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. Gothic series
Release Year: 2001/2003 | Platform: Microsoft Windows
Piranha Bytes’ PC exclusive Gothic is a genre defining RPG series that never received the exposure and acclaims it deserves. The series had some elements that didn’t exist until another decade and some that still don’t exist in gaming. Gothic’s skill tree alone could put the most comprehensive AAA titles today to shame. Piranha Bytes cannot be lauded enough for their skill tree design which even had specific skills for removing stings, mandibles, claws and other such specific parts which could only be unlocked by finishing unusual quests for the kind of oddballs you would associate with such skills.
Needless to say, the combat in the series is one of the most innovative ones which required multiple inputs and a mastery of precision and timing to execute moves. Of course, sword options were not just limited to the local blacksmith’s inventory, but you could craft your own weapon of choice. And if all that wasn’t enough to satisfy your medieval fantasies, Piranha Bytes manages to add dragons to the game as well in an engine that was created and used just in this series.
14. Prince of Persia series
Release Year: 2003 | Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Windows, Mac
Long before Ubisoft began minting money with an Arabian guy scaling walls, the French developer had a game franchise with an Iranian guy scaling walls. Prince of Persia offers arguably the best portrayal of David Belle’s Parkour in video games. The parkour element opened up avenues for so many possibilities which the Ubisoft of old implemented quite well. One aspect which became iconic thanks to parkour was the game’s combat system.
By itself Prince of Persia series’ swordplay leaves a lot to be desired, but when combined with parkour it surpassed horizons that were alien to gaming. Boss fights in particular were spectacular with combination of parkour to use the environment to your advantage to strike weak spots. The ability to turn back time with the dagger made challenging fights even more engaging. Overall, for nostalgia alone, Prince of Persia deserves to be in a list of sword fighting games.
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.
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 which 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.
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. Elder Scrolls V Skyrim
Release: 2011 | Platforms: PS 3/4/5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
Many of you may disagree with the inclusion of this game on this list, but most RPGs on this list wouldn’t get the recognition they have if it were not for Bethesda’s greatest title. There is a lot that can be praised about Skyrim which won the ‘Ultimate Game of the Year Award’ and countless other awards in a year when Batman Arkham City, Portal 2 and Dark Souls were released. But the greatest acclaim the game can get is with the fact that it is still being re-released and played by millions of gamers across the world. The Nintendo switch version just came out last year.
Skyrim melee combat may have left a lot to be desired upon release and is in fact one of the game’s weaker elements. But since then, countless mods have been released to make the combat more fluid and engaging. So, you can just plug in a couple of mods and create the best swordplay experience to suit your tastes. It is worth mentioning though that the vanilla game’s combat system did have some very innovative elements such as dual wielding magic swords and an intricate skill tree. You could even use one physical blade and conjure up a magical sword or shield and take down enemies. Of course, the countless sword options and impressive catalogue of enchantments surely make a sword fighting warrior a worthy build to choose for the Dovahkiin.
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 Cry5 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 at 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.
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 aspect 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 hands with bombs and decoctions for an alchemy-focused Geralt playthrough, it’s the canonical dance-like melee fighting style of Witcher 3 that makes it one of the better sword fighting games.
4. Ghost of Tsushima
Release Year: 2020 | Platforms: PS 4/5
This PlayStation exclusive title is based on feudal Japan of the 13th century. Ghost of Tsushima transports players into a mystical rendition of Japan based on the county’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.
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 century, 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
Release Year: 2018 | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Linux Amazon Luna, Mac OS
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. Based on true events that unfolded in 15th century Bohemia, this game has been lauded for its historical accuracy. Kingdom Come Deliverance is a refreshing take on life in the medieval times which many games often miss out on.
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. 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, Kingdom Come Deliverance offers a unique combat experience unlike any other sword fighting games.
Nothing less can be expected from a game that even has extensive customization options for horse’s saddle and armor.
