The Steam Summer Sale has knocked down the prices of roughly a billion games and there's no point in recommending traditional discounts because everyone is simply using their wishlist to streamline the deals. So let's take a different approach and highlight the games on sale that will absolutely blow your mind. If you like humiliation, these bargains should give you value.
We've selected a wide range of discounted games, from fast-paced action shooters to gritty slashers that offer punishment without sacrificing enjoyment. Honestly, hardship is a big part of the fun, making every win as enjoyable as possible, while every loss serves as a stepping stone to future satisfaction. The Steam Summer Sale may not be fantastic, but it has some brutal highlights.
The The Steam Summer Sale runs until July 9so there is no need to rush to collect them all at once.
1
Post Void – $2.09 on Steam for the most excruciating speed
A real bargain in this market
- Sale price: $2.09
- Usual price: $2.99
- Genre: FPS, Roguelike
- Steam link: Post Void
There is no universal “difficulty” that every game can and should adopt. Elden Ring and Devil May Cry 5 they shouldn't feature the same style of challenge, and the same goes for releases within a genre. While we share similarities with standard setters such as FATE, Post Invalid approaches your difficulties in a special way.
Best Upcoming FPS Games Released in July 2026
From PC horror shooters to an all-time Xbox masterpiece, July 2026's FPS games should have something for just about everyone.
The concept is simple: Your life force depletes every second and killing enemies is the only way to replenish it. Stopping or hesitating means death Post Voidand players must constantly move forward and make split-second decisions to maintain an ungodly speed. Mistakes happen quickly and send you back to the beginning by wiping out your entire run.
You want to know what it really does Post Void uniquely humiliating? A full run takes no more than 10 minutes, but that length feels like a lifetime, when a “perfect” attempt can wipe out a boss specifically designed to take away any illusion that you've beaten the game. Who said lasting 10 minutes isn't impressive?
2
Armored Core 6 – The FromSoftware Mecha Experience
Oh, you beat the Elden Ring in your sleep, didn't you? Prepare to be humbled
- Sale price: $29.99
- Usual price: $59.99
- Genre: Action, Mechs
- Steam link: Armored Core 6
In 2026, no developer is more synonymous with “difficult games” than FromSoftware, although plenty of titles are more challenging than Dark souls or An axe. Even if we stay with FromSoft projects, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is the developer's heaviest release in decades, and don't be fooled by the fact that you're piloting a massive sci-fi mech. This is not a Gundam power fantasy (and the games of this franchise are not particularly easy either).
In this universe, weaklings can't simply crush or summon a co-op partner to overcome a draining enemy, and relying on brute force or stats alone won't get you very far. Armored Core 6 designs its campaign around wall-based bosses that require players to experiment with unloading thempunishing those who stick to one build because they think they've figured out the perfect configuration. That super cool mach that just destroyed the last 3 bosses? Well, throw out the mammal and start from scratch because they suddenly became obsolete.
Also, the fast-paced combat is punishing in isolation, and its ceiling is (somehow) far higher than FromSoftware's Souls games. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend the game at full price to complete newbies because it's such a taste; but with a 50% discount, Armored Core 6 is easier to sell.
3
UFO 50 – Retro punishment in many flavors
Become Nintendo Hard
- Sale price: $17.49
- Usual price: $24.99
- Genre: Arcade, Strategy, RPG, Adventure and more
- Steam link: UFO 50
Most modern throwbacks copy the aesthetic and gameplay loop of the 80s classics, but tend to avoid replicating the infamous “Nintendo Hard” difficulty. UFO 50 decided to pull no punches and put together a collection of original games that capture the retro vibe in more ways than just the visuals.
purely on “value” UFO 50 might be the best deal in the Steam Summer Sale, as it comes with generally high-quality titles across an absurd spectrum of genres. The compilation includes turn-based RPGs, platformers, arcade sports games, strategies and much more. As inherently different as these games are, they are tied together an unapologetic old-school design philosophyincluding the lack of checkpoints in many titles.
Without modern safety nets, UFO 50 exposes you to the world and challenges you to compete, relying on raw skill and gaming literacy. Even just switching between games that have different control schemes and rules can be very difficult.
4
Darkest Dungeon 2 – The Road To A Meltdown
Hate and horror
- Sale price: $12.39
- Usual price: $39.99
- Genre: Turn-Based, Roguelite, Tactics
- Steam link: Darkest Dungeon 2
Full disclosure: I prefer the former Darkest Dungeonand novices should begin there rather than continue. However, they are very different games, so it doesn't really matter which one you pick up first.
Despite the game loop changing so much, Darkest Dungeon 2 it retains the brutal tone and stressful combat of its predecessor, although it achieves them in new ways. Shoving four “heroes” into a stagecoach and traveling across a Victorian apocalypse that veers into Lovecraftian territory, the mental stability of your party may be a greater danger than the terrifying monsters they encounter.
Darkest Dungeon 2: Every Hero, Ranked
When players choose a team of four to take on in Darkest Dungeon 2, a select few can survive the toughest hardships while the rest are a hindrance.
DD2 it combines too many mechanics that can be difficult to keep track of while running, but among the most important is relationship management. All the heroes constantly judge their behavior and tend to have an intense hatred towards each other. That's stressful enough on its own, but the characters also have a literal stress meter that gradually builds toward a psychological breakdown that might as well be game over (in most cases).
You never feel safe while playing DD2. It doesn't matter if you have the most optimized party imaginable if your heroes hate each other, refuse to help a dying ally, or yell at each other until they derail the entire run.
5
Hades 2 – God's Humiliation
Dash Your Way to Failure
- Sale price: $20.99
- Usual price: $29.99
- Genre: Hack and Slash, Roguelite, RPG
- Steam link: Hades 2
Zagreus' path seems downright easy compared to Melinoë's. While the story and characters are a bit polarizing, Hades 2 it undeniably improves combat and greatly increases its complexity. Basically, you can't rely on spamming to get you out of hot water or compensate for a lack of mechanical understanding.
Melinoë moves deliberatelyand her maximum damage requires mastering Omega attacks and managing her mana pool. Chronos' powers also appear to be much more challenge-resistant than their predecessors, demonstrating improved spatial awareness and preventing last-minute escape attempts. Unlike Hadeswhich is by no means an easy game, the sequel really forces you to stand your ground, time your spells, and actively think about every single move.
6
Rabbit and Steel – Welcome to Hell (Bullet)
MMO raids on steroids
- Sale price: $7.49
- Usual price: $14.99
- Genre: Bullet hell, roguelike, co-op
- Steam link: Rabbit and steel
It ends with a rather unknown game, Rabbit and steel is as difficult as it looks: very, very difficult. Mino_dev set out to create a co-op roguelike that mimics the thrill of participating in MMO raids, without any of the filler that separates the high-octane boss fights. Whether you're playing alone or with friends, the process involves taking on multi-level bosses that will throw hell at you.
With cooldown skills and three classes, Rabbit and steel combines MMO essentials with stunning bullet hell gameplay that relies on visual cues and quick response. While some parts are quite casual and fun, the difficulty level can suddenly explode and destroy groups that aren't as coordinated as they think they are.
Before buying Rabbit and steelI recommend trying the demo to test the core of the game.
17 Hardest Games From Software, Ranked
FromSoftware likes to provide players with intense, exciting and challenging experiences, and these games are among the hardest to date.
