What is rarer than a perfect game?

In the world of gaming, a "perfect game" is often considered one where a player completes every objective, achieves every achievement, and leaves no stone unturned. However, there are certain feats that are considered even rarer and more difficult to achieve than a perfect game, especially in the context of gaming history. Here are some examples:

1. A Perfect Run in a Speedrun

Speedrunning is the art of completing a game as fast as possible, often using glitches or advanced strategies. Achieving a "perfect run" in speedrunning, where a player completes the game flawlessly (without dying, losing time, or making any mistakes), is an incredibly rare accomplishment. These runs often require hours or even years of practice and optimization, making them even rarer than simply completing a game 100%.

Example: A "No Major Skips" (NMS) speedrun of Super Mario 64 without losing time or using major glitches would be considered an almost mythical achievement in the speedrunning community.

2. Completing a Game with No Damage or Hits

In some games, completing an entire game without taking a single hit or damage is considered a monumental achievement. This feat requires not only an intimate understanding of the game’s mechanics but also perfect execution under intense pressure. It's incredibly difficult to accomplish, especially in challenging action games.

Example: A "No Hit" run in Dark Souls or Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is considered one of the hardest feats in the gaming world. These games are already known for their difficulty, and completing them without taking any damage makes it even rarer.

3. Achieving a Platinum Trophy in Every Game in a Franchise

While a perfect game refers to achieving 100% completion within a single game, a rarer feat might be achieving Platinum Trophies (on PlayStation) or 100% achievements across an entire series of games. This requires dedication, as some franchises have multiple entries with varying levels of difficulty.

Example: Earning Platinum trophies in every Uncharted or The Elder Scrolls game, or achieving 100% completion in all the Legend of Zelda titles, is an incredibly rare achievement that requires immense time and effort.

4. Becoming a World Record Holder

Setting a world record in a popular game, especially in competitive gaming or speedrunning, is far rarer than a perfect game. This is a highly competitive arena where only a select few have the skills and dedication to claim the top spot.

Example: Holding the world record for the fastest completion time in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time or Minecraft speedruns is a rare and difficult accomplishment that only a few elite players can achieve.

5. Perfect Multiplayer Matches

In competitive multiplayer games, achieving a "perfect game" might mean getting the highest score, no deaths, or winning every match. However, a perfect multiplayer game with no losses—especially in a highly competitive or ranked setting—can be even rarer, as it requires constant high-level performance against other skilled players.

Example: Achieving a "perfect season" in a competitive game like Overwatch or Fortnite, where you maintain an undefeated streak through ranked matches, is incredibly rare.

6. Completing a Game on "Impossible" or "Nightmare" Difficulty

Many games feature difficulty settings that push players to the limit. Completing a game on the highest possible difficulty, with no cheats or external help, is often regarded as a much rarer and more difficult feat than a regular perfect game.

Example: Finishing Cuphead on "Expert" difficulty or completing The Binding of Isaac on its hardest mode is a feat that few gamers have the patience or skill to complete.

Conclusion

While a perfect game is certainly a rare and impressive accomplishment, there are feats in gaming that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether it’s a flawless speedrun, a world record, or conquering the hardest difficulty levels in a game, the gaming world is filled with challenges that are far rarer than achieving a simple perfect game.