The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Die Hard, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon are some of the most epic action films of all time, showcasing the diversity of spectacle that movies can have. Although it's hard to make a video game as exciting as a movie because the pacing will be off, as games need to be longer than a few hours to make many players feel like they got their money's worth.
Best Games That Are All Action No Talk
If all you want is a game that doesn't waste time lingering on a story, these action-focused games tick all the boxes.
That said, there have been some games with such good action, between gameplay and cutscenes, that they rival some of the best action movies out there. The fast fluid movement of these games showcases what's possible in the medium, and more directors should pay attention to how these games manage to pump adrenaline into their experiences.
Hollow Knight: Silk Song
Get a lot of this bug
Hollow Knight: Silk Song managed to accomplish much as a 2D Metroidvania and improved upon the original. The Hornet, the main character, moved faster and thus attacked quickly as well.
Battles were more intense as players had more to work with between dodges, pin punches, special attacks and various tools to knock out enemies. It's a difficult game to be sure, but with enough practice, players can help the Hornet hone their skills into a fine warrior against their various bug opponents in Hollow Knight: Silk Song.
Hades 2
Save the Underworld
Hades 2
- Released
-
September 25, 2025
Hades 2 is another indie sequel that improves on the original and gives the new lead, Melinoe, a more extensive attack list. Players can unlock weapons as they progress, each with upgrades and boons that can change their attack characteristics on runs.
From a heavy ax that can create waves of water pressure to exploding skulls that can create rings of fire, players can make each run unique. As a roguelike, it can get repetitive, but the action is so divine and intense that players can't help but try just one more time, which could easily be several.
Ghost of Yotei
A bloody revenge
Ghost of Yotei The biggest contribution to this series is the new weapons, which go beyond just daggers and katanas. As Atsu, players can learn to control polearms and chain slashes, along with gaining the ability to throw weapons back at enemies after disarming them.
She's not as skilled at sneaking as Jin was at Ghost of Tsushimabut Atsu makes up for it with his keen talent for using everything but the kitchen sink to kill his enemies. The result is an enchanting and bloody samurai game that is as cool to watch as it is to play.
Batman: Arkham City
Counter Strike
Batman: Arkham City is the second game in the Arkham series, where Batman must now contain a part of Gotham that has gone rogue. Combat is similar to the first game, but with improved countermeasures and gadgets to use as well.
10 Action Games Where Movement Is The Real Superpower
You'll feel like a speed demon in these forward motion games packed with exciting action.
Batman is one of the coolest superheroes on the planet, often making battles look trivial, and that's what this game gets right. Standing still and waiting for enemies to attack and then counterattacking them is just as satisfying as attacking them directly. Players can feel broken bones with every punch and kick.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Two heroes, one fate
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is the final installment in the trilogy started by Insomniac Games, where both Peter Parker and Miles Morales are playable. Unlike the massive heist that Batman is in Batman: Arkham City, both Spider-Man heroes in this game are more agile acrobats who can swing around enemies and counterattack, use webbing to slow them down or gadgets to spice things up.
Peter is definitely more gadget oriented, while Miles has a few more powers, like electric jabs, but this changes when Peter gets the Venom symbiote quite early on. Overall, the speed and ease of combat is what makes this game special, along with the heart of the story, as players can truly feel like they are either Spider-Man.
Yakuza 0
The 80s are calling
Yakuza 0 is a throwback to Japan in the 80s, when the yen was flying everywhere and crime was in turn rife. That's when the main hero of the franchise, Kazuma, was first getting his feet wet. While he may have been a rookie in the context of the story, battle didn't make him seem like a wuss.
Which is tradition in most Yakuza players can punch enemies, unleash killer combos and specials, or use items lying around to finish the job. The action in all these games is exaggerated, from using bikes and benches as weapons, so players might as well start from scratch.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Deal with your fears
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is believed to be one of FromSoftware's most difficult games, along with one of their finest, as it does not rely on RPG elements. Instead, players must rely on items and natural talents to get through this visceral ninja game. In between katana attacks, players can also craft weapons from their prosthetic arm, including a flamethrower.
The grappling hook, although more for exploring, is handy during intense matches. An action game that constantly puts players on the edge is not for everyone, but for those who seek excitement, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is for them.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
Stealth does not need to be applied
Before Soulslikes were a thing, Ninja Gaiden the reboot series was there to give ninja fans a real challenge. The first two games, including this remaster, are some of the best action games out there, with the sequel slightly better in terms of what to recommend.
Best action game with ridiculous gameplay
These outrageous and over-the-top action games deliver unforgettable, ridiculous gaming experiences and push the boundaries of the genre.
Players get more weapons to play with, from a scythe to two scythes, and all feel good to control, provided players are quick with their hands. As a true ninja, players will need to hone their skills as this ninja does not require stealth to be lethal as he faces his enemies head on.
Bayonetta 2
Nintendo does what Sega doesn't
Bayonetta was a good proof of concept, but after Nintendo made a deal to help fund the sequel, Bayonetta 2 was easily the better game. Confidence in PlatinumGames' direction can be felt as they experimented with new ways for the titular Bayonetta to be sassy in cutscenes and during combat.
Between blasting enemies with hail of bullets to putting them in guillotines while beating them silly, there was never a dull moment in combat. Also, Witch Time, which was like their version of Bullet Time, made avoiding attacks at just the right time more fun and rewarding than other action games.
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
Pizza time
Devil May Cry2001, is responsible for helping to reshape the idea of what action games can be for a new era. While the sequel stumbled a bit, Capcom did well with Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakeningthe pinnacle of the franchise. Instead of moving forward, Capcom went back to Dante's younger days, where he was more confident and sassy as a paranormal investigator.
The new stances and weapons enhanced the combat, but at its core it was still about juggling enemies, creating combos and getting the best possible score for bragging rights. Not all fans managed to be as cool as Dante while playing, but at least they could pretend to be a debonair pizza-loving demon hunter for just a few hours. While sequels and other action games offer flashier movements or better graphics, Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening offers players the promise of all killers, no filler.
Upcoming action RPG with combo system
Pick up your swords, spears, whips, and everything in between for these upcoming combo-breaking RPGs.
