[Updated July 29th, 2025 to include the latest hits from 2025 and make the list more relevant]
While slinging a powerful automatic rifle and turning an enemy into stroganoff may seem like fun, the satisfaction that comes with a well-timed swing of the blade to decapitate someone is unparalleled. Naturally, sword fighting games are the way to go for a realistic and exciting yet challenging gameplay experience. The mechanics involved in some sword fighting games, make it worth the trouble of training your warrior. Here are some sword-fighting classics to slice away your boredom.
15. Rise of the Ronin
Release Year: 2024 | Platform: PS5, Windows
If it is a sword-fighting games list, it is a safe bet that the list will have a lot of games set in Japan, and from Team Ninja. The first game on the list checks both these boxes. Rise of the Ronin was launched in 2024, and while it was not received as well as other games from the studio (the graphics, world-building, story and the general open world were areas that did not go down that well with gamers); it does give you the full license to unleash your inner samurai across a reasonably long campaign.
Like in Nioh 2 (more on that below), you can either go with a katana, dual blades, or an odachi, and each has its own special moves to unleash. This, along with the ‘counterspark’ (the game’s version of parries), and the stamina depletion-led approach to combat, makes each battle a measured back-and-forth between you and your enemies through a combination of well-timed attacks, perfect parries, and special abilities.
14. Like A Dragon: Ishin
Release Year: 2023 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Microsoft Windows
A remastered version of the original 2013 game, this has Ryu Ga Gotoku taking its strengths of great storytelling, murderous twists, lengthy cutscenes, great characters, wacky side quests, and transporting them from a modern-day Kamurocho to the Bakumatsu era of the Edo period in Japanese history.
Kazuma Kiryu here is Sakamoto Ryoma, again based on a true and important figure around the time Japan found itself with Western ships on the shore. The reason this game finds itself on this list, is of course because in typical Ryu Ga Gotoku style, Sakamoto has 4 absolutely insane fighting styles: the more classical Swordsman one that has katana as the main weapon, and an absolutely bonkers Wild Dancer style that combines swords and guns in a way that few other games have, and the result is an absolute delight of a combat system that you can’t get enough of.
13. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Release Year: 2017 | PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft Windows
Senua’s Sacrifice is a bold attempt at portraying concepts that very few games have explored. The compelling storyline revolves around several adult themes, including a serious discussion on psychosis, which earned it a PEGI M rating. Hellblade’s story borrows heavily from Celtic and Norse mythology, with some mesmerizing fantasy elements complemented by the game’s amazing graphics.
The combat may not be on par with other sword-fighting games on this list, but still, the brilliant use of graphics and engaging cinematic elements more than make up for it.
Also Read: Best Games On Xbox Game Pass To Play Right Now
12. Dishonored series
Release Year: 2012/2016/2017 | Platforms: PS3/4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Cloud Gaming
Arkane Studios’ Dishonored is a unique RPG experience that combines combat with stealth elements. Players take on the role of Corvo Attano or Emily Kaldwin(an option in the sequel), who have to save their nation from tyrants by any means possible. The means, of course, is completely up to the players, with decisions impacting the final outcome of the story.
While at its core, Dishonored is a stealth game with the option of completing the entire game without killing anyone, the sword-fighting mechanics are worth deviating from the morally right choice. The swordplay is quite refined, with thoroughly engaging attack and counter mechanics that need a little patience to execute. But any time you spend with the game’s combat system is bound to be rewarding to such an extent that you’ll forget there’s a whole magic-based skill tree to unlock, which includes training rats to do stuff.
Also Read: Best Action Adventure Games To Play Right Now
11. Middle Earth series
Release Year: 2014/2017 | Platforms: PlayStation, Windows, Xbox One, Linux
The Middle Earth games developed by Monolith offer an immersive open-world sandbox experience revolving around Tolkien’s mystical world. This non-canonical LOTR-based game revolves around Talion, a warrior from Gondor who is engaged in eternal battle to protect Middle Earth from the forces of Sauron, especially the Uruks. The gameplay is quite engaging with an innovative nemesis system, which allows players to track specific Uruks. This mechanic is blended well with the game’s AI, which allows all procedurally generated Uruks to gain experience, special abilities/traits, promotions etc.
The game’s combat system is among the best you might find in any sword-fighting game. Monolith Productions drew inspiration for the combat system from the popular Arkham franchise and made some useful tweaks that make the sword-fighting and unarmed combat quite fun and engaging. While mostly non-canonical, the production did involve consultations with director Peter Jackson to create a familiar world. The game also features an illustrious voice cast, which includes John DiMaggio.
10. Nioh 2
Release: 2020 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Microsoft Windows
Among the various build possibilities and the weapons to base these around, Nioh 2 offers the classic sword, dual swords, and an odachi. And each of these, with their special abilities like the Iai Quickdraw, for instance, or the high stance of an odachi, gets you to experience a variety of swordplay styles to their fullest.
While the opponents that you test your samurai skills in swordfighting against are more fantastical yokai creatures (with some boss fight exceptions); they too test your parry and burst counter reflexes in a way that makes the combat slide perfectly into the ‘tough, fair and satisfying’ slot; which not a lot of games manage to pull off.
9. Devil May Cry 5
Release Year: 2019 | Platforms: PS4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
Capcom’s Devil May Cry is a series that needs no introduction, and the fifth iteration is a great example of how well the series has evolved. DMC 5 has a unique, albeit repetitive swordplay mechanic that longtime fans of the franchise continue to enjoy.
Devil May Cry 5 offers arguably the best storytelling and cinematic elements of all the games in the franchise. Be it unlocking unique abilities for Dante and Nero or simply the thrill of unlocking yet another legendary sword, there are some elements that have made the series so dear to gamers for almost two decades.
8. Ryse: Son of Rome
Release Year: 2013 | Platforms: Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
Crytek’s Xbox One launch title is an underrated, Rome-themed classic that had some unique combat elements, which made gameplay remarkably immersive. Ryse: Son of Rome draws its theme, combat, and other gameplay mechanics from the popular Total War franchise, but with more emphasis on the protagonist Marius Titus and his abilities, especially with the sword. The combat system is complex, engaging, and, needless to say, quite difficult to master. The swordplay mechanics in particular demand a lot from the players who need to adhere to the game’s timing and precision elements, which are blended with some amazing cinematic effects.
This is one of the better sword-fighting games that often goes under the radar. While the protagonist’s name may seem like a cheeky ode to Monty Python, the story is quite engaging and will have you on the edge of your seats for most of the playthrough.
7. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Release Year: 2013 | Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Nvidia Shield Portable/TV
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a unique addition to the illustrious Metal Gear franchise. While just a spin-off of the franchise’s 4th title, Guns of the Patriots, Revengeance is a fast-paced action RPG focusing primarily on sword-fighting as the core gameplay mechanic. The game lets you step into the shoes of Raiden, the franchise’s ruthless cyborg ninja warrior as he slashes through enemies with his trusty Katana.
Contrary to other MGS titles, Revengeance’s motto is ‘who needs stealth when you have a katana.’ So, the only exclamations you need to worry about are the ones you draw with your blade. Although Raiden is trained in the Bushido way of the Samurai, additional mechanics such as the ‘blade mode’ encourage players to pursue the path of shredding your enemies to pieces.
6. Dark Souls series
Release Year: 2011/2014/2016 | Platforms: PS3/4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
From Software put the ‘cult’ in difficult with their Dark Souls franchise. Not that their previous RPGs like Demon Souls were any easier, but something about seeing the words ‘You Died’ about a thousand times in the first hour of gameplay created a massive following for the series. The dark fantasy setting serves as the ideal environment for the unique brand of soul-crushing combat that the games have to offer. Of course, the satisfaction of defeating a boss (preferably without game guides) and uncovering the lore to progress makes the challenging combat system even more desirable.
While magic is part of the combat experience, the gameplay is arguably best experienced with melee builds. The sword-fighting mechanic demands mastery of timing to land perfect hits, or to parry and counter.
Also Read: How FromSoft Cradled Its Own Genre
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Release Year: 2015 | Platforms: PS 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
Wild Hunt is easily among the best RPGs ever made and offers the most desirable aspects of every element that makes a great game. The sword combat system is surely a highlight of the gameplay. Be it slash and parry or a combo sequence, the sword fighting in Witcher 3 is satisfying despite not leaning toward realism. In fact, it is the countless possibilities that arise with the combination of sword swinging and sign casting that make this combat system so desirable. Although you can try your hand with bombs and decoctions for an alchemy-focused Geralt playthrough, it’s the canonical dance-like melee fighting style of The Witcher 3 that makes it one of the better sword fighting games.
4. Ghost of Tsushima
Release Year: 2020 | Platforms: PS4, PS5, Windows
Based on feudal Japan of the 13th century, Ghost of Tsushima transports players into a mystical rendition of Japan based on the country’s folklore and mythology. The premise of the game is a Mongolian invasion of Japan, which is defended by the land’s Samurai warriors. While the game’s beautiful design will make you want to just explore medieval Japan on your trusty steed, the engaging combat elements live up to its Samurai theme. Without a shadow of doubt, it’s one of the best-looking sword-fighting games. And trust me, nothing is more satisfying than challenging a group of enemies to a Standoff and then one-shotting them by unleashing the katana just at the right time. Hopes are high for the upcoming Ghost of Yotei, which promises more weapons and gameplay mechanics.
3. Elden Ring
Release Year: 2022 | Platforms: PS 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
FromSoftware’s Elden Ring is a giant leap ahead of their popular Dark Souls and Bloodborne franchises. The game, whose development included contributions from George R.R. Martin, is a splendid blend of his unique dark fantasy style of world-building and sword-fighting. While on paper this is a Soulslike game, the gameplay and character development arc, if anything, make it a cut above its spiritual predecessors. Besides giving you the freedom to mix in some sorcery in between your parries and slashes, Elden Ring is easily one of the best sword-fighting games out there.
2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Release Year: 2019 | Platforms: PS 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Google Stadia
It is obvious for a list of sword fighting games to have a few Japanese-themed titles, but Sekiro takes these elements to horizons that have never been explored before. Set in the Japanese Sengoku period between the 16th and 17th centuries, Sekiro is a wholesome revenge story of a Shinobi warrior. The unique skill tree and fighting style featured in this game make the incredibly challenging combat mechanic worth mastering. Understated steampunk elements with an Asian twist add to the game’s medieval Japanese aesthetic.
1. Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
Release Year: 2025 | Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows
The Czech Republic is a land of rich culture and history, which is often overlooked on the global stage. Czech gaming company Warhorse Studio set out to change this, and the result was Kingdom Come: Deliverance in 2018. The studio did one better, and in 2025, launched the bigger and better version of the original. Based on true events that unfolded in 15th century Bohemia, this game has been lauded for its historical accuracy.
It is not just the history that is realistic, but the gameplay itself offers some very realistic elements. The highlight, perhaps, is the combat system, which is quite innovative and really difficult to master, but extremely satisfying when it lands. Warhorse Studios went through great lengths to accurately simulate sword-fighting mechanics, which they derived from Hans Talhoffer’s Fechtbuch or ‘Fencing Book’. If anything, KCD 2 offers a unique combat experience unlike any other sword-fighting game.
