The 1990s saw a surge in shooter games, especially first-person shooters, largely inspired by the groundbreaking Doom. Many developers were trying to create the next big hit. This era also featured notoriously difficult games, as developers still thought of players needing to ‘earn’ their way through challenges, whether by spending money or investing a lot of time. This combination resulted in some incredibly challenging shooter campaigns. And with a few games adding even more difficulty through complex multiplayer modes, the ’90s delivered a unique mix of truly punishing shooter experiences.
Here are the six hardest shooters from the ’90s that players loved.
6) Wolfenstein 3D
Released a year before Doom, Wolfenstein 3D is considered one of the earliest first-person shooters. It’s challenging to play because of its awkward controls and enemies that can instantly kill you. Basically, whoever shoots first usually wins, and the enemy soldiers are incredibly fast.
Wolfenstein 3D is a really tough game, especially on harder settings. While its levels and enemies aren’t as intricate as those in Doom or more recent titles, that straightforwardness is actually what makes it so difficult.
5) Final Doom
Final Doom is the third game in the famous Doom series, but it was created by TeamTNT, not id Software. It features two separate sets of 32 levels, called ‘megawads,’ that continue the story after Doom 2. The gameplay is similar to Doom 2, but Final Doom is significantly more challenging.
TNT: Evilution, the very first large custom level set, offers a difficulty similar to the original Doom games. However, The Plutonia Experiment was known for being incredibly challenging for a long time. Its levels are huge, and some critics described them as brutally difficult. A handful of levels are even considered unfair, making it best suited for experienced Doom players.
4) Contra: Hard Corps
Many consider Contra: Hard Corps to be the most challenging game on the Sega Genesis. Although it’s a classic side-scroller rather than a first-person shooter, don’t underestimate it – this game is incredibly demanding and will really push your gaming abilities.
One mistake means game over in this fast-paced action game, so you’ll need to be incredibly accurate and memorize each boss’s attacks to survive. Taking the time to master Hard Corps is rewarding, though, as it features multiple storylines and hidden characters that encourage you to play again and again.
3) Shadow Warrior
Like its predecessor, Duke Nukem 3D, Shadow Warrior was created using the Build engine. However, Shadow Warrior is significantly more difficult. Its intricate levels can feel like a confusing maze, and enemies can defeat you with a single hit.
Like many games from that time, Shadow Warrior is fast-paced and demanding. If you can’t keep up, you’ll find it very challenging. The beginning is especially tough because you start with limited weapons, making the early levels a real struggle. While you do eventually get more tools, the game never gets any easier – you just have more options to help you cope.
2) Blood
I remember playing Blood, and it was built using the same engine as Duke Nukem 3D, but Monolith Productions made it. And honestly, if you know Monolith, they love a tough shooter. Their F.E.A.R. games were seriously challenging – the enemy AI was some of the best I’ve ever seen, especially on the Xbox 360 and PS3. It really made those games stand out.
The game Blood is challenging due to tough enemies that attack quickly and a scarcity of supplies. Since the developers didn’t have the sophisticated AI they used in F.E.A.R., they compensated by sending waves of enemies at the player. This often leads to being overwhelmed, making it hard to navigate the dangerous levels. Fortunately, a remastered version released by Nightdive Studios in 2019 makes Blood readily accessible to play now.
1) Quake 3 Arena
While Quake 3 Arena doesn’t have a story mode, it’s a surprisingly complex multiplayer shooter. It’s difficult to learn all the movements, so expect a steep learning curve and plenty of losses as you improve.
Even after you get the hang of moving around in Quake 3, you’ll still need to become skilled with the weapons. It takes more than just aiming and clicking – you have to learn the right timing, since everyone is always moving. This fast-paced gameplay isn’t for everyone, but once it clicks, few shooters are as satisfying.
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2026-02-28 02:41