Hack-and-slash games put you in the middle of all the action, where you, quite literally, hack and slash your way to victory. These games tend to be fast-paced, with tons of enemies and weapon choices. This gaming genre doesn't have consensus on its definition, but for the most part, hack-and-slash games are third-person, requiring you to use a weapon to defeat groups of enemies.
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From evil villain headquarters to doomsday clocks, here are some of the most imposing and grand buildings found in video gamesIf you are looking for all the best hack-and-slash games, you've come to the right place. Here, we are going to take a look at the best hack-and-slash games available for PC. Almost all of these games are available on Steam, allowing you to find and download them easily.
Updated November 2, 2023 by Jacqueline Zalace: We've added even more hack-and-slash games to this list, giving you more options to choose from. Additionally, we've added a bit more information for each individual title, allowing you to truly decide if each game is right for you.
13 Devil May Cry Franchise
Main Story |
11 hours |
Completionist |
69 hours |
The Devil May Cry franchise stretches back to 2001, with the release of the first game. Since then, we've seen several games in the franchise release, including Devil May Cry 5 in 2019. These games are a classic for any fan of hack-and-slash, as well as video games in general.
In Devil May Cry, you take on the role of Dante, a demon hunter and flight slews of enemies in style. If you want the full experience, we recommend starting with the first game released in the franchise, but it's also totally possible to start with DM3, as this is chronologically the first game.
The second game is technically not canon, and many gamers across the web state that it's simply not as good as the rest. You do not need to play it to understand the rest of the game.
12 Dead Cells
Main Story |
14 hours |
Completionist |
88 hours |
Dead Cells is a bit different from Devil May Cry, both in mechanics and visuals. In Dead Cells, you will have a rogue-lite experience. If you are unfamiliar with this genre, it essentially means that when you die, you have to start over from the same spot and begin a new 'run'.
Overall, your goal is to escape from the castle that you are trapped in, slaying any and every enemy that stands in your way. Dead Cells flawlessly blends together the hack-and-slash, rogue-lite, and Metroidvania genres.
11 Diablo 3
Main Story |
18 hours |
Completionist |
180 hours |
Diablo is another massive name in the gaming industry, with many claiming that Diablo 2 is one of the best games in history. Diablo 3 is the third entry in the series, taking place 20 years after the second game.
20 Games To Play If You Like Diablo 3
Diablo 4 may be around the corner, but here are some amazing ARPG games to play in the meantime if you love Diablo 3.In it, you can choose between seven different classes, with tons of unique builds and playstyles. The real hacking and slashing begins when you complete Rifts. These are dungeon-like areas that involve killing as many enemies as possible in order to spawn a powerful guardian.
Diablo 3 is not available on Steam. You will need to download it directly from Blizzard (Battle.net).
10 Dynasty Warriors 9
Main Story |
27 hours |
Completionist |
181 hours |
Dynasty Warriors is a sprawling franchise with nine main games and tons of spin-offs, including Fire Emblem Warriors and Hyrule Warriors. The overall premise of the games remains the same; mow down large hordes of enemies using your weapons and abilities.
If you could pick any one game to be the definition of hack-and-slash, it would definitely be Dynasty Warriors. There is nothing more satisfying than attacking and defeating dozens of enemies in one large swipe. If you are looking for the newest Dynasty Warriors game, check out the ninth game in the franchise.
9 Nier: Automata
Main Story |
21 hours |
Completionist |
62 hours |
Next up, we have Nier: Automata. This game has its roots in the Drakengard franchise, with Nier being a 2010 spinoff. In 2017, this spinoff earned a sequel, which was Nier: Automata. The game combines classic RPG elements with hack-and-slash mechanics, allowing you to carefully defeat waves of enemies.
Nier: Automata was brought to us by PlatinumGames, who also developed the Bayonetta franchise. As such, the combat in both games is similar. Interestingly, Bayonetta was originally inspired by Devil May Cry, which is also on our list. Both games were created by the same person, Hideki Kamiya.
If you are a fan of Devil May Cry, you can expect similar, fluid combat, in addition to a phenomenal story in Nier: Automata.
8 Last Epoch
Main Story |
18 hours |
Completionist |
70 hours |
Last Epoch is an ARPG, drawing from games such as Diablo and Path of Exile. In this game, you can pick from five base classes, with each one having three specializations. Within each class, you will also find impressive trees for each skill, which improve and tweak it.
Last Epoch is currently in Early Access!
As an ARPG, you can expect to use your weapons and abilities to take on groups of enemies, as well as strong bosses that stand in your way. Although you can see elements of other ARPGs, the combat and mechanics of the game are unique enough to make Last Epoch worth it.
7 Warhammer: Vermintide 2
Main Story |
11 hours |
Completionist |
128 hours |
Earlier, we mentioned that for the most part, hack-and-slash games are third-person. Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is an exception to this. Set in the universe of Warhammer, this game has sessions where you are three others play through a map to achieve a goal, and then run to a teleporting area to return home.
Although this game is first-person, you will need to use both your melee and ranged weapons to take on massive groups of enemies. At times, enemies seem to come from every direction; you will only have the weapons on hand and your allies to survive. Instead of playing as a class, you play as a character. These characters will have unique interactions together, making it truly feel like a band of allies.
6 Hi-Fi Rush
Hi-Fi Rush
- Platform(s)
- Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC , PS5
- Released
- January 25, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Tango Gameworks
- Genre(s)
- Action
Main Story |
12 hours |
Completionist |
60 hours |
Using the power of music, Hi-Fi Rush places you in the role of Chai, who is attempting to take down a mega corporation. Rather than just randomly swinging weapons and killing, Hi-Fi Rush is essentially an action rhythm game.
Hi-Fi Rush: 8 Best Easter Eggs And References
Hi-Fi Rush is filled with references. Here are our favourite ones.Hi-Fi Rush requires you to think about the moves you make; following the beat or making your own. Overall, Hi-Fi Rush is a unique take on the classic hack-and-slash game, breathing some life into the genre.
5 Grim Dawn
Main Story |
21 hours |
Completionist |
172 hours |
Grim Dawn is another ARPG, this time taking place in an "apocalyptic fantasy world". The class choices in Grim Dawn are truly amazing. There are eight base classes, but you can have a second class. With another class, you will become something else entirely.
For example, if you combine Necromancer and Inquisitor, you will become an Apostate, but if you combine Inquisitor and Soldier, you become a Tactician. Additionally, you can encounter factions to form relationships. Friendly factions will provide aid, but hostile factions will just be another enemy to take on.
4 Bayonetta Franchise
Main Story |
12 hours |
Completionist |
42 hours |
Of course, with Nier: Automata and Devil May Cry on the list, we couldn’t just leave out Bayonetta. As noted earlier, this game has similar combat to Nier, providing a smooth fighting experience.
The first Bayonetta game is available on PC, but you can find the other two games on the Nintendo Switch.
In this franchise, you play as Bayonetta as you hack and slash your way through groups of angels. Along the way, you can use your witchy abilities, such as Witch Time, which triggers after dodging at the last second. In Witch Time, the world slows around Bayonetta, but can continue to hack at normal speed.
3 Darksiders Franchise
Main Story |
14 hours |
Completionist |
32 hours |
Next up, we have Darksiders. Rather than being a powerful warrior or unknown figure turned hero, you get to play as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. With four main games, each one features a different Horseman, providing a varied experience.
In terms of story, Darksiders manages to flawlessly combine a compelling plot with hack-and-slash elements. Additionally, you can find many puzzles spread throughout the world, giving you a break from the hacking and slashing.
2 Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
- Released
- October 5, 2010
- Developer(s)
- MercurySteam , Kojima Productions
- Genre(s)
- Action , Adventure
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is one of the many games in the Castlevania franchise, launching well over ten years ago. Still, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow holds up as a fantastic entry, serving as a reboot of the franchise.
If this game interests you, there are also DLCs that you can play through! There is a second game titled Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, and while it’s still a great game, many consider the first the best of the two.
1 God Of War Franchise
God of War (2018)
- Released
- April 20, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Santa Monica Studio
- Genre(s)
- Action , Adventure
Main Story |
21 hours |
Completionist |
51 hours |
Lastly, we have God of War. This longstanding franchise has been hacking and slashing since 2005, with Kratos at the helm. Rather than having various characters and classes to choose from, God of War keeps it simple; as Kratos, use your Blades of Chaos to flawlessly (and quickly) take down enemies.
The first three God of War games focus on Greek mythology, however, the 2018 release revamped the franchise, taking us into Norse mythology. Thankfully, every game is worth the play, so we recommend starting with the 2005 title if this interests you.