Some players like their RPGs with complex themes, some with an isometric perspective to allow for better battle calculations, some with a heart-wrenching story involving a party of hearty adventurers. But then there are those who prefer the way of the sword to the way of the strategist.
ARPGs are nothing particularly new, a popular subgenre since the days of Gauntlet, but the desire for hard-hitting, action-based gameplay is something all fans of the medium desire. A great RPG should have combat that feels crunchy and intense, making the player feel like the battle-worn hero they desire to be. Fortunately, there are titles that do just that.
10 Souls Series
The Soul Series is known for two things, its steep learning curve and its approach to typical hack-and-slash combat. Players will die a ludicrous amount in this series, but they certainly won't go down without a fight.
Players can practically feel the weight and impact of their armor and weapons every time they go toe-to-toe with various enemies. The slash-and-roll style of combat might not be everyone's flask of estus, but it's impossible to say it doesn't bear mentioning.
9 Dragon’s Dogma
For those looking for an alternative to Dark Souls, Dragon's Dogma might be exactly what the doctor ordered. On one hand, the game checks a lot of boxes for the stereotypical high-fantasy realm. But on the other, it offers a very satisfying adventure most fans can get behind.
The Souls-esque bosses are there, but players won't be going in alone and there are plenty of ways to protect themselves. Be they a tank-like warrior, a stealthy ranger, or an explosive mage, they're in for a good time.
8 Darksiders II
The second entry in this stylistic series definitely has a lot to offer in terms of action. While it might take heavy inspiration from several loot-based RPGs, playing as the Horseman of Death offers a variety of ways to put one's enemies in their graves.
Armed with everything from scythes to pistols, Death has a full arsenal to dispense devastation. And the loot system offers plenty more than the standard slicing instruments. Raiding temples and dungeons full of monsters never fails to be sharp, stylish, and satisfying.
7 The Division 2
Shooter titles and RPGs are not two elements that get together often. But when they do, the results can be quite an interesting cocktail of action and adrenaline. The Division 2 is a very immersive open-world action game with plenty of exploration, style, and gunplay.
There's something very Purge-esque about playing through a post-apocalyptic Washington DC, collecting guns and ammunition, and taking out enemy clans and raiders while protecting civilians. If players ever want to feel like an action hero, this is a good way to do it.
6 Borderlands Series
For something on the more bombastic side of the spectrum, look to the planet of Pandora. Borderlands is a looter-shooter series with just enough RPG elements to qualify for the genre, but with an over-the-top action flavor that demands a spot on the list.
Raiding for treasure and taking out bandits and mutants with an impressive array of weaponry, how can this not be a good time? With multiple classes and combat styles, there's something for every action junkie in this series.
5 Assassin’s Creed Series (After Origins)
Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla are the forays into the Assassin's Creed mythos that completely game-changing, literally. The series has pulled away from the stealth and platforming elements to focus more on the action, combat, and roleplaying.
Along with a more hack-and-slash approach to combat, the games have introduced character choices, ability trees, and a legion of weapons and armor to play with on one's adventure. From the ancient pyramids to the Viking sagas, there are oceans of time to explore with these games.
4 Diablo Series
There are few RPG fans who don't know the name Diablo, and there's a very good reason for that. This dungeon-crawling powerhouse developed the action-focused formula that has continued to remain a genre standard.
With a fourth entry and a remastered version of Diablo II on the horizon, many players are flocking back to the classic series to delve into the dungeons again. Because it focused on action rather than strategy, the series practically created a new subgenre, making it an outright immortal title.
3 Skyrim
Skyrim will almost always make the cut when discussing classic RPGs, but there are plenty of good reasons why. The adventure across the snowy plains of Tamriel is simply an experience all gamers should have at least once.
First-person fantasy games are a bit of a rare commodity, and wielding a sword and spells can be a lot more interesting than bullets and guns. With so many ways to take on dragons, trolls, and other hazards the game has to offer, variety truly is the spice of life.
2 Shadow of Mordor Series
Tolkien's Middle-Earth is the quintessential fantasy setting, but when it comes to the gritty side of things, Shadow of Mordor is truly something to behold. Armed with blade and cunning, Talion and his wraith companion strike fear into the hearts of all Uruk-Hai.
Lay waste to the orc hordes and create new rivals and enemies along the way in this dark and action-packed adventure. Whether by blade or by bow, players will definitely have their pound of orc flesh in this series.
1 Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
Praise be to the lords of Sony for giving this game another chance. While it developed a reputation for being one of the greatest underplayed games, gamers who gave this action RPG a spin were treated to a delightful and juicy experience.
As a Fateweaver, players essentially have their pick of class, weapons, and abilities to hack through the armies of the Tuatha and various other enemies along the way. Simply put, there has never been a better time for a revisit and re-reckoning.