Thanks to the release of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time in late 2020, series fans are more nostalgic than ever. Despite this enthusiasm, though, it's impossible to deny that some Crash Bandicoot games are incredibly difficult at times. This is especially true when one considers that the series was originally marketed toward children.

RELATED: The Best & Worst Crash Bandicoot Games (According To Metacritic)

Beating these games 100% is a whole other story and will require an awful lot of skill and dedication from players. Of course, not every Crash Bandicoot game can be beaten in the traditional sense, with the party and racing games being separate from the main series. With that in mind, here's every Crash Bandicoot game released for home consoles ranked from easiest to hardest.

Updated July 16, 2022, by Tom Bowen: Crash Bandicoot was one of the most popular video game mascots of the nineties and has seen something of a resurgence in recent years thanks to the release of the N. Sane Trilogy collection and the series' long-awaited fourth installment. Thanks to these titles, everyone's favorite orange bandicoot now has upgraded looks, as well as an increased difficulty level to match. Like many of its predecessors, Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time is incredibly challenging, but whether or not it is the most difficult Crash Bandicoot game ever made is perhaps a matter for debate.

14 Crash of The Titans

crash of the titans screenshots

Platforms

PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, GBA, Nintendo DS & PSP

Release Date

October 4, 2007

Developer

Radical Entertainment

Publisher

Vivendi Games

Metacritic Rating

70

HowLongtoBeat

11 Hours

This tatted version of Crash Bandicoot debuted in 2007, and its style is very different than previous Crash titles. Due to this, it's much simpler to play. Crash actually punches and kicks in this one, adding more combat than before. Spins are still present, but moves like these have to be unlocked.

This Bandicoot is a bit more violent than his previous iterations. Many fans don't like it because the playing style breaks away from the original series, but one thing's for sure: Crash of The Titans is one of the simplest Crash games and one of the easiest to just pick up and play.

13 Crash: Mind Over Mutant

crash bandicoot mind over mutant screenshots

Platforms

PS2, Wii, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS & PSP

Release Date

October 7, 2008

Developer

Radical Entertainment

Publisher

Activision

Metacritic Rating

73

HowLongtoBeat

11½ Hours

Crash: Mind Over Mutant is the follow-up to Crash of the Titans, and it's similar in gameplay style. Crash is able to fight giant beasts to take control of them and can even use their powers to become even stronger. This gives players a huge advantage, as these mutants are way larger than Crash and his buddies and can pack one hell of a punch.

RELATED: Crash Bandicoot: The Hardest Platinum Relics From The N. Sane Trilogy

Part of what makes Crash games so difficult lies in their level designs. Classic Crash games involve steep jumps, hidden gems, box collecting, and much more. Sadly, Crash of the Titans and Crash: Mind Over Mutant lack most of those classic aspects, which makes them both much easier, but also much less fun.

12 Crash Tag Team Racing

crash tag team racing screenshots

Platforms

PS2, GameCube & Xbox

Release Date

October 19, 2005

Developer

Radical Entertainment

Publisher

Vivendi Universal Games

Metacritic Rating

69

HowLongtoBeat

11 Hours

Crash Tag Team Racing is definitely one of the simpler bandicooting installments in the series. An odd hybrid between classic Crash and Crash Bandicoot kart racing games, this game is childishly comedic, yet entertaining at the same time.

Racing in this game is very similar to Mario Kart: Double Dash, with players able to either drive or act as gunners. The gameplay itself is simple and the controls are buttery smooth most of the time. The steering isn't great on the racecourse, but it's still pretty easy to win nonetheless.

11 Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex

crash bandicoot the wrath of cortex gameplay

Platforms

PS2, GameCube & Xbox

Release Date

October 29, 2001

Developer

Traveller's Tales

Publisher

Universal Interactive

Metacritic Rating

66

HowLongtoBeat

13 Hours

The truth is that Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex is pretty much a carbon copy of the original Crash trilogy, but with different levels and its own storyline. There's not anything that's particularly hard about it in comparison to the earlier games.

The biggest complaint about this title lies in its graphics and controls. It's definitely not the hardest in the series, but its mechanics pale in comparison to previous Crash titles. To put it bluntly, most of the difficulty that the game poses stems from its weak design.

10 Crash Twinsanity

crash twin sanity gameplay

Platforms

PS2 & Xbox

Release Date

September 28, 2004

Developer

Traveller's Tales

Publisher

Vivendi Universal Games

Metacritic Rating

66

HowLongtoBeat

6½ Hours

Crash Twinsanity is pretty mediocre when it comes to difficulty. It's not quite ridiculously easy, sure, but it is still one of the easier games in the franchise. In fact, the additional help from Cortex makes the gameplay less challenging overall.

RELATED: Crash Bandicoot 4: Characters Fans Want Back (& Characters They Never Wish To See Again)

The controls are definitely better than they are in Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex and the more open-world level design provides more maneuvering room. It's quite goofy and has the same type of humor as Crash Tag Team Racing, so it's definitely enjoyable.

9 Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Photo of crash bandicoot turning around in N Sane Trilogy

Platforms

PS4, Switch, Xbox One & PC

Release Date

June 30, 2017

Developer

Vicarious Visions

Publisher

Activision

Metacritic Rating

80

HowLongtoBeat

43½ Hours

Granted, Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is technically a remaster of the first three games in the series, but its mechanics are very different from the originals. As a result, many view the trilogy as its own unique entity rather than a simple remastering of the originals.

The graphics are amazing and one of the most notable changes, but the hitboxes definitely make the game even more difficult than the original three platformers. This led to a bunch of memes comparing the trilogy to Dark Souls, which should give those who've never played the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy an idea of what to expect.

8 Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back

crash 2 cortex strikes back stills

Platform

PS1

Release Date

October 31, 1997

Developer

Naughty Dog

Publisher

Sony Computer Entertainment

GameRankings Score

89%

HowLongtoBeat

11 Hours

Out of the three original Crash Bandicoot games, Cortex Strikes Back is arguably the most forgiving. In many ways, it offers a nice balance between Crash 1 and Crash 3. The gems and relics are still difficult to track down, but that's just how every Crash game is.

RELATED: Evidence Proving Uncharted And Crash Bandicoot Are The Same Game

Cortex Strikes Back is actually a favorite among fans due to its perfect difficulty level. Its controls are great and it doesn't have any wonky mechanics. Overall, it's definitely the easiest game from the original trilogy and is generally considered to be the best of the classic Crash games.

7 Crash Bandicoot: Warped

crash bandicoot warped motorcycle and coco levels

Platform

PS1

Release Date

October 31, 1998

Developer

Naughty Dog

Publisher

Sony Computer Entertainment

Metacritic Rating

91

HowLongtoBeat

14 Hours

The third installment in the original trilogy is more difficult than the second and that's largely because of its additional level types. In Crash Bandicoot: Warped, there are motorcycle levels, underwater levels, aircraft levels, and levels where Coco and Crash ride Polar and Pure; all of which creates an added layer of difficulty in the game.

The motorcycle levels are especially challenging. The giant pits and difficult steering mechanics make these levels an absolute pain for many players. Sadly, this doesn't get much easier in the N Sane Trilogy collection either. Crash needs a bike with better handling.

6 Crash Nitro Kart

screenshots from nitro kart

Platforms

PS2, GameCube, Xbox, GBA, N-Gage & Mobile

Release Date

November 11, 2003

Developer

Vicarious Visions

Publisher

Universal Interactive

Metacritic Rating

70

HowLongtoBeat

10½ Hours

Crash Nitro Kart was released four years after Crash Team Racing and is a bit simpler than its predecessor. However, it's still not incredibly easy. This is because like Crash Team Racing, Crash Nitro Kart involves several difficult game modes, including Gem Cup challenges, CNK Tokens, and more.

A cool fun fact about this game is that it was released for both home consoles and the Game Boy Advanced. Both versions were quite different and the GBA version actually includes an unlockable version of Spyro from the Spyro the Dragon series. Neither version is the most difficult Crash game around, but they'll definitely keep players on their toes.

5 Crash Team Racing

crash team racing screenshots

Platform

PS1

Release Date

September 30, 1999

Developer

Naughty Dog

Publisher

Sony Computer Entertainment

Metacritic Rating

88

HowLongtoBeat

24½ Hours

Just because it's a kart racer doesn't make it any easier. In Crash Team Racing, players have to collect more than just trophies. There are also gems, relics, CTR tokens, and boss keys. It's not just about getting first place, either.

In order to achieve 100% completion, all of these items must be collected. Plus, in arcade mode, there are several "battle" options that can also be a huge pain. However, there's no doubt about it, Crash Team Racing is still a lot of fun despite its difficulty.

4 Crash Bandicoot

crash-bandicoot-1

Platform

PS1

Release Date

September 9, 1996

Developer

Naughty Dog

Publisher

Sony Computer Entertainment

GameRankings Score

80%

HowLongtoBeat

12½ Hours

One of the most difficult titles of all is ironically the very first Crash game ever released. It would make sense for these games to get harder with time, but that's not the case for this furry orange fella. Between the difficult jumps, the inability to double jump, and the game's extremely long levels, Crash Bandicoot is a real challenge.

This is especially true of the Stormy Ascent and The High Road levels. Those are just pure hell. Of course, Stormy Ascent was cut from the original because it was just too hard and now only exists as an N Sane Trilogy bonus. Long story short, it takes a real hardcore Bandicoot fan to tackle those levels.

3 Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled

CTR nitro fueled art

Platforms

PS4, Switch & Xbox One

Release Date

June 21, 2019

Developer

Beenox

Publisher

Activision

Metacritic Rating

84

HowLongtoBeat

25 Hours

Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled is a remake of both Crash Team Racing and Crash Nitro Kart. As a result, it manages to be more difficult than either of the two previous two kart racers on their own. Plus, there are daily challenges that are quite difficult to complete.

It's one thing to play this game on easy mode with friends or loved ones. It's a whole other to go online and try racing against pros located all across the world. This game is an absolute blast and one of the best video game remakes ever made, but it's definitely not easy.

2 Crash Bash

Crash Bash cover and screenshot

Platform

PS1

Release Date

November 8, 2000

Developer

Eurocom

Publisher

Sony Computer Entertainment

Metacritic Rating

68

HowLongtoBeat

11 Hours

Just because it's a party game doesn't mean that Crash Bash is easy. In fact, it ends up being the exact opposite. In Crash Bash, players must complete several different mini-games in order to progress, some of which, like "Polar Push," can be incredibly difficult.

"Ballistix" is another mini-game that players will likely struggle with. Those who have played air hockey with the Hulk may find it simple, but otherwise, it can be a real pain. Plus, there are several balls flying around all at once just to make things even more difficult.

1 Crash 4: It's About Time

Crash with mask in it's about time

Platforms

PS5, PS4,Switch, Xbox Series S│X, Xbox One & PC

Release Date

October 2, 2020

Developer

Toys for Bob

Publisher

Activision

Metacritic Rating

86

HowLongtoBeat

84 Hours

The newest Crash Bandicoot game also happens to be the hardest. Even hardcore Crash fans struggle with Crash 4: It's About Time, with many newcomers giving up long before reaching the end of the game. Part of what adds to the game's difficulty is that Crash 4 includes new game modes, playable characters, and power-ups.

This series may be marketed to children, but that by no means indicates that it's a breeze. Achieving 100% completion is going to require a ridiculous amount of dedication, not to mention a whole lot of skill. Nevertheless, the game is graphically appealing and can be a lot of fun for those who are able to wrap their heads around its challenging gameplay mechanics.

MORE: Every Crash Bandicoot Game, Ranked By its Metacritic Score