The era of the PlayStation 4 has witnessed the rise of exceptional games that not only entertained but also tested the skills and resilience of players. As the PS5 takes the center stage, let's delve into the most demanding games that made their mark on the PS4 generation.
Updated on February 3, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: The PlayStation has long been hailed as a platform that promotes mature and challenging games. The PS4 is no exception, even in an era where games strive to be as accessible as possible. A fair share of quality titles rely on their difficulty to uplift the emotions players can enjoy in these games, which can make for a brilliant payoff if done correctly. Players who want to test their skills across numerous genres will find these hardest PS4 games to be right up their alley.
21 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
A Remake Of Three Highly Challenging Platformers
Naughty Dog's decision to revamp the classic Crash Bandicoot games for the PS4 delighted fans. The remake not only brought back nostalgic memories but also presented a formidable challenge. The platforming sequences, made even more demanding due to the remake's rounded edges, tested the agility and precision of players.
20 Devil May Cry 5
A Complex Combat System That Takes A While To Wrap One's Head Around
Capturing the essence of the hack-and-slash genre, Devil May Cry 5 demanded players to master its intricate combat mechanics. While initially daunting, the satisfaction of executing elaborate combos made the learning curve worthwhile, adding to the game's overall challenge.
19 Monster Hunter: World
Preparing For A Tough Fight Is Important, And Battling Monsters Solo Is Extremely Challenging
Monster Hunter: World redefined the series, introducing a wider audience to its challenging gameplay. Players had to meticulously prepare and equip themselves before taking on powerful monsters, adding a layer of strategic difficulty to the game.
18 Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus
A Single Misstep Can Shave Off A Lot Of Health, Which Is A Death Sentence When BJ's Health Is Capped At 50 Early On
The rebooted Wolfenstein series presented a formidable challenge, especially with its limited health mechanics. Players had to adopt a cautious approach, utilizing cover and stealth to overcome the game's relentless opposition.
17 XCOM 2
Turn-Based Tactics With A Permadeath Twist Made All The More Challenging By The Game's Unforgiving Difficulty
XCOM 2 defied the conventions of strategy games with its unrelenting difficulty and permanent consequences for mistakes. Players had to adapt to the game's punishing nature, leading to a truly challenging tactical experience.
16 Alien: Isolation
The Xenomorph Has Advanced AI And Can End A Player's Run In No Time
Alien: Isolation immersed players in a harrowing survival horror experience, amplified by the advanced AI of the Xenomorph. The constant threat of being hunted and the scarcity of resources made every moment a test of nerves and ingenuity.
15 Darkest Dungeon
It Takes A Long While For Players To Approach Dungeons Smartly And Accumulate The Best Party To Tackle Bosses
Darkest Dungeon embraced the strategic challenge, requiring players to carefully manage resources and party composition. The unforgiving nature of the dungeons demanded patience and planning to overcome the game's formidable adversaries.
14 Remnant: From The Ashes
Combines Soulslike Combat With Third-Person Shooting For A Challenging And Intriguing Spectacle
Remnant: From The Ashes blended intense combat with challenging encounters, offering players a thrilling and demanding gameplay experience. The fusion of different gameplay elements added layers of complexity, contributing to the game's overall difficulty.
13 Grim Fandango Remastered
A Bit Of Moon Logic Coupled With Tough Puzzles Make It Hard To Finish This Game Without A Guide
Grim Fandango Remastered presented players with challenging puzzles and obscure solutions, adding an intellectual hurdle to the game's difficulty. The need for meticulous problem-solving made progression a demanding and rewarding endeavor.
12 Cuphead
Ridiculously Challenging Side-Scroller Where Players Only Have Three Lives To Get Past Numerous Tough Bosses
Studio MDHR's Cuphead set a high bar for difficulty, placing players in relentless boss fights with minimal room for error. The game's unforgiving nature demanded precision and perseverance, making every victory a hard-earned triumph.
11 Surgeon Simulator
Control The Unwieldiest Hand Known To Man And Perform Delicate Surgeries
- Playable on: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, and PC
- Release Date: April 19, 2013
- Main Story Completion Time: 3 Hours
Surgeon Simulator delivered a unique and challenging experience, tasking players with performing delicate surgeries using intentionally unwieldy controls. The game's unconventional mechanics and demanding procedures made for a humorously challenging gameplay journey.
10 God Of War (Give Me God Of War Mode)
At Its Highest Difficulty, The God Of War Reboot Is No Joke
The highest difficulty setting in the God of War reboot elevated the game's challenge to new heights, testing players' combat prowess and strategic decision-making. The unforgiving nature of this mode demanded precision and adaptability, offering a grueling but rewarding experience.
9 Sundered
A Metroidvania That Loves To Bombard Players With Numerous Enemies At Once
- Playable on: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, and PC
- Release Date: July 28, 2017
- Main Story Completion Time: 12 Hours
Sundered challenged players with relentless enemy encounters, creating a dynamic and demanding gameplay experience. The game's emphasis on overwhelming adversaries added an intense layer of difficulty, pushing players to exhibit skillful combat and adaptability.
8 The Witness
A Simple Puzzle Structure That Becomes Deceptively Complex After A Point
The Witness presented players with an intricate and challenging puzzle structure that progressively grew in complexity. The game's deceptive simplicity gave way to perplexing conundrums, testing players' patience and analytical skills as they navigated the enigmatic island.
7 Dead Cells
Combines Roguelike Design With Side-Scrolling Soulslike Combat
Dead Cells merged challenging roguelike elements with engrossing combat, providing players with a demanding and endlessly replayable experience. The game's punishing nature and ever-changing obstacles offered a relentless test of skill and adaptability.
6 Elden Ring
It Might Be The Easiest FromSoftware Game, But Still Boasts Numerous Challenging Moments
Elden Ring continued FromSoftware's legacy of demanding gameplay, offering a vast and challenging open world filled with formidable adversaries. The game's emphasis on exploration, combat, and character progression presented players with a grueling but deeply rewarding journey.
5 Nioh & Nioh 2
The First Game Is Unforgivably Hard; The Second Game Has Better Balance But Is Still A Challenge
The Nioh series set a high standard for challenging gameplay, offering players unforgiving combat and relentless foes. The games demanded adaptability and skill, delivering a gratifying but formidable experience across both titles.
4 Dark Souls 3
A Fitting End To A Legendary FromSoftware Trilogy With Numerous Challenging Moments
Dark Souls 3 concluded the iconic trilogy with an unrelenting and challenging experience, testing players' resolve and skill. The game's formidable adversaries and intricate level design offered a fitting but grueling end to the renowned FromSoftware series.
3 Super Meat Boy
A Challenging Platformer Where The Cute Playable Character Can Be Slaughtered In Brutal Ways Continuously
Super Meat Boy presented players with a relentless and punishing platforming experience, challenging them to navigate treacherous levels with precision and agility. The game's demanding design and unforgiving obstacles made each success a hard-fought victory.
2 Bloodborne
A Gothic, Lovecraftian Soulsborne Game That's Incredibly Fast-Paced And Challenging
Bloodborne epitomized the challenging and fast-paced nature of the Soulsborne genre, immersing players in a relentless and formidable world. The game's emphasis on skillful combat and unforgiving foes made every encounter a test of reflexes and resilience.