The 10 HARDEST Games You've NEVER Heard Of

“Selaco” (2024)

We don’t typically cover games that are still in early access, but we have to make a special case here for “Selaco”. On the surface, this looks like yet another retro-style boomer shooter with its polygonal models and mesmerizing visuals. On the contrary, it’s only that in appearance. Gameplay-wise, it’s about as tough as modern shooters can be. The AI can put you in a bind real quick, and you’ll have to balance between movement and hiding behind cover as you would in today’s military shooters. “Selaco” will make you sweat, and you’ll have a ton of fun playing and replaying every mission.

“StarVaders” (2025)

If you’ve been craving for a tough as nails deckbuilder, you really need to jump on this. “StarVaders” is a thrilling blend of card games and the gaming classic “Space Invaders”. Every turn, you’ll have to play a certain number of cards to destroy enemies before they advance closer to your position. Every deck comes with a unique mechanic to potentially increase your attack power, and the shop has even more cards to discover. Of course, you’ll only figure out these builds if you manage to assemble something powerful with what little you have. The first few levels will let you get a grasp on the mechanics, but it doesn’t take long for the hordes to get overwhelming.

“Salt and Sacrifice” (2022)

When “Dark Souls” was coming to a close, one indie developer managed to capitalize on its success by making a 2D action platformer inspired by it. “Salt and Sanctuary” became a sleeper hit in 2016 with its breathtaking artstyle and vast array of items and weapons to discover. It eventually spawned a sequel in 2022 called “Salt and Sacrifice”...which not many people seemed to give the time of day. A real shame given this sequel placed a greater emphasis on boss fights and even implemented online co-op for friends. If you haven’t, we highly recommend you give this game a try. It won’t be easy by any means (just like the first game), but “Salt and Sacrifice” is just as thrilling every time we’ve booted it up ourselves.

“PsiloSybil” (2021)

Hmm…something about this game feels deeply inspired by a particular bandicoot, and you wouldn’t be wrong in assuming that. “PsiloSybil” wears its “Crash Bandicoot” inspiration on its sleeve, but it still manages to create a 3D platforming experience that lets it stand on its own. The trippy visuals may win some over, but it won’t be long until some of you might be foaming at the mouth. This is a game that requires perfect platforming skills and a drive to complete every single level…which will likely take you more than a few tries to achieve. Trust us, no one is going to be perfect at this game. But for thirteen bucks, there’s a lot of fun to be had here.

“House of Necrosis” (2025)

What if “Resident Evil” played more like “Rogue”? That is the idea behind “House of Necrosis”. Much of the visuals and enemy variety is inspired by Capcom’s famed survival horror franchise. However, those unfamiliar with “Rogue” might find themselves in a pickle. Much like the historic RPG, the game only moves whenever you take an action, be it moving around the map or using an item. While you do have an insanely huge inventory, you will need to remember the items you acquire, what they do, and identify the best times to use them. Suffice it to say, that’s a lot easier said than done. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dying several times before you finally figure out a plan.

“Bat Boy” (2023)

“Bat Boy” is essentially the best of the hardest NES games ever made. On the surface, it’s a lot like “Mega Man” in how you acquire items from fighting bosses that can make the other levels easier. But many of the new powers you acquire mean tougher challenges ahead for even necessary progress. Eventually, you’ll have to use a wide mixture of these abilities for simply crossing gaps! If you can juggle a ton of different mechanics, you’ll quickly find the beauty in “Bat Boy”. Otherwise, proceed at your own risk.

“Bionic Bay” (2025)

“PsiloSybil” is trippy in its visuals. “Bionic Bay” is going to be trippy in…well, everything. As you venture across this mechanized wasteland, you’ll be granted a bevy of mind-bending powers. You’ll change gravity, rotate the world, harness and endure the elements of the world, all while trying to survive the metallic menaces lurking around every corner. You might find yourself even more stressed out if you get the itch to tackle the online competitive speedrunning modes. But in the end, what you’ll find is a platformer that will impress, entrance, and entertain until the moment you hit the end credits.

“Nubby’s Number Factory” (2025)

Don’t let the visuals deter you from giving it a try - “Nubby’s Number Factory” is pure serotonin. Perhaps it's just from our simple human brains getting satisfied from seeing numbers get bigger. Regardless, this pachinko roguelite sees you launching Nubby in order to rack up a high score. Between levels, you’ll get to buy and equip a ton of bizarre items that can further boost your score, strengthen pegs, weaken pegs, create new pegs, attack multiple pegs at once, and so much more. At first, this can all seem overwhelming, and you’ll likely cause the sun to explode a handful of times before you find the build that works for you. For five bucks, you really do get a ton of replay value and a ton of challenges to overcome.

“Downwell” (2015)

Back when they weren’t as well-known, Devolver Digital published this little gem way back in 2015. “Downwell” is a vertical action-platformer where you must fall to the bottom of a well while shooting baddies from above. You’ll get to access various weapons to help you reach the depths, but the key to winning here is timing. Falling for too long will make you go faster, thus possibly resulting in you getting hit. And spoilers - you don’t get a ton of health! Sound tough? It is, but don’t let that steer you away. Just a couple of tries will have you wanting to beat your own score.

“Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights” (2021)

This indie game has some incredibly breathtaking animations and environments. But behind the pretty face lies a challenge that is far too great for some. This action RPG has a difficulty spike that might become too much for some. The first hour or two will allow you to get a feel for the controls and feel tough but fair in its combat encounters. But once you reach the second or third area, you’ll start to notice enemies get substantially more health than they did a few minutes ago. Soon enough, every enemy feels like a boss leading up to a boss. Be prepared for many long and grueling fights in “Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights”.

What’s a challenging game you think people have been ignoring? Let us know down in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to MojoPlays.