When it comes to iconic RPGs, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is usually near the top of the list. It's not the best RPG, and many would argue it's not even the best The Elder Scrolls game either. So why are players so invested in its lore?
Perhaps it was the relaxed difficulty that made Skyrim appeal to the masses. Players from all walks of life came together to experience this game, leaving no stone unturned. One can easily spend over two-hundred hours playing this game and its DLCs, but which games measure up in terms of difficulty?
10 Super Mario RPG: Legend Of The Seven Stars (Easier)
The story of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars begins with the classic tale of the damsel in distress. Mario attempts to rescue Princess Peach from the malevolent Bowse, but when things take a turn for the worse, Mario joins forces with Bowser to defeat a greater common enemy, Smithy.
As you could imagine, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is not a difficult RPG. Most first-party Nintendo games appeal to a wide player base, hence their lower difficulty. With Super Mario RPG being a turn-based game and Skyrim being an open-world action RPG, the former takes the cake for being easier.
9 Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne (Harder)
This RPG is set in a post-apocalyptic modern-day Tokyo where a high school student becomes a demonic Demi-fiend. Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne is a part of the Megami Tensei series known for spawning the Persona sub-series. Released for the PlayStation 2 in 2003, Shin Megami Tensei 3: Nocturne has a planned remaster release in 2021 for the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. The two difficulties, Hard and Normal, are considered more difficult than Skyrim's Adept and Expert settings.
8 Kingdom Hearts (Easier)
When it comes to RPGs, there are few as easy as Kingdom Hearts. The game is essentially a cross between Final Fantasy and Disney, blending for a seamless experience we wish never ended.
There is a strong possibility that there will be a Kingdom Hearts IV, given the popularity of its predecessors, although no formal announcement has been made. As a game with the younger generation as its target demographic, it is much easier than Skyrim.
7 The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (Harder)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is widely regarded as the easiest game in The Elder Scrolls series. At launch, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind didn't have difficulty modes, but the game was played at a difficulty that is harder than Skyrim. Skyrim has difficulty modes like Master and Legendary that offer a more uncompromising experience. However, Morrowind is a more grueling experience and is less accommodating for novice players.
6 Pokémon (Easier)
What was already known for being an easy RPG series has gotten even more so with Pokémon Sword and Shield. The latest additions to the Pokémon franchise are more story intensive, but the gameplay doesn't stray too far from previous games.
Particular trainers might give you trouble, but for the most part, if you choose the right Pokémon lineup, you can breeze through the game without issue. Even an easy to approach game like Skyrim is harder than Pokémon.
5 Divinity: Original Sin II (Harder)
Divinity: Original Sin II earned acclaim across the board for its smart design and RPG elements. The game is divided into Acts with the second significantly more difficult than the first. This game elevated the RPG genre to a whole new level. Divinity: Original Sin II was created by the developers of Baldur's Gate 3. Playing as a party of four, it comes abundantly clear that it is way harder than Skyrim. This robust game will take you approximately sixty hours to beat, compared to Skyrim's thirty-three-hour main story.
4 Fable (Easier)
Although Fable is a jovial experience compared to Skyrim's bleak atmosphere, that's part of its appeal. Fable 4 will be releasing soon, and we couldn't be more ecstatic. The announcement of Fable 4 at the Xbox Games Showcase 2020 was eye-opening. This newly announced sequel will likely be a more relaxed experience than Skyrim if it follows the same pattern as past Fable games. Let's face it, Fable is a delightful adventure, but it isn't very hard.
3 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (Harder)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has a good buildup because it isn't tough at the beginning. You get a few hours into the game, and the difficulty hits you like a concrete wall. Suddenly, you have to use all of the Witcher's spells and attacks to survive encounters.
The great thing about The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is that the game is not overly difficult. However, it's nowhere near as easy as Skyrim. If you're just getting into RPGs for the first time, play Skyrim and then The Witcher.
2 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic (Easier)
It depends on what part of the game you're referring to, but generally speaking, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is easier than Skyrim. The last boss fight against Darth Malak gave a lot of players trouble. Defeating Darth Malak as he absorbs surrounding bodies proves challenging without a stockpile of Life Supports and Advanced Medpacs. Putting this boss fight aside, the rest of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic is a cakewalk compared to RPGs like Skyrim.
1 Dark Souls (Harder)
When it comes to action role-playing games, Dark Souls is considered the benchmark of difficulty. Before a game can be regarded as hard or not, it must pass the Dark Souls test.
Dark Souls is harder than Skyrim—and it's not even close. The layers of difficulty put into Dark Souls places it among the most challenging games of all time. They even named a version the "Prepare to Die Edition" because of its painstaking difficulty. Expect to die numerous times, and then some.