Guides & Editorial
From legendary action-RPGs to precision indie platformers, PlayStation has plenty of games that will put you through your paces. If you're looking for the ultimate gaming challenge, then step right up.
You against the world
Games that start as a desperate fight for survival, but personal mastery will see you styling on foes with satisfying finesse.
Fast, fluid and relentless, Devil May Cry 5 pushes players to master its deep combat systems, emphasising style over efficiency. Switching weapons on the fly, juggling enemies and maintaining combos under pressure is essential, especially at higher difficulties where even early-game foes become deadly.
Devil May Cry 5 is very approachable at first, with lower difficulty options and automatic combos helping to slowly ease you in. But its higher difficulty modes transform the experience completely. Enemies become more aggressive, hit harder and require precise execution to deal with efficiently. Without a strong grasp of each character’s abilities, even regular encounters can spiral out of control.
Spend time in the Void learning each character’s moveset and exploring how different attacks chain together to keep enemies locked down. Learn to prioritise different targets in groups – taking out the fodder first to help you focus on the real threats that require some breathing room.
A legendary name in challenging action games returns with blisteringly fast combat, relentless enemies and hard-hitting bosses. Despite this, Ninja Gaiden 4’s campaign is actually one of the more accessible in the series, though the Two Masters DLC features new foes that push even veterans to their limits.
Oh, yes. Ninja Gaiden’s reputation is well earned and its fourth entry feels right at home with the others. Enemies are aggressive, attack in large groups and punish inattention harshly. For most, Ninja Gaiden isn’t about style, it’s about survival and efficiency.
Learn your invincibility frames – they’re essential for surviving encounters against enemy swarms. As Ryu, your Ninpo is exceptionally powerful, even on bosses. And for both playable characters, don’t underestimate the value of accessories. For example, the Shadow God's Orb increases your dodging ability, and the Leech Fang Amulet restores your health on every Obliteration.
A masterclass in martial arts combat, Sifu demands precision, timing and discipline. Each defeat ages your character, increasing the stakes and difficulty as you push through its tightly designed gauntlets of Hong Kong cinema-style encounters.
Sifu is unforgiving, particularly early on. Its timing windows and escalating consequences for failure mean every mistake really matters, and repeated defeats are devastating. The game makes it nearly impossible to succeed first time out, but it’s not about how many times you’re knocked down, it’s about how many times you get back up.
Patience is essential. Learn enemy attack patterns, make use of parries and dodges and revisit earlier stages to improve your performance. Importantly, combat abilities can be unlocked permanently with enough XP, so don’t be afraid to grind out earlier levels to make things more manageable in the long run.
Balletic and fiercely technical, Bayonetta’s combat rewards precision and punishes hesitation. The real challenge however, is in maintaining focus and composure amidst the bombastic spectacle that is its angel-slaying Verses in full flow.
At higher difficulties, Bayonetta becomes a serious test of skill. Enemies are faster, more aggressive and far less forgiving, demanding consistent execution and sharp reactions. Furthermore, remixed enemy placement means you’ll be fighting the game’s tougher foes much earlier.
Master the Witch Time mechanic. Perfectly timed dodges slow enemies down, giving you space to deal damage and control the fight. Accessories make a huge difference too, and the right ones can trivialise the higher difficulty modes. Just be prepared to do some grinding for them. At a minimum, the Moon of Mahaa-Kalaa adds an invaluable deflect ability to your arsenal.
Blending character action-style combat with some soulslike systems, Stellar Blade challenges players with aggressive otherworldly enemies and visually stunning boss encounters. Success largely hinges on precise timing and proper gear optimisation.
Yes, though a well-thought-out build can make things somewhat easier. Enemies attack in rapid sequences and punish missed parries heavily. Boss fights in particular require sustained concentration, with some particularly challenging foes in the DLC.
Master defensive timing first. Perfect parries and dodges are key to creating openings and building energy for your powerful Beta skills. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, optimise Eve’s equipment to support your preferred playstyle. Starting defensive will help you survive long enough to learn enemy attack patterns, after which, you can push more towards offence.
Veterans of hardcore action
The Tokyo-based developer behind the 'Souls' series has forged a fearsome reputation for itself amongst gamers – it's time to 'get good'.
Building on over a decade of experience designing hardcore fantasy roleplaying games, FromSoftware returns in collaboration with George R. R. Martin, author of The New York Times best-selling fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, with a sprawling journey through the fantastical Lands Between. Elden Ring combines stealth, action, character building and open-world traversal to deliver their most ambitious game to date - all with their signature style of brutal difficulty.
Get the game’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion to further your adventures, and push the challenge into unforgiving new territory in the multiplayer spin-off, Elden Ring: Nightreign.
While it's not FromSoftware's most challenging game, it's by no means a pushover. While Elden Ring's open-world design does make it a little easier to pick your fights, you'll eventually have to face down some daunting enemies.
There's a lot to be said for taking your time in Elden Ring. It's a huge game and while you can follow Sites of Grace directly from one boss to the next, you're far better served exploring the world. There are dozens of armour sets, unique weapons and amulets to acquire that will improve your chances - and a great deal of practise to be had!
Bloodborne is a standout among the studio's celebrated output, trading dark fantasy settings for a more modern, gothic feel. Taking on the role of a lone hunter, you must explore the blighted town of Yharnam and its surrounding locales in search of the cure to a terrible blood curse. Filled to bursting with grisly body horror and monstrous foes, Bloodborne is every bit as challenging as its siblings.
For sure. Its fast-paced combat and huge enemy variety drive a much more aggressive style of play that will be a difficult adjustment for Dark Souls veterans. After all, “shields are nice, but not if they engender passivity”. Beyond the many encounters and bosses around Yharnam, there are still more to conquer in Bloodborne's Chalice Dungeons: fiendish labyrinths filled with traps, unpredictable enemies and intimidating bosses.
The trick is to be aggressive. Bloodborne employs a special Rally mechanic that means if you retaliate quickly enough after taking damage, you'll regain some of your lost health. The side-step manoeuvre (replacing Dark Souls' dodge-roll) also means that you're more mobile and can benefit from moving quickly around enemies and landing hits from all angles.
From the same merciless team behind Bloodborne and Dark Souls, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a meticulously crafted ninja adventure that demands concentration, patience and precision. What’s more, you’ll be suffering alone – unlike its forebearers, you can’t call on other players to help take down bosses. The rewards are worth it though: brilliant combat, extraordinary enemy design and a huge world to explore. Players longing for a taste of the old Tenchu games will feel right at home here.
Many have argued that Sekiro is FromSoftware's toughest game to date and there's plenty to support the assertion. While the world does have challenging moments, Sekiro's duel-style boss encounters demand a level of concentration and finesse not often seen in games.
Don't play it like other FromSoftware games. Sekiro's unique combat puts a strong emphasis on blocking and deflections. Whilst some attacks have to be dodged, there's much more to be gained by deflecting - done repeatedly it will push the enemy off balance, leaving them vulnerable to devastating Death Blows.
A ground-up remake of the ‘original brutal challenge’, Demon’s Souls is a vast, visually stunning adventure filled with formidable enemies and massive boss encounters. For those familiar with FromSoftware’s other work, this modernised version of where it all began is an essential experience.
Absolutely, at least for genre newcomers. Demon’s Souls is known for its punishing level design, sparse checkpoints and enemies that can quickly overwhelm the unprepared. Mistakes are costly and often send you back further than expected. FromSoftware veterans however, may find it easier than their later works, as the studio have continued to push player limits over time, and this remake stays highly faithful to the original release.
Like many other soulslikes, take your time and approach each encounter carefully. Use shields, manage your stamina and lure enemies out one at a time wherever possible. Unlock shortcuts for easier traversal and upgrade your gear regularly at either Blacksmith Boldwin in the Nexus, or Ed in Stonefang Tunnel.
The first new entry in the long-running Armoured Core series in over a decade, Armoured Core VI reunites the veteran developer and franchise in a brutal, brilliant combination of classic mech combat and modern production values. As a merc for hire, players control the ‘AC’ (Armoured Core) that they can customise to their liking by assembling it with a wide variety of frames and weapons, repainting individual parts, and engage in fast-paced battles across the battlefield.
Though it's far removed from the 'Souls'-style formula, Armoured Core VI remains an intimidating game. For most, the very three-dimensional approach to combat (which involves both grounded and aerial tactics) is an extra level of demand, alongside the huge number of weapon options, masses of incoming projectiles and fast-moving foes.
Your Armoured Core (or AC) is almost infinitely flexible and there's a huge variety of options in how it's built and outfitted. If you're riding the same loadout into every mission you're likely making life harder than it needs to be. Consider the challenges of each mission, the types of enemies you'll be up against and outfit your AC to give you the advantage.
How to win fights and influence people
While FromSoftware gets their own dedicated section, they aren’t the only players in the hard-as-nails action-RPG space. These contenders hit just as hard, and demand just as much persistence to survive.
Lies of P is a brutally challenging but exquisitely executed action adventure that celebrates the very best of the genre. Fast-paced precision combat, colossal boss battles and sprawling interconnected environments strewn with hidden secrets and deadly traps lie in wait for all who dare enter.
There's no doubt about it: Lies of P is a tough cookie, with a particular emphasis on the multi-phase boss fights. These encounters will test your ability to dodge, parry and attack fiercely aggressive enemies with huge health pools and devastating attacks.
Paying careful attention to your build is key to victory: each of your main components can be swapped out to improve your resistance to varying damage types, weapons have their own unique damage types and combat styles and amulets offer additional perks that can even the odds. If you're struggling, then careful planning can often trump bloody-minded determination.
From the makers of Ninja Gaiden and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Nioh 3 is the latest instalment in Team Ninja's critically acclaimed dark samurai action-RPG series. Evolving the deep, varied combat and historical fantasy setting the series is beloved for, Nioh 3 invites players into a much larger world of 'open field' zones. Meanwhile, a dual-style combat system allows you to switch seamlessly between Samurai and Ninja playstyles.
Long-time fans of the series will find a familiar level of challenge: varied, high-precision combat re-envisioned with greater traversal freedom, rapid build switching and more stealth options. Newcomers might have a steeper hill to climb in learning the rhythm, but the good news is that Nioh 3 is a standalone adventure that can be enjoyed with no prior knowledge of the series.
Care, preparation and patience are the keys to victory. Explore both the world at large and the systems that power you through combat. Taking careful consideration of character's abilities, weapons and armour and your enemies' strengths and weakness is transformative in battle. If you’re in need of assistance, don’t be afraid to offer up an Ochoko Cup at a Shrine to call in other players.
From the makers of Ninja Gaiden and Nioh, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a demanding action adventure set in a dark vision of the Three Kingdoms’ Later Han Dynasty. You play as a nameless soldier fighting human and demonic threats and must maintain your Morale Rank to succeed against powerful foes and brutal bosses.
Those experienced with previous Team Ninja games will know that the team loves to challenge its players, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is no exception. It’s hard but fair and provides warnings when you are about to face especially difficult foes.
Practise your Deflect ability, as this will allow you to maintain momentum in combat. The more aggressive you remain, the better your Morale Rank and the quicker enemies will fall. If you die, ensure you return to kill the enemy that defeated you to reclaim lost Genuine Qi, as this is needed to level up.
Set 800 years before the events of the Dungeon Fighter Online universe, The First Berserker: Khazan delivers fast, aggressive combat that borders on character action. Battles are relentless, with enemies applying constant pressure and bosses demanding precise timing, strong positioning and resource management to survive.
Absolutely. Khazan leans into the faster, more aggressive side of the genre for both you and your foes. Enemies chain attacks, punish hesitation and force you to react quickly. Boss fights are especially demanding, often featuring multiple phases, tight timing windows and heavy damage for even small mistakes.
Focus on controlling the pace of combat. Learn when to use Brink Guard and Dodge, and avoid overcommitting to long attack chains. Managing stamina and positioning carefully will help you stay alive and create safe opportunities to strike.
Set in a dark reimagining of late Ming Dynasty China, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers blends atmospheric exploration with punishing, methodical combat. Dangerous enemies and layered environments await, but the incredible world design will keep you pushing to see everything on offer.
Wuchang follows the genre’s tradition of demanding combat. Enemies hit hard, vary their attack patterns and punish missed inputs, while bosses often require multiple attempts to learn and overcome.
Play patiently and observe closely. Learn enemy patterns, manage your resources and adjust your tactics between encounters. Outside of combat, you’ll want to chat with NPCs to discover new questlines and earn their rewards, and don’t be afraid to respec if your current build isn’t working out. You can reset your points anytime at a Shrine.
Conquer the climb
If you thought the lack of a Z-axis would make things easy, think again. Every jump, dodge and attack must be carefully executed in these challenging two-dimensional adventures.
A visually striking physics-based platformer where movement, momentum and timing are everything. The difficulty here comes from simultaneously navigating its hazardous environments using precise jumps and problem solving on the fly.
Yes, Bionic Bay is deceptively tough. Its physics-driven movement means even small miscalculations can lead to failure, especially in later stages where hazards are tightly spaced and timing windows are minimal.
Focus on mastering movement first. Learn how momentum carries you through each jump and adjust your timing carefully. Rushing leads to mistakes, so take a measured approach and refine your inputs through repetition.
The follow-up to Hollow Knight builds on its predecessor’s demanding combat and exploration, introducing faster movement as Hornet, new abilities and a host of deadly enemies. Expect intricate level design and challenging encounters, but with narrative payoff that makes it well worth the struggle.
Very much so. Difficulty-wise, Silksong expects you to be already familiar with the challenge of late-game Hollow Knight, so series newcomers are in for a steep learning curve.
Try adopting a mobile, defensive approach in combat. Land a few strikes, then reposition rather than overcommitting. Manage your Silk carefully, only healing in safe windows, and explore thoroughly. Hidden paths, tools and upgrades will significantly improve your chances in tougher fights.
A deceptively simple platformer that evolves into a demanding test of precision. Celeste features complex levels that require exact timing, fast reactions and complete control as new mechanics are introduced and combined in later stages.
Yes, but it’s somewhat up to you. Celeste’s optional content pushes precision platforming to its limits, and later levels demand near-perfect execution for extended sequences. You can however, enable Assist Mode to make things significantly more manageable while learning the ropes.
There’s no silver bullet for making Celeste easy, it’s just consistency and repetition. Break each challenge into smaller parts, learn the timing of every jump and dash, and once you have the execution down, you’ll just need to stay calm and focused as you navigate the mountain.
Despite deriving its striking art style from 20th-century cartoons, Cuphead is anything but child's play. Beyond the colourful, characterful facade is a brutally challenging bullet-hell shooter. You'll need patience, careful timing and deft thumbs to overcome the many multi-stage bosses, some of which comprise whole stages by themselves.
There's an old-school run-and-gun sensibility to Cuphead's combat that harkens back to the hard-as-nails shoot 'em ups of the arcade scene. If you were playing this on an arcade cabinet you'd need a lot of quarters to get to the end credits.
If you want to make life that much easier, then take time to master Cuphead's 'Parry Slap' mechanic. This very useful and relatively straightforward ability will allow you to avoid damage from a whole assortment of projectiles (look out for anything pink), whilst also filling up your Super Metre.
The sequel to The Game Kitchen's arresting action platformer expands and improves upon everything that made the original such a break-out hit. The art direction is sublimely grotesque, the combat deliberate and visceral, and the level design truly masterful. Moreover, it packs a real punch when it comes to difficulty, building an atmosphere of dread that perfectly complements the world's characters and setting.
Featuring a cavalcade of challenging enemies, tough platforming puzzles and some fearsome boss fights, Blasphemous 2 is without a doubt a tough game. It might not be the most brutal on this list, but it will most certainly give you a run for your money.
Don't be afraid to explore around – there's more than one direction to take through Blasphemous 2. If you're struggling with one area, it's sometimes best to try your luck elsewhere. You might find additional weapons and items, or unlock new abilities that will come in handy in overcoming earlier difficulties.
If at first you don't succeed
Each run is a fresh start, but the challenge never lets up. Adapt your approach, refine your strategy and improve with each attempt… or perish.
A novel evolution of its arcade shoot 'em up legacy, Housemarque's PS5 exclusive pulls no punches. Designed to intensify the main character Selene's ongoing struggle for freedom, Returnal's world and enemies transform every encounter into a desperate, fast-paced fight for survival.
Returnal is definitely out to challenge the player. Some of its tougher segments will see zones packed with dangerous projectiles, brutal teleporting enemies and environmental traps. Permanent progression is hard won and death caries a heavy cost, often putting you right back at square one. Those who have bested Returnal should check out the title's spiritual sequel, SAROS, bringing even more sci-fi bullet-hell shooter action to PS5.
As a roguelike, perseverance is baked into the design. The cyclical nature of the game welcomes experimentation: play around with different weapons, tackle objectives in different orders and build your familiarity with how the game's different interlocking systems can work to help or to hinder you.
A slick and stylish roguelike where Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld, must vanquish the powerful Chronos – or die trying, over and over again. Strike up relationships with a colourful cast of iconic gods and heroes from across the Greek pantheon. Use their unique blessings to enhance your weapons and find a fighting style that will help you bring down the Titan of Time.
The forces of Chronos require quick thinking and skill to overcome, but various perks will help you on your journey. However, you won’t always get your favourite Boon, so if you’re not willing to adapt then you will struggle. You’ll need to understand them all so you can change your game plan depending on the gods you encounter.
Prioritise upgrading Melinoë’s Grasp, which allows you to equip Arcana Cards and bring more permanent stat buffs and abilities into battle with you each Night. If you're struggling to progress, The Wayward Son is a useful card to equip early on. It restores 3 Life whenever you exit a Location.
A fluid action platformer where every run is different, Dead Cells’ procedurally generated levels are filled with relentless foes, with each stage escalating in difficulty. Success depends on building powerful loadouts as early as possible, mastering movement and, ideally, a little luck.
Yes, Dead Cells is unforgiving, especially at higher Boss Cell levels. Enemies hit hard, healing is limited and the game heavily rewards avoiding damage entirely. Systems like cursed chests and kill streak rewards push you consistently toward mastering clean, consistent play for maximum reward.
On your early runs, focus your builds around a single stat, stack weapons and abilities that scale together and use effects like poison, bleed or burn to boost damage. Parrying is incredibly strong, but dodging is generally easier while you get a feel for things and learn enemy attacks.
A mysterious, system-driven adventure where progress depends as much on observation as action, Blue Prince challenges players to explore, expand and examine carefully with every new run. Success comes from paying close attention to your surroundings and permanent unlocks that open up new possibilities over time.
Yes, but Blue Prince is demanding in a very different way to most games on this list. Its challenge comes from uncertainty, limited information and the need to notice details that might seem unimportant at first. If you rush, ignore clues or overlook permanent upgrades, your progress will be glacially slow.
Be curious, take notes and think outside the box. As you explore, read everything, look closely at every room and keep track of details that seem unusual. Early on, you’ll want to focus more on securing permanent progression and exploring new areas.
Form a party, equip your stagecoach and set off across a decaying landscape in this sequel to the critically acclaimed Darkest Dungeon. Avert the apocalypse through roguelike gameplay, experimenting with tactics to overcome unspeakable horrors and building bonds with your companions.
Each mission, or expedition, presents its own challenges, so some are easier than others. The most-demanding ones require utmost concentration and the right preparation, as how you use the limited resources at your disposal can be the difference between life and death.
Forming friendly bonds with your party members is essential for keeping the group together in battle. The game’s Affinity System determines how individuals work with each other, and establishing and maintaining team harmony will give you an edge against the nightmares before you.
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