10 Toughest RPGs That Are Incredibly Rewarding

6. Disco Elysium

Reading the title of this game, you wouldn’t exactly think ‘Detective RPG’ would you?

Disco Elysium stars an alcoholic, drug dependent detective tasked with solving a murder in the midst of a full blown amnesiac hangover. Presented in an evocative oil painting-like art style, the game eschews traditional turn based combat in favour of intricate dialogue trees and skill checks similar to a table top game.

As Harry attempts to solve the crime, he's joined by NPCs to discuss ideas and theories, but also has the option to contend with the fractious elements of his own personality, represented by the ‘Thought Cabinet’ of ideas that can be unlocked as the game goes on.

Whilst thinking through a conversation may sound less challenging than, say, contending with Ornstein and Smough in Dark Souls, the sheer dearth of options available enshrouds the right path in obscurity, whilst opening up red herring-filled rabbit holes all over. Add to this a storyline once described by The Washington Post as ‘conspicuously well written’, striking visuals and a vibrant alt rock soundtrack and you have an arresting and challenging thriller which rewards every sense with each playthrough.