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20 brutally hard games that you cannot beat

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - November 1st 2024, 22:00 GMT+1

Cropped About — About this gallery:

For this list, we decided to focus on the video games that took difficulty up to the “impossible” level. Now, you might have conquered a few of these (and kudos to you if so!), but we’re pretty sure you haven’t beaten them all. We’ve also decided to order the list chronologically, since difficulty is all in the eye (and hands) of the player.

If you think we missed an absurdly difficult game, why not let us know in the comments? | © Tecmo

Cropped Nethack — NetHack (1987)

This roguelike classic practically invented "game over." You’ll die from starvation, monsters, and even your own carelessness, but each playthrough is a fresh, fiendish adventure in procedural generation. NetHack may look like a humble game, but every pixel can mean life or death. Think you’re clever enough to avoid traps? NetHack is here to prove you wrong, over and over again. | © Stichting Mathematisch Centrum

Cropped GHOSTSN GOBLINS — Ghosts and Goblins (1985)

In *Ghosts and Goblins*, you start with armor – and that’s about the last bit of security you’ll feel. Enemies swarm, jump scares pop up, and Arthur’s fragile armor seems to evaporate at the slightest breeze. The best part? You have to beat it twice for the real ending. Double the torment, double the… fun? | © Capcom

Cropped The legend of zelda — The Legend of Zelda (1986)

Before there were saves and checkpoints, there was *The Legend of Zelda*, where you’re thrown into Hyrule with nothing but a wooden sword and sheer determination. Good luck finding your way without a map or hints – this one’s for the brave and the lost. Every corner hides something that’s out to kill you, and, honestly, it’s kind of refreshing. | © Nintendo

Cropped Punch out — Punch-Out!! (1987)

Don’t let its bright colors fool you; *Punch-Out!!* is brutal. Every fighter has a unique pattern to learn, and missing a single move means you’re kissing the mat. From Glass Joe to Mr. Dream, it’s a battle of reflexes, patience, and a lot of start-over moments. Master this, and you’ve earned the belt. | © Nintendo

Cropped gradius — Gradius (1985)

Gradius taught us all what the term "bullet hell" really means. Dodge through waves of enemy fire with every upgrade on the line. One mistake sends you back to the start. Think you’re fast? The Vic Viper dares you to prove it in this relentless journey through space. | © Konami

Cropped Contra — Contra (1987)

With *Contra*, the phrase “game over” became deeply personal. Endless enemies, one-hit kills, and no time to catch your breath make this side-scroller a trial by fire. And yes, the Konami code makes it manageable, but real fans know that’s cheating. | © Konami

Cropped Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde — Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1988)

This one’s a nightmare for all the wrong reasons. From illogical mechanics to downright frustrating enemies, *Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde* feels like a hard game simply because it’s so bizarrely designed. It’s legendary for testing both skill and patience, pushing you to the brink. | © Toho

Cropped Battletoads — Battletoads (1991)

The turbo tunnel. Need we say more? *Battletoads* levels are wildly different, each more merciless than the last. If the beat-’em-up segments don’t get you, the unforgiving speed challenges will. Only the most dexterous and stubborn dare to take this ride to the finish line. | © Rare

Cropped Lion King — Lion King (1994)

Who knew a Disney game could cause so much heartbreak? From leaping off giraffe heads to an impossible stampede, *Lion King* has challenges as wild as the savannah. The “Just Can’t Wait to Be King” level? That’s where controllers go to die. Hakuna Matata? More like Hakuna Patience. | © Virgin Interactive

Cropped Ninja Gaiden 2 — Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (1990)

Precision and speed are key in *Ninja Gaiden II*. Every ninja instinct you thought you had will be tested against lightning-fast enemies and tricky platforming. The unforgiving difficulty curve is as sharp as Ryu’s katana, leaving you with battle scars from the opening level onward. | © Tecmo

Cropped Claw — CLAW (1997)

This hidden gem is a platformer with teeth. It’s challenging, tricky, and full of enemies that seem to know just how to ruin your day. Collecting treasure is only half the challenge; staying alive is the rest. CLAW takes every chance to make you earn that pirate booty. | © Monolith Productions

La Mulana — La-Mulana (2005)

La-Mulana mixes punishing puzzles with Metroidvania exploration in a beautifully unforgiving world. This is Indiana Jones meets hardcore platformer, where every room might be your last. Solve mind-bending puzzles, dodge traps, and prepare for some good old-fashioned rage-quits. | © NIGORO

Cropped I Wanna Be The Guy — I Wanna Be the Guy (2007)

This one was made to break you. From unexpected deaths to traps that mock your very existence, *I Wanna Be the Guy* is as brutal as it is sadistic. It’s less about "winning" and more about surviving each screen with your sanity (somewhat) intact. Good luck. | © Michael "Kayin" O'Reilly

Cropped Geometry Dash — Geometry Dash (2013)

Tap-tap-tap and… you’re dead. *Geometry Dash* combines rhythm with split-second timing. Every level is a test of reaction speed and patience, with music that mocks you every time you mess up. It’s endless restarts, but it’s also endlessly addictive. | © RobTop Games

Cuphead (2017)

Inspired by 1930s cartoons and as hard as nails, *Cuphead* pairs beautiful art with brutal bosses. Precision, patience, and lots of retries are key in this side-scrolling bullet hell. Don’t let the cute animation fool you; this game’s more intense than a double shot of espresso. | © Studio MDHR

Rainworld (2017)

In *Rainworld*, you’re a little slugcat up against a merciless world of predators and storms. The ecosystem is unforgiving, and survival requires stealth and ingenuity. Each death feels personal in this beautiful yet punishing survival adventure. | © Videocult

Cropped Bloodborne — Bloodborne (2015)

This dark, gothic nightmare demands your blood, sweat, and tears. Every creature is a twisted test of skill, and the game’s eerie atmosphere only adds to the intensity. Dodge, parry, and brace yourself; *Bloodborne* is here to humble you. | © FromSoftware

Nioh 2 (2020)

With precision combat and a punishing difficulty curve, *Nioh 2* tests your mastery at every turn. From samurai duels to Yokai beasts, this game demands finesse and patience. One wrong move can end it all – if you want a real challenge, Nioh’s got you covered. | © Koei Tecmo

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)

Sekiro laughs at your idea of skill. Timing, reflexes, and patience are all essential to mastering its intricate combat system. Miss a parry, and you’re toast. It’s not a Souls game, but it’ll take you to the same dark place. | © FromSoftware

Elden Ring MSN — Elden Ring (2022)

From the minds that brought you *Dark Souls* comes an open-world game that’s as vast as it is unforgiving. *Elden Ring* takes everything you love about tough games and cranks it up, inviting you to explore, die, and repeat in its stunning yet brutal world. | © FromSoftware

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Prepare yourself for a journey into the world of games that redefine “difficult.” These are the brutally hard games that stand as a true test of patience, reflexes, and sheer willpower. They’re the titles that laugh at tutorials, toss you into the deep end, and leave you clinging to the edge.

If you've ever wanted to prove your gaming prowess or simply enjoy a challenge that most would shy away from, this list is for you. So grab your controller, take a deep breath, and remember: these games don’t want you to win – they want you to survive.

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Prepare yourself for a journey into the world of games that redefine “difficult.” These are the brutally hard games that stand as a true test of patience, reflexes, and sheer willpower. They’re the titles that laugh at tutorials, toss you into the deep end, and leave you clinging to the edge.

If you've ever wanted to prove your gaming prowess or simply enjoy a challenge that most would shy away from, this list is for you. So grab your controller, take a deep breath, and remember: these games don’t want you to win – they want you to survive.