The 20 HARDEST PS5 Games

Baldurs Gate III (2023)

On the surface, Baldurs Gate III looks like it would play like your average tactical RPG, the only exception being the movement doesnt restrict you to a grid. But the differences go a lot deeper than that. Firstly, the wide variety of status ailments can throw you off if you arent familiar with the intricacies of tabletop RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons. Second, the AI is not going to let you off the hook easy, even in the early game. So, expect plenty of missed ranged attacks and maybe a downed ally or twoassuming you arent trying to lone wolf it.

RetroRealms: Halloween & Evil Dead (2024)

RetroRealms is enticing enough to attract just about any Halloween or Evil Dead fan. Unfortunately, some folks may not have been too happy with how obscenely unfair the game can get. The key to completing RetroRealms is by switching between dimensions. Jumping between the normal world and the nightmarish demon world will be required every once in a while to progress normally. However, finding every secret will require you to use it more often than normal. The worst part about this is that because the game is running both worlds at the same time, you can easily wind up spawning right in front of an enemy and get hit before you can even react. Honestly, not the most fair game WayForward has developed.

Lies of P (2023)

Now, those familiar with Lies of P can already summarize this with a simple this game plays like this other game. And Lies of P certainly does play like one of FromSoftwares famous titles. But the main reason why NEOWIZ and Round8s game is so difficult is because of the massive enemy variety. It often feels like every corner you turn in Krat hides some new enemy youve never seen before or havent seen enough of. In other words, youre constantly learning something new and having to adjust to the situation at hand.

Metaphor: ReFantazio (2024)

While Atlus has certainly developed tougher games before, Metaphor: ReFantazio is the hardest game theyve put out in recent years. No, this is not just some Persona but other thing kind of game. Metaphor gives the player more control over their party formation than any other game Atlus has made. You can have characters change Archetypes that can affect their stats, abilities, and how often certain enemies may attack them. On top of that, you have to be mindful of whether your characters are at the front of battle or hanging back. Both of these aspects of Metaphors combat can be a tad confusing for some folks, and it can be easy to mess up the party if you arent thinking over your battle strategy carefully.

Nine Sols (2024)

One may dismiss Nine Sols as a 2D Dark Souls or a Hollow Knight clone, but honestly, some may find this game to be harder than either of those games! Unlike Team Cherrys renowned gem, Nine Sols gives the player more tools to dodge and execute unique attacks. Problem is that the gamefeel is certainly not going to jive with some players. There are definitely some hitboxes that wont look right while, and the parry mechanic certainly doesnt function the same way as other action-platformers or action RPGs. Needless to say, there absolutely is a steep learning curve that is going to require a ton of patience from the player, perhaps more than some are willing to give.

Helldivers 2 (2024)

The first Helldivers game was already notorious for its intense levels of difficulty. Helldivers 2, on the other hand, kind of blows its predecessor out of the water. And were not just saying that because of the different camera perspective. Between the physics, environmental hazards, and friendly fire, there are so many stupid ways to get yourself killed that don't always involve enemies. Things can get especially stressful when youre trying to input codes to drop additional firepower and supplies onto the battlefield mid-fight. That said, youll always feel like youre in a bind and left wondering how youre still alive.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (2025)

Though it isnt the most brutal turn-based RPG weve ever played, that doesnt mean Clair Obscur is this super easy cakewalk. One may point to the many different combat mechanics that can make the game confusing for less experienced players. Most have pointed the finger to the dodge and parry windows as the main reason why they keep dying. Indeed, Clair Obscurs dodge and parry windows are super picky and require precise timing to pull off. While dodging is slightly easier to perform, much of the game depends on your ability to parry as that will get you out of combat faster and more efficiently. Our advice: use the spar match against Maelle during the prologue to try and get a grasp on the mechanics as early as possible.

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake (2024)

The original Dragon Quest III is already a super tough game, tougher than the original two Dragon Quest games. Though the remake does offer some features that make things slightly easier, it doesnt change much in the combat and difficulty scaling. Enemies can still hit just as hard as they did on NES, and the way some weapons function differently than the rest can impede or accelerate your progress depending on how your party is operating. Some players may also wind up frustrated with their AI party members if theyre allowing them to act independently. Really, this classic is not for the easily agitated.

The First Berserker: Khazan (2025)

Of all the games that were released in 2025, many folks found The First Berserker to be grueling to endure. Fun, but grueling. Despite looking and playing like a FromSoftware game, The First Berserker is a physical and mental test of endurance, specifically when it comes to boss fights. Just a couple of hits from a boss can be enough to put you at Deaths door, and even when youre landing several meaty hits, you may not be knocking off huge chunks of health as other action RPGs would allow. Your patience will be tested, so its important that you try not to rush through boss fights and get greedy when theyre getting low on health.

Ninja Gaiden II Black (2025)

We spent so many years begging for the return of the 3D Ninja Gaiden games. We managed to get a new version of Ninja Gaiden II, but some wound up regretting their wish after playing. Ninja Gaiden II Black is so unnecessarily punishing at times between bosses turtling and enemies being able to chip off parts of your health bar that you cannot recover unless you heal in specific ways. The second level will especially test your BS tolerance as enemies appear from trap doors, walls, and around corners of super narrow hallways. This is definitely a game you should play at your own risk - you may not feel the same about Ninja Gaiden after this.

Demons Souls (2020)

God of War: Ragnarok (2022)

Crash Bandicoot 4: Its About Time (2020)

Ghostrunner (2020)

Like A Dragon: Ishin! (2023)

Monster Hunter Rise (2021)

Marvels Midnight Suns (2022)

Nioh 2 (2019)

Returnal (2021)

My Friend Peppa Pig (2021)

Elden Ring (2022)

Whats the toughest game youve played on PS5? Did it make our list? Let us know down in the comments, and dont forget to subscribe to MojoPlays for more great videos everyday!