The Ultimate Ranking of BioWare's Most Challenging Games

Since its establishment in 1995, BioWare has been a reliable developer for EA. Their games offer players extensive freedom and customization options to personalize their experience. However, it is worth noting that many BioWare games are notoriously challenging to complete.

Following the traditional RPG formula, the decisions players make in these games have significant consequences for the story and the fate of their companions. This element of uncertainty adds to the difficulty level and can either enhance the enjoyment or deter certain types of players.

10 Anthem

BioWare's catalogue boasts several titles that have gained a reputation for their formidable nature. Whether it's the unforgiving dialogue choices or the challenging combat mechanics, BioWare masters the art of intensifying difficulty levels to craft an immersive gaming extravaganza that excels on multiple fronts.

In BioWare's 2019 multiplayer RPG, Anthem, players can choose from 6 different difficulties once they reach Pilot level 30. However, the most valuable loot and rewards can only be obtained on Normal difficulty or above. This adds a significant challenge, particularly in the end game when players confront formidable bosses such as the Dominion Fury.

9 Mass Effect Andromeda

Playing the game solo presents a greater challenge, as defeating some Titans can take over 20 minutes. Unfortunately, with BioWare having abandoned Anthem, the game is destined to fade into obscurity as another failed attempt to rival "Destiny." Since there will be no nerfs to enhance the solo experience, enemies will continue to be resilient bullet sponges.

Despite a turbulent start, BioWare has diligently dedicated considerable time and effort in recent years to enhance the stability and overall performance of their latest addition to the Mass Effect franchise. In addition, the game presents formidable challenges that demand players to possess the appropriate weaponry and skill set to conquer. Mass Effect Andromeda aimed to redeem the series following the underwhelming conclusion of Mass Effect 3.

If players neglect adjusting their weapons and shields and disregard the crafting system altogether, it becomes exceedingly simple for merciless bosses like The Cardinal to exterminate them with just a handful of attacks. BioWare has also retained the series' notorious Insanity Mode, offering the ultimate test for experienced veterans of past games.

8 Shattered Steel

BioWare's initial game release, Shattered Steel, came out in 1996. It is a mech simulation game set in a bleak world teetering on the edge of human annihilation. While most of the 20 missions are relatively straightforward, it is the sporadic and intense difficulty spikes that add a challenging and unpredictable dimension to the overall experience.

The convoy escort levels are greatly affected by this issue. In these levels, players are suddenly burdened with the responsibility of managing various aspects of their mech, including shields, weapons, weight, and power system. On top of that, they also have to monitor their partner's health. Furthermore, the presence of in-game cheats hinders players from making progress in the story, eliminating them as a viable option.

7 Neverwinter Nights

Despite being an older release from BioWare, Neverwinter Nights remains highly cherished by fans of D&D. It is often compared to its source of inspiration, as it poses a similar level of challenge. Right from the start, the game deliberately withholds significant details from players, resulting in a tendency to unintentionally stumble upon areas teeming with formidable goblins, creatures, and monsters.

6 Mass Effect 2

Having a companion is essential in Neverwinter Nights as they can help draw out enemies and provide valuable buffs to the player. Linu La'neral, the elven cleric, is widely regarded as the top choice for challenging encounters due to her vital healing skills and the fact that she is one of the few companions who can wield a shield.

Considered one of the all-time best video games, Mass Effect 2 proves to be unforgiving for players who neglect to familiarize themselves with their companions and their individual skills.

For the most part, managing the gunplay on all difficulties is achievable as long as Shepherd and the rest of the party stick to cover. However, the enemies' aggressiveness demands a quick and seamless transition between weapons and abilities in order to penetrate shields and armor. Additionally, the decision-making process adds an immense level of intensity, particularly during the gripping final mission where players risk losing their entire team due to a few misguided orders.

5 Dragon Age 2

In Dragon Age 2, the true challenge lies not in individual enemies, but rather in confronting hordes of adversaries with imposing health bars. This is a frequent occurrence throughout the game, and it is the primary reason why many players choose to remain on the Normal difficulty setting.

4 Mass Effect

The Nightmare difficulty takes things to a whole new level of brutality, as the player's area-of-effect attacks can inadvertently harm their own allies, while the enemies receive a substantial boost to their defense and health. Moreover, the game features notoriously challenging bosses like Corypheus and the feared Qunari military officer, Arishok.

Due to the immense scope of the Mass Effect universe, renowned for its ambitious nature in the realm of gaming, it comes as no shock that during the initial development phase of their inaugural game, BioWare inadvertently introduced certain enemy types that possessed excessive power, necessitating the need for a recalibration.

The combat in Mass Effect can feel somewhat clunky when it comes to moving, shooting, and using abilities. This can lead to a chaotic experience, which is why it becomes crucial to earn more loot through additional missions. Many veterans of the game, as well as speed runners, often choose to play as the Soldier class. This is because, with a few upgrades, they can absorb up to 80% of damage, making them extremely valuable when facing tough opponents like the Geth and Krogan.

3 Dragon Age: Inquisition

The third installment of the Dragon Age series has always been divisive among fans, but one aspect that garnered unanimous criticism was the game's punishingly difficult opening. Upon entering the vast continent of Thedas, players were granted unprecedented freedom to explore, unaware that delving too deep into the map without sufficient power would lead to their demise.

2 Baldur’s Gate

Even till date, numerous new players give up on the game due to the relentless attacks by bandits or unexpected encounters with wild animals in the vast open world. Only when players become proficient with their abilities, weapons, and party members do they find it easier to navigate through the world, but even reaching this point is far from being an easy task.

In the first Baldur's Gate, players have always abided by the golden rule of activating the autopause feature. This essential function allows for crucial strategic decision-making during combat, preventing the unfortunate demise of the 5 to 6 party members under their control. This rule specifically applies to the initial game due to the limited capabilities of certain classes at lower levels. For instance, wizards often struggle with their weaknesses for approximately 80% of the game's duration before they become effective, giving players a glimpse of the daunting nature of combat.

Rushing into battles with melee weapons increases the risk of being surrounded. Therefore, it is advisable to rely on bows instead and forgo the use of shields. This strategy ensures a higher chance of survival in the more challenging sections of this beloved RPG game.

1 MDK 2

Unlike BioWare's other games, MDK2 sets itself apart as a 3D platform shooter that lacks the usual RPG elements. This distinction may be attributed to BioWare's unfamiliarity with this genre or the constraints imposed by limited hardware during that time. MDK2 has gained a reputation for its extreme difficulty, rendering it unplayable for certain players.

The presence of limited resources and absence of save points often give the impression of playing a survival horror game rather than anything else. While the hordes of enemies are already a major challenge, it is during the boss battles, particularly the feared Balloon for Brains encounter, that the game truly tests the player's resolve to resist using a guide. Additionally, the cumbersome hit detection and platform sections reminiscent of Crash Bandicoot contribute to making this platformer an exceptionally demanding experience, undoubtedly establishing it as BioWare's most challenging title.