What better way to unwind after a long day at work, school, or wherever than throwing yourself into some intense hack-and-slash action? Or, better yet, why not take the action with you?
Well, thank goodness for the Switch, which has become a quiet little home for some of the best action games of the generation. From classics from the PlayStation 2 era to being the home of the Umbra Witch herself, the Switch lets you sink your teeth into some tough-as-nails action games that combine different mechanics, enemies, and visual styles to create enthralling, palm-sweating experiences. These aren't action-RPGs — RPGs that contain hack-and-slash combat such as NieR: Automata — and we have a handy list for the best action-RPGs on Switch too.
Instead, you'll be chopping up foes one moment, or running around to find some hidden collectibles or secrets the next — and while often these game's stories embrace their over-the-top action, sometimes you might get a bit of a surprise.
So, we've rounded up the cream of the action crop here for you on the Switch. And with developers like PlatinumGames, Capcom, and indie studios like Heart Machine making a name for themselves in the genre, there's an ever-expanding crowd of action titles available. Flex your fingers and sharpen your blade — let's rock!
Astral Chain (Switch)
With its amazing visuals, fantastic presentation, varied gameplay and deep, rewarding combat, Astral Chain is one of PlatinumGames' most accomplished tiles. It mixes detective work with exhilarating battle sequences that are inventive, challenging and – perhaps most importantly – breathtakingly cool. The complexity of the game's myriad systems may prove intimidating for some players, but the inclusion of a co-op play and the ability to automate many of the mechanics via the 'Unchained' mode means that even complete newcomers can still enjoy the ride. Astral Chain is absolutely one of the best action games available on the Switch, cementing PlatinumGames' status in the genre.
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Hades (Switch eShop)
Hades' sublime mix of satisfyingly gritty and flexible combat, wonderfully vibrant art style, and genuinely fun and engaging narrative make a pretty much perfect action-packed package. Supergiant Games has an excellent track record thus far but this really does feel like its finest hour, a rip-roaring rampage through the underworld that's arrived here on Switch. Even if you're yet to be swayed by the admittedly repetitive ebb and flow of the hack-and-slash roguelike genre, we passionately urge you to at least give this one a try; for fans of the genre or anyone even remotely interested, this is one heavenly vision of hell that we highly recommend you sacrifice yourself to.
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition (Switch)
Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is a great time-sink game, featuring mindless but fun action gameplay that offers up the potential for dozens - if not hundreds - of hours of content. Though it certainly feels like a game that’s too bloated in places, it manages to balance the Zelda and Dynasty Warriors elements well. Group all of that with stellar presentation and impressive portable gameplay, and you’ve got a game that does a great job of doing something new (and weird) with a classic Nintendo property. We’d give this one a recommendation, especially to fans of the Zelda series who have always wanted there to be some sort of 'anniversary' game. Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition may not have a ton of depth, but it’s frantic hack-and-slash fun in the Zelda universe, and you’d be missing out by not picking up this complete edition.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (Switch eShop)
To have Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice on Switch in this form is a blessing that you shouldn’t miss out on. The game itself is a psychological sensory experience that we thoroughly recommend, but the fact that it’s been translated to Switch in such a complete fashion is the true surprise here. It doesn’t feel like a downgrade at all and it stands proudly alongside the other ‘miracle’ ports on the system, arguably surpassing them in some ways. This goes beyond just being an engrossing action game — it's also an incredible port and a deeply enthralling, haunting story.
Darksiders: Warmastered Edition (Switch)
This faithful port of the original Darksiders is a great way to get into the series. Darksiders: Warmastered Edition brings every slash of Chaoseaster and every bloody execution to Nintendo Switch in all its glory. While still inferior to some later entries, this first outing is still a robust action-platformer full of satisfying melee combos, open-ended levels and a suitably over-the-top story. Easily one of the most underrated franchises to appear in the previous generation, this port finally unleashes the Apocalypse in handheld form.
Bayonetta 2 (Switch)
Following its fantastic release on Wii U, Bayonetta 2 shines brightest on Nintendo Switch. It runs without a hitch at 60fps, looks incredible in both TV and tabletop modes, and offers an addictive free-flowing combat formula that sprinkles in platforming, light exploration and a ridiculous story to create something that you simply need to experience. If you’ve never played it before, you’re in for a treat. If you’ve already played it, it’s even more bewitching as a handheld gem.
And, of course, we have to recommend the original Bayonetta, too, even if that one's showing its age a little more. The series' beginnings are still oh-so-brilliant, and the whole trilogy is now together on Switch. Voilá!
Onimusha: Warlords (Switch eShop)
Thanks to a handful of truly impactful changes, Onimusha: Warlords lives again on Switch. The tank controls are lighter to the touch and the improvements to the visuals help take the edge off those clunky PS2-era looks, which allow the game's deep combat to shine. The updated soundtrack might be a little inferior, but even it brings an extra layer of authenticity to a game that draws from Japan’s rich history of warfare. Hopefully, the rest of the series will get the same treatment because this classic swashbuckling adventure (with the occasional moment of horror) has re-sharpened its blade and is ready for action once again.
God Eater 3 (Switch)
While God Eater 3 took a bit of a knock in the visuals department on Switch, it’s a sacrifice that’s more than worth it for mostly consistent performance and a steady frame rate. The inclusion of local co-op is a real boon for Switch owners, allowing you to partner up with friends to take down huge beasts together. With all past content updates and patches included, you’re getting a version as good as — if not arguably better than — those on PC and PS4. If you’re longing for an alternative to Monster Hunter, this is your next port of call.
Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition (Switch eShop)
Even so many years after its 2005 debut, Devil May Cry 3 remains one of the very best action games ever made. It may have aged in places, but that turbo-charged, combo-heavy action feels as fresh today as it did back in the mid-noughties. The new Freestyle mode – which lets players swap combat styles on the fly at any point during the action – is a genuinely excellent addition to the package, and the ability to play Bloody Palace in local co-op is the cherry on top of a Switch port that should appeal to anyone interested in sampling the devilish delights of this all-time classic.
We want to give a shout-out to the original Devil May Cry, too. While it may be feeling its age even more than this one, it's still a brilliant blend of action and atmosphere.
Comments 63
Darksiders and Astral Chain are on the list.
All is good.
Darksiders Warmastered Edition and God Eater 3 are both excellent action games in my opinion.
Lots of twin-stick shooters I'd put in here. Blazing Beaks, Hotline Miami, The Hong Kong Massacre, Nuclear Throne, Enter the Gungeon, etc.
How can anyone in their right mind recommend Ultimate Alliance 3 to anyone?
@CRASH64 It's a solid action/rpg game. If you're a Marvel fan, it's sort of slim pickings on Switch. It's either MUA3 or one of the Lego games, lol.
Great list, I'd add Okami - one of my favorite games of all times. If you count action/adventure as an action game (which is a rather broad term in itself)
Shouldn't Dark Souls count? Lots of action in that one.
Nice to see Onimusha on here. It's an oldie, but a goodie.
I think RE4 deserves to be here too. It's a horror game, but also very much an action game as well.
No Ninja Gaiden Master Collection on this list is a crime. Samurai Jack is probably a pretty competent licensed game, but no way it's on the same level.
Also, I enjoy a Warriors game from time to time so don't take this as a slight, but they're sort of like the junk food of the hack 'n slash genre (which this list is seemingly centered around), and in no way should there be three of them on a list when Ninja Gaiden is left out.
EDIT: Just so I don't sound too overly negative, good shouts to Astral Chain, Onimusha Warlords, & DMC though.
Great list, anything by Platinum/ Capcom is a must!
@Dom_31 I love Monster Hunter (I have three-digit playtimes in both GU and Rise), but it's probably a bit too methodical to land on a list like this.
I could take this list seriously if musuo games were not on here. Those things are just embarrassing.
ARMS is my choice. 👍
Is it weird that in my 35 years of gaming, I've never played a modern (non-platforming) 3D action game?
Being a huge fan of RPGs, I've always been on unsure about whether or not I should take a dip. The most I've gotten into the genre is through action-RPGs, but even with those games, there's usually at some enphasis put upon stat-driven progression - something which I worry that a purely action type of game will be missing, to a fault. Plus, the best action games tend to be glitzy and high budget, and thus - unless you can jump in during some kind of major sale - are usually kind of an expensive proposition, with a high price of entry.
TL:DR - As a fan of RPGs who's never played a pure action game, are there any high quality, critically acclaimed action games that still have (small-but-nevertheless-notable) RPG-like aspects that might be appealing to someone like me? Would be curious what the good folks here in comments section might recommend.
@Dom_31 I mean, I think it's probably a bit closer to action than it is to RPG, which doesn't stop people from primarily classifying it as an RPG.
@Andy_Witmyer Astral Chain might be up your alley here--in addition to pure action, there's a skill tree and a lot of non-action content. (plus unlimited immediate continues!)
Or better yet, now that it's on Switch, Nier Automata, which is utterly brilliant.
Glad to see Hades there among the more big budget titles, it's easily among my top 5 games of all time. Everything about it is so creative and so lovingly made; not just the gameplay and the visual design, but also the characterisation, the voice acting and the plotting. It's rare for such a game to have both an incredibly addictive roguelite gameplay loop and a deep, touching story.
@earbox I think a fleshed out Skill Tree would definitely might scratch the RPG itch, for sure. I'm guessing with the action games like Astral Chain, you don't have to grind a lot to open up the tree? Is there an XP system, or is the acquisition of skills mostly tied to things like story progression, exploration, etc?
Feels like "action" is a catch-all term.
Hellblade one of the worst games I've ever played. I wouldn't call it an action game
@Dom_31 It says right at the top of the page that they have a separate list for action rpgs. Though looking at both of them, I'd say there are a lot of games that could go on either list.
Action games are a genre I feel like I'd like (I certainly adore watching them) but have never actually bit the bullet and grabbed one of them funnily enough. DmC has always been the one that's piqued my interest the most (big shocker: the Capcom fanboy likes Capcom games) but I've always been debating whether the Switch versions of the original games would be the best way to start them. I'll probably make a decision once Pokemon comes out though.
@Dom_31 I disagree. Any game where you have Attack/Defense/etc. stats, and kill things to get bigger stats so you can kill bigger things to get even bigger stats, is an rpg.
Glad to see MUA3 on here. I'm still happily grinding away.
@Andy_Witmyer You really should, 3D action games can be some of the best, "in-the-zone" cathartic games ever. If you liked BOTW maybe try Age of Calamity (easy mode at first) and see what you think...👍✌️
Action is a very broad category since it contains everything from Castlevania to Mega Man. Even BotW is tagged action on this site.
As a fun test I sorted the eshop by best sellers in category action. The top of the 3,913-long list gives overwatch, fortnite, Bayonetta, Minecraft (?!), Splatoon, resident evil, cult of the lamb, Pokemon Arceus, metroid dread, Luigi's mansion, etc.
I realize the article specifies over-the-top action which definitely rules out Luigi's mansion. The only game I own off this article's list is Hades; I think action games which are too 'busy' turn me off a bit even though I really enjoy many other action games.
Still don’t get all the praise no more heroes gets, the game didn’t do much for me. Thankfully there’s plenty of action games that do flow my boat.
Does anyone knows if Hellblade's any good?
So Samurai Jack's there but no Ninja Gaiden? What is this and who made the list? Does that person know that there are three Ninja Gaiden installments released in the Ninja Gaiden Master Collection pack or not really? Best action games my ***.
@EriXz Can't speak from personal experience, but a ton of people were singing its praises when it came out. It's more a story that involves hitting things than a pure hack-n-slash like most of the list. If I remember correctly, digital foundry said the Switch version has the usual cut-backs, but otherwise plays well.
@Anachronism
Thank you, have seen it a few times on sale, maybe ill bite next time
No one who bothered to look at this list should sleep on Astral Chain or Bayonetta. The people at Platinum are absolutely brilliant when it comes to pure action games. The original Hyrule Warriors is also a great time, and the only Warriors game I've really been able to get into. I'll also throw out an honorable mention for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Its gameplay is as fresh and fun as its visuals are dated and ugly.
No Death’s Door? Seriously?
The only game mentioned in this article's list i like is Hades.
Still, my favorites action-games are:
Okay, these 3 games are twin-stick shooters, not Hack'n Slash (a genre that doesn't amuse me)
@RR529 I found Fire Emblem Warriors to be more interesting in terms of strategy than action. I haven’t played any of the other games so don’t know about them.
But I also like junk food in moderation so I don’t think it’s slight against them to call them that.
@Andy_Witmyer Almost everything has skill trees at least now. For example, the Devil May Cry series has unlockable skills for each weapon/fighting style plus traversal skills and extendable life/magic bars by accruing and spending different colored orbs you get from defeating enemies and finding secret areas.
Bluntly, even God of War, the most actiony action game series these days, now not only has skill trees but upgradeable armor, weapons, and pure exp levels.
I think pure straight up action where you have everything from the start and it’s up to you to use it is pretty much left to indies pining for the early 90s and, oddly, Mario and Zelda. I’m also extremely tired and writing this as I go to bed so I’m probably not offering a very cogent argument. Nonetheless, play some action games.
@FishyS Well said.
@Andy_Witmyer it's been a couple of years since I played it (I keep meaning to go back for the post-game), but IIRC there's little to no grinding--points for the skill trees are largely assigned based on tasks done in the missions and performance in combat segments. You can return to missions to improve your performance and get more points, but getting the same grade won't earn you extra.
Monster Hunter Rise should be at the top of this list.
Man, I just couldn't get into Bayonetta 3, the ridiculous ammount of cutscenes that look awful for being cutscenes (they look like PS3-era) is just too much, not to mention how long most of the cutscenes are and at least I never found a way to skip them. A 5 minute cutscene to tell me that the shop is now open is just too much.
Bayonetta 2 and Astral Chain are the tops for me.
@MrSeitaro i think they look fine. It’s the frame rate and resolution dragging it down. Superficially in he prologue. I feel like I’m using a flip book to render them.
@DarrenWarrenV Nintendo Life gave the Ninja Maiden Master Collection a fairly scathing review because of its performance and technical issues on Switch, so presumably that's why it's not on the list:
https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/ninja_gaiden_master_collection
Persona 5 Strikers should be on this list
Hellblade and action in the same sentence? All I remember is fiddling around aligning objects. Couldn't stand it.
@Magician I feel the first Lego Marvel Super Heroes game is better than Ultimate Alliance 3.
Oh, Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen, where art thou?
@Dom_31 They are more so RPGs, just a very different type of structure of RPG than most typical JRPGs. The goal is hunting/gathering and other such for 'quests' and also has a multiplayer focus in an MMO way not point A to B goals or singleplayer focus like most Hack n Slashes. Dark Souls/Elden Ring are RPGs even if hack n slashes just not combo focused. It does have the in-depth combat of an action game for sure like Devil May Cry does but like Nier Automata it and Monster Hunter wouldn't fit the list.
@Astral-Grain As good as it is. It's an RPG still. No RPGs on the list even if it has the combat. Like they said with Nier which has the combat it is an RPG still and doesn't fit the list.
@Ralizah Like they said with Nier Automata, it's an RPG. They are more so RPGs, just a very different type of structure of RPG than most typical JRPGs. The goal is hunting/gathering and other such for 'quests' and also has a multiplayer focus in an MMO way not point A to B goals or singleplayer focus like most Hack n Slashes. It may have the combat but the structure is an RPG.
@Deady I agree. Darksiders 2 had skill trees and became an RPG (God of War should have gone it's direction with many weapons/armour not the half approach they tried to do with armour/skills and 2-4 weapons that I think doesn't work but that's just me even besides no jumping).
Devil May Cry (having only played Reboot & 5 didn't get far in 1-3 yet so maybe 3 or 4 offer upgrades I'm not sure, own all the games just haven't played them all to find out how each differs) had upgrade shops and God of War always had upgrades in the inventory menu before the skill trees today so some sort of went that way to add depth in their own directions.
I agree that only Indies really keep to their purest these days (besides your Musou games that do offer combos and skills I think with a more 'use resources from enemies to upgrade' at least with Hyrule/Fire Emblem Warriors games I don't know about earlier Dynasty Warriors or remember enough of what 9 did when it went open world but I remember a lot being there. Ninja Gaiden just allowing everything from the start just weapon enhancing I think (having only played 2 on 360).
Starting from the base then expanding a certain direction or keeping it simple (or something else in there like Hades as a roguelike or upgrades along the way until you restart a run) instead of expectations of skill trees and other such like many long running series/those with a high budget where devs thing it should be that way while many fans into RPGs sure may but I don't know if many of us action game fans really want them and ruin the flexibility we had before.
DMC5 I've felt it to be limiting getting upgrades this way while old God of War I never felt it was that bad for whatever reason because getting items along the way as more options besides more combos balanced things out I guess. While with 5 I barely use the devil trigger/other abilities in that range for the other characters. But lacking combos access (and not a more items as you go along that God of War did) is more glaring I find in DMC5 then old God of War and with GOW2018 I don't remember enough, I just didn't care I think as I already wasn't a fan of the camera and other things anyway or seeing the skills benefit me. Not having played Hellblade (Ninja Theory also know for action games like DMC Reboot, Heavenly Sword, Enslaved being more a action adventure) and similar with the camera angle as GOW2018 I assume it fits?
Some nice choices
@Dom_31 I've played World/Rise. You having played more that's fair I'm a newcomer in comparison. To me they seem that way (maybe the more games that as action adventures trying to have RPG elements is confusing me which is likely besides that DMC always seemed like Capcom's action game and MH their RPG at least that's how I see it, especially with so many classes/weapon types, the mission design and MMO or singleplayer option and wide spaces to do them it just gives me that impression, you can explore areas in the games, the focus of that isn't in most hack n slashes) but having not enough experience with them or even getting confused on what hack n slashes/beat em up even were for difference still even besides playing the many other games on this list I'm ok with being genre incorrect. XD I'm willing to own up to that for sure.
@ComfyAko Okami like Zelda has always confused me if it is an action adventure, RPG or action game. Most saying action games aren't counting action adventures though just hack n slashes or not as much focus on adventure/exploration and more the combat/arenas and other elements than more of a world to explore at least that how I always assumed I'm still not sure.
@sketchturner I always thought of them as RPGs inspired by old school/computer RPGs of the 80s/90s design with the tedious elements left in then removing them. The Dungeons and Dragons roleplay, their classes, the exploration, the combat is hack n slash even if not combo based. That's always the impression I got. Elden Ring especially besides being open world.
@SuntannedDuck2 Lol is there a rule list somewhere that explains this seemingly arbitrary distinction?
Nier: Automata is officially listed as an Action-RPG, and isn't allowed on the Action list simply because it contains RPG elements.
Hades is officially listed as a Roguelike and has RPG elements, but is allowed on the list because ... reasons.
I think a "Hack and Slash" list would be easier to understand, these just come off like random opinions to me.
Darksiders glad to see I always feel whenever I see action game channels on YT no one talks about it only the usual ones.
Darksiders, Bayonetta/DMC obviously on here. No More Heroes makes sense. Not played Sifu, Calamity, I want to Astral Chain when I can.
Hades is ok I didn't care for it as much as I did Coded Arms even if a more basic roguelike maybe lite as it's more fair/not as committed shooter by Konami for the PSP that gets overlooked by their other IPs. Hades has personality and functions well with it's systems but the runs aren't as exciting to me, it is more typical roguelike I guess so maybe that's why. Coded Arms I could keep going through the checkpoints to get through all floors when I was stuck unless I exited through the gates then the next level gates or gave up to go back to the menu with upgrades being random/procedural like the rooms (even if basic by today's standards) but it made things challenging not just sticking to 1 weapon but using many and being ammo or upgrade strategic especially with the controls, aiming/crosshair and or enemy AI.
@SuntannedDuck2 Lol wow I didn't expect to see a solid PSP recommendation here - Coded Arms is an FPS Roguelike?
What a sweet concept, I'll have to check it out. Graphics look pretty good for PSP.
@Astral-Grain To me at least (if I'm wrong that's fair) it always seemed to be an RPG. It has quests, exploration (which hack n slashes don't have typically), I don't remember what the combat is like, the party members which is a very RPG thing, hack n slashes don't have party members they may have an NPC every so often maybe but usually solo.
I don't know all the aspects of a hack n slash I still forget what makes their core even having played many on this list.
I tried to go off what is listed here: https://vsrecommendedgames.fandom.com/wiki/A_List_and_Guide_to_Game_Genres besides what i understand from playing different games/what I pick up on with research. I haven't played and computer RPGs but to me Dark Souls/Elden Ring have that difficulty, less quality of life features most add.
That link's examples for Hack n Slash are: "Diablo II; Dungeon Siege 2; Torchlight II" (I'd have assumed hack n slash or dungeon crawlers but I don't know for sure having not played them while Darksider Genesis seemed like an isometric camera but not exactly an action RPG like most games with an isometric camera that isn't a city builder are) which besides Musou also being it's own extent (I assumed combos or more simple light and heavy meant they were hack n slashes compared to 'character action' or 'spectacle fighter' or so as reviewers would put Bayonetta/DMC as. Genres get confusing I'm no expert nor do I claim to be. XD
Coded Arms is a pretty fine time. I guess these reviews may put it fairly well: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=coded+arms
@Astral-Grain Coded Arms is a pretty fine time. Far from perfect it has issues but a unique idea at the time. I guess these reviews may put it fairly well: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=coded+arms
@SuntannedDuck2 Very fair points.
See - from my perspective, there are a lot of similarities between a game like Dragon's Dogma and Hades.
Both games have a focused story, quests and side quests, real-time action combat, and they both even light romance/affinity elements, a notable RPG mechanic. In my experience playing both games, the combat has the most focus, but as I mentioned, there are plenty of RPG elements and story too.
I think as game genres continue to evolve and mutate, these general genre distinctions like 'Action' and 'RPG' will become so difficult to discern that we'll just stop using them all together.
@SuntannedDuck2 Honestly, with so many games with different mechanics, any attempt at generalizing and sorting them in an order would be a daunting task. To me, action/adventure is more graphic. I mean, action game... pretty much every game has some action, except for watching paint dry simulator.
SIFU
Hyper Light Drifter
Astral Chain
= be happy
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