In medieval and medieval open world fantasy games, sword fighting will always be one of the most exciting things to do. While some only manage to offer a simple slash, block and parry system, other games offer complex sword duels where timing is everything and various combos can overcome staunch defenses when used correctly.
In some of these games, especially those based purely on medieval history, the swordplay can be more realistic, which may or may not be to everyone's taste. In others, players can expect ridiculously large swords, fancy combos, and endless fun in addition to tons of skill expressions.
Fire Ring
Challenging swordplay where timing is key
Fire Ring is not a game for the faint of heart, although its open world allows players to grind and level up before taking on bosses if they so choose. It also happens to be one of the open world games with the best sword fighting, although many other weapon types and play styles are available.
Swordplay in Fire Ring can be slow and methodical with Colossal Swords, where timing is key between boss attacks, and parrying is also important. It can also be more hectic with a lot of flourishes when using Katanas, Shortswords and Longswords, especially when these are imbued with certain Ashes of War that give the sword new abilities. Some bosses and many normal enemies are also fought with swords, although their attacks are often more lethal during epic sword duels.
The Witcher 3
Geralt of Rivia is known for his two swords
While in many medieval fantasy games players may choose to use a spear, mace, or other weapon instead of using a sword, Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher 3 only uses swords except for a crossbow for ranged attacks. In fact, the white wolf always has two swords on his back, steel for humans and animals, and silver for monsters.
The sword fighting is extremely fun without being too complicated, and with several difficulties to choose from, players should be able to find a level that suits them. Expect lots of twirls, long slashes, and swordplay that often feels like dancing, especially after unlocking Geralt's best move. His magical abilities and potions also shake up combat, and fighting with armored weapons feels completely different from fighting countless monsters.
Ghost of Tsushima
Japanese inspired sword fighting
Since many open world sword fighting games are inspired by battles from European history, players can enjoy a change of style in a game such as Ghost of Tsushimawhich takes place in Japan. Although not entirely realistic, fighting with katanas and other sword types is undoubtedly fun and very rewarding for those with good reactions.
While defending the island of Tsushima from the Mongol storm, players will mostly encounter enemies that also wield swords, allowing duels to be engaged. The animations are also fantastic, especially when the katanas are drawn from the hip before opening up an enemy barely half a second later. There's lots of rolling around on the floor, spinning and all that fun stuff.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Authentic first person medieval sword fighting
If players are looking for realistic sword fighting in an open world game, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is the answer, as it is for all things medieval. In this game, swords won't cut through armor like butter, and Henry can't take on large groups of warriors by himself. A directional system is used, with players able to change their stance and where they hit from.
They will need to find gaps in their opponents' defenses, while making sure to block or parry any incoming punches. This is all in first person. In addition, the only way to raise Henry's swordsmanship is to train in battle arenas, and this time is also spent improving the player's skills. There are also combos to learn based on real techniques from scripts. Henry can even join the swordsmanship guild in Kuttenberg via the 'Ars Dimicatoria' quest, which eventually leads to weekly tournaments.
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
A medieval warfare sandbox game with massive battles
For those who want to experience life as a medieval soldier, mercenary or bandit, Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord is the game to make such dreams come true. It's a huge open world sandbox game where players can do whatever they want, both offline in their own world or online with others. Huge battles, sieges and deadly duels are all central parts of the game, and thus sword fighting is quite complex and rewarding.
To begin with, players must block with their sword or shield in one of four directions, depending on where they see their opponent attacking. This means players really have to pay attention instead of just hitting the block button at the right time. Attacking with a sword or other weapon follows a similar pattern, with players needing to shake up the angle they're attacking from in order to catch an enemy off guard. Bannerlords combat can be enjoyed in first or third person.
Rise Of The Ronin
Extremely flashy swordplay in 19th century Japan
Set in mid-1800s Japan, Rise of the Ronin offers swordplay in a more modern setting, and yet its historical background doesn't hold it back in terms of flashiness. The combat is far from realistic with tons of abilities and combos, but this makes for some of the most fun sword fighting in open world games.
Players can fly across the screen to their opponent, flip in the air, and pull out a secondary weapon before being impaled. The sword effects add to the beauty of the game's combat, making every slash of a katana feel even more epic.
