Summary
- Developers strive to create engaging combat mechanics without being overwhelmingly difficult or too simplistic.
- The best combat mechanics in open-world games are intense, whether it's melee action or gunplay, like in Sleeping Dogs and Cyberpunk 2077.
- Games like Elden Ring and The Witcher 3 offer challenging combat that requires strategy, planning, and skill for success.
Combat is a core mechanic of most video games, whether everything on the map is out to kill the player, or just a few hostiles are provoked into conflict. There is a fine balance to correctly implementing these mechanics, ensuring that battles are not boring walkovers, but also not an unfair challenge that punishes players for the tiniest errors.
Best Action Games That Are All Gas, No Brakes
For fans of ridiculously high-octane action games, here are some of the best titles to check out.
When everything is just right, combat can really get the blood pumping, as players are thrust into epic life-or-death battles that keep them on the edge of their seats. Those adrenaline junkies seeking heart-pounding action should play these open-world games with intense combat, ranked based on a combination of their overall popularity and quality.
10 Mad Max
An Underrated Post-Apocalyptic Gem With Excellent Vehicular Combat
Mad Max
- Released
- September 1, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Avalanche Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Warner Bros. Games
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Open-World
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Underappreciated in its time, Mad Max is set in the barren post-apocalyptic landscape that is familiar to fans of the popular film franchise. Taking control of the titular Max Rockatansky, players will build and upgrade their vehicle with the help of Chumbucket and engage in thrilling vehicular combat akin to that of iconic scenes in the movies.
The highly customizable car can be fitted with destructive weaponry like flamethrowers, though its powerful ramming capabilities can be enough to take out some hostiles. Spikes and other body modifications can also be useful repellents. Even on-foot gunplay can be thrilling, and melee combat is often compared to that of the Arkham series, though it is comparatively simplified.
9 Horizon Forbidden West
Thrilling Melee & Ranged Combat, Plus Some New Mechanics
Horizon Forbidden West
- Released
- February 18, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Guerrilla Games
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
As a sequel, Horizon Forbidden West had to equal or surpass the high standard set by its predecessor when it came to combat. Enemies are more intelligent compared to the prior game, with more varied attacks and better tracking abilities, so each encounter really feels like it matters and appears more like a thrilling game of chess, rather than mindless button-mashing.
8 Open-World Games With Innovative Combat Systems
A big draw to games is the ability to fight and battle against an array of enemies in a unique manner that is both fun and rewarding.
Targeting weak spots is the best way to gain an edge, and new mechanics like Valor Surges can cause massive damage and even make Aloy temporarily invincible. Many find the new mechanics challenging at first, but it can be rewarding for those with the patience to learn the nuances of their foes and employ the right tactical approach against each enemy.
8 Just Cause 3
Chaotic & Destructive Action
Just Cause 3
- Released
- November 30, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Avalanche Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Third-Person Shooter
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
In a series known for its high-octane and explosive action, Just Cause 3 is arguably the most intense of all, thanks to its fast pace and satisfying destruction mechanics. Given the verticality of the fictional island of Medici, players can grapple hook, parachute, and glide around the map, leaving behind demolished buildings and incapacitated enemies.
There is a high level of creativity in combat, with a vast arsenal of heavy-duty weaponry to choose from, though vehicles may also be used to cause as much chaos as possible. The action is always over-the-top as players wreak havoc all over the island, making Rico Rodriguez feel like a superhero, and the experience stays in the player’s memory long after the credits roll.
7 Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Stylish & Fluid Combat
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Released
- October 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Insomniac Games
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure, Superhero
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Easily ranked high among the best games starring the eponymous web-slinger, Marvel's Spider-Man 2 features some of the best and most fluid combat ever experienced in the franchise. Not only is it more fun to traverse the larger map with the various new abilities and suits on offer for the two playable Spider-Men, but the combat mechanics are a significant upgrade from the prior games.
Combat is certainly more challenging than before, and many players can find the parry system frustrating, but it also pushes combat away from button-mashing destruction into a more thoughtful battle rhythm. In addition, Peter and Miles both have a wealth of special moves and combo-building attacks to keep swathes of enemies at bay. Maintaining combos and utilizing gadgets to their full potential leads to some very engaging battles.
6 Ghost of Tsushima
Repel the Mongol Invasion in Challenging Encounters
Ghost of Tsushima
- Released
- July 17, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Sucker Punch
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
There is a particular emphasis on cinematic and thrilling action in Ghost of Tsushima, as Jin Sakai relies on his samurai training to defend the titular Tsushima Island against invading Mongol forces. Combat can be tough for many newcomers as they must master skills like parrying and dodging if they have any hope of victory.
8 Best Historical Fantasy Open-World Games, Ranked
These striking open-world games mix historical settings with many fantastical elements, blurring the line between fantasy and reality.
Being able to adapt is another point of emphasis, as different fighting stances are best utilized against the wide variety of enemies. Upgrading Jin to match personal playstyle preferences can be crucial to success, but every swing of his katana must be thought through, especially on harder difficulty levels where only one or two hits can be fatal.
5 Cyberpunk 2077
Eliminate Gangoons & Corpo Scum in Style
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Combat can be approached in many different ways in Cyberpunk 2077, which already had a variety of options even before the release of its stellar DLC Phantom Liberty introduced more. V lives life on the edge from the get-go, often ending up outnumbered and outgunned but still able to scrape through and live another day in Night City.
There are countless firearms on offer, each split into different tiers and with various mods to enhance certain attributes. Melee combat can be exceptionally powerful if the skill tree and cybernetic augmentations are properly exploited, allowing for many perks like slowing time and deflecting bullets. Hacking adversaries and their surroundings only adds to V’s seemingly superhuman abilities in combat scenarios.
4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Each Battle Could Be Geralt's Last
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Not only is there an excellent story, tough and morally ambiguous decisions, and plenty of romance in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, but there is also some of the finest sword combat found in any video game. Even low-level or comparatively weak enemies can catch Geralt of Rivia off-guard if players are not sufficiently prepared.
While Geralt automatically draws the appropriate sword for the foe (or foes) before him, players must anticipate all potential outcomes, carefully studying the bestiary to discover the weaknesses of specific monsters. Oils, poisons, and magical signs go a long way toward success, but things like dodging, parrying, and timing attacks must be mastered, especially against the toughest opponents.
3 Sleeping Dogs
Satisfying Melee Fights & High Stakes Gunplay
Sleeping Dogs
- Released
- August 14, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- United Front Games
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC
Despite being over a decade old, Sleeping Dogs still stands out for its extremely satisfying hand-to-hand combat, inspired by classic martial arts films in its Hong Kong setting. While sections with gunplay can be incredibly cinematic and often occur in high-stakes moments during story missions, it’s the beat-'em-up action where this game really shines.
8 Best Open-World Games With Beat 'Em Up Combat, Ranked
These incredible open-world video games showcase brutal beat 'em up action, mixing freeform exploration with fluid combat.
Undercover police officer Wei Shen tackles both gangsters and law enforcement during his infiltration mission in the Sun On Yee Triads. Developing his lethal fists and feet at various schools around Hong Kong adds to his deep repertoire of moves, with nearby enemies even reacting to particularly brutal attacks. Breaking bones and slamming unwitting combatants into environmental objects only add to the thrills.
2 Elden Ring
Simple to Learn Combat that is Hard to Master
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Given their challenging gameplay, soulslike games are not for everyone, but Elden Ring is often described as the most approachable due to its more freeform, open-world structure. That does not take away from the game’s intensity and formidable bosses, as players must still learn the intricacies of combat if they hope to succeed, such as knowing when to use power stance to dual-wield weapons or when to use summons for some assistance.
Taking a hit causes considerable damage, and dodging incoming attacks requires split-second timing, so concentration and learning the attack patterns of opponents is key. Combining the right combat style with effective builds will help players find success in the Lands Between, but they must still learn perseverance, patience, and the fact that death is inevitable.
1 Batman: Arkham Knight
Intense Melee Combat & Vehicular Battles
Batman: Arkham Knight
- Released
- June 23, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Rocksteady Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Warner Bros. Games
- Genre(s)
- Action
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
The conclusion of Rocksteady’s acclaimed Arkham series is regarded by many as the best and is full of secrets to discover. Known for its innovative FreeFlow combat system, Batman: Arkham Knight features some of the best stealth, melee, and vehicular battles, as The Dark Knight takes on some of the most iconic villains in the franchise.
The Caped Crusader is constantly on the move during an all-out assault against multiple goons, both in order to incapacitate multiple combatants at once and to avoid incoming attacks. The iconic Batmobile transforms into a tank during Battle Mode, capable of subduing aggressors with tasers, suppressing riots non-lethally, and stopping other vehicles with missiles.
8 Best Open-World Games with Intricate Mysteries to Solve
These great open-world games are positively packed with intricate mysteries just begging to be solved.