Decoding the Rarest and Hardest Video Game Achievements
Video games have long presented players with a myriad of challenges, from navigating complex dungeons to solving intricate puzzles. Among these challenges, certain achievements stand out as some of the most difficult and elusive, resonating with a unique community of gamers. This article delves into the rarest and hardest video game achievements, exploring their complexity, rarity, and the stories behind them.
The Myth of Portal 2's Co-Op Bannister Premium
Is the Bannister Premium the hardest achievement in all of gaming? Not necessarily. While Portal 2's Bannister Premium is one of the more challenging achievements to unlock in a co-op mode, it is not universally recognized as the hardest or rarest achievement in video game history. Many games feature equally challenging or even rarer achievements that require players to perform specific actions under complex or precise conditions.
Examples from other well-known games include the intricately designed challenges in games like Dark Souls, the hand-drawn precision demanded in Cuphead, and the nimble finger-twitching required in Super Meat Boy. Achievements such as these are often cited as some of the most difficult in the gaming community.
Unusual and Tangible Achievements
Some achievements are not about sheer skill or precision, but about player behavior, patience, and even real-world events. Consider the Stanley Parable's 'Go outside' achievement, which requires players to abstain from playing the game for five consecutive years. As of October last year, this achievement finally became obtainable. Other notable achievements for this game include 'Commitment' (playing the game for an entire Tuesday) and 'Unachievable', which can only be obtained through specific technical means or random chance.
The Art Ending in the Stanley Parable is notably difficult to obtain and requires playing a minigame for four hours. These achievements highlight the unconventional and often absurd requirements placed on players.
Black And White: Bugged Or Joke Achievements
Occasionally, certain achievements go beyond the realm of difficulty and become almost impossible to obtain due to bugs or intentional design. One such example is the Garry's Mod achievement 'Yes, I am the real Garry!'. To unlock this achievement, players must be on the same server as Garry—one of the game's creators. However, since Garry does not often play Garry's Mod, obtaining the achievement effectively shuttles players between the realms of impossibility and sheer luck.
Another example includes the 'No, you could not finish that’ achievement in Little Nightmares 2, which requires walking through a maze without lighting a fire. This again showcases the unpredictable and often humorous nature of some game achievements.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The quest for rare and difficult achievements in video games continues to captivate players worldwide. These unique challenges not only test players' skills and patience but also foster a sense of community among those who dare to tackle them. Whether it's the intricate gameplay of Dark Souls, the precision of Cuphead, or the sheer commitment required for The Stanley Parable's achievements, these milestones stand as testaments to the myriad of challenges that game designers throw at players.
In essence, while there may not be a single 'hardest' achievement, the journey to unlock these rare treasures is what makes the gaming experience so rewarding and unforgettable.