Summary
- Not all RPGs offer the same challenge level; progress in mastering abilities takes time.
- Overcoming challenges in RPGs like Darkest Dungeon can be tough but rewarding.
- Mastery of RPGs like Gothic boosts character competence and combat efficiency.
Not all role-playing games come equipped with the same level of challenge. Some titles are naturally going to be harder than others, and many require players to invest a lot of time to master the abilities.
Barring a few titles, getting into these games shouldn't be too challenging. However, overcoming the game's challenges and improving one's skills in the process can take a long time and make for a satisfying progression curve. For players who want to keep being challenged even as they continue to improve, these are some of the best RPGs to check out.
The 27 Best PS5 RPGs, Ranked (2025)
The best PS5 RPGs find ways to push the console to its limits, providing players with an engrossing experience unlike anything else that came before.
8 Darkest Dungeon
An Oppressive RPG With Tough Turn-Based Combat
Darkest Dungeon
- Released
- January 19, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Alcohol Reference, Blood and Gore, Mild Language, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Players will realize in no time that Darkest Dungeon doesn't play around. The labyrinths in this game are full of eldritch monstrosities and overbearing foes who can make the hardiest mercenaries quake as they accumulate numerous traumas...provided they survive, that is.
Even with a cautious approach, players must take note of the skills their mercenaries possess and send parties into battle that are well-equipped to handle the threats that come their way. Eventually, players will have such a strong team with sound tactics that heading into dungeons and wiping out enemies won't be too hard.
7 Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne
Players Must Tailor Their Party For Every Boss Fight
Shin Megami Tensei 3
- Released
- October 12, 2004
- ESRB
- M // Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
The mainline Shin Megami Tensei games are no joke, and Nocturne is no exception. This title can be ridiculously hard, with players having to optimize parties and understand a boss' affinities before they can even think about coming out victorious. Eventually, with the use of buffs and a cycling roster of monsters, players will come to grips with how the game works. Their knowledge of Nocturne drives the efficiency of their combat, with some expert players being able to school bosses that other people struggle with.
6 Gothic
As Players Become Stronger, Their Combat Competency Increases
Gothic
- Released
- November 23, 2001
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- t
- Genre(s)
- RPG
The progression curve in Gothic is deeply satisfying. At the start, players are clueless, just like the Nameless Hero, and will quickly realize how fragile they are. All they can do is bait Scavengers into one-on-one encounters as they gain experience that they don't know what to do with.
26 Best Magic Systems in Games, Ranked
Sometimes it takes more than swords and bullets to slay monsters!
As players familiarize themselves with the camp structure, they'll realize that they need to talk to certain experts to become stronger. Eventually, the character attains the means to fight tougher foes. Soon, even mighty orcs and other massive monsters can be taken on in combat, rewarding players for being patient and learning how the game works.
5 Monster Hunter Wilds
The Patented Monster Hunter Gameplay Is More Challenging Than Ever
Monster Hunter Wilds
- Released
- February 28, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Every Monster Hunter game has a satisfying progression curve, and their first bona fide open-world entry is no exception. Even after the story ends, there's a lot to do for players who want to become the ultimate hunter.
Their knowledge regarding the weapons and their movesets expands over time, eventually letting them take on a wealth of powerful monsters without breaking a sweat. The feeling of overcoming a foe who was giving players a tough time is a huge part of what makes Monster Hunter Wilds special, rewarding them for their loadout and skill in equal measure.
4 Octopath Traveler 2
Combat Mastery Is Essential For The Game's Hardest Boss Fights
Octopath Traveler 2
- Released
- February 24, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Rated T for Teen for Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, and Use of Alcohol and Tobacco.
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Octopath Traveler 2 is one of the best JRPGs fans can get their hands on. The combat is accessible and fun for beginners, but players who want to make the most of the unique jobs can utilize deadly combinations suited to fighting endgame threats if they're diligent enough.
Seeing their party of heroes turn into godkillers is satisfying and rewards players for doing everything in their power to become stronger. Using the abilities of secret jobs and figuring out ways to exploit the game's systems feels great after players spend upwards of fifty hours understanding how things work.
3 Dark Souls
Players Will Love Overpowering Enemies Who Once Killed Them
Dark Souls
- Released
- September 22, 2011
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Soulslike, Adventure
Dark Souls is a hard game, but it's infinitely rewarding once players find themselves making progress. Gaining levels, finding better weapons, and smashing foes to a pulp never gets old.
Best FromSoftware Games, Ranked
FromSoftware's long roster of games is full of excellence. From Dark Souls to Armored Core 6 and Nightreign, here's how the best titles rank up.
As players go through the game and interact with the community, they'll learn about various builds they can pursue and mold their playstyle. It makes for a satisfying experience as players game the system and figure out the best way to obliterate bosses who were getting on their nerves.
2 Baldur's Gate 3
Learn The Ins and Outs Of The Combat System
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Unlike Divinity: Original Sin 2, Baldur's Gate 3 is easier to get into, and isn't as punishing for players not familiar with turn-based combat or D&D mechanics. However, once players are accustomed to how the game works, they can make some frighteningly powerful builds.
This is downright necessary in Honor Mode, since players will need optimized parties to get through some of the game's hardest encounters. Understanding how to exploit enemy weaknesses and acquiring the best abilities for every character enables a rewarding sense of progression.
1 Bloodborne
Keep Up With The Fast Pace To Obliterate Challenging Bosses
Bloodborne
- Released
- March 24, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Players who enter Bloodborne with the same mentality as Dark Souls will be in for a rough time. The title is unforgiving to beginners and forces them to learn the ropes by the time they reach Father Gascoigne or die trying.
Eventually, they'll figure out how to make a proper build that lets them use the weapons they want, mastering movesets and schooling bosses along the way. Players who become Bloodborne experts love how their approach to the game is completely different in a second playthrough, to the point where the much-dreaded Threaded Cane can become a weapon of choice for many players.
Games Where You Can Play As A Necromancer
Playing as a necromancer in video games can be a lot of fun, and these examples offer the best experiences.