Summary
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.
Players will realize in no time thatDarkest Dungeondoesn’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.
The mainlineShin Megami Tenseigames are no joke, andNocturneis 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.
Theprogression curve inGothicis 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.
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.
EveryMonster Huntergame 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 ofwhat makesMonster Hunter Wildsspecial, rewarding them for their loadout and skill in equal measure.
Octopath Traveler 2is 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 heroesturn into godkillersis 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.
Dark Soulsis 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.
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.
UnlikeDivinity: Original Sin 2,Baldur’s Gate 3is easier to get into, and isn’t as punishing forplayers not familiar with turn-based combator 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.
Players who enterBloodbornewith the same mentality asDark Soulswill 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 andschooling bosses along the way. Players who becomeBloodborneexperts 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.
