The Best Hack and Slash Games

In hack-and-slash titles, the gameplay is relatively simple, there is one protagonist, a bunch of close combat weapons that tend to do a lot of damage, a few ranged attacks that do little damage, and usually a colorful array of thousands and thousands of enemies to go through until you get to the oversized boss fight. Simple enough.

The genre has been around since the early days of video games and shows no sign of going away, and with good reason—it’s fun as hell and brings to video gaming the visceral feel that gamers often look for when they place their hands on the controller.

#26 Hades

Hades is an upcoming hack-and-slash action RPG that follows a unique narrative. In this game, players take the role of Zagreus, who is the son of Hades. After feeling that his father doesn’t care for him, Zagreus, decides to venture out from the Underworld and reach Mount Olympus. During his journey, Olympians will deliver you gifts in hopes that you reach the top of the mountain. This is a roguelike game as well and so far the reception has been really positive. Of course, it’s worth stating that this is an early access game right now. Supergiant Games is hoping to push the title out of Early Access for players to enjoy fully sometime this year.

#25 Castle Crashers

Castle Crashers is a rather older title on our list. This 2D arcade adventure can give friends countless hours of hack-and-slash gaming fun as players defend their kingdom and save the princess. Originally released back in 2008 for the Xbox 360, the game can also be found on the PC platform. Gather your friends for an incredible medieval co-op video game that has so far continued to impress gamers a whole console generation after it was first released. To make some comparisons, the gameplay plays a bit similarly to the latest indie hit, Cuphead as players will be facing against a series of bosses with a slight emphasis on timing out attacks and remembering enemy movements.

#24 Nioh 2

Nioh 2 is set to be a prequel. Just as before, this is an action RPG title that players follow a rogue mercenary that has been tasked in tracking down the Yokai in the Mino Province. However, you’re not a full-blooded human, but instead, a being that has mixed Yoaki blood making the protagonist part of the demon monster. It’s during a battle that you lose yourself within the Yokai blood. Fortunately, a merchant saves you by providing a Spirit Stone which is an artifact that has magic in which our protagonist can communicate and control the demonic persona. With the new knowledge of the Spirit Stones, players are set on a new path to discover other Spirit Stones and keep them away from those that would seek out its power.

This is also a pretty hefty game with just the main storyline taking players about nearly 45 hours to complete. If you want to go for everything offered, you’re looking at a hundred hours logged into Nioh 2. Furthermore, this game is not for the faint of heart. Even though this is an action RPG with plenty of hack-and-slash goodness, the combat can be tough and players would benefit from having played the original game.

#23 Bayonetta Series

Platinum Games have a knack for designing challenging yet delightfully silly titles like this one. The story about a time traveling super witch is largely forgettable, what matters is the super tight gameplay and the splendid presentation. Bayonetta is a ridiculously pretty game that bursts with style. But most importantly, the game mechanics fit as tightly as the eponymous witches leotard. Taking apart angels and demons and deities and other creatures takes a lot of skill, but once that’s mastered you’re going to have endless fun.

#22 Castlevania: Lords of Shadow

Another much maligned title. Lords of Shadow was slated to be an independent release by Spanish developer Mercury Steam. It eventually was shoehorned into the Castlevania saga when it was picked up by Konami and put under the wing of none other than Hideo Kojima. The production quality is superb, the art style reminiscent of a Guillermo del Toro. On the gameplay side, things could be a bit tighter, especially the camera, but after a few hours things fall into place, all crucial powers are unlocked, and things just flow nicely in this worthy addition to the Castlevania series.

#21 Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine

Relic, the people who do everything Warhammer 40,000 these days, went and created this little, brutal gem for their own distraction, or so it seems. Space Marine is all about smashing, tearing and blowing up enemies of the Emperor. So not that different from the strategy titles, though this time it’s just you as a Space Marine, armed with a trusty chainsaw bayonet and a bolt gun. Strategy isn’t as important, this is all about keeping the flow of carnage up. The game’s mechanics are a bit sluggish in comparison, but beefy enough to stay interesting. It’s a great slasher and a must play for fans of the fictional universe in which there is Only War™.

#20 Brütal Legend

After a really bumpy production history, being dropped by the publisher and taken up by another, and years in development hell, this title already had a rough patch behind it before it even got out the door. This fun brawler SLASH real time strategy SLASH adventure-ish game featuring Jack Black in the lead had a hard time living up to expectations. It’s not a bad game by any means, yet it did fall short in some aspects. Still, it is a very entertaining package with a ton of nods to classic heavy metal music, a great sense of humor and an art style that really comes into its own.

#19 Nobody Saves The World

If you’re looking for a fun, simple-looking and yet incredibly deep hack and slash title, then Nobody Saves The World is one for you to check out.

In the game you’ll play as, wait for it, Nobody. But Nobody has a trick that can make him the best fighter around. Specifically, he can transform into other entities after a while. The more you go through the world, the more options they’ll have! You can be a rat, a horse, a strong man, a dragon, a mermaid, and so on!

Each character has their own ability and you’ll have fun finding your favorite as you go through the dungeons and save the day!

#18 Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Revengeance was initially slated as an Xbox 360 exclusive release. Then the entire game concept was scrapped and development went over to Platinum, who crafted a high octane slasher in the vein of Bayonetta and Devil May Cry out of the material. Just as those games, MGR:R is fast paced, furious fun with an epic story told through too many too long cutscenes, as is the series mainstay. It’s great package that comes with even more awesome in the DLC that adds more playable characters.

#17 Dead Cells

Welcome to Dead Cells, a “RogueVania” title as the devs call it that has gotten a bunch of praise from both fans and critics alike. The game will push you through 13 different levels and make sure you feel the challenge in ALL OF THEM. So much so that you’ll need to be on the top of your game in order to make sure you survive.

But, if you don’t, fear not, you’ll have more information for your next playthrough, because you’ll need it. Unlock special weapons and abilities and see just how deep you can go in this title. Just remember to use your head as much as your weapons, you won’t survive on brute force alone.

#16 Final Fantasy 7 Remake

For years fans have pleaded towards Square Enix to remake and launch Final Fantasy 7. This has been not only a fan favorite installment to the Final Fantasy franchise but an iconic RPG for fans all over the world. After years of waiting, Square Enix finally delivered a remake in 2020, though it was not a full remake. Instead, this game is going to be rather massive and as a result, Square Enix will have to deliver it in parts. This first is already available for purchase on the PlayStation 4 and with it, fans can relive a portion of the narrative or newcomers can enjoy the RPG for the first time ever.

While this is a remake of the original game, there is one big change-up. Square Enix decided to drop the traditional turn-based combat you would normally find in the older Final Fantasy video game installments much like Final Fantasy 7 and instead offered an action RPG experience. Players will be hack-and-slashing against enemies and bosses, similar to the Kingdom Hearts franchise.

#15 Darksiders Series

First there was War, now it’s Death’s turn. Darksiders, that Todd McFarlane inspired post biblical apocalypse universe, keeps featuring horsemen of the apocalypse in the lead. The series takes some hints from the Zelda games, while delivering a very distinct own sense of style. Death is a remarkably unique protagonist, the world is really well realized in both visuals and writing and the game itself is just a blast to play.

#14 Ninja Gaiden Series

One of the mainstays of the character action genre, and one of the allegedly hardest game series of all time, Ninja Gaiden continues to bring in some incredible installments over the years. For instance, featured above is Ninja Gaiden 3 which delivered the same overall feel of the series, but with much easier accessible gameplay, which obviously drew the ire of the fans of the original series. However, it’s been a few years now since wee last  saw a new Ninja Gaiden title. The last official launch from the franchise was Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z that launched for last generation consoles and saw poor reviews due to the repetitive nature of the gameplay. However, there is no end to the rumors that seem to spread around yearly that suggest a new title is in the works and will be announced shortly. However, until that time comes, we suggest looking at the catalog of titles that spanned across several platform generations.

#13 Asura’s Wrath

There is insanity, there are over the top games, and then there is Asura’s Wrath. In the race for the biggest, craziest bossfights, this title throws entities at you that dwarf planet earth. It’s a game that’s mostly mentioned for its sheer sense of utter insanity and Japanese over-bravado. It may not have the stopping power of a Bayonetta or a Devil May Cry, but the style and the sheer craziness of it all make up for a lot. If you like character action games and the Japanese video game tropes of both these games as well as shonen anime series like Naruto and Dragon Ball, this game will be right up your alley.

#12 Astral Chain

Platinum Games knows how to make epic action titles, and Astral Chain was one of their surprise hits that ensured that this status wouldn’t be lost. In this game, the world has mostly been destroyed due to another dimension opening up and basically swallowing everything whole.

Your home is the last place that is standing, and a group has risen up at last to fight them off, which you are leading due to your ability to wield the monsters known as Legions. Each one has its own special abilities for you to use in battle, as well as help you solve mysteries in real life!

Roam the city, help those in need, battle monster Legions when portals open up, and learn the truth about all that has happened!

#11 God of War Series

God of War is a staple name for Sony gamers as the franchise features protagonist, Kratos, in a vengeful quest prompting him to hunt down various Greek gods. Mainly the video games within the God of War franchise center around Kratos and his Blades of Chaos which are two massive bladed weapons connected to chains. With this weapon, Kratos can deliver a furry of brutal attacks with some impactful combo hits.

However, the latest installment changes things up slight. This time around Kratos has moved on to Norse mythology where he now has a son to look after. When it comes to the narrative, there is a slight change as Kratos mus attempt to reel in the madness and anger he freely let fly in the past as he attempt to show his son how to live and fend for himself. Of course with that said, there is still a massive emphasis on hack-and-slash but this time with a new mystical axe that can be tweaked and alter as you progress through the game. This is certainly one franchise that’s a must-play and exclusive to the PlayStation brand.

#10 Diablo Series

First released back in 1996 and still thriving today is the Diablo series. The series offers gamers a thrilling action RPG with hack-and-slash elements throughout. Overall, the games are set in a fantasy world where humans are on a battle against Prime Evils that has since spanned across not only on video games installments but novels and comic books as well.

This franchise currently holds a total of three main installments with the third release being available on the latest generation consoles and PC. However, over the past year, we’ve been seeing more and more rumors pop up of Blizzard Entertainment hard at work for a fourth installment. While these are only rumors, the Diablo III originally released back 2012 which could be an indicator that a fresh installment to the beloved hack-and-slash RPG title may be inbound sooner than later. At any rate, we suggest picking up Diablo III as it’s not only a great standalone single player experience but players can enjoy the multiplayer aspect both online or through local co-op.

#9 Hellblade Senuas Sacrifice

Developed under Ninja Theory, which brought out video game titles such as Heavenly Sword and DMC: Devil May Cry, comes Hellblade Senuas Sacrifice. This is a psychological horror hack-and-slash title that follows Senua, a Pict warrior, who must venture into Helheim. Seeking to rescue the soul of her deceased lover, Senua will have to battle a series of otherworldly entities, but with our protagonist suffering from psychosis, the overall world and venture into Helheim may be too much to handle.

Players can argue that the game may not be as oriented to the hack-and-slash genre but  according to the developers, Ninja Theory crafted Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice to be a mixture of melee combat and a deep narrative.

#8 Attack on Titan 2

Attack on Titan 2 while a sequel to the first title, will act out the second season of the hit anime series. Just as before, players can expect a fast-paced and intense hack-and-slash experience as they maneuver around the open world fending off massive giant beasts known as titans.

If you enjoyed the first title then we suggest giving this sequel a try. The game will include additional stories that were under the supervision by Hajime Isayama with cooperative gameplay being supported across all platforms. When you complete the story the game will have a few other modes available to enjoy such as “Another Mode” which gives players challenging scout missions while taking the role of their favorite characters.

#7 Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition

From developers Omega Force and Team Ninja comes Hyrule Warriors. Gameplay shouldn’t come to a surprise seeing how these two veteran development studios who are known for their fast-paced action video game titles such as Dynasty Warriors and Ninja Gaiden have hit the marketplace for a number of years now. However, what how this game sets itself apart form those titles is that Nintendo is involved, giving the developers access to The Legend of Zelda franchise.

The game mixes Dynasty Warriors and The Legend of Zelda where the game takes place in Hyrule, though the narrative is not considered cannon to the official timeline of the Zelda franchise. Regardless, players will be battling against Ganodorf’s forces as he attempts to unite the Triforce and take over Hyrule.

While this game is available over a few different platforms, the best option is Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition on the Nintendo Switch. This will grant players access to all of the previous DLC released for the game along with new cosmetic costumes.

#6 Monster Hunter: World

The Monster Hunter franchise is consistently growing and with each new installment a number of new gamers explore the monster filled worlds development studio Capcom has crafted. Monster Hunter: World will mark as the fifth main installment to the franchise and as you can expect, there will be a number of notable updates.

For instance, Capcom has placed larger maps, a more seamless experience between zones and what’s a Monster Hunter video game without the ability to hunt with friends? Outside of the offline campaign, the game will allow a four-player online co-op opportunity.

This might not be directly an open world video game but players will still find a rather large environments to explore. Also if you’re a newcomer to the series then this will still mark as a great title to jump on but you will find that the gameplay can still be a bit advanced. However, the core gameplay mechanics are still intact for players new and old to the franchise.

Deep down, this is still a hack-and-slash style video game where players are equipping weapons in an attempt to battle against monsters. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a game to mindlessly swing your blade at an enemy then this game may not be for you. Instead, there is an element of strategy when it comes to selecting the right equipment when going out on your hunt.

#5 Warhammer: Vermintide 2

Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is a first-person action title that follows the events of the first title, Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide. Within the game, players must band together as they fight against a Chaos army along with a race of rat-men known as Skaven. Much of the game is focused around melee action with a slew of weapons and abilities making battles fluid and action-packed.

Players will be able to select from five different characters all of which can be adjusted to match a certain class pathway resulting in different sets of skills and abilities. Currently, the game is only available on the PC and Xbox One platform. The latter of the two is free for players who own an Xbox Game Pass. You’ll find that this game is played best with friends where gameplay is mixed up between the over-the-top hack-and-slash experience with strategic planning to balance the overall waves of enemies you’ll endure during your escapades.

#4 Persona 5 Strikers

While many of the world are waiting for Persona 5 to come to systems not named ‘Playstation’, many others might be looking for their next Persona 5 experience, and Persona 5 Strikers will be that for you.

Unlike the RPG that it comes form, this is indeed a fast-paced action adventure in which you’ll control the Phantom Thieves once again and go on a bold new mission to save the hearts of others from the corruption that is all around.

Use a variety of moves and abilities, along with your Persona, to come out on top. Play as each of the Phantom Thieves and see which style suits you the best!

#3 Ghost of Tsushima

Hailed as one of the greatest and most visually stunning games ever produced, Ghost of Tsushima features the tale of a samurai trying to save an island from an invasion. You’ll partake in various missions and fight in true sword-fighting duels to try and bring peace to your homeland and keep the people safe. This is not a button mashing game, this is a game of styles and moves that you’ll need to perfectly wield in order to come out on top.

But note that the people also have a role here. Watch the world expand as you help people along the way and see how the world grows through them.

The Director’s Cut version is recommended too as that adds more content and updates the overall experience!

#2 Devil May Cry 5

Devil May Cry 5 is one of the few titles currently out right now for the spring releases. This title puts players into the shoes of a few different characters such as Nero who was present in Devil May Cry 4 and we have to say the game is very fluid with its combat, much like the previous installments. In terms of the narrative, the game picks up after the events of Devil May Cry 4 which follows Nero, Dante and a new character named V as the have to deal with a new powerful demonic invasion.

Most fans of the franchise known that the series is known for its over-the-top action sequences and full  on hack-and-slash fun. The fifth installment really nails down the mechanics to make moves look rather silky smooth and visually outstanding. We won’t spoil too much here and we suggest checking out our Before You Buy episode upload on the game posted above.

#1 Nier: Automata

A classic title that many of you have likely played by this point, Nier: Automata features a world that is in ruins. Robots have risen up and driven humans away. To counter them, the humans have made androids to fight back for them and reclaim the planet.

You’ll play as a set of them and go on various missions, but the more you fight, the more you start to question what is really going on here. Nier: Automata has a deep world, combat system, and various endings depending on what you do in the title. So be the best android you can be, but also try and learn the truth about yourself in the process.