The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Dies, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon are some of the most epic action films of all time, showcasing the variety of spectacle that films can have. Although it's hard to make a video game as exciting as a movie because the pacing has to be off because games have to be longer than a few hours for a lot of players to feel like they got their money's worth.
The best games that are all action without talking
If all you want is gameplay that doesn't waste time lingering on the story, these action games tick all the boxes.
That said, there are games with action so good, between gameplay and cutscenes, that they could rival some of the best action movies out there. The fast, fluid motion of these games shows what's possible in the medium, and more directors should pay attention to how these games can pump adrenaline into their experiences.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Get a lot of this bug
Hollow Knight: Silksong managed to achieve a lot as a 2D Metroidvania, improving upon the original. The Hornet, the main character, moved faster and therefore also attacked quickly.
Battles were more intense as players had more to do between dodges, needle slashes, special strikes and various tools to trip up enemies. It's a tough game, sure, but with enough practice, players can help Hornet hone his skills to become a great warrior against the various bug opponents in Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Hades 2
Saving the underworld
Hades 2
- Released
-
September 25, 2025
Hades 2 is another indie sequel that improves on the original and gives the new main character, Melinoe, a more extensive attack list. Players could unlock weapons as they progressed, each with upgrades and boons that could change their attack characteristics as they ran.
From a heavy ax that can create water pressure ripples to exploding skulls that can create rings of fire, players can make each run unique. As a roguelike, it can be repetitive, but the action is so divine and intense that players can't help but try again, which can easily become several.
Spirit of Yotei
Bloody revenge
Ghost of Yotei's the series' biggest asset is the new weapons that go beyond just daggers and katanas. As Atsu, players can learn to wield pole weapons and chain sickles, along with gaining the ability to throw weapons back at enemies after disarming them.
She is not as skilled at stealth as Jin 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 a captivating 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 Arkham series where Batman must now contain the part of Gotham that has gone rogue. The combat is similar to the first game, but also with improved countermeasures and gadgets.
10 Action Games where movement is a real superpower
These action-packed forward motion games will make you feel like a speed demon.
Batman is one of the most awesome superheroes on the planet who often makes fighting seem trivial and that's what this game does best. Standing still and waiting for enemies to attack and then attacking them is just as satisfying as attacking them directly. Players feel the breaking of bones with every punch and kick.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Two heroes, one fate
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is the last part of the playable trilogy started by Insomniac Games with Peter Parker and Miles Morales. Unlike the lumbering brute that is Batman in Batman: Arkham City, both Spider-Man heroes in this game are more nimble acrobats, able to swing around enemies and perform counterattacks, use webbing to slow them down, or gadgets to spice things up.
Peter is definitely more gadget oriented while Miles has a bit more abilities like electric jabs, but that changes when Peter gets the Venom symbiote fairly 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 Spider-Man.
Yakuza 0
The 80s are calling
Yakuza 0 is a retro throwback to Japan in the 1980s, when the yen was flying everywhere and crime was rampant again. That's when the main character of the franchise, Kazuma, got his feet wet for the first time. While he may have been a rookie in the context of the story, the fight certainly didn't make him look like a jerk.
As in most traditions Yakuza When entering, players can punch enemies, unleash killer combos and specials, or use items lying around to get the job done. The action in all these games is over the top, from using bikes and benches as weapons, so players might as well start over.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Facing your fears
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is considered one of FromSoftware's hardest games along with one of their best because it doesn't rely on RPG elements. Instead, players will have to rely on items and natural talent to get through this visceral ninja game. In between katana attacks, players can also craft their prosthetic arm into weapons, including a flamethrower.
The grappling hook, while more for exploration, is also handy during intense matches. An action game that keeps the player on their toes is not for everyone, but for thrill seekers, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is for them.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
Stealth does not need to be used
Before Soulslikes became a thing, Ninja Gaiden The reboot series was here to give ninja fans a real challenge. The first two games, including this remaster, are some of the best action games around, with the sequel slightly better in terms of what to recommend.
The best action games 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 multiple weapons to play with, from scythes to twin sickles, and each one is great to wield if players are quick with their hands. As a true ninja, players will have to hone their skills as this ninja does not require to be stealthy 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 struck a deal to help fund a sequel, Bayonetta 2 easily became a better game. You can feel the confidence in PlatinumGames' direction as they experimented with new ways for the titular Bayonetta to be sassy in cutscenes and during fights.
Between blasting enemies with a hail of bullets and putting them in guillotines and beating yourself up silly in combat, there was never a dull moment. Witch Time, which was like their version of Bullet Time, also made it more fun and rewarding to dodge attacks at the right time than other action games.
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
Time for pizza
Devil May Cryin 2001, is responsible for helping to reimagine what action games could be for a new era. While the sequel stumbled a bit, Capcom nailed it Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakeningthe pinnacle of the franchise. Instead of moving forward, Capcom went back to Dante's younger days when he was more confident and brash as a paranormal investigator.
New stances and weapons enriched the combat, but at its core it was still about juggling enemies, creating combos, and getting the best possible score for bragging rights. Not every fan managed to be as cool as Dante while playing, but at least they could pretend to be an ungodly, pizza-loving demon hunter for a few hours. While sequels and other action games offer flashier moves or better graphics, Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening offers players the promise of all killers, no fillers.
Upcoming action RPG with combined systems
Grab your swords, spears, whips, and everything in between for this upcoming combo-busting RPG.
