The 7 Most Brutal Challenges from FromSoftware: Games That Will Test Your Limits

FromSoftware, the renowned Japanese game developer, has built a reputation for creating some of the most challenging and rewarding games in the industry. Their games are notorious for punishing difficulty, intricate world-building, and deep lore, making them a favorite among hardcore gamers. If you’re looking for a gaming experience that will push you to your limits, this list of the seven hardest FromSoftware games is a perfect guide. Let’s dive into the brutal challenges that define these masterpieces.

1. Demon’s Souls (2009/2020)

The game that started it all, “Demon’s Souls,” was the blueprint for what would become FromSoftware’s signature style. Released initially in 2009 for the PlayStation 3 and later remade in 2020 for the PlayStation 5, this game introduced players to the concept of punishing difficulty combined with meticulous combat mechanics.

Why It’s Hard:
“Demon’s Souls” stands out for its unforgiving level design, where a single misstep can lead to death and loss of hard-earned souls. The game’s boss fights, such as the infamous Flamelurker and the Old King Allant, are exercises in patience, pattern recognition, and precise timing. The World Tendency mechanic adds another layer of challenge, affecting the difficulty of the game based on your actions, making each playthrough a unique experience.

Survival Tip:
Focus on learning enemy patterns and mastering parrying and dodging mechanics. Understanding the World Tendency system can also give you a strategic edge in navigating the game’s challenges.

2. Dark Souls (2011)

If “Demon’s Souls” laid the foundation, “Dark Souls” built the mansion. Released in 2011, “Dark Souls” took the formula established by its predecessor and refined it, creating what many consider a masterpiece of game design.

Why It’s Hard:
“Dark Souls” is challenging not only because of its combat but also due to its open-world design, which allows players to wander into areas far beyond their level. The bonfire system, which serves as checkpoints, means that death often results in significant setbacks, requiring players to re-navigate treacherous areas. Iconic bosses like Ornstein and Smough, and the Four Kings, are notorious for their difficulty, often requiring multiple attempts to defeat.

Survival Tip:
Patience and persistence are key in “Dark Souls.” Take your time to explore and understand the world, and never rush into battles. Every death is a learning experience that brings you closer to victory.

3. Bloodborne (2015)

“Bloodborne” shifts away from the medieval fantasy of the Souls series and plunges players into a Gothic horror setting inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. Released in 2015 for the PlayStation 4, “Bloodborne” is a faster-paced game that emphasizes aggressive combat and quick reflexes.

Why It’s Hard:
Unlike “Dark Souls,” where a cautious approach often prevails, “Bloodborne” rewards aggressive play. The game’s Rally mechanic encourages players to strike back immediately after taking damage to regain health, but this also means putting yourself in harm’s way. The game’s bosses, such as the Orphan of Kos and the Blood-starved Beast, are relentless and require near-perfect execution to defeat.

Survival Tip:
Stay aggressive, but don’t be reckless. Learn the timing of the Rally mechanic to maximize your survivability, and keep your blood vials stocked for those inevitable close calls.

4. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)

“Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” released in 2019, marks a departure from the RPG elements of previous FromSoftware games. Instead, it focuses on pure action and precise swordplay. Set in a fictionalized version of Japan during the Sengoku period, “Sekiro” demands precision, timing, and mastery of the game’s unique posture system.

Why It’s Hard:
“Sekiro” introduces the Posture system, where victory is achieved not by whittling down an enemy’s health but by breaking their stance. This requires players to master parrying and deflecting attacks, making for intense, high-stakes combat. The bosses, such as Genichiro Ashina and Isshin, the Sword Saint, are some of the toughest in gaming, often requiring dozens of attempts to defeat.

Survival Tip:
Practice parrying and learn the attack patterns of your enemies. “Sekiro” is less about stats and more about skill, so focus on honing your timing and reflexes.

5. Dark Souls III (2016)

As the final entry in the Dark Souls trilogy, “Dark Souls III,” released in 2016, is a culmination of everything FromSoftware had learned over the years. It features faster-paced combat, refined mechanics, and some of the most challenging bosses in the series.

Why It’s Hard:
“Dark Souls III” is relentless from the very beginning, with early bosses like the Abyss Watchers and Pontiff Sulyvahn setting a high bar for difficulty. The game’s emphasis on speed and aggression means that even experienced players will find themselves pushed to their limits. The DLC bosses, such as Sister Friede and Slave Knight Gael, are some of the most difficult encounters in the entire Souls series.

Survival Tip:
Adapt to the faster pace by staying mobile and learning to dodge effectively. Understanding enemy attack patterns and exploiting weaknesses will be crucial in overcoming the game’s toughest challenges.

6. Dark Souls II (2014)

“Dark Souls II,” released in 2014, is often considered the black sheep of the Souls series, but it is by no means an easy game. In many ways, it’s one of the most challenging entries due to its slower combat, more punishing mechanics, and the introduction of new gameplay elements.

Why It’s Hard:
“Dark Souls II” introduced the concept of diminishing health, where dying repeatedly reduces your maximum health, making the game progressively harder. The game’s level design is also more labyrinthine, with traps and ambushes at every turn. Bosses like the Fume Knight and the Burnt Ivory King are exceptionally tough, requiring careful planning and execution.

Survival Tip:
Take your time and be cautious. Managing your health and avoiding unnecessary deaths is crucial to making progress. Use items like Human Effigies wisely to restore your health and keep a close eye on your surroundings to avoid deadly ambushes.

7. Elden Ring (2022)

The latest addition to FromSoftware’s catalog, “Elden Ring,” released in 2022, combines the challenging gameplay of the Souls series with an expansive open world. With its vast landscapes, intricate dungeons, and a multitude of challenging bosses, “Elden Ring” is a formidable test of skill and endurance.

Why It’s Hard:
“Elden Ring” offers players a vast, open world to explore, but with freedom comes danger. The game’s non-linear design means you can easily wander into areas far above your level. The sheer number of bosses, each with unique mechanics and strategies, makes for a daunting challenge. Notable bosses like Malenia, Blade of Miquella, and Radahn will test even the most seasoned players.

Survival Tip:
Take advantage of the open world to explore, level up, and gather resources before taking on the game’s toughest challenges. Learning when to engage and when to retreat can be the difference between life and death in “Elden Ring.”

FromSoftware has carved out a niche for itself by creating games that challenge and reward players in equal measure. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the world of FromSoftware, these seven games represent the pinnacle of gaming difficulty. Each offers a unique set of challenges that will test your skills, patience, and perseverance. So, if you’re up for the challenge, dive into these brutal games and experience the thrill of overcoming the impossible.