Top 10 HARDEST Nintendo Switch Games
#10: “Baba is You” (2019)
Although this indie puzzler seems simplistic, don’t let it fool you. “Baba is You” has you control a small, adorable creature who can interact with word tiles on any given screen. By doing so, you’ll cause objects and environments to change so you can make it through to the goal. Again, it’s simple on paper. But as you play on, the puzzles grow increasingly more challenging. Some solutions are so obscure, you’ll end up just staring at your screen for minutes at a time. When you finally do figure it out, the answer isn’t usually what you’d expect. It can be a bit maddening, but it forces you to think outside the box. And it makes those ‘A-ha!’ moments all the sweeter.
#9: “Fast RMX” (2017)
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Nintendo isn’t doing much with its brutally hard racing series, “F-Zero.” For sour fans, you can find a suitable replacement in “Fast RMX.” The Switch launch game may not quite reach the levels of unforgiving found in its inspiration, but it’s still plenty challenging. Players must race at remarkably high speeds, switching between two colors with corresponding pads that either boost you or make your vehicle jump. The threat of vehicle destruction isn’t as prevalent as in “F-Zero,” unless you’re on Hero Mode. But AI for the opponent racers is fairly skilled and will rarely make a mistake. So, if you hope to take home the Gold, you’ll need to become very familiar with the game’s tracks.
#8: “Bayonetta 3” (2022)
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PlatinumGames is known for creating intense action games with quick-paced combat. The studio’s most challenging game, at least in terms of Switch exclusives, is “Bayonetta 3.” In general, the Umbran witch’s third outing is slightly more difficult than her second one. Levels are grander, and the window for which she can dodge to activate her ‘Witch Time’ ability has been shortened. More room for enemies and less of an advantage over them certainly makes things trickier. Combat in general is as smooth as ever, if not more so. But that doesn’t mean Bayonetta’s foes will let up. Additionally, it keeps up the franchise’s tradition of gigantic bosses that can squish you like a bug.
#7: “Into the Breach” (2018)
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Tactics games always bring a challenge as developers usually want to replicate the stress of losing troops in battle. “Into the Breach” makes things even more stressful by throwing procedurally generated enemies into the mix. It follows humanity battling against extinction at the hands of a monstrous group called the Vek. Not being able to know or memorize what foes you’ll be facing means less planning on your part. That’s far from the only challenging element, though. Levels also have objectives that must be completed in a certain number of moves, and the threat of your enemy is made more real by the fact that some of their troops can hit pretty hard.
#6: “Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze” (2018)
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First released on the Wii U, the “Tropical Freeze” Switch port included a brand new easy mode starring Funky Kong. That means Nintendo knows how tough of a platformer this can be. “DKC” may have a bright charm similar to Mario, but its levels are far less forgiving. In any given stage, enemies and hazards are placed perfectly to get in your way and make you rage. And the bosses definitely won’t be keen on relinquishing their hold on DK’s home. Don’t get us wrong: the level design in this entry is some of the best in any platformer, let alone this series. But there are definitely some stages we grew to hate. Best of luck to those vying for the 200% completion rate.
#5: “Triangle Strategy” (2022)
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Square Enix’s trend of giving 16-bit graphics an HD presentation has resulted in some truly remarkable smaller titles. In addition to bringing the style of older games to the modern era, it also brought the difficulty levels of older RPGs. “Triangle Strategy” is set in a land 30 years after a war, with relations between its three countries crumbling once again. Given the game’s setting, players are forced to make high-stakes decisions on top of having to face difficult enemies. You do get to choose your difficulty level. But for players who want to push themselves, “Triangle Strategy” is more than worth your time. It's Hard Mode is naturally vicious, and earning 100% completion takes multiple playthroughs.
#4: “Overwhelm” (2019)
Metroidvanias are a great source for players craving a challenge. And “Overwhelm” is one of the toughest you can find on Switch, exclusive or otherwise. Set in a dark and deadly place known only as The Hive, you’re tasked with surviving its hordes of monsters and vanquishing 5 bosses. However, unlike most installments in this genre, you never get any more power-ups or weapons than what you start with. After you defeat each boss, it gives its abilities to the regular enemies while you search for the next one. In a game where you never grow stronger but your foes always do, you’ll definitely have your skills and sanity tested. Few games have titles that are as suitable as “Overwhelm.”
#3: “Shin Megami Tensei V” (2021)
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The JRPG is a hard genre for new players to get into. And we’re not just talking about its tendency to feature complex stories that stretch across 150-hour campaigns. “Shin Megami Tensei” is known for being a bit harder than your average JRPG, though thankfully this installment comes with an Easy Mode for those who need it. The difficulty comes from where you’d expect: learning to properly balance your team so that demons don’t rip them to shreds, which they can easily do. And, similar to its predecessors, some of these bosses can really stretch out a fight’s playtime. Although everything above Easy will bring the pain, it isn’t the most challenging in the franchise. But it is the hardest one exclusive to Switch.
#2: “Crimzon Clover: World EXplosion” (2020)
If you want a genre that instantly puts you on edge and never gives you a moment’s peace, the bullet hell shoot ‘em up is for you. Originally a Japan-only PC release, “World EXplosion” is the second expanded version of “Crimzon Clover.” Plot is naturally light while gameplay consists of being swarmed by enemy ammunition on a constant basis. It’s not as if your ship is underpowered; it has plenty of impressive capabilities, including lock-on systems and a gauge that makes you invincible and increases firepower for a short time. But the sheer amount of bullets and enemy ships on-screen can quickly engulf you if you’re not careful, even on easier difficulties.
#1: “Metroid Dread” (2021)
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“Metroid” has a reputation for being one of Nintendo’s most difficult first party franchises, though it may have outdone itself with “Dread.” With a deadly parasite loose, and a group of robots meant to contain it now unresponsive, Samus ventures to the planet ZDR. Every one of the elements that makes the series tough is out in full force, from its maze-like structure to its formidable boss encounters. But it’s all made just a bit harder. Adding to your stress levels are the E.M.M.I., the corrupted robots that hunt Samus with the ability to kill her in a single hit. Around every corner is another threat just waiting for a chance to end your life, an opportunity they will wholeheartedly commit to.
