Top 20 HARDEST Video Game Levels of All Time

Summary

In this video, WatchMojo highlights some of the most difficult and frustrating levels in video game history. From the seemingly impossible 'Champions Road' in *Super Mario 3D World* to the punishing 'Turbo Tunnel' in *Battletoads*, the list features stages that have tested even the most experienced gamers. These levels are notorious for their challenging mechanics, precise timing, and relentless obstacles, making them unforgettable trials of skill and patience. The video celebrates both the frustration and satisfaction these levels bring, showcasing iconic moments from various beloved games.

Takeaways

• 😀 Challenging video game levels can be a source of frustration, but they are also a memorable part of many players' experiences.
• 😀 Levels that are difficult often require extreme precision, reflexes, and patience, sometimes taking multiple attempts to complete.
• 😀 'Champion's Road' in Super Mario 3D World is a notorious example, featuring vanishing blocks and enemies requiring ultra-quick reflexes.
• 😀 The Impossible Lair in 'Ukulele' is infamous for its high difficulty, where even seasoned players struggle to get through it without many retries.
• 😀 'Death Mountain' in Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link is another level that challenges players with enemies that require strategic study and precision.
• 😀 Levels with precise platforming, such as the 'Tubular' level in Super Mario World, often add stress with tough controls and limited power-ups.
• 😀 Ecco the Dolphin's 'Welcome to the Machine' level introduces an auto-scrolling challenge with narrow corridors, enemies, and erratic camera movement.
• 😀 Ocarina of Time’s Water Temple is widely considered a frustrating experience due to its confusing layout and the resetting of water levels.
• 😀 Call of Duty 4’s 'Mile-High Club' is notorious for its insane difficulty on veteran mode, requiring fast and precise movement to complete.
• 😀 The 'Ring City' in Dark Souls 3 presents some of the toughest archery challenges in the game, requiring players to navigate a barrage of arrows while dealing with one of the hardest bosses, Dark Eater M'dear.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this WatchMojo video?

The video focuses on highlighting some of the most frustrating and difficult levels across various video games, which have left players struggling and rethinking their game choices.

Why is 'Champions Road' from Super Mario 3D World considered so difficult?

It is considered difficult because of its vanishing blocks, fast-moving enemies, and complex platforming, all of which require extreme precision. A single mistake can send the player back to the start of the level.

What makes 'The Impossible Lair' in Yooka-Laylee so challenging?

The level is tough because it demands players to collect all 48 bees to survive, each section of the level requires perfect timing and precision, and it has a notoriously high failure rate even for experienced players.

How does the 'Death Mountain' level from Zelda 2 differ from other levels in the series?

Unlike other levels in the series where players can simply mash attack buttons, 'Death Mountain' requires players to understand enemy weaknesses and strategically attack, making it more complex and mentally taxing.

What specific aspect of 'Tubular' in Super Mario World frustrates players?

The level is difficult because it involves controlling the P-Balloons, which feel sluggish, and the constant threat of falling to death due to time limits and dangerous enemies. A single mistake results in failure.

Why is 'Welcome to the Machine' from Ecco the Dolphin so infamous?

The level is infamous for its narrow corridors, the rapid speed of incoming enemies, and the requirement to continuously mash the sonar button, all of which contribute to a stressful and frustrating experience.

What makes the Water Temple in Ocarina of Time particularly frustrating for players?

The Water Temple is frustrating due to its shifting water levels, maze-like structure, and backtracking, all of which are compounded by a challenging battle with Dark Link and confusing navigation.

How does 'Mile-High Club' in Call of Duty 4 challenge players?

'Mile-High Club' challenges players with its extremely tight time limit, demanding they complete the mission on the hardest difficulty in under a minute. Players must memorize movement patterns, and even the smallest mistake results in failure.

What is the main difficulty in the 'Slippery Climb' level in Crash Bandicoot?

The main difficulty comes from the combination of slippery platforms, acid-throwing lab assistants, and the constant threat of being swiped by hands trying to knock the player off the platforms.

Why is 'Through the Fire and the Flames' from Guitar Hero 3 considered one of the hardest tracks?

It is considered extremely difficult because of its fast tempo and demanding finger movements, requiring expert-level precision. The song is long, leading to hand cramps and fatigue, making it difficult to finish, let alone get 100% accuracy.

How does the 'Ring City' DLC from Dark Souls 3 stand out in terms of difficulty?

The 'Ring City' DLC is particularly difficult due to its challenging enemies, including the ghostly archers that constantly barrage the player with arrows. Additionally, it features one of the hardest bosses in the entire Dark Souls series, Dark Eater Midir.

What makes the 'Turbo Tunnel' level in Battletoads so infamous?

The 'Turbo Tunnel' is infamous because of its high speed and unfairly placed obstacles. The narrow pathways and lack of grace periods mean that players must react instantly, and any small mistake leads to failure, making it one of the most anxiety-inducing levels in gaming history.