Home
/
Indie games
/
Indie game reviews
/

Challenging games with no tutorials: a tough list

Exploring the Challenge | Players Seek Difficult Games Without Tutorials

By

Carlos Mendoza

Feb 20, 2026, 07:39 PM

Edited By

Alex

2 minutes of duration

A player facing a difficult level in a video game without guidance, showcasing intense gameplay action.
popular

A recent conversation among gaming communities highlights the appeal of challenging games that leave players to navigate their own path without tutorials or guidance. Enthusiasts argue these games foster a unique experience that emphasizes self-discovery and problem-solving.

What Makes These Games Stand Out?

Gamers praise titles that drop them into unforgiving worlds, requiring them to learn mechanics and strategies through trial and error. Popular examples mentioned include:

  • Alchemia

  • The Witness

  • Tunic

  • Don't Starve

  • Minecraft

These games are not just hard; they demand players engage in figuring out their mechanics, making each victory feel well-earned. One player noted, "The thrill comes from understanding the systems on your own."

Alternatives That Keep It Tough

Players shared experiences with various other challenging titles, some of which lack any hand-holding:

  • Dwarf Fortress

  • Kenshi

  • Conquest of Elysium 5

  • Book of Hours

  • Shadows of Doubt

Each game offers its own spin on difficulty, from tactical, strategic play to puzzle-solving and exploration. "You feel like a real gamer tackling these challenging worlds, not just cruising along," remarked another contributor.

Community Recommendations and Sentiments

Commenters were quick to endorse their favorites with varied sentiments. Many expressed excitement at the prospect of tougher challenges:

"Outward might feel complex with its RPG elements but presents real difficulty when navigating the world," one user expressed.

Discussions often noted well-known titles like Elden Ring and Dark Souls, mentioning them alongside new suggestions. However, many found that these mainstream choices tend to prioritize skill over discovery, leading to a blend of both difficulty and frustration:

  • "Definitely check out the Zachtronics games for real mental gymnastics; they push you without explaining too much!"

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ” Many gamers feel satisfaction from overcoming demanding game mechanics independently.

  • โš”๏ธ Titles like Dwarf Fortress and Cultist Simulator lead the niche for tough challenges.

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ "Games that require deep learning are rare gems!" - Community member, highlighting the joy in difficulty.

The call for more intricate and demanding games is clear. As players eagerly seek these compelling challenges, developers are likely to take note, potentially shaping future gaming experiences.

Shifting Tides in Game Development

There's a strong chance that developers will respond to player demands for challenging games without tutorials by creating more innovative designs in the next few years. As engagement with complex mechanics becomes increasingly popular among gamers, experts estimate around a 60% probability that game studios will invest in projects that prioritize self-discovery and problem-solving elements. This likely trend emphasizes the playersโ€™ desire for deeper, more rewarding gameplay experiences, pushing studios to craft games that require strategic thinking and adaptability. A shift toward challenging indie titles may also emerge, as smaller developers often take risks that larger studios may avoid, potentially leading to a renaissance of creative game mechanics that champion this hands-off approach.

A Passage Through Time: The Renaissance of Learning

Reflecting on the late 15th century, one can draw an interesting parallel to todayโ€™s gaming landscape. During the Renaissance, artists and scholars emphasized individual exploration and self-education, much like todayโ€™s gamers seeking unassisted challenges. Just as figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo thrived in their pursuit of knowledge without exhaustive guidance, modern gamers find satisfaction in overcoming complex systems that require critical thinking. This shared essence of independence invites a unique appreciation for mastery over mere participation, suggesting that both eras value the enriching journey of discovery more than the simplicity of step-by-step instruction.