Video game difficulty often follows a cyclical pattern. Gamers frequently find themselves craving intense challenges to escape the monotony of generic open-world games. However, after facing these daunting trials, many are quick to return to simpler, more forgiving titles to refresh their gaming experience before jumping back into the next big challenge.
This fluctuation in game difficulty is largely facilitated by customizable difficulty settings embedded within most titles, allowing players to adjust the experience to suit their preferences. Unfortunately, some games are designed with only a single difficulty mode, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences. This lack of options may alienate gamers and prevent them from experiencing the content they invested in. To help those who wish to avoid the harsh reality of “git gud”culture, we’ve compiled a list of games that would benefit greatly from the inclusion of difficulty settings.
For this discussion, we have intentionally excluded traditional Souls games, considering them too obvious for this analysis. Furthermore, titles like Ghostrunner and Sifu, which eventually introduced difficulty options, are also omitted.
10. Cronos: The New Dawn
Don’t Let Them Merge!
Kicking off our list is the chilling title, Cronos: The New Dawn. This recent horror venture introduces a haunting narrative and masterfully crafted survival horror elements while immersing players in a surreal and eerie world. However, its steep difficulty can deter many from fully experiencing its depth. Every bullet is precious, and a single missed shot could lead to demise and a frustrating setback to an earlier checkpoint. The gameplay mechanics—such as cumbersome gunplay and enemies merging with corpses for added challenge—make survival feel nearly impossible at times, prompting players to consider death as a more viable option than struggle. Although options like enhanced auto-aim can slightly lessen the difficulty, the sheer challenge remains formidable throughout.
9. Returnal
A Planet That Pulls No Punches
Roguelike games often elicit mixed feelings about difficulty settings; typically, persistent players will naturally improve over time. However, Returnal stands as an exception. This challenging bullet-hell roguelike requires considerable skill, especially given the scarcity of permanent upgrades. While the introduction of the Suspend Cycle feature lessened the initial frustration of completing run after run without a break, the game remains incredibly steep in difficulty. The relentless onslaught of projectiles and the consequence of run-ending mistakes create a perfect storm of challenge, leaving many players yearning for a more relaxed mode.
8. Don’t Starve
Spoilers: You Will Starve
While Don’t Starve does allow for substantial customization in world seeds, the overall gameplay can be unforgiving, especially for newcomers. A comprehensive understanding of the game is essential, and without the aid of an experienced friend or online resources, new players can become easily overwhelmed. The lack of tutorials and brutal death mechanic may discourage engagement from those less experienced, which is unfortunate given its unique art style and immersive gameplay. An easier beginner setting or a guided tutorial would greatly enhance accessibility and ensure a more inclusive experience.
7. FTL: Faster Than Light
The Final Frontier
FTL: Faster Than Light beautifully captures the allure of space exploration with its procedurally generated narrative. While the accessible and addictive mechanics allow for an engaging experience, the inherent RNG elements can sometimes lead to sudden spikes in difficulty that derail hard-earned progress. Real-time combat can quickly become frantic, resulting in less-than-favorable outcomes just when players think they’ve found their footing. The introduction of run modifiers or difficulty sliders could provide a more balanced and fulfilling gameplay experience for all players.
6. Hollow Knight: Silksong
Less Than Silky-Smooth Progression
While traditionally avoiding Soulslike games for this list, a notable exception is Hollow Knight: Silksong. This highly-anticipated sequel ramps up the difficulty considerably compared to its predecessor, Hollow Knight. While the original allowed for more accommodating pathways to completion, Silksong’s challenging design may alienate less experienced players. As someone familiar with the original, I see firsthand how vastly harder this sequel can be; the steep learning curve could be softened with alternative routes or options tailored for less adept players. My concern for less experienced friends and family is palpable, as the game’s intricacies may prove daunting for many.
5. Outward
Stealth Archer Builds Won’t Save You Now
Outward seeks to capture the rich fantasy elements reminiscent of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, yet presents a punishing challenge that can deter players. This deeply immersive RPG features intricate systems and an unforgiving environment. While players can seek support through co-op gameplay, the absence of difficulty settings creates a steep barrier to entry. Mastering the game requires substantial dedication and strategy, which can be intimidating to newcomers. Introducing adjustable difficulty levels could transform Outward into a more widely embraced title.
4. The Witness
Perplexing Puzzles
While many puzzle games thrive on challenging players to solve intricate problems, The Witness takes this idea to new heights. It stands out as one of the most revered yet notoriously difficult puzzle games, often leaving players frustrated as they struggle to reach the end. Though players can switch between puzzles due to the non-linear structure, encountering impasses requires intense focus and engagement, which can prove disheartening. Adding simpler alternatives or hints could provide a much-needed balance in this otherwise brilliant cerebral experience.
3. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
A Peasant’s Life
Kingdom Come: Deliverance‘s sequel successfully refines the balance of realism and gameplay mechanics. However, the original title often feels like an uphill battle, with few quality-of-life adjustments and no standard difficulty levels aside from a hardcore mode. Though the intent is to immerse players in the harsh realities of medieval life, the formative struggles of the game can discourage enjoyment. A more manageable difficulty would invite a broader audience to explore the rich narrative and immersive world.
2. Pathologic 2
Plague, Pain & Punishment
The difficulty and emotional weight of Pathologic 2 contribute to its distinctive survival horror experience. However, this intensity can hinder access to the rich narrative and numerous branching paths the game has to offer. Many players may only experience the story once, feeling that the game itself is rigged against them without the right strategy. A more forgiving difficulty would facilitate greater exploration of this profound tale, allowing players to witness the full scope of its impactful endings.
1. Super Meat Boy
The Meat Grinder
Ultimately, the unforgiving nature of Super Meat Boy perplexes even seasoned platformers. While early levels provide a smooth introduction, the difficulty escalates dramatically by the first major boss. Each subsequent level introduces increasingly challenging obstacles that push players to their limits. Despite potential for improvement, there exists a need for accessibility options that can cater to casual gamers without sacrificing the core experience. Providing these features could significantly enhance overall player satisfaction, allowing everyone a chance to relish the game’s unique charm.
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