11 Video Game Challenges To Spice Up Your Next Replay

While there will always be new video games to play, we’ve found one of the most satisfying video game challenges is finding new ways to replay old favorites.

Since one of the appeals of video games is bragging rights, being able to say that you've accomplished something no other gamer has done before can be a huge source of pride and satisfaction.

Just for Video Gamers!

Becoming the best player you can be is a challenge. Becoming the best player in multiple games is even more challenging. You're ready for it. But it takes a lot of turns, a lot of RESTART? Y/N, before you reach that level of excellence. Stay motivated and reward yourself with IRLA Video Gaming challenge medals. Get a series of five medals that mark your milestones for playing multiple video games. As you set more goals and make progress in your quest to be the best, your IRLAs give you the motivation to do more and more.

This can come in the form of speed runs and completionist challenges to self-imposed restrictions and unusual playthroughs. Not only can these challenges make replaying old games more fun and engaging, but they can also save you money by providing hours of entertainment without having to buy a new game.

(Have you seen what a PS5 game costs?!)

If you want to show some new love to old video games, we've compiled a list of 11 challenges to get you started. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of gaming challenges, there's something here for everyone.

So dust off those old games and blow into the cartridges – it’s time to play!

1. The Pacifist

Complete the game without killing anyone.

Or if you’re replaying Super Mario Bros., replay the game without bopping too many Goombas on the head.

Killing, bopping, defeating, vanquishing, it’s true that video games trend slightly toward a bit of violence. What this replay video game challenge is about is finding a way to enjoy other aspects of the game, from Mario’s ability to dodge to completing in-game side quests that take you away from the battle.

2. The No-Hit Wonder

Complete the game without taking any damage.

If you’re replaying GoldenEye 007, this is the equivalent of never seeing those red-tinted edges crowd your screen. In other words, a lofty challenge.

3. Video Game Challenge Medals

Some challenges are good for bragging rights. Others unlock real-life medals so the world can see your achievements.

These are the following challenges you’ll have to undergo to unlock the medals (and each can be done by replaying some of your favorite video games):

• Get a K/D ratio of 13
• Complete a single-player game
• Complete a game on a console that’s over 15 years old
• Win a battle royale game
• Plan an in-person video game party (like in the golden age of LAN parties)

4. The Speed Demon

Complete the game as fast as possible.

Speed runs are one of the more popular video game challenges, and they’ve spawned their own genre on YouTube.

Depending on the type of game you’re playing, a speed run could be measured in seconds and minutes, like your fastest laps on Mario Kart, or in dozens of hours, as you battle through the gyms and trainers of Pokemon.

5. The Ironman

Complete the game in one sitting without taking any breaks.

This video game challenge requires the same sort of prep as its namesake. You’ll need to consider proper nutrition and hydration strategies, attire, and strategies for keeping your energy up through the day and into the evening.

6. The Underdog

Complete the game on the hardest difficulty setting.

Sure, anyone can beat Halo in easy mode. But heroic and legendary? Those are another story. Though this may be restricted to games that have the built-in difficulty settings, you can also adapt any of the aforementioned challenges to create your own.

7. The Completionist

Get 100% completion in the game.

A fun companion to the speed run type of video game challenges, this takes you from getting to the end as quickly as possible to getting to the end as thoroughly as possible. This replay will benefit from attention to detail and patience as you’re sure to overturn every stone to find every clue on your way to 100%.

8. The No-Items Run

Complete the game without using any items.

Imagine making it through Mario without a single mushroom, fire flower, or Yoshi wings. It can seem next to impossible, both for the difficulty in surviving… but also in avoiding the items flying about willy-nilly. Completing this video game challenge definitely reveals the precision of a true gamer.

9. The Minimalist

Complete the game with the lowest possible score.

This goes against all of your gaming instincts – and those video game documentaries about lifetime high scores. Still, finishing a game with the lowest possible score is uniquely challenging in its own right. It means foregoing the easy points, avoiding the coins, and doing the bare minimum at an expert level.

10. The Nostalgic

Complete the game using only the original controller or console.

For games that are part of a series or legacy, you can turn back the clock and see how you do when the processing speed slows down and the pixels get big. This works especially well with the online libraries, as the games are included as a part of your existing subscription.

11. One Life To Live

Complete the game without dying.

Here, you’ve got just one life to play. Instead of relying on check points and saves, you’ve got to get as far as you can – and hopefully to the end– without being felled. As you get farther along the game, the stress will only mount, so we wish you luck.