combat, the crafting system, or the economy can take time and dedication, but it’s often essential to success.
And the Winner Is… (It’s Complicated)
So, which PS5 game presents the greatest challenge? Well, that’s… complicated.
Why a Single “Most Challenging” is Difficult to Define
The truth is, difficulty is subjective. What one person finds incredibly challenging, another might find manageable. It depends on your skill level, your preferred playstyle, and even your mood on a given day. Some people thrive on the fast-paced action of Returnal, while others prefer the strategic depth of Crusader Kings III. It’s all about what resonates with you.
Honorable Mentions
Before we wrap up, I gotta give a shout-out to a few other tough cookies on the PS5. Games like Hades (another rogue-like masterpiece), Sifu (kung-fu action with a unique aging mechanic), and even some of the higher difficulty settings in games like Resident Evil Village can provide a serious challenge. The PS5 is truly a playground for those who like to test their limits.
Ultimately, the “most challenging” game on the PS5 is a matter of personal opinion. Each title offers a unique set of hurdles to overcome, testing different skills and pushing you to your limits. So, instead of searching for the “hardest” game, why not explore the diverse library of the PS5 and find the challenge that speaks to you? Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite game along the way. Who knows, you might even enjoy the pain! And hey, if you find a game that makes you want to throw your controller, let me know! I’m always up for a new challenge… or at least, hearing about one.
