If you want to experience something challenging yet fun, you should try to play shooting games with high difficulty levels. Gaming categories like the best bullet hell games allow users to undergo an adrenaline rush while facing enemy projectiles. While playing these shooting games, you feel satisfied after eliminating the enemy threat. Go over the list of 10 best bullet hell games in this article to enjoy a fantastic gaming experience.
What are Bullet Hell Games?
When defining bullet hell games, we can say that they are a subgenre of shooting video games characterized by substantial numbers of enemy projectiles. Players have to dodge these projectiles thrown at them to survive during the game. Moreover, these games are known for their high difficulty and require players to have precise timing and reflexes to win.
There are many bullet hell games online and offline for users to enjoy in their leisure time. In addition, enemies often fire bullets in complex patterns during the game to make life even more difficult for the gamers. Other than that, players may get help from power-ups and special attacks that can help them clear the screen of bullets.
Why are Bullet Hell Games So Popular?
Now that we know the basics of the popular bullet hell games, it is time to dig into the reason for their widespread fame. Therefore, let’s go over the list of these reasons to understand what makes these games best for gamers worldwide.
- Challenge and Skill: The intense difficulty of bullet hell games appeals to players looking for a challenging experience. Also, successfully navigating through dense bullet patterns provides a sense of accomplishment to the players.
- Replayability: When the players fail to complete the mission while playing this game, the replayability factor automatically increases. Moreover, players strive to improve their skills and achieve higher scores, which leads to repeated playthroughs.
- Unique Gameplay Experience: Its focus on dodging complex bullet patterns sets the best bullet hell games apart from other shooting subgenres. Additionally, its gameplay mechanics require players to adopt a different playstyle compared to other shooting games.
- Cultural Influence: Bullet hell games have a strong cultural influence, particularly in Japan, where they originated. Plus, the genre’s particular aesthetic and gameplay elements have influenced other forms of media, leading to its popularity.
Best Bullet Hell Games Worth Trying
After going through the reasons behind the popularity of bullet hell games, you must be wondering about the available options. We have also covered this aspect with the list of fun bullet hell games you can try.
1. Enter the Gungeon
Enter the Gungeon stands as a compelling bullet hell game with crazy action following a dungeon crawler. This game involves a band of misfits who seek to shoot their way through a dungeon filled with enemies. Moreover, their ultimate goal is to reach the ultimate treasure, which is a gun that can kill the past.
To play this best bullet hell game, you need to team up with your friends in the co-op gaming mode. Within the dark dungeon, you will face the Cult of the Gundead as your ultimate enemy.
- Platform Support: PlayStation, Windows, Linux, and Other Gaming Consoles
- Steam Rating: 10/10
2. Ikaruga
One of the most popular bullet hell games is Ikaruga, which has unique gameplay for seasoned gamers. Players can switch the polarity of their ship to get hit and absorb the bullets of their enemies. In addition, the absorbed energy will power up the homing lasers for future use.
Other than that, if you defeat three enemies with the same polarity value, you will get an extra chain bonus. With more than 5 difficulty levels and smooth gameplay, it has successfully made its place in the hearts of regular gamers.
- Platform Support: Nintendo, Dreamcast, GameCube, PlayStation, Android, Windows, Xbox
- Steam Rating: 9/10
3. Halls of Torment
Hall of Torment demands a strategized approach to defeat a group of monsters in the race for survival. It has a retro look that reminds 90s kids about the era of early RPG games, giving it a nostalgic value. While playing this engaging game, players have to fight unholy spirits coming in waves before they eventually face the tormented lord.
Within the list of bullet hell games, this game delivers the maximum replayability factor with an average time of thirty minutes per run. Along the way, you will continue to uncover the secrets of the underground world as you defeat more and more enemies.
- Platform Support: Linux, Windows
- Steam Ratings: 10/10
4. Patch Quest
By taking inspiration from monster-taming games, it pushes players into a world of terrifying monsters. Using your lasso in this popular bullet hell game, you can capture any monster to train them in the future. Once a player captures them, they will be able to utilize these monsters to leap and glide through a confusing maze.
In addition to that, there is a collection of two hundred rare plants and mineral resources you can utilize to feed the monsters. Also, gamers can collect ammo fruits to make potent ammunition smoothies.
- Platform Support: Windows
- Steam Rating: 10/10
5. Returnal
With its highly advanced graphics, this best bullet hell game stands out from the rest of the games on the list. It is an award-winning shooting game that allows players to live Selene’s adventures in the barren landscapes. Also, you have to engage in bullet hell-integrated clashes with your enemies to win the fight for survival.
Furthermore, this bullet hell game elevates the sense of thrill with in-game achievements and a progress tracker. Gamers can also enjoy the Co-Op mode to play this visually engaging game with their friends.
- Platform Support: PlayStation, Windows
- Steam Rating: 9/10
6. Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony
If you like to play historical games, Jamestown will fulfill this craving, as it is set in the 17th-century British Colony. However, the mentioned colony is situated on Mars to provide a Sci-Fi twist to this bullet hell game. Plus, it has all the characteristics of classical arcade shooters with modern gameplay.
While playing this popular bullet hell game in the Co-Op mode, you can shoot your way through the enemies with a team of up to four friends. To keep the gamers immersed, this game has a unique scoring system and over thirty in-game achievements waiting to be unlocked.
- Platform Support: Windows, macOS, Nintendo
- Steam Rating: 9/10
7. Nordic Ashes: Survivors of Ragnarok
Nordic Ashes puts the gamers on a battlefield full of strange creatures where you have to kill enemies for survival. As you advance in the game, you will be able to unlock new weapons and unique power-ups to defeat the creatures. Moreover, there are all unique kinds of beasts, including basic monsters and epic bosses, to make the game more challenging.
In addition, players can enjoy up to 9 maps that take you to adventures in different realms. Within the list of bullet hell games, it is a contender for the top spot with its rare characters and weapons.
- Platform Support: Linux, Windows, macOS
- Steam Rating: 9/10
8. Archvale
It is time to bring out your weapons and fight the army of the Undying Guardians while playing this game. To complete this best bullet hell game, you have to defeat all the guardians to reunite the existing world with the mythical Archvale. Along the way, you can boost your character’s ability with the help of badges that suit your playing style.
Moreover, players get to create more than two hundred unique weapons and armor using the materials gained after defeating the enemies. So, dig deep into this world to uncover the secrets behind the dark lore haunting the people of Archvale.
- Platform Support: Xbox, PlayStation, Windows, Nintendo
- Steam Rating: 9/10
9. HoloCure – Save the Fans!
If you want to enjoy a free bullet hell game on your PC, HoloCure will prove to be a good option. It serves as the unofficial fan game, allowing you to play as a VTuber from Hololive. Plus, the gameplay of this game is heavily inspired by Vampire Survivors to deliver the players with all the characteristics of bullet hell games.
Other than that, players have to fight their way through the army of fans influenced by mind control magic. You can experiment with different body types and builds to create an ultimate VTuber character who will fight to save the fans from mind control.
- Platform Support: Windows
- Steam Rating: 10/10
10. Yet Another Zombie Survivors
With the abundance of Zombie survival bullet hell games online, it is difficult to find the best one providing an optimal experience. However, this particular game stands at the top of the list due to its engaging gameplay. While playing this game, you will face hordes of zombies along with your friends to better your winning chances.
In addition, you can play as a lonely SWAT soldier with weapons like katana and flamethrower. There are no annoying lengthy cutscenes present in this bullet hell game, and it lets you jump straight into the action.
- Platform Support: Windows
- Steam Rating: 9/10
Power Up Bullet Hell Games with ZEGOCLOUD’s Multiplayer and Voice Chat
ZEGOCLOUD offers powerful SDKs & APIs to enhance bullet hell games by adding real-time multiplayer features, voice chat, and in-game messaging, creating a more interactive and social experience for players. With ZEGOCLOUD’s Voice Chat SDK, players can communicate in real-time, coordinating strategies or simply sharing the thrill of dodging waves of enemy fire. This adds a collaborative layer to the fast-paced gameplay, increasing player engagement and retention.
Additionally, the In-App Messaging SDK allows for easy, integrated text chat, enabling players to discuss strategies, share tips, or challenge each other in real-time. ZEGOCLOUD’s infrastructure is built to handle high-traffic gaming sessions smoothly, ensuring reliable, low-latency connections that keep the gameplay experience seamless and immersive. This makes ZEGOCLOUD an ideal choice for developers looking to bring social and interactive elements into bullet hell games, transforming solo play into a dynamic, shared experience.
Key Features
- With these APIs and SDKs, you can control the notification effects on the user interface while playing the game. By doing so, users can adjust music, sound effects, and vibration for a quiet atmosphere.
- Also, the game modes offered by ZEGOCLOUD may include live comment gaming and one-on-one gaming with randomly matched players.
- You will be able to manage components on the game interface, including Settings and Close button, through this game API. Plus, you get to take full control of the game through its component management.
- Other than that, ZEGOCLOUD allows you to take control of coins added or withdrawn from the game.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we have introduced you to the most popular bullet hell games. You can choose any of these games to make your leisure time fun with an enthralling experience. In addition, you can opt for ZEGOCLOUD MiniGame SDKs and APIs to provide bullet hell game-like adventures during social communication. Get your hands on these innovative APIs and SDKs to make the best game chat app for gaming.
Read more:
FAQ
Q1: What is bullet hell in games?
Bullet hell, also known as “danmaku,” is a sub-genre of shooter games where players must dodge overwhelming waves of projectiles or “bullets” that fill the screen. The genre tests players’ reflexes and precision as they navigate through intricate patterns of enemy fire.
Q2: What is the most popular bullet hell?
Touhou Project is one of the most popular and iconic bullet hell series. Known for its challenging gameplay and intricate bullet patterns, it has a large fanbase and has influenced many games in the genre.
Q3: What is an example of a bullet hell game?
Enter the Gungeon is a well-known bullet hell game. It combines elements of dungeon crawling with intense bullet-dodging action, making it a favorite among fans of the genre.
Let’s Build APP Together
Start building with real-time video, voice & chat SDK for apps today!
