Combat systems are the heart of the best action games, whether it’s performing powerful combos, using magic, or executing stealthy takedowns. Memorable combat can elevate a game from good to exceptional, and for many of the top games listed here, it was a key factor. While we’re eagerly awaiting upcoming releases for 2025 and beyond, there’s still plenty to dive into in your current action-packed backlog.
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best action games that have made their mark by offering innovative mechanics, vast worlds filled with engaging quests, and diverse ways to tackle challenges. Some games, like Deathloop by Arkane, put a fresh spin on familiar gameplay elements, while Dying Light 2 increases the difficulty of survival by infecting players with the zombie virus. Whatever your preference, here are 10 action games worth playing if you’re looking for something fast-paced and thrilling.
10. Horizon Forbidden West
Developer: Guerrilla Games
Platform(s): PS4, PS5
One of the key reasons Horizon Zero Dawn and its sequel, Horizon Forbidden West, are so captivating is their ability to seamlessly blend exhilarating action with a vast open world. Despite the games’ expansive nature, combat remains central to the experience. Aloy has the freedom to explore, but the primary focus is always on battling massive robotic dinosaurs using a variety of melee weapons, electronic traps, and environmental tactics. Horizon Forbidden West not only showcases the power of the PS5 but also offers a glimpse into the future of the action genre, combining outstanding combat design with a world that draws you in and makes you want to spend hours immersed in it.
9. Hades
Developer: Supergiant Games
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Once you play Hades, you’ll quickly find yourself hooked a pact you make with the devil, or rather, with developer Supergiant Games. Although classified as a roguelike, this game transcends the genre’s typical expectations, showcasing exceptional action at its core. Despite the challenging nature of Hades, its combat is undeniably impressive. Death leads to rebirth, offering a chance to try again, and each attempt feels like progress as you learn more about the quirky villains who relentlessly taunt you. It’s an incredibly fun experience, and we’re eager to see how Hades 2 builds on this when it moves beyond Early Access.
8. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy
Developer: Eidos Montreal
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
What’s truly rare in the action game world? A game with heart. And even rarer in an industry often dominated by serious, brooding protagonists, is an action game that can make you genuinely laugh out loud. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy manages to do both, offering a vibrant adventure that keeps you entertained from the first combat sequence to the last. Eidos Montreal crafted a sleeper hit with Guardians of the Galaxy a game that, in a few years, will be talked about with great admiration by both players and developers alike for its unique combat system and exceptional world-building. Why not dive in now, before it becomes a recognized classic?
7. Control
Developer: Remedy Entertainment
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Remedy Entertainment has earned a strong reputation for creating unique, dynamic, and thought-provoking adventures, with notable titles like Alan Wake, Max Payne, and Quantum Break. With Control, it felt like Remedy poured all its expertise into one game an action-packed experience that fully embraces the supernatural while adapting to the modern player’s shifting attention. Whether you’re blasting through waves of Hiss agents, navigating ever-changing combat environments, or sorting through documents to uncover the world’s mysteries, Control always manages to deliver and keep you engaged.
6. The Last of Us 2
Developer: Naughty Dog
Platform(s): PS4, PS5
The Last of Us: Part 2 is not for the faint-hearted. Naughty Dog delivered a 25-hour emotional rollercoaster that still resonates. Part adventure, following two characters on intertwined paths of revenge, and part action game, it features some of the most finely crafted shooting and stealth mechanics you’ll encounter. The Last of Us 2 is a true accomplishment, with impressive visuals and sound design that push performance and fidelity to new heights. It’s heartbreaking, intense, thrilling, and awe-inspiring an action game that gets your adrenaline pumping before completely shattering your heart.
5. Devil May Cry 5
Developer: Capcom
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Devil May Cry is the epitome of the action genre. The series has always been bold and over-the-top, with its tongue-in-cheek humor so sharp it nearly cuts through. At the center of it all is Dante, the silver-haired hero who effortlessly switches between dual pistols, massive swords, motorcycles, and anything else his demonic hands can grab. Devil May Cry 5 is a thrilling ride, shifting between a dynamic cast of characters while delivering non-stop adrenaline. It’s a game defined by fluid combos and precise combat mechanics—a heavy metal rhythm action experience in every sense.
4. Bloodborne
Developer: FromSoftware
Platform(s): PS4
FromSoftware’s gothic adventure Bloodborne stands apart from anything else. While it shares the same demonic influence as Dark Souls and can test the patience of any player daring enough to face its challenges, Bloodborne shines through its exceptional combat. It masterfully balances aggressive attacks with well-timed retreats, creating a rhythm that keeps players on their toes. Bloodborne isn’t for everyone, but those willing to push through its steep learning curve will find an action game that is intense, exhilarating, and deeply captivating.
3. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Developer: Insomniac Games
Platform(s): PS5
If you thought the first Marvel’s Spider-Man had it all, think again. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 takes things to the next level, with Peter Parker and Miles Morales teaming up to explore new areas of New York in a thrilling, character-swapping, web-slinging adventure. The addition of new abilities is just the icing on the cake, as I could easily spend hours simply swinging through the vibrant streets of Manhattan without ever getting bored. And let’s not forget the appearances of Venom and Kraven the Hunter, adding even more excitement to the game. These are just a few reasons why Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is one of the best action games ever and one of the best Marvel games to date. If you haven’t played this PS5 exclusive yet, this is your sign to dive in.
2. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Developer: Naughty Dog
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5
Nathan Drake couldn’t have asked for a better farewell. In Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Naughty Dog honored the legacy of PlayStation’s most iconic mascot, delivering an unforgettable adventure. Uncharted has always been a perfect blend of Tomb Raider‘s action and Indiana Jones‘s spirit, and A Thief’s End epitomizes this mix. Whether you’re new to the series or have been along for the ride since the beginning, this game offers cinematic action at its best, guiding you through thrilling set-pieces filled with heart, humor, and a sense of swashbuckling adventure that’s impossible not to love.
1. God of War
Developer: Insomniac Games
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS5
Few believed Sony Santa Monica could make Kratos relevant again. The gaming landscape had evolved, and the industry had moved past the pure, reckless aggression that defined his original trilogy. Then God of War arrived—a game that balanced the line between reboot and sequel, offering a definitive experience for the PS4 era while redefining Kratos’ character. It’s a remarkable experience, with combat that achieves a level of fluid motion and control few games ever reach. God of War is an essential action game, and its powerful sequel, God of War Ragnarok, is a must-play for those craving more of Kratos’ story.
