Love Challenges? Here Are 5 Most Difficult AAA Video Games

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - AAA video games are typically designed to appeal to a wide audience, with accessibility and cinematic presentation often prioritizing extreme difficulty.

However, some AAA titles dare to challenge players with demanding mechanics, minimal error tolerance, and high difficulty levels.

These games prove that even big-budget productions can still be incredibly demanding.

Requiring precision, patience, and mastery, these games stand apart from the typical mainstream releases. While the challenge may deter casual players, those who persist will be rewarded with a deep sense of accomplishment.

Below are five of the most difficult AAA video games ever made, each renowned for testing players' skill, patience, and mental fortitude.

1. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands as one of the most unforgiving AAA games ever released. Unlike many action RPGs, it removes build variety and forces players to master a single, precise combat system centered on perfect timing and aggressive defense. Dodging alone is not enough—parrying is mandatory. Boss fights act as pure skill checks, often requiring dozens of attempts to learn attack patterns and reaction windows. The lack of difficulty options and minimal room for grinding make Sekiro a relentless test of reflexes and discipline.

2. Dark Souls III (2016)

As a mainstream AAA release, Dark Souls III brought the franchise’s signature difficulty to a broader audience without compromising its brutal identity. The game features fast, aggressive enemies, complex boss patterns, and punishing stamina management. Mistakes are harshly punished, and progress requires careful observation and adaptation. While more polished and accessible than its predecessors, Dark Souls III remains extremely demanding, especially for newcomers to the Souls formula.

3. Elden Ring (2022)

Despite being more open-ended, Elden Ring is still one of the hardest AAA games ever made. Its vast open world offers freedom, but the enemies and bosses are among the most aggressive and unpredictable in FromSoftware’s history. Players can easily wander into areas far beyond their skill level, leading to swift and repeated deaths. While optional content and exploration provide flexibility, the game still demands mastery of timing, positioning, and patience, especially in late-game encounters.

4. Bloodborne (2015)

Bloodborne pushes difficulty through speed and pressure. The game encourages aggressive play by rewarding players for attacking after taking damage, but this risk-reward system makes combat extremely tense. Enemies are fast, relentless, and often overwhelming, leaving little room for defensive play. Combined with a dark, oppressive atmosphere and limited healing resources early on, Bloodborne creates a uniquely punishing experience that requires constant focus and adaptability.

5. Lies of P (2019)

Lies of P stands out as one of the most challenging modern Soulslike games to receive AAA-level production and recognition. Inspired heavily by Bloodborne and Sekiro, it demands precise parries, strict timing, and disciplined aggression. Enemies are fast, deceptive, and hit extremely hard, while bosses often feature delayed attacks designed to punish impatience. The game’s difficulty lies in its rigidity—mistakes are costly, healing windows are limited, and mastery of the Perfect Guard system is essential for survival.