10 Video Games That Push Players to Rage Quit

Some video games are designed to test your skills, patience, and sanity. They throw challenges so brutal that even the calmest players might slam their controllers down in frustration. These games aren’t just hard—they’re built to make you question your commitment. From unforgiving mechanics to relentless difficulty, they’ve earned a reputation for driving players to quit in a huff.

I’ve rounded up ten titles that have sparked rage quits across the gaming world. Each one has unique elements that crank up the stress, whether it’s a punishing boss fight or a single mistake that undoes hours of progress. Let’s dive into the games that have players walking away from their screens, fuming but often coming back for more.

Geometry Dash (2013)

This rhythm-based platformer looks simple—a cube navigating spiky obstacles—but it’s a nightmare of precision. One wrong tap resets you to the start, and with no checkpoints, every level feels like a gauntlet. The pulsing music and flashing visuals only heighten the tension. User-created ‘demon’ levels push the difficulty to absurd heights, leaving players stuck on a single section for hours.

Streamers and casual players alike have snapped under the pressure. The game’s demand for frame-perfect timing and relentless pace can make even a 2% failure feel like a personal insult. It’s no surprise controllers have been tossed aside mid-run. Yet, the addictive simplicity keeps players returning, determined to conquer the chaos.

Super Meat Boy (2010)

This indie platformer throws you into over 300 levels of razor-sharp hazards and pinpoint jumps. Each stage is a test of reflexes, with sawblades and lava pits waiting to punish the slightest error. The lack of checkpoints means every death stings, and player-created levels can feel downright cruel.

The charming retro style hides a brutal core that’s made even seasoned gamers rage quit. Losing hours of progress to a single misstep is enough to make anyone see red. Still, the tight controls and satisfying wins keep players hooked, even after a meltdown.

Pogostuck: Rage With Your Friends (2019)

Imagine climbing a mountain on a pogo stick with controls that feel like wrestling a greased eel. That’s Pogostuck. Every bounce is a gamble, and one bad move can send you tumbling back to the start. The game’s quirky visuals do little to soften the blow of its steep learning curve.

Co-op mode turns it into a friendship strainer, as you and a partner fumble through the chaos together. The constant falls and tricky mechanics have sparked many a rage quit. But the absurd challenge somehow makes every small victory feel like a triumph.

Only Up (2023)

This 3D climbing game tasks you with scaling a bizarre tower of floating objects, from beds to pipes. One slip can undo massive progress, sending you plummeting to the ground. The philosophical narration adds a surreal vibe, but it doesn’t ease the sting of failure.

The open-world setup and lack of checkpoints make every fall a gut punch. Streamers have been known to abandon runs after a single mistimed jump. Despite the frustration, the game’s unique premise keeps players climbing, even if they’re cursing the whole way.

Spelunky (2008)

This roguelike platformer mixes randomly generated levels with deadly traps and enemies. Every run feels like a fresh chance to fail, as a single misstep can end your journey. The game’s charming pixel art belies its ruthless difficulty, demanding near-perfect play.

Completionists especially suffer, as mastering Spelunky’s unpredictable caves takes patience most don’t have. Rage quitting is common when a boulder or spike trap wipes out a promising run. Yet, the thrill of discovery pulls players back for one more try.

Cuphead (2017)

With its 1930s cartoon aesthetic, Cuphead lures you in before unleashing brutal run-and-gun battles. Bosses demand flawless dodging and split-second timing, and the lack of a pause button during fights keeps the pressure on. Every level feels like a test of endurance.

The final island has broken many players, with its relentless difficulty sparking countless rage quits. The game’s beauty and tight mechanics make it hard to stay away, even after a frustrating defeat. It’s a love-hate relationship that defines the experience.

Dark Souls (2011)

This action RPG is infamous for its punishing difficulty and cryptic world. The ‘You Died’ screen is a constant companion, as every enemy and trap can end your run. Losing souls to a careless mistake feels like a personal betrayal, and there’s no hand-holding to soften the blow.

Bosses like Ornstein and Smough have driven players to abandon their quests in anger. The game’s steep learning curve and unforgiving design make rage quitting a rite of passage. Still, the sense of triumph after a hard-fought victory keeps players coming back.

Getting Over It With Bennett Foddy (2017)

You’re a man in a cauldron, climbing a mountain with a hammer. Sounds weird, feels worse. One wrong move can erase hours of progress, and the game’s mocking narration rubs salt in the wound. The controls are deliberately clunky, making every inch a struggle.

This game is practically built to provoke rage quits, with streamers losing their cool on live broadcasts. The absurd premise and brutal challenge make it a unique kind of torture. Yet, the drive to reach the top keeps players swinging, even through the tears.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)

This ninja epic demands precision in every sword swing and parry. Unlike other FromSoftware games, there’s no stat grinding to fall back on—just pure skill. Bosses like Genichiro Ashina punish hesitation, and the lack of a safety net means death is always looming.

The relentless pace and need for perfect timing have sent controllers flying. Rage quitting is common when a single mistake costs a hard-earned checkpoint. But the fluid combat and gripping world make it hard to stay away for long.

Elden Ring (2022)

This open-world masterpiece blends freedom with FromSoftware’s signature brutality. Hidden enemies, punishing dungeons, and invasive PvP can turn exploration into a nightmare. Bosses like Malenia demand near-perfect play, and one misstep can undo hours of effort.

The massive world hides countless ways to die, making rage quits a frequent occurrence. Players often walk away after a brutal ambush or unfair invasion. Still, the game’s beauty and depth keep drawing them back for another shot at glory.

Which game has pushed you to the edge, or is there another title that made you rage quit? Drop your story in the comments!