Best Action Games Three Split
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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 1 & 2, where you can find 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.

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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, there's an ever-expanding crowd of action titles available. Flex your fingers and sharpen your blade — let's rock!

Best Action Games on Switch 1 & 2

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.

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.

And hell, why not dive into Hades II on Switch 2 if you love this one.

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.

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.

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.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (Switch)

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is not a Zelda game. What it is is a brilliant Zelda-infused Musou experience filled with varied and satisfying combat and Breath of the Wild additions that work beautifully within the boundaries of the Warriors template. The care and attention given to detail here, alongside the exciting combat, is hugely impressive.

There's catharsis in grabbing the Master Sword, sprinting out there and giving all the prowling nasties a sound thrashing. It's a story of old friends and enemies coming together to triumph over incredible adversity, and despite the frame rate taking a tumble every now and then, it's one of the most consistently entertaining Musou games we've played.

The Switch 2 exclusive Age of Imprisonment is also excellent; if you love Tears of the Kingdom, this is the Musou for you.

Darksiders Genesis (Switch)

Darksiders Genesis is, for us, the best entry in the series in terms of its mix of satisfyingly meaty hack-and-slash action and huge levels filled with secrets, puzzles and platforming. With its co-op campaign, unlockable arena mode, and Apocalyptic difficulty feeding into that addictive Creature Core grinding, there's an absolute ton here for fans of the series — and newcomers alike — to get stuck into.

This Switch version may suffer some slight blurriness and FPS hiccups in portable mode but, if you can make peace with these problems, this is a highly entertaining action game at a very reasonable price.

Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition (Switch eShop)

Hyper Light Drifter: Special Edition puts Heart Machine’s obtuse yet engaging throwback where it belongs — in portable Nintendo form — and along with a silky smooth frame rate, this is the definitive version of a modern pixel art classic.

There are a handful of exclusive features to help freshen up the experience for those who have played it before, while every single boss, secret, and upgrade from the original is waiting for newcomers to experience for the first time. The Nintendo Switch's indie library is even better with this outstanding action game's presence.

Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time (Switch eShop)

We had wanted a new Samurai Jack game for a long time, and even if this one came a little bit late, Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is a worthwhile experience that properly celebrates a beloved IP while being a darned good action game in its own right.

A striking art style, well-executed combat mechanics, and a challenging level of difficulty make this one an easy recommendation, but with the caveat that it’s a little light on original ideas and uneven performance. Still, this acts as a great companion piece to the legendary cartoon; don’t dismiss this as just another tie-in.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order (Switch)

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order isn’t a groundbreaking, narrative-heavy reinterpretation of the comic characters you know and love, but then again neither were the first two games. In that regard, it’s a very faithful sequel that mines the vast roster of characters from the comics while including plenty of nods to the current state of the more modern Marvel Cinematic Universe.

While it doesn’t do anything particularly new or outstanding, it embraces the brainless fun of its brawler/hack-and-slash combat with gusto, and it’s at its absolute best when played with a team of player-controlled supers. This one veers well into the RPG arena, too, but given the sheer quantity of action on offer, we couldn't resist adding it here. Feel free to Thanos finger-snap it from existence if you like.

Samurai Warriors 5 (Switch)

As one of the best Musou games on the Switch, Samurai Warriors 5 takes the long-running franchise, gives it a wonderfully vibrant lick of paint, throws in some excellent new combat mechanics and fills its story mode with well-directed cutscenes, resulting in a slick and stylish addition to the series that's sure to please fans and newcomers alike.

Yes, it makes a few fumbles here and there, but, overall, what's here is a fine addition to the Switch's line-up of Musou titles. This is a fast-paced, flashy hack-and-slash effort that looks and plays fantastically well and, most importantly, performs almost perfectly whilst doing so.

No More Heroes (Switch eShop)

The Switch version of No More Heroes is something very rare – a game that’s actually better now than it was on its original bow on the Wii, showing us just how little the gaming landscape has actually moved forward. It is certainly, avowedly not for everyone – and you get the impression that’s just how director Suda51 likes it. Artier than most art games, more thoughtful than most think pieces, and cruder than crude oil, No More Heroes uses its own repetition to decisive, impressive effect. Glorious, gore-ious, gorgeous, and gregarious, this madcap anime nightmare deserves your attention.

And again, we can't ignore the excellent No More Heroes II: Desperate Struggle, and its long-awaited (though slightly divisive) 2021 sequel No More Heroes III. Another trilogy (if you're not counting the underrated Travis Strikes Again) all right at home on this little hybrid console.

Furi (Switch eShop)

Furi's series of dauntingly challenging boss fights are capable of turning all but the most committed of players into a gibbering wreck, but it's a deceptively clever game that combines shooter and beat-'em-up mechanics, all wrapped up in a stylish anime-influenced shell.

With numerous difficulty spikes and an over-reliance on repetition, it won't be for everyone, but it's hugely refreshing to see The Game Bakers' intense title reward patient observation and persistence, as well as mastery of a carefully calibrated control system.

Bayonetta 3 (Switch)

The latest outing for our favourite Umbra Witch, Bayonetta 3 cranks up the chaos, improves the combat, polishes the level design, and adds a ton of new mechanics to the mix, making it another outstanding entry in this storied series.

PlatinumGames nailed it once again, carefully layering on more ways to engage enemies, piling on the OTT gameplay sequences, and giving us multiple protagonists without upsetting the balance of what makes these games amongst the very best examples of their genre. With impressive visuals, non-stop action, and a hugely replayable campaign that's a joy from start to finish, this really is a huge celebration of everything we love about Bayonetta.

Sifu (Switch)

Sifu's core mechanic involves a medallion which gives the Hero the ability to cheat death. This, however, comes at a price: every time you die, you age another year and a death counter ticks up by one. So, you start the game at 20, you die once, your counter is up one, and now you’re 21. If you die again, your death counter is two and you’re now 23. This culminates with your first death over the age of 70 being your last. Defeating enemies can reverse this counter to decrease how much you age upon death, though.

Sifu's hardcore combat that pushes you to the limits of your skill, paired with a smart ageing mechanic, makes for one of the most satisfying gaming experiences in the beat 'em up genre.

Dynasty Warriors: Origins (Switch 2)

Dynasty Warriors: Origins on Switch 2 is a super-solid port of a fantastic reboot for the franchise. The shift to focus on one protagonist and improvements in storytelling across the board result in a gripping adventure that delivers huge enemy numbers to slice and dice through, whilst also being careful not to lose players in a mess of historical names and events.

30fps is a bit of a shame, but this is a super smooth and responsive 30 (and better, for us, than the choppy, unlocked frame rate option which targets 60fps), making for a game that lands on Switch 2 in fine form and with plenty to offer hardened Musou and action fans alike.

A healthy way to let off some steam, in many different ways. Is your favourite here? Let us know!

Best Switch 1 & 2 Action Game FAQs

Still have some questions about being Smokin' or what an action game actually is? Here are some commonly-asked questions:

What's the difference between an action game and action RPG?

The line can sometimes be thin here, but there's one

Both of these genres feature real-time combat, but action RPGs have the added bonus of stats, levels, and experience. The story and characters are also a much-bigger focus, and you'll have a lot of player agency.

As for an action game, well, it's all about the combat, the combos, and the movement. There's sometimes some crossover, but largely, this is where we draw the line.

RPGs that contain hack-and-slash combat such as NieR: Automata have their own list, so check out the best action-RPGs on Switch for some more stat-based stuff.

Is Ninja Gaiden 4 coming to Switch?

No, at least not at the moment.

PlatinumGames, the developer of the Bayonetta series, worked on the newest 3D entry in the Ninja Gaiden series. We wouldn't be surprised if it popped up on Switch 2 in the future, but Switch 1 seems unlikely.

Well, those ought to keep you busy chasing down high scores and hunting down secrets for a while! Let us know below if you think we've missed something.