Top Unforgiving Games
60+ unforgiving games ranked by player tags and tunable re-ranking. Related tags include Singleplayer, Action, Difficult, Indie.
Recommended Unforgiving Games

DARK SOULS™ II
Developed by FROM SOFTWARE, DARK SOULS™ II is the highly anticipated sequel to the gruelling 2011 breakout hit Dark Souls. The unique old-school action RPG experience captivated imaginations of gamers worldwide with incredible challenge and intense emotional reward.

Cairn
Reach a summit never climbed before in this survival-climber from the creators of Furi and Haven. Climb anywhere and plan your route carefully, managing pitons and resources to survive unforgiving Mount Kami. Discover what Aava is willing to sacrifice to achieve the ascent of a lifetime.
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- #1 DARK SOULS™ II98% matchVery Positive88% of 45,331 reviews2014Developer: FromSoftware, Inc.Publisher: BANDAI NAMCO EntertainmentPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 46.6hMean: 86.9h≥1hr: 91%
Developed by FROM SOFTWARE, DARK SOULS™ II is the highly anticipated sequel to the gruelling 2011 breakout hit Dark Souls. The unique old-school action RPG experience captivated imaginations of gamers worldwide with incredible challenge and intense emotional reward.
- #2 Cairn94% matchVery Positive94% of 16,522 reviews2026Developer: The Game BakersPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 6.8hMean: 10.7h≥1hr: 88%
Reach a summit never climbed before in this survival-climber from the creators of Furi and Haven. Climb anywhere and plan your route carefully, managing pitons and resources to survive unforgiving Mount Kami. Discover what Aava is willing to sacrifice to achieve the ascent of a lifetime.
- #3 Gloomhaven93% matchVery Positive82% of 15,788 reviews2021Developer: Flaming Fowl StudiosPublisher: Twin Sails InteractivePlatforms: Windows, MacMedian: 6.6hMean: 32.3h≥1hr: 85%
Lead your band of mercenaries in the land of Gloomhaven, work with unsavoury individuals, shape the fate of the region, fight your way through horrific places and get rich or die trying in this ruthless Tactical-RPG.
- #4 XCOM: Enemy Unknown93% matchVery Positive93% of 57,975 reviews2012Developer: Firaxis GamesPublisher: 2KPlatforms: Windows, LinuxMedian: 10.8hMean: 35.0h≥1hr: 93%
The XCOM: Enemy Unknown - Slingshot Pack is Now Available!
- #5 WORLD OF HORROR90% matchVery Positive90% of 9,731 reviews2023Developer: panstaszPublisher: Ysbryd GamesPlatforms: Windows, MacMedian: 2.6hMean: 7.7h≥1hr: 71%
Experience the quiet terror of this 1-bit love letter to Junji Ito and H.P. Lovecraft. Navigate a hellish roguelite reality with turn-based combat and unforgiving choices. Experiment with your deck of event cards to discover new forms of cosmic horror in every playthrough. The inevitable awaits...
- #6 Will You Snail?79% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 2,776 reviews2022Developer: Jonas TyrollerPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 3.1hMean: 5.3h≥1hr: 83%
A unique platformer where an evil AI predicts your movement. Dodge AI-spawned traps, solve optional puzzles and uncover the dark secrets of the simulation. Now with a level editor and infinite community-made content!
- #7 XENOTILT: HOSTILE PINBALL ACTION67% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 729 reviews2024Developer: WIZNWARPublisher: FLARB LLCPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 1.6hMean: 5.0h≥1hr: 56%
LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN!! XENOTILT, the sequel to the cult hit, DEMON'S TILT. Get ready for another PINBALL FANTASY. XENOTILT shreds the envelope with face-melting gameplay & graphics.
- #8 Carmageddon: Rogue Shift67% matchMixed63% of 728 reviews2026Developer: 34BigThings srlPlatforms: Windows
Carmageddon smashes back with brutal roguelite vehicular‑combat mayhem. Adapt, upgrade, and unleash destruction on post‑apocalyptic zombie hordes. The legacy lives on, reinvented and unforgiving.
- #9 SNØ: Ultimate Freeriding65% matchOverwhelmingly Positive97% of 752 reviews2025Developer: Studio GauntletPlatforms: Windows, MacMedian: 36mMean: 4.0h≥1hr: 35%
SNØ is a minimalistic freeriding game. Push your limits for the high score, or simply enjoy the unforgiving procedural wilderness.
- #10 Jackal64% matchVery Positive92% of 406 reviews2026Developer: Transhuman DesignPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 1.0hMean: 1.6h≥1hr: 49%
Execute ultra-violent raids in 1970s casino hotels. Take down the Las Vegas mob as a drug super-powered hitman in physics-fueled top-down close combat
- #11 DEMON'S TILT64% matchVery Positive95% of 982 reviews2019Developer: WIZNWARPublisher: FLARB LLCPlatforms: Windows, MacMedian: 2.4hMean: 5.0h≥1hr: 64%
TURBO CHARGED PINBALL RETURNS! Now with bigger sprites, more baddies, more secrets & MORE BULLETS! Demon's Tilt pushes the limits of the Video Pinball genre with SHMUP & Hack N' Slash elements.
- #12 Almost There: The Platformer65% matchMixed65% of 482 reviews2019Developer: Bony YousufPublisher: The Quantum Astrophysicists GuildPlatforms: Windows, Mac, LinuxMedian: 2.8hMean: 5.9h≥1hr: 76%
Sprint between saw blades while dodging homing missiles. Duck under lasers while the floor crumbles beneath you. Almost There was designed specifically for fans of the hardcore platforming genre - you've been warned.
- #13 Agent in Depth62% matchVery Positive83% of 180 reviews2024Developer: Naturepixel StudiosPublisher: Next in GamePlatforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Agent in Depth is a daring action-platformer featuring fast-paced action and instant-death combat. You’ll run, jump, aim, and deflect bullets with your katana to blow up your enemies. No checkpoints, no upgrades: just pure skills. Deflect, die, learn, repeat. Be better, be faster.
- #14 Street Legal 1: REVision61% matchVery Positive89% of 158 reviews2023Developer: Invictus Games Ltd.Publisher: Activision Value Publishing Inc.Platforms: Windows
Raw, unfiltered street racing, where high speeds are deadly, and every dent matters! REVision Edition of this 2002 bargain-bin classic brings countless bug fixes, optimizations, quality-of-life improvements, and optional gameplay extensions!
- #15 MMA Life Simulator59% matchVery Positive81% of 284 reviews2026Developer: BNS7Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Step into the shoes of a young aspiring fighter facing other fighters. To survive and protect your loved ones, you must enter the renowned world of fighting. Every choice you make, from intense training to accepting risky challenges has an effect on your favorite girls.
- #16 Trackline Express59% matchVery Positive87% of 143 reviews2024Developer: Bubblebird StudioPlatforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Embark on a thrilling journey through an unforgiving desert. You'll need to gather scarce resources and utilize your strategic and management skills to build a little train capable of overcoming attacks and fires.
- #17 Dead Season60% matchMixed69% of 188 reviews2024Developer: Snail BitePublisher: Iceberg InteractivePlatforms: Windows
Guide a group of unprepared strangers through the apocalypse, in Dead Season, a turn-based tactics adventure, created by the one-man studio Snail Bite. Plan carefully to outlast swarming zombie hordes, but remember: noise attracts danger. Can you escape the outbreak's deadly grip?
- #18 Tiny Thor59% matchVery Positive84% of 262 reviews2023Developer: Asylum SquarePublisher: Gameforge 4D GmbHPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 2.4hMean: 4.7h≥1hr: 84%
Jump into this challenging retro platformer! Play as Thor, use his mighty hammer and unique items to explore the Northern Realms. Beware of mythical creatures blocking your path to become a god!
- #19 Homeseek58% matchMixed67% of 235 reviews2023Developer: TrapticsPublisher: The Iterative CollectivePlatforms: Windows
Homeseek is a post-apocalyptic survival strategy game set on a resource-strapped Earth at the turn of the next century. In a dried-up wasteland where water has become the new gold, every choice you make becomes life or death.
- #20 Rustled Pete58% matchVery Positive97% of 74 reviews2023Developer: lemonPlatforms: Windows
Rustled Pete is a very unforgiving boss fighting game. There is only one boss in the game and his name is Pete The Rustled. He has 4 forms, each one is harder than the other. Good luck!
- #21 Gravethorn57% matchVery Positive90% of 63 reviews2026Developer: VolviirPlatforms: Windows
Gravethorn is a 2D platformer that combines soulslike and metroidvania elements with deep storytelling. The story follows an Inquisitor who has lost his memory, searching for his forgotten past along with his regrets.
- #22 PunjiVR: The Vietnam War58% matchMostly Positive76% of 128 reviews2022Developer: Camden ClevelandPlatforms: Windows
PunjiVR is an unforgiving tactical shooter set during the Vietnam War. Gameplay is non-linear, replayable, and intense. This is not just "another VR shooter" or a tech demo. The jungle wants you dead, will you give in?
- #23 Nolgorb's Ordeal57% matchMostly Positive72% of 61 reviews2024Developer: Hard MeatPlatforms: Windows, Linux
A challenging 3D platformer with little room for error. Escape a dungeon by jumping to the top, and sacrifice your collectables for items to aid in your ordeal.
- #24 FLASHOUT 358% matchMixed45% of 138 reviews2022Developer: Jujubee S.A.Publisher: Salient GamesPlatforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
FLASHOUT IS BACK! Where high speed meets high stakes. Where unforgiving combat, loud electronic music and addictive boosts of adrenaline mix up to separate winners from losers. Where gravitation is nothing more than an empty word. Take part in an exciting, head-to-head fight to the finish!
- #25 Cardnarok: Raid with Gods57% matchMostly Positive79% of 104 reviews2021Developer: Greedy Wolf StudioPlatforms: Windows
A roguelite deckbuilding card game that demands tactics and switching in battle. Unlock and pick your divine battle team, develop your very own strategy and deck builds, preview levels and choose your path, and survive mythological bosses to defeat Azathoth in each playthrough.
- #26 BOT.vinnik Chess: Winning Patterns57% matchVery Positive89% of 84 reviews2020Developer: Deep Green GamesPublisher: Abyssal StudiosPlatforms: Windows, Mac
Attention, comrade! Registrations are open once again! The players submitted to my previous training showed significant improvement in chess skills when compared to the rest of the population, even the lazy ones. So what are you waiting for?? Enroll NOW by clicking on the purchase button!!
- #27 TechBeat Heart56% matchVery Positive93% of 97 reviews2021Developer: Lost Machine GamesPlatforms: Windows, Linux
SCORCHING TECHBEAT ACTION! A frantic combo-based score attack shooter. Make combos to earn more time. Master all weapons and defeat a raving mad machine. 100% arcade action. Online ranking. Lots of achievements. A Dual Gunstrike spin off.
- #28 Keep the Balance55% matchPositive95% of 39 reviews2025Developer: Overload GamesPlatforms: Windows
There's only one rule in this game: Keep the Balance. Everything else is a comical and frustrating war between you and gravity. Take good care of your keyboard. Up to 8 players!
- #29 Philophobia: The Fear of Love56% matchVery Positive94% of 71 reviews2020Developer: Tim RuswickPlatforms: Windows
Love is Hell. In this precision platformer based on the 5 stages of grief, navigate the bowels of Hell and escape the torment of love.
- #30 GLADIUM56% matchMostly Positive73% of 83 reviews2021Developer: Eirik WiklundPlatforms: Windows
Unforgiving boss fights. Gory pixels. Glorious fast-paced gladiatorial action-combat. Analyze your opponents weakness, adapt your strategy and colour the sands with the blood of your enemies.
- #31 Eggcelerate! to the Tropics55% matchPositive96% of 48 reviews2023Developer: Tim BeaudetPublisher: Tyre Bytes LLCPlatforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Eggcelerate! to the Tropics is a very challenging time-trial racing game with an egg on top of your motorcycle. Try over and over again to improve your time without dropping an egg.
- #32 BOT.vinnik Chess: Opening Traps56% matchVery Positive88% of 65 reviews2020Developer: Deep Green GamesPublisher: Abyssal StudiosPlatforms: Windows, Mac
Do you think Queen's Gambit is a TV series, comrade? WRONG! It is a Chess opening! If you don't even know that, you have a lot to learn! A good chess player should know the chess openings and, more important, how to avoid their traps! Enroll NOW and find out how!
- #33 FLATLAND Vol.156% matchVery Positive86% of 59 reviews2019Developer: kyuu FujisakiPublisher: Minimol GamesPlatforms: Windows, Mac
A fast-paced hardcore platformer featuring hand-crafted levels and lightning-fast respawns. Help Square survive his journey to the depths of Flatland, a minimalist neon-style 2D world. Run, jump, die, learn, repeat.
- #34 SPITLINGS55% matchVery Positive88% of 56 reviews2020Developer: Massive MiniteamPublisher: HandyGamesPlatforms: Windows
Frantic Gameplay, Juicy Visuals, Hypnotic Beats: SPITLINGS is a cute but unforgiving Hardcore Arcade Game for 1 - 4 players in which you waggle through a gauntlet of bouncy bubbles.
- #35 Outbreak: The Nightmare Chronicles56% matchMostly Positive72% of 93 reviews2018Developer: Dead Drop Studios LLCPlatforms: Windows, LinuxMedian: 2.2hMean: 3.4h≥1hr: 73%
Experience an immersive and horrifying episodic single-player survival horror nightmare. Trapped alone in a desolate manor and hunted by monstrous foes, you will need to scrounge for supplies, manage your resources, solve puzzles and battle the undead to survive.
- #36 AFTERGRINDER56% matchMostly Positive76% of 101 reviews2017Developer: Grave Danger GamesPlatforms: WindowsMedian: 2.9hMean: 3.9h≥1hr: 91%
Aftergrinder is a fast-paced 2D runner precision platformer. Skate your way through an unforgiving, difficult arcade side scroller. Pick a character, pick a level, and get ready to die. A lot. Test your skills over 90 adrenaline-inducing levels.
- #37 Bowling Over It56% matchMostly Positive75% of 20 reviews2019Developer: Appocalypse GamesPlatforms: Windows
Bowling to the top, never stop.
- #38 Unlanded54% matchPositive89% of 35 reviews2024Developer: Eki-Eki-EkiPlatforms: Windows, Mac
A hardcore space drifter with colourful visuals, diverse level design and short level cycle.
- #39 NERVE55% matchVery Positive92% of 51 reviews2021Developer: Gunfish GamesPlatforms: Windows
Hurtle through beautiful unforgiving worlds, where every frame is enthralling, every moment is exhilarating, every death is deserved, and every success is earned. RACE | DODGE | DIE | REPEAT
- #40 A Slight Chance of Sawblades54% matchPositive100% of 27 reviews2025Developer: Chinykian GamesPlatforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Dodge, jump and somersault over razor-sharp sawblades in an attempt to survive the deadly storm! Compete in the leaderboards and become the best blade-jumper in this supremely intense high-score chaser!
- #41 Knight And Mourning54% matchPositive100% of 44 reviews2023Developer: 1actosePlatforms: Windows
Do you like 2D platformers? Are you constantly complaining about how bad you are at them? Well, continue to complain! Even if you think you are good at Knight And Mourning, you aren't.
- #42 Bunny Hop55% matchPositive92% of 26 reviews2020Developer: Luna AppsPlatforms: Windows
A simple, yet challenging, 2D platforming game based in a world of exploration and hope.
- #43 Artemis: God-Queen of The Hunt56% matchMixed55% of 44 reviews2019Developer: James LeakosPlatforms: Windows, Mac
Olympia is not for the faint of heart. Explore, hunt, and survive (or try) in this ultra-hard platformer that focuses on being airborne.
- #44 Trials of Valor53% matchPositive97% of 34 reviews2026Developer: Armored GoblinPlatforms: Windows
Fight, block, and evade through the deadly Trials of Valor. Your timing and reflexes decide survival in this real-time roguelike fighter. Master diverse classes, and experience the character progression of an entire RPG in each run as you perfect your build or die trying.
- #45 BOT.vinnik Chess: Mid-Century USSR Championships54% matchPositive92% of 36 reviews2021Developer: Deep Green GamesPublisher: Abyssal StudiosPlatforms: Windows, Mac
We meet again, chess enthusiast comrade! If chess knowledge is what you seek, you have come to the right place. Let's see if you are worthy of standing on the shoulders of the soviet giants!
- #46 KARNAL54% matchMostly Positive73% of 30 reviews2024Developer: George Horia AndreiPlatforms: Windows
A short atmospheric FPS experience. Escape confinement, return to your wife, and kill anything that stands in your path.
- #47 Neon Ships: The Type'em Up Shooter54% matchVery Positive88% of 50 reviews2021Developer: Sensen GamesPlatforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Shoot enemies while typing pop culture phrases to destroy enemies with your special laser attack! This is a classic Shoot'em up game with a typing twist! We challenge you to dodge all the shots and destroy all the enemies!
- #48 Crappy Climber55% matchPositive84% of 45 reviews2020Developer: DerpmachinePlatforms: Windows
Use your mouse to flick and navigate your character through a Highly difficult and unforgiving Climb. . . You will fail miserably, multiple times... So just Git gud! Or tell your friends you couldn't finish it.
- #49 BOT.vinnik Chess: Late USSR Championships54% matchPositive91% of 33 reviews2021Developer: Deep Green GamesPublisher: Abyssal StudiosPlatforms: Windows, Mac
Miss me already, comrade? A wise human once said: "Attackers may sometimes regret bad moves, but it is much worse to forever regret an opportunity you allowed to pass you by." So don't let this one pass! Enroll NOW and be prepared to learn from the real masters!
- #50 Enso54% matchPositive100% of 15 reviews2025Developer: EddyNottinghamPublisher: CordylusPlatforms: Windows, Linux
Slingshot your way to the top of a beautiful minimalist landscape. A deceptively tricky platformer where a single slip could lead to a long fall back down!
- #51 Kick'n Hell53% matchPositive96% of 27 reviews2025Developer: Fire Foot StudiosPlatforms: Windows
Kick, climb, fall, rage… Rise to the top and take on Satan, or fall like the rest. Beware, there’s no mercy in Hell.
- #52 Hepta Beats54% matchPositive88% of 32 reviews2021Developer: Matheus BigatãoPlatforms: Windows
Hepta Beats is a 2D side-view platformer game in which the levels are controlled by the rhythm, predict adversities by following the rhythm to surpass the challenges.
- #53 Primordial Pain54% matchPositive95% of 40 reviews2022Developer: Jan MalitschekPlatforms: Windows
Primordial Pain is a brutally unforgiving, fast paced arena shooter with one key mechanic: Pain. Perform an elegant dance on the fine line between maximum power and certain death.
- #54 BOT.vinnik Chess: Early USSR Championships54% matchPositive91% of 35 reviews2021Developer: Deep Green GamesPublisher: Abyssal StudiosPlatforms: Windows, Mac
All this current chess hype is producing too many know-it-alls. It's time to teach you kids real chess from my fellow masters. Enroll now and you might learn a thing or two.
- #55 Flatland: Prologue54% matchPositive89% of 44 reviews2020Developer: kyuu FujisakiPublisher: Minimol GamesPlatforms: Windows
Flatland: Prologue is a full and original game (not a demo) and also a prequel to Flatland Vol.1. Run as fast and precise as you can through Flatland, a minimalist neon-style world that is about to change forever. A fast-paced hardcore platformer with hand-crafted levels and challenges.
- #56 Astrogon54% matchPositive95% of 37 reviews2022Developer: Kosmoon StudioPlatforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Hardcore precision platformer, with creative mode, multiplayer versus, first competitive of the kind, with speedrun and international leaderboard. Jump and dash your way, between walls and obstacles, to reach the teleport portal.
- #57 ReDrop53% matchPositive94% of 16 reviews2025Developer: Fabio SalvadorPlatforms: Windows, Mac
DIE, REDROP, REPEAT. In this Platformer, every Death leaves a platform behind; Climb your mistakes! RAGE, CRY, ADAPT. Then do it all again. Try now and prove you're only *mostly* bad.
- #58 RAZED54% matchMostly Positive72% of 47 reviews2018Developer: Warpfish GamesPublisher: PQubePlatforms: Windows, Mac, Linux
Neon-infused high-speed platformer where the rules are simple - blast though levels as fast as you can! But there's a catch. If you go too slow, you explode! Unlock skills and powers, and seek out shortcuts to propel yourself to the top of the online leaderboards.
