Developer id Software is known for creating sequels that ramp up the difficulty level. Unlike other game series that become easier over time, DOOM Eternal challenges players with its 'Hurt Me Plenty' and 'Ultra-Nightmare' modes, catering to hardcore gamers.
While DOOM Eternal is tough, there are FPS games that go even further in testing players' skills. These games have earned a reputation for their extreme difficulty and relentless gameplay.
Updated by Ritwik Mitra on March 15, 2024: Despite a slower start, DOOM Eternal successfully revitalized the franchise. The game's intense demon-slaying action and metal soundtrack captivated many players. However, for gamers seeking an even tougher challenge, several FPS titles surpass DOOM Eternal.
18 Apex Legends
Battle Royale With Experienced Players
Respawn's Apex Legends merges the best of Titanfall 2 into a battle royale format, offering a challenging and popular experience. The game's tough competition and frequent updates have solidified its position among gamers.
17 Valorant
Hero Shooter Abilities With Tactical FPS Gameplay
Valorant's blend of strategic gameplay and hero shooter elements has captivated players since its launch. The game's high skill ceiling and teamwork requirements provide a tough but rewarding FPS experience.
16 Escape From Tarkov
A Realistic, Hardcore Multiplayer Shooter That Takes No Prisoners
Escape From Tarkov emphasizes realism and teamwork over solo power fantasies, offering a punishing but exhilarating gameplay experience. Overcoming challenges and outsmarting opponents in this game is a true test of skill.
15 System Shock 2 (Impossible Difficulty)
Respawning Enemies And Lack Of Resources Are Huge Pains
System Shock 2's 'Impossible' difficulty setting showcases the game's challenging nature, earning it critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. The game's innovative mechanics and atmosphere have left a lasting impact on the FPS genre.
14 Duke Nukem 3D (Damn, I'm Good Difficulty)
Old-School FPS Games Are Incredibly Difficult
Duke Nukem 3D's challenging gameplay and destructible environments set it apart as a demanding classic FPS title. The game's high difficulty level and homage to DOOM make it a tough but rewarding experience for players.
13 S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow Of Chernobyl (Master Difficulty)
Every Action Needs To Be Calculated
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow Of Chernobyl challenges players with its realistic survival mechanics and deep RPG elements. The game's Master difficulty requires strategic thinking and careful decision-making to navigate its post-apocalyptic world.
12 Operation Flashpoint: Red River (Hardcore Difficulty)
A Single Bullet Can Be Deadly
Operation Flashpoint: Red River's hardcore mode offers a realistic and intense tactical shooter experience. The game's emphasis on strategy and precise gameplay makes every decision crucial for survival, providing a challenging cooperative gameplay.
11 Arma 2 (Expert Difficulty)
A Military Sim That Is As Brutal As One Could Expect
Arma 2's expert difficulty level immerses players in a realistic military simulation, requiring careful planning and teamwork to survive. The game's challenging mechanics and unforgiving gameplay make it a tough but rewarding experience for FPS enthusiasts.
10 Metro 2033 (Hardcore Difficulty)
A Single Missed Shot Can Spell Doom
Metro 2033's hardcore difficulty mode presents a challenging survival experience where every decision matters. The game's intense gameplay and immersive world create a gripping and intense FPS adventure that pushes players to their limits.
9 GoldenEye 007 (00 Agent Difficulty)
A Perfect Example Of What 'Nintendo Hard' Means
GoldenEye 007's 00 Agent difficulty level challenges players with tough objectives and relentless enemies, embodying the 'Nintendo Hard' gaming style. The game's demanding missions and strategic gameplay make it a classic but difficult FPS experience.
8 Halo 2 (Legendary Difficulty)
A Single Misstep Can Lead To The Master Chief Breathing His Last
Halo 2's legendary difficulty setting provides a challenging and unforgiving gameplay experience, testing players' skills and resilience. The game's tough enemies and intense combat scenarios make it a formidable FPS title that pushes players to their limits.
7 Metro Exodus (Hardcore Ranger Difficulty)
Stealth Is Downright Mandatory
Metro Exodus' Hardcore Ranger difficulty mode challenges players with its intense stealth and combat mechanics, creating a thrilling and demanding FPS experience. The game's immersive world and challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of tough shooters.
6 Counter-Strike 2
Seasoned Players Frequent This Game
Counter-Strike 2 offers a steep learning curve and a high skill ceiling, attracting seasoned players and FPS enthusiasts. The game's competitive gameplay and varied strategies make it a challenging but rewarding experience for those willing to master its mechanics.
5 Far Cry (Realistic Mode)
Enemies Have Excellent Vision and Pinpoint Accuracy
Far Cry's Realistic Mode offers a tough and immersive gameplay experience, challenging players with smart and deadly enemies. The game's intense combat scenarios and challenging AI make it a thrilling but difficult FPS adventure for players seeking a tough challenge.
4 Star Wars: Dark Forces (Hard Difficulty)
A Player's Reflexes Need To Be Perfect
Star Wars: Dark Forces provides a challenging and intense FPS experience on its hard difficulty setting, testing players' reflexes and skills. The game's classic gameplay and tough enemies offer a rewarding but demanding journey for fans of the Star Wars universe.
3 Doom (Nightmare! Difficulty)
Enemies Hit Like A Truck And Swarm The Player
The original Doom's Nightmare! difficulty setting provides a challenging and relentless gameplay experience, pushing players to their limits. The game's tough enemies and fast-paced action make it a classic but difficult FPS title that demands precision and quick reflexes.
2 Call Of Duty: World At War (Veteran Difficulty)
A Single Hit Can End The Player's Run
Call of Duty: World At War's Veteran difficulty level challenges players with its intense combat and high enemy damage, creating a tough and unforgiving gameplay experience. The game's strategic gameplay and challenging scenarios make it a formidable FPS title that tests players' skills and determination.
1 Doom 2: Hell On Earth (Nightmare! Difficulty)
No Punches Are Pulled On The Hardest Setting
Doom 2: Hell On Earth's Nightmare! difficulty setting offers a challenging and punishing gameplay experience, pushing players to their limits. The game's tough enemies and relentless action make it a classic but difficult FPS title that demands precision, strategy, and quick reflexes.