The 8 Toughest Games that Aren’t From FromSoftware

Some video games push players to their limits with punishing mechanics, relentless enemies, and unforgiving worlds. While FromSoftware’s titles like ‘Dark Souls’ and ‘Sekiro’ often steal the spotlight for their brutal difficulty, plenty of other games deliver equally intense challenges that test skill, patience, and determination.

I’ve rounded up eight of the hardest games out there, excluding anything from FromSoftware, that will make you question your gaming prowess. From retro classics to modern indie gems, these titles demand precision and grit. Let’s dive into the chaos.

Super Meat Boy (2010)

‘Super Meat Boy’ is a platformer that feels like a love letter to pain. You control Meat Boy, a squishy red cube, as he dashes through buzzsaws, spikes, and lasers to rescue his girlfriend, Bandage Girl. The game’s tight controls and short levels make it addictive, but the razor-sharp difficulty spikes keep you on edge. Each stage is a gauntlet of perfectly timed jumps and split-second decisions.

With over 300 levels, the game ramps up fast, especially in later worlds where obstacles move in unpredictable patterns. The Dark World versions of each stage crank the challenge even higher, and boss fights like Little Horn test your reflexes to the max. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve respawned, but the instant retries keep you hooked. It’s a masterclass in trial-and-error gameplay that rewards persistence.

Celeste (2018)

‘Celeste’ blends a heartfelt story with platforming so precise it hurts. You guide Madeline, a young woman climbing a treacherous mountain, through screens filled with spikes, moving platforms, and wind gusts. The game’s pixel-perfect jumps demand flawless timing, and each chapter introduces new mechanics that keep you guessing. It’s not just hard—it’s emotionally gripping.

The B-Side and C-Side levels, unlocked after the main story, push the difficulty to absurd heights with faster hazards and tighter windows for error. Collecting optional strawberries requires near-superhuman skill. I found myself retrying certain screens dozens of times, yet the game’s forgiving checkpoints and uplifting soundtrack kept me going. ‘Celeste’ proves tough games can be accessible and deeply moving.

Ninja Gaiden (1988)

The original ‘Ninja Gaiden’ on the NES is a legend for its brutal difficulty. You play Ryu Hayabusa, a ninja slicing through enemies in a quest for revenge. The game throws relentless waves of foes—birds, soldiers, and ninjas—that respawn endlessly if you don’t move fast. Bosses like Jaquio demand pattern memorization and pinpoint accuracy.

What makes it tougher is the punishing knockback when you take a hit, often sending you into pits. The infamous Stage 6-2, with its precise platforming and aggressive enemies, has broken many players. I still wince thinking about those respawning eagles. Limited lives and no continues past certain points make every move critical. It’s a classic that defined hardcore gaming.

I Wanna Be the Guy (2007)

‘I Wanna Be the Guy’ is a freeware indie game designed to troll players. You control The Kid, navigating a 2D world where everything—apples, spikes, even the moon—can kill you instantly. The game delights in subverting expectations, with traps appearing out of nowhere and platforms betraying you mid-jump. It’s chaos by design.

There’s no hand-holding here. You’ll die hundreds of times learning the game’s cruel tricks, like invisible blocks or sudden screen flips. The boss fights, like Mike Tyson’s floating head, are absurdly tough and require memorizing erratic patterns. I laughed and cursed in equal measure playing this. It’s a love-hate experience that thrives on its unfairness.

FTL: Faster Than Light (2012)

‘FTL: Faster Than Light’ puts you in command of a spaceship fleeing a rebel fleet. This roguelike blends resource management, crew control, and real-time combat, with randomly generated sectors ensuring no two runs are the same. The game’s difficulty comes from its relentless pressure—every decision, from upgrading shields to fighting enemies, can lead to disaster.

The final boss, the Rebel Flagship, is a nightmare with multiple phases and devastating attacks. You’ll need a perfectly optimized ship and a bit of luck to survive. I’ve lost countless runs to bad RNG or a single misstep, like forgetting to repair my oxygen system. The game’s steep learning curve and permadeath make every victory feel earned.

Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts (1991)

‘Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts’ on the SNES is a gothic platformer that tests your reflexes and sanity. You play Arthur, a knight battling demons to save a princess. The game’s double-jump mechanic and array of weapons add depth, but the enemies and traps are merciless. Taking a single hit strips Arthur to his underwear, and a second ends your run.

Levels like the haunted ship or the fiery castle are packed with unpredictable hazards, and the game forces you to beat it twice to see the true ending. Bosses like Sardius require precise dodging and attack timing. I still get chills remembering the relentless pace. It’s a retro masterpiece that doesn’t let up.

Cuphead (2017)

‘Cuphead’ is a run-and-gun game styled like a 1930s cartoon, but don’t let the charming art fool you. You control Cuphead or Mugman, battling bosses in bullet-hell showdowns that demand lightning-fast reflexes. Each boss, like Grim Matchstick the dragon, has multiple phases with increasingly chaotic attack patterns.

The game’s parry system and limited health make every fight a high-stakes dance. Even the platforming levels, like the perilous Run ‘n Gun stages, are brutal. I spent hours mastering King Dice’s gauntlet of mini-bosses. ‘Cuphead’ blends style and substance, but its difficulty will leave you sweating and satisfied.

Returnal (2021)

‘Returnal’ is a roguelike shooter that traps you in a time loop on an alien planet. You play Selene, a scout facing hostile creatures in ever-shifting biomes. The game’s fast-paced combat requires constant movement and precise aiming, with bullet-hell patterns that punish hesitation. Random enemy spawns and gear drops add unpredictability.

Bosses like Phrike or Nemesis demand mastery of dodging and weapon choice, and dying sends you back to the start with nothing but your knowledge. The third biome, with its aggressive drones, still haunts me. I loved the adrenaline rush but cursed the restarts. ‘Returnal’ is a modern masterpiece that blends sci-fi horror with soul-crushing difficulty.

Which of these punishing games have you tackled, or is there another tough title I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!