Much like adventure games, the term “action games” can be frustratingly broad. Almost every game contains action of some description, otherwise, they’d be pretty boring. Still, we’ve decided to define an action game as one that puts the focus on high-adrenaline situations where you’ll be thinking on your feet with fast-paced combat and loads of intense moments. Explosions, blood, and guns should be everywhere for a truly great action experience.
If you’re looking for something a little less intense, try our ranking of the best adventure games instead.
Doom Eternal
If it’s intense action you’re looking for, it’s hard to go wrong with Doom. The initial reboot in 2016 and this sequel from 2020 capture the power fantasy of being an unstoppable super-soldier perfectly. The denizens of hell don’t stand a chance as you rip and tear their limbs from their bodies. You’ll build up a big arsenal of weapons that are all useful in different ways, meaning you’ll be constantly switching between them all as you systematically take out all the enemies that are trying to end your killing spree.
Hotline Miami
This game is arguably just as brutal as Doom, except it takes a top-down perspective so there’s not quite as much gore. Working out how to infiltrate a mansion stuffed to the brim with armed guards is a rewarding experience, but this is no stealth game. You’ll be kicking down the door – likely bludgeoning someone with it as you do – grabbing the nearest weapon and unleashing hell upon anyone who heard the commotion.
Dying Light 2
Zombie games are great for action, as you can brutally slaughter endless waves without a care in the world. The whole point of a zombie horde is lots of weak enemies overwhelming you with numbers, which is always going to get the blood pumping. Whether you choose to run away, charge in with a chainsaw, or use more creative methods, it’s always an absolute blast to face off against the undead where you can never feel safe.
Katana Zero
This 2D samurai simulator will make you feel like a badass of the highest proportions. With clever layouts and enemy patterns, you need to be extremely careful with how you slice and dice everyone in the room, and it requires a lot of quick reactions and last-second clutches. This is enhanced by a dedicated slow-motion button – a feature every action game needs – where you can rebound bullets at your attackers simply by hitting them with your sword.
Just Cause 3
Any game that gives you a dedicated “chaos” score has got to be a pretty fun action game. Sometimes you just want a massive playground that lets you blow stuff up, and that’s exactly what Just Cause 3 gives you. With a near-endless amount of destructive toys, your imagination is the only thing limiting what you can do while flying around a military base blowing up anything and everything in sight.
Hades
With a bunch of different weapons and all sorts of weird and wonderful abilities at your disposal, Hades always pushes you to try something new. Thankfully the “something new” in question always involves bashing your way through the monsters of the underworld. Hades’ combat system is so refined that every hit you land feels satisfying, plus you have almost complete control over how challenging you want it to be.
Devil May Cry 5
Doom may be a demon-hunting gorefest too, but everyone knows that swords are cooler than guns. This game is about as smooth and stylish as hack-and-slashes get where just about every combat enough is memorable for one reason or another. Plus, with three characters – all of whom play differently – you’ll constantly be mixing up your playstyle so the action never feels samey.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Ever since the Assassin’s Creed series turned into a full RPG, the stealthy tactics of old have become far less important. This has hit its peak with Valhalla where, as a raging and looting Viking, being sneaky isn’t exactly in your wheelhouse. That’s ok though because it turns out it’s just as fun to charge into a castle while dual-wielding battleaxes and slaughtering your way through the entire English army.
Towerfall Ascension
If you’re looking for multiplayer action then Towerfall Ascension is one of the most intense, skillful, and overall exciting games you’ll ever play. While only having local multiplayer is annoying, it’s worth getting a few friends all in the same room to play it, because you’ll be shouting and hollering at each other with excitement in no time. The nature of archery-based combat makes for so many near-misses and clutch plays in the space of rounds that are usually less than a minute long.
Grand Theft Auto 5
GTA 5 and GTA Online have stuck around for such a long time for a reason. The single-player mode is still a great playground that lets you have all sorts of chaotic adventures despite a more grounded setting than something like Doom. Meanwhile, the multiplayer is easily one of the best of all time provided you can get a good session. Whether you want races, minigames, or an all-out war between your fellow players, GTA 5 is happy to provide.
Written by Ryan Woodrow on behalf of GLHF.
