Most shooting games are fun and require a lot of skill to master. However, sword fighting games let us get up close and personal in fights that can be more dignified yet visceral. For a long time, many classic games in the hack-and-slash genre only require one to swipe away at their enemies before moving on to the next wave. With the advancement of game engines and the creativity of the developers, gamers that love nothing more than to duel their enemies are getting closer to the sword-fighting sims of their dreams.

RELATED: Things Only Pro Players Know You Can Do In Like A Dragon: Ishin

Thankfully, several games cater to fans that enjoy the thrill of hard-fought battles that require strategy, skill, and tactics. From the tense and dramatic duels of Dark Souls 3 to the bombastic action-forward melees of For Honor, here are some of the best.

Updated March 7, 2023, by Michael Llewellyn: Games that favor sword fighting over guns can be just as diverse in their mechanics. Where shooters can range from running and gunning to stealthy sniping, sword-based games can be just as tactical or brutal. There are timing-based fighters that require parries, but there are also hack-and-slashers who hit their hardest with multiple combos and flashy anime-like moves. This list has been updated to include more epics in the sword-fighting genre.

32 Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

Wo Long Fallen Dynasty player fighting a boss
  • Launched: 2023
  • Developer: Team Ninja
  • Publisher: Koei Tecmo
  • Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

A Masacore-style game from the studio that created the Nioh series, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty requires timing and patience. Practice and perseverance are the names of the game, and understandably, many will throw in the towel at the first boss.

The combat uses Chinese martial arts, where deflecting and parrying attacks take precedence. The fighting is fluid and fast, and hitting counterattacks and finishers off a parry is satisfying. If you can get the timing down, Wo Long's take on the Three Kingdoms has much to offer with its beautiful combat system.

31 Like A Dragon: Ishin

Like a Dragon Ishin - Ryoma fending off foes with the Wild Dancer style
  • Launched: 2023
  • Developer: Ryu Go Gotaku
  • Publisher: Sega
  • Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

Like a Dragon: Ishin is a samurai-based prequel and a spin-off from the Yakuza series. The combat features multiple fighting styles that use guns, fists, and swords. The sword-fighting styles are some of the best in the genre and give a cool take on warriors facing each other down in a duel.

Using a sword, the protagonist Ryoma can defend, side-step, and chain combinations as you level up his skills. The Wild Dancer style allows the character to use a gun and sword, swing around his enemies, counter with finishers, and chain parry attacks. The fighting system feels arcade-like in its execution, but fighting requires timing and skill.

30 Chivalry 2

Agatha fighting against Mason Order in The Battle of Wardenglade map in Chivalry 2
  • Launched: 2021
  • Developer: Torn Banner Studios
  • Publisher: Tripwire Interactive
  • Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

If you want to take sword combat online and get into open combat in large-scale battles, then Chivalry 2 has you covered. There is a chaotic element to the fights, but the moments you find yourself in a one-on-one fight with a skilled combatant are short but always exciting.

Thanks to the respawn mechanics, you get put back into the action without waiting too long. Whether sieging a castle or defending against attackers, Chivalry 2 captures the brutality of close-quarters combat with the cinematic flair of movies like Braveheart and Kingdom of Heaven.

29 Xuan Yuan Sword 7

The party fighting the Fleshcaller
  • Launched: 2021
  • Developer: Softstar Entertainment
  • Publisher: Softstar
  • Platform: PC, PS4, and Xbox One

Xuan Yuan Sword 7 is a Chinese-developed action RPG that merges Chinese history and mythology to create an authentic role player that feels fresh. The visuals and character models are impressive by any standard, and the combat systems compare the best in the genre.

RELATED: Xuan-Yuan Sword 7: Beginner's Tips To Get You Started

The game boasts a smooth and technical fighting system with movements that flow. Moreover, Xuan Yuan Sword has stances and skills to unlock, adding more depth to its martial arts systems. Players can also implement magic attacks that flow seamlessly into the combat and create devasting combos.

28 Sword And Fairy: Together Forever

Yue QingShu attacking monsters
  • Launched: 2021
  • Developer: Softstar Entertainment
  • Publisher: Softstar
  • Platform: PC, PS4 and PS5

Coming from the same developers that created Xuan Yuan 7, Sword and Fairy: Together Forever is another beautiful RPG steeped in Chinese mythology. The beautiful art direction and visuals look even better on the PS5, and the combat animations flow seamlessly in this fantasy swordplay-inspired title from Softstar.

The fighting system in Sword and Fairy shares similarities with the Devil May Cry series in the spectacle and the Warriors series in its simplicity. However, the transitions in battle are more balletic and elegant in their execution. Additionally, the story and characters are incredible. Fans of RPGs and swordplay should not sleep on Sword and Fairy.

27 Ryse: Son Of Rome

Ryse Son of Rome combat
  • Launched: 2013
  • Developer: Crytek
  • Publisher: Microsoft Studios
  • Platform: PC and Xbox One

Ryse: Son of Rome was an Xbox One launch title and still looks beautiful today. The production values hold up to modern titles on the Xbox with a combat system that is a brutal mix of Gladiator-like cinematic action and Batman: Arkham-style free-flowing parry and counter system.

The enemies react, defend and counter when attacked with the same moves, so the fights never feel easy. The protagonist can kill enemies with brutal finishers that put them away in entertaining ways.

26 Elden Ring

The player using Rock Sling on the boss.
  • Launched: 2022
  • Developer: FromSoftware Games
  • Publisher: Bandai Namco
  • Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S

The award-winning Elden Ring needs little introduction, but for those not in the know, it is an open-world Souls-like from the studio that defined the genre. Fans of the Dark Souls and Bloodborne franchises will be familiar with the mechanics of Elden Ring. However, the series has evolved by including new skills accessed via the Ash of War powers.

Moreover, there are hundreds of weapons to find, use and upgrade. Many of which feel different and unique to play. The Ash of War skills dynamically changes a weapon and the tactics of a fight. One could have a vastly different experience in successive playthroughs because of the vast choice and depth.

25 Prince Of Persia

The Prince duelling with an enemy
  • Launched: 1989
  • Developer: Broderbund
  • Publisher: Broderbund
  • Platform: 3DS, Amiga, Android, Apple 2, Atari ST, Blackberry, Game Boy, Game Boy, Color, Game Gear, Genesis, iOS, Macintosh, Master System, NES, PC, PS3, Sega CD, SNES, Wii, and Xbox 360

The original Prince of Persia was Launched in 1989. The animations and combat were groundbreaking at the time and still feel good to play. The main focus was on platforming using realistic movements via revolutionary rotoscoping techniques made it the most cinematic game of its time.

This extends to sword fighting too. The duels looked and felt amazing to play. It implements counters, blocks, and side-steps to capture the swashbuckling style of cinematic classics from Harry Hausen or an Errol Flynn movie. Even though they were stylistically different, the 2003 Prince of Persia: Sands of Time action platformer continued the series tradition of cinematic sword fights.

24 Hellblade Senua's Sacrifice

Senua Focuses On The Greatest Threat In Battle On The Bridge To Helheim In Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
  • Launched: 2017
  • Developer: Ninja Theory
  • Publisher: Ninja Theory
  • Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

Action-adventure title Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice was created by the same studio that created Heavenly Sword and Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. So the studio is no stranger to creating fantastic action games with strong narratives.

Hellblade, however, is in a class of its own. The intense psychological drama takes the narrative to places very few video games dare. Set in the 8th Century, Hellblade puts you in the shoes of a Pictish warrior named Senua. The combat system and swordplay are incredibly cinematic and impactful. Executing counters, parries, and dodges is accessible yet satisfying to pull off in one of the most impressive games in recent times.

23 Onimusha Warlords

Fightin a Demon with the katana in Onimusha Warlords
  • Launched: 2019
  • Developer: Capcom
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Platform: PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One

Onimusha is still considered one of the best games developed by Capcom. It combines elements of the classic Resident Evil series with a technical sword-fighting system that requires skill.

It also shares many elements with the Devil May Cry series, but it is a much more measured game that favors timing and patience over the kinetic action combat system seen in Devil May Cry. Its remaster was launched in 2019 and still proved to be a game worthy of sword-fighting fans twenty years on.

22 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Witcher 3 has an underrated combat system
  • Launched: 2015
  • Developer: CD Projekt Red
  • Publisher: CD Projekt
  • Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is seen as one of the greatest RPGs ever developed. It features an excellent storyline with meaningful and memorable side quests that impact the world. Additionally, it has a robust combat system that taps into a sword and sorcery power fantasy.

The Witcher 3 has never felt as weighty as God of War or Dark Souls, but the system shines in its fluidity and the satisfaction of landing counters and finishers at the right time. In addition, skilled gamers can combine spells with swordplay, so the protagonist, Geralt, can make easy work of his surrounding enemies. The Witcher 3 is the closest you can ever get to feeling like Henry Cavill in tight leather pants and taking down bad guys from all angles.

21 Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series

There aren't enough Star Wars games where duel Darth Vader
via geektyrant.com
  • Launched: 2019
  • Developer: Disney Interactive Studios
  • Publisher: Disney Interactive Studios
  • Platform: Meta Quest 2 and PSVR

First launched on the PC VR and Meta Quest before getting a PSVR port in 2020, Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series has a short running time of just three hours over the episodes, but it is one of the most immersive VR titles to date.

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The Lightsaber feels good, even when using the Move controllers on the PSVR. The duel with Vader is a feature that never gets old. Moreover, the excellent Lightsaber Dojo mode offers some extra replayability. This title is a dream come true for Star Wars fans. Especially those who ran around dressed as Jedi Knights in childhood battling their friends with plastic swords or empty wrapping paper tubes.

20 Dark Souls 3

  • Launched: 2016
  • Developer: FromSoftware
  • Publisher: Bandai Namco
  • Platform: PC, PS4, and Xbox One

Launched in 2016 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and the PC, Dark Souls 3 is the third and final entry in the critically acclaimed dark fantasy RPG series. Just like its predecessors, the combat in the Souls series seems simple, but the fighting system requires timing and patience.

The stamina system will force you to ensure every swing of the sword counts, and the parry and riposte techniques require skill and practice to master. Landing parries and hitting successful guard counters are some of the satisfying mechanics in the genre.

19 Soulcalibur 6

Combat in Soul Calibur has always been a combination of arcade action and skilled swordmanship
  • Launched: 2018
  • Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
  • Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
  • Platform: PC, PS4, and Xbox One

Soul Calibur 6 was a comeback for the series and a notable improvement over its predecessor. The combat still feels great for those familiar with its predecessors, and it is more accessible than ever before and easy to pick up for almost anybody.

RELATED: Fighting Games Better Played On A Small Screen

Even though its combat lacks realism, the fights are strategic when playing against good opponents or the computer on higher difficulty levels. Battles can go back and forth with parries and power moves. A simple mistake can turn the tide and break the flow of an offensive.

18 Way Of The Samurai

  • Launched: 2002
  • Developer: Acquire
  • Publisher: NIS America
  • Platform: PS2, PS3, and PSP

The Way of the Samurai series began on the PlayStation 2 in 2002, with the final mainline entry, Way of the Samurai 4, launched on the PlayStation 3 in 2011. The games are quirky action-adventure games with open-ended branching storylines and choice-based gameplay.

Compared to some of the other titles on this list, Way of the Samurai is a low-budget title. However, the combat system makes it better than the sum of its parts. There are several combat styles to learn and use, and the push-and-pull parrying system will take some practice, but every battle is hard-fought, requiring tactics and timing.

17 Samurai Shodown

Samurai Shodown is a tactical fighting game that Tsushima fans will love
  • Launched: 2019
  • Developer: SNK
  • Publishers: Athlon Games and Deep Silver
  • Platform: PC, PS4, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

Launched in 2019 and available for all current systems and arcades, Samurai Shodown is a weapons-based fighting game set during the Japanese Tenmai Era. Unlike the Soulcalibur series, Samurai Shodown is not a full-blown arcade experience. The long-running series has prided itself on the requirement that the fights are a battle of skill and patience.

In addition to attacking, the game is as much about defense and timing. There are no fight-changing gimmicks to turn the tide of the battle with a simple button press Samurai Shodown is all about practice, skill, and timing.

16 The Surge 2

The Surge 2 has a great combat system
  • Launched: 2019
  • Developer: Deck13 Interactive
  • Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
  • Platform: PC, PS4, and Xbox One

Launched in 2019, The Surge 2 is the sequel to the science-fiction Souls-like from 2017. The Surge 2 is a challenging but fair RPG with enemies that require serious thought and strategy to defeat. The combat system in The Surge 2 requires you to target enemy limbs with a variety of makeshift weapons that resemble lances, spears, axes, and sword-like chainsaws.

The counter and parry system is a vast improvement over the original by implementing a new quad-directional parry mechanic that functions in s similar manner to For Honor and Kingdom Come Deliverance.

15 Assassin’s Creed Unity

Unity has a great fencing system
  • Launched: 2014
  • Developer: Ubisoft
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Platform: PC PS4, Stadia, and Xbox One

Assassin’s Creed: Unity had a troubled launch plagued by bugs and mobile device-related controversy. However, the studio worked hard to bring the game up to standard and made vital improvements to the open-world mechanics.

Unfortunately, this meant that many of the great features in AC: Unity went overlooked. The Parisian setting and the fighting system are some of the best in the Assassin's Creed series. Unity implemented a strategic sword fencing system that requires precision and timing to create openings. Furthermore, the counter and parry mechanics remain the best in the series showing off swashbuckling moves and finishers that resemble The Musketeers movies.

14 Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

  • Launched: 2013
  • Developer: PlatinumGames
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Platform: PC, PS3, and Xbox 360

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance was launched on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and the PC in 2013. Revengeance is a spin-off set after the events of the core series entry Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. However, unlike the core series, Metal Gear Rising is a blisteringly fast action game with some of the best sword-fighting mechanics in any generation.

In addition to just hacking and slashing, you will also need to learn how to dodge and deflect enemy attacks by striking in the direction of an attack. The beautiful system takes time to master but is satisfying to pull off.

13 Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition

Vergil helps take the swordplay even further in the special edition
  • Launched: 2019
  • Developer: Capcom
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S

Not a straightforward sword fighting game like Bushido Blade or Ghost of Tsushima. And by comparison, Devil May Cry 5 can seem somewhat repetitive. However, its anime-style fighting system opens up as you unlock new abilities for Dante and Nero.

The combinations of sword attacks and gunplay have a polished look and feel reminiscent of action films like The Matrix and Blade. The mechanics are easy to pick up, but the fighting system requires practice, timing, and skill to master. The addition of Vergil in the Special Edition adds a new dynamic to the combat.