What’s a good role-playing game without a fight or two? It’s always satisfying to win a battle, especially against a tough opponent. Plus, it usually comes with some nice loot.
Still, some fighting mechanics are better mechanically or stylistically than others. Here are ten RPGs who have fought their way to the top with their combat systems.
10. Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor
Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor gameplay
Take your revenge upon the forces of Sauron. Stealth is your most important weapon in getting close to your enemies before taking them down in melee or at a distance.
Just be careful about hurting orcs without killing them — the Nemesis system ensures that they’ll remember you and want payback.
Though if you die, other players via the internet can take Vendetta missions and avenge you.
Unique orcs: Enemies have distinct looks and weapons and will remember if you’ve attacked them.
Mordor melee: Corner individual enemies or take on several at once.
9. Exanima
Exanima gameplay
Creep through dark dungeons and slay the undead. Thanks to the complex physics engine, you control your every move.
Landing the finishing blow isn’t about just pressing the right button, but controlling your weapon the right way. It’s tricky to master, but promises a unique and rewarding experience for anyone who can learn it.
Combat for dummies: Practice your fighting skills before heading deeper into the darkness.
Weapon mastery: You control every move you make in a fight.
8. Dark Souls III
Dark Souls III gameplay
Rise from your grave and set out across the ashen world for the last fires of life. Use whatever weapons and magic you can scavenge to survive everything trying to kill you.
Many monsters can still take you out in a few hits, but skills and combos new to the series give you new ways to fight back.
Still, be ready to die a lot — Dark Souls III lives up to the series’ brutal reputation.
Some enemies even change their tactics mid-fight!
If you can’t beat ‘em, dodge ‘em: Avoiding powerful hits from huge monsters is key to survival.
Skeleton crew: Even weak enemies can kill you if you’re not careful.
7. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt gameplay
Bring down mortals and monsters as witcher Geralt of Rivia. Combat is fast and fluid, with opportunities to block or counter blows.
You must know which enemies are best fought with mundane steel or monsters-weakening silver, or should be handled with magical signs.
Be warned, though, that weapons wear down, magic costs stamina, and the AI enemies are way smarter than before.
Silver for monsters: Hunt monsters when they’re weakest, like werewolves without the moon.
Playing with fire: Use magic signs to roast enemies when swords aren’t doing the trick.
6. Final Fantasy XV
Final Fantasy XV gameplay
Cross the world to recover the Crystal, stop the empire of Niflheim, and thwart the growing darkness. The combat system takes traditional RPG selectable commands and sets them in real time while staying in the overworld.
Your companions are computer-controlled, but cooperate with you to charge up special attacks. Along with a variety of weapons, attack with elemental and arcane magic, and summon powerful astral spirits when the time is right.
Group effort: Party members will follow your lead in combat.
Summoning spirits: Fulfill the conditions, and Astrals like Leviathan will back you up.
5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come: Deliverance gameplay
Take on the first-person perspective of a mercenary in medieval Bohemia. Fight on foot or on horseback, since your horse’s AI is smart enough to drive itself.
Choose your armor and weapons based on their weight and advantage against each enemy. But make sure they aren’t too worn out when you need them and mend or replace them, or you’ll be in for a nasty surprise when they break…
Taking aim: A well-aimed longbow is a deadly weapon.
First-person slasher: Time your moves to block blows and land combos.
4. Yakuza 0
Yakuza 0 gameplay
Return to the Tokyo underworld in this prequel to the series. Between their main storylines and the open world, dual protagonists Kiryu and Majima have plenty of opportunities to get into fights.
Each player character has his own different fighting styles, which he can now switch between in the middle of combat to get an advantage. Completing the many side quests also unlock more advanced fighting skills.
Sign of trouble: Wield anything you can pick up as a weapon.
Starting a brawl: The Brawler style is Kiryu’s most balanced and basic fighting mode.
3. Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey gameplay
Fight your way through Ancient Greece long before the birth of the Assassins. The game blends traditional Assassin’s Creed stealth with RPG elements like stat-boosting equipment, romance side quests, and skill trees to level up.
Fight on the land or the sea, and charge up your ability bar to unleash powerful attacks. But don’t get caught — the more notorious you become, the more mercenaries are out for your head.
Assassin’s creep: Stealth remains a key part of gameplay.
Fight in shining armor: Different sets of gear provide different bonuses.
2. Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 gameplay
Commander Shepherd is back to protect the galaxy. Your squad mates back you up, who, while computer-controlled, will follow your orders.
Combat is like a third-person shooter’s, though your character class determines your best guns Energy shields, biotic powerups, abnormal ammunition, and a host of other powers ensure these aren’t any ordinary gunfights.
Biotic boost: Biotics grant abilities to you and your party.
Take cover: Get out of sight before returning fire.
1. Monster Hunter: World
Monster Hunter: World gameplay
Capture or kill monsters on missions for the Research Commission. Track your quarries through the wild. Choose between fourteen different styles of weapons, from swords to bowguns to insect glaives, and set traps.
Team up with other players via the internet, or just work alongside your anthropomorphic cat partner. Whatever your style of hunting, the monsters are ready for you and not going down without a fight.
The right tool for the job: Choose the right weapon to hurt the monster before it can reach you.
Death from above: Learn the monster’s attack patterns before it drops out of the sky and kills you.
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