Top 21 Best Sword Fighting Video Games

Get ready to slice and dice your way through countless enemies. In this list, we’re breaking down our picks for the best sword fighting games across all platforms. From classic titles to the newest additions to your library, we know you’ll find a new favorite down below. Did we forget something? Reach out and let us know.

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#21 Onimusha

Platform: PC, PS2, Xbox, Xbox One, PS4, Switch

Release Date: January 25, 2001

PS2 – March 13, 2001

Xbox – January 28, 2002

PC – January 15, 2019

Switch PS4, Xbox One – January 15, 2019

Genre: Action-adventure, Hack and slash

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Technically, Onimusha was released on the PlayStation 2 back in 2001, but we’re really pointing players towards the more easily accessible remastered version. While plenty of spin-offs and new mainline titles in the series have been released over the past two decades, the original still holds up, pulling players into a historical setting combined with horror elements. Players step into the shoes of a samurai facing off against demons, and as the game progresses, elemental weapons make sending them back to Hell all the more fun. During development, Onimusha was imagined as a ‘ninja’ version of the Resident Evil franchise, and that inspiration comes through in its gameplay.

#20 Ninja Gaiden

Platform: Xbox 360

Release Date: June 3, 2008

Genre: Action

Xbox

Ninja Gaiden is an even older title when compared to Onimusha. The series got its start back in 1988 but since 2014, the IP has become dormant. Throughout the series, players have an assortment of weapons to keep them stealthy and away from danger but included in the mix is a wide range of swords.Over the years, we’ve seen quite a few swords featured in the series such as dual katanas to the iconic Dragon Sword, the main weapon the protagonist wields. The Dragon Sword has quite the history behind it– it includes spiritual power allowing it slice through anything. If you haven’t played one of these games, get ready to sweat–they aren’t easy.

#19 Chivalry 2

Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Release Date: June 8, 2021

Genre: Hack and Slash

PC | Xbox | PlayStation

A sequel to the 2012 title Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, Chivalry 2 throws players back into a historical world of knights and honor. While many games set in this period of time focus heavily on strategy, Chivalry focuses more on bloodshed, equipping players with everything from long swords to battleaxes to take down enemy factions. The game’s team deathmatch mode is perfect for stress relief, and the 64-person team objective mode will have you completing goals like defending a keep or slaying a king. Believe it or not, the game also incorporates comedy into the mix successfully.

#18 Assassin’s Creed Unity

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia

Release Date: November 11, 2014

Genre : Action-adventure, Stealth

PC | Xbox | PlayStation

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise is incredibly popular and with each new installment, we’re thrown into a new historical era. With Assassin’s Creed Unity, players are tossed into the French Revolution with a range of weapons available including swords and firearms. It was a brutal period, and fortunately, players won’t have to look far for a way to defend themselves.

The title includes much of what the franchise is known for–stealth. Delivering a ton of damage without making too much noise can be crucial. Unfortunately, the sword you want to use in this game, Sword Of Eden, is something locked behind the final mission. This is the strongest one-handed sword within the game with full damage and parry.

#17 Tenchu

Platform: PS, PS2, Xbox, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, Wii, PSP

Release Date: Tenchu: Stealth Assassins – February 26, 1998

Tenchu: Shadow Assassins – February 2009

Xbox

Tenchu came out back in 1998 from the development studio Acquire. This franchise thrived for about ten years with new game releases coming frequently before getting shelved in 2009. The series is set in feudal Japan and follows various storylines. Players typically follow two ninjas, Rikimaru and Ayame, as they serve the local ruler Lord Gohda by gathering intelligence or taking out corruption within the land. Stealth is extremely crucial as you can easily get overtaken by enemies. Keep your blade ready but remain in the shadows and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike.

#16 The Legend of Zelda

Platform: Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Switch, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo 64

Release Date: February 21, 1986

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity – November 20, 2020

Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda is a franchise we probably don’t need to explain. The incredibly popular series has been around since the Nintendo Entertainment System and continues to thrive today. Most would rank the latest installment, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, as the best in the series.

Each game puts players into the role of Link as he sets off an adventure to rescue the land from corruption and often the evil control of Ganon. Link usually has an assortment of weapons to use such as bows, bombs, and, of course, swords. The most iconic sword is the Master Sword, being featured in several of the game titles over the years. After all, what would Link do without it?

#15 Ghostrunner

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PS5, XSX

Release Date: PC, PS4, Xbox One – October 27, 2020

Switch – November 10, 2020

Genre: Action, Platform

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

Ninjas? Awesome. A cyberpunk landscape? Insane. Put the two together and you have one of the most streamlined and unique titles to come out in the last few years. Playing as an amnesiac with a sword, get ready to parkour your way to victory. Slice through your opponents in the most brutal ways imaginable and try to kill your enemies before they kill you–Ghostrunner isn’t what most would call an ‘easy’ game. It’s a great time to give this one a try as a sequel is currently in development.

#14 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, XSX, Switch

Release Date: PC, PS4, Xbox One – May 19, 2015

Switch – October 15, 2019

PS5, XSX 2021

Genre: Action role-playing

PC | Xbox | PlayStation | Nintendo

The Witcher 3 remains one of the most successful titles to be released in the last decade. While some players lamented the title’s combat as being a bit clunky, the ability to use magic in the form of Signs while hacking and slashing beasts and bad guys alike is still perfectly satisfying. Finding better weapons as you explore the game’s massive open-world setting quickly becomes addicting. Running into a bandit camp on horseback and slicing through a bunch of cutthroats? That’s a personal favorite.

#13 Way of the Samurai

Platform: PS2, PSP

Release Date:  PS2 May 31, 2002

Genre: Action-adventure, Action role-playing

Way of the Samurai also comes from the development studio Acquire, the same team behind Tenchu. This game throws players into the shoes of a wandering Ronin who comes across a village with three factions fighting to take control. How the story plays out is up to the player as the game features a branching storyline, but you can expect quite a bit of combat regardless of the choices you make.

Players will be using over 40 different types of swords within the game. Combat is rather basic with a strong and regular attack, along with a standard block or kick if needed. It’s only after defeating an enemy that you’re able to add the fallen enemy’s sword to your collection.

#12 For Honor

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One

Release Date: February 14, 2017

Genre: Action, Fighting

PC | Xbox | PlayStation

Putting knights, samurai, and Vikings into one game and pitting them against each other in a hack-and-slash style seems like the culmination of a childhood dream. For Honor has a decent single-player campaign, but its multiplayer modes are where it shines, from brawls and skirmish modes to elimination-type matches. Characters are customizable and the number of available weapons will keep any bloodthirsty warrior happy. The title won the People’s Choice Award for Best Fighting Game in IGN’s Best of 2017 Awards and continues to be a fan favorite five years later.

#11 Blade Symphony

Platform: PC, Linux

Release Date: April 30, 2013

May 7, 2014 (Full release)

Genre: Action

PC

Blade Symphony is a free-to-play sword battling game. In it, players can face one another with one of four playable characters. Each has a unique fighting style, and players can choose from a tank-style knight focused on large heavy attacks to a more acrobatic assassin who is quick on their feet.

Don’t expect this to be like For Honor either. While there are different types of fighters available, Blade Symphony is more focused on flashy animations with fewer realistic attacks. Since this game went free-to-play in 2019, there has been an influx of new players, so you shouldn’t have much trouble getting a match started today.

#10 Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One

Release Date: February 13, 2018

Genre: Action role-playing

PC | Xbox | PlayStation

Despite the large number of bugs crippling the game at launch, Kingdom Come: Deliverance has since risen from the ashes. Set in the year 1403, the title prides itself on its uncompromising realism and attention to detail, featuring period-accurate weapons and combat techniques. Players must build their reputation through their deeds while maintaining their health through a needs system, requiring sleep and a proper diet to stay healthy. Combat is varied and players will need to choose which weapon works best for which situation. It may not be a hack and slash title, but wielding a sword in a game as immersive Kingdom Come will make you feel like you’re LARPing (in the best way.)

#9 Mordhau

Platform: PC

Release Date: April 29, 2019

Genre: Fighting, Hack ‘n’ slash

PC

Mordhau gained some widespread attention after it was released in 2019, with many calling the hack-and-slash style multiplayer game similar to For Honor. Players enter a battle filled with over sixty players as they attempt to outlast or bring victory to their team. It’s all about melee combat, and you’ll find a wide assortment of weapons to use on the field from swords to arrows. There’s also plenty of customization in the title as well, with players able to craft weapons from various parts along with tweaking their armor to help withstand heavy blows.

#8 Soulcalibur

Platform: Arcade, Dreamcast, Xbox 360, iOS, Android

Release Date: July 30, 1998

Genre: Fighting

The Soulcalibur franchise has been around for years, getting its start back in 1995. The most recent release, Soulcalibur VI, is a great game to jump into this franchise with, as it’s essentially a reboot to the series that covers the first two installments. Regardless of the narrative, the game is really about flashy combat and unique characters.

This game is easy to jump into and plays like an arcade fighting game. It’s fluid and the wide range of characters to choose from will have you going through dozens of matches to see just how each player handles. There’s also the added benefit of iconic guest fighters such as 2B from Nier: Automata and The Witcher’s Geralt of Rivia.

#7 Bushido Blade

Platform: PS

Release Date: September 30, 1997

Genre: Fighting

Bushido Blade is a fighting game that came out back in 1997 for the original PlayStation console. This was a unique game when it launched as it’s a one-on-one sword combat title that follows a society of assassins. However, before you go swinging your blade around, there are some restrictions to the fights. For instance, you can’t strike someone from behind and kill them. Likewise, if your opponent begins the fight talking, you’ll need to wait until they finish before the battle can begin. It’s all about having honor.

There are some customization options right from the start. Players can pick from a selection of characters and decide on their weapon from the very beginning. This includes the likes of a Katana, a long sword, or even a sledgehammer. While the game was praised and recieved a sequel a year later, the franchise likely won’t see a third installment–unless you count the spiritual successor series Kengo.

#6 Nidhogg

Platform: PC, PS4, OS X, PS Vita

Release Date: PC – January 13, 2014

PS4, PS Vita – October 14, 2014

Genre: Fighting

PC | PlayStation

While the graphics may look rudimentary, both Nidhogg and Nidhogg 2 offer a gameplay experience more players wouldn’t expect. The indie title launched in 2014 from developer Messhof and pits two fencers against each other in a battle to the death. Winning isn’t the only way to get ahead–losing only alters the way in which you’ll progress to the next round. Nidhogg harkens back to a time when graphics weren’t important and gameplay was everything. A little imagination doesn’t hurt, either.

#5 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia

Release Date: PC, PS4, Xbox One – March 22, 2019

Genre : Action-adventure

PC | Xbox | PlayStation

If history tells us anything, it’s that people love a FromSoftware game. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice might not be as terribly difficult as the Souls titles, but that doesn’t make it a cakewalk–players take on the role of a shinobi who discovers that his lord was kidnapped, and who loses his arm in the process of handling this terrible news. Stealth can mean the difference between life and death, and swapping out different weapons and gadgets in place of the protagonist’s arm can help take down even the most difficult baddies. Forget character creation screens and class choices. Just wield your blade.

#4 Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord

Platform: PC

Release Date: March 30, 2020

Genre: Strategy, action role-playing

PC

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord is a prequel to the first installment, taking place a couple of hundred years earlier. Much like the last installment, you can expect everything from siege gameplay, working with an economy, to even crafting weapons. Likewise, there is a modding engine to allow players to create their unique content for others to enjoy. Battles take place with swords and shields in this medieval title. Mount your steed and gallop into chaos as iron clashes against iron and arrows fly through the air.

#3 Dark Souls Trilogy

Platform: PS4, Xbox One

Release Date: October 19, 2018

Genre: Action, Compilation, RPG

This is one trilogy that needs no introduction. FromSoftware’s magnum opus, Dark Souls has not only gone down in history as some of the most beloved game franchises period, but the titles have inspired countless others and continue to batter the most dedicated players. The combat is unforgiving, but those who are true to the series know that the gameplay is only one piece of the entire puzzle. To suffer through terrifying bosses and countless deaths is to know more of the game’s dark lore, and there is much of it to discover. Get good.

#2 Elden Ring

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Release Date: February 25, 2022

Genre: Action role-playing

PC | Xbox | PlayStation

In the running for Game of the Year in 2022, Elden Ring brings more Souls-like combat into a fresh new world, created in part by Game of Thrones author George R. R. Martin. Set in a massive open world, players can choose the class of their choice as they explore the Lands Between to find the Great Runes, restore the Elden Ring, and become the Elden Lord. With over 12 million copies sold in only three weeks, it goes without saying that adding this to your collection is a must. (And if you’re going for swords, go for Astrologer, Prisoner, Confessor, Vagabond, or Samurai.)

#1 Ghost of Tsushima

Platform: PS4, PS5

Release Date: July 17, 2020

Genre: Action-adventure, Stealth

PlayStation

Sucker Punch managed to create a game with the most smooth and satisfying samurai combat known to man in 2020. Ghost of Tsushima is set in a gorgeous world based on a real area of Japan, and players are tasked with taking on the invading Mongols as one of the last samurai. Combat is varied enough to not become a chore, with certain enemies requiring certain attacks to bring down. The sound design makes it all the more enjoyable to bring a foe to his knees. Did we mention that it took Sucker Punch over six years to get the combat system just right? Do yourself a favor and give it a try.

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Bonus Games

Naraka: Bladepoint

Platform: PC

Release Date: August 11, 2021

Genre: Action-Adventure

PC

Naraka: Bladepoint is a game well worth checking out. This is a premium battle royale game where players can enter a sixty-player match. Here, you’ll face off against others, but rather than strictly focusing on ranged combat, there’s a mix of melee battles. Players have a mixture of abilities and weapons that can range from spears, grappling hooks, and swords, just to name a few. This is also a relatively new game that launched in August 2021. Unfortunately, it is a premium title, so you’ll have to purchase a copy of the game to enjoy it rather than being a free-to-play experience.

Chivalry: Medieval Warfare

Platform: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Linux, OS X

Release Date: PC – October 16, 2012

Xbox 360 – December 3, 2014

PS3 – February 10, 2015

PS4, Xbox One – December 1, 2015

Genre: Hack and slash

PC | Xbox

Based on the Half-Life 2 mod Age of Chivalry, Chivalry: Medieval Warfare is essentially a class-based shooter with a heavy emphasis on melee weapons rather than gunplay. There are also plenty of bows and siege weapons for players to choose from, and while it’s not the most authentic medieval title out there, it’s still devoid of any spell-slinging or orcs. Players will be taking over castles, raiding villages, and slashing through foes in this 2012 title that also includes an arena mode with support for up to 32 players.

Dishonored

Platform : PC, PS3, Xbox 360, PS4, Xbox One

Release Date: PC, PS3, Xbox 360 – October 9, 2012

PS4, Xbox One – August 25, 2015

Genre: Action-adventure, Stealth

PC | Xbox | PlayStation

Both Dishonored and its sequel are the definitions of ‘satisfying.’ Gliding through each level with a blade in hand, players step into the role of Corvo Attano, the bodyguard to the Empress of the Isles. After being framed for her murder, Corvo is forced to become an assassin, dead set on taking revenge on those who conspired against him. While stealth is often the best way to get through a level, it is not the only way–and with so many swords to find, it would only behoove you to try all of them out.

Hellsplit: Arena

Platform: PC

Release Date: September 9, 2019

Genre: Action, RPG

PC

We didn’t have a VR game featured in the full list, but if you’re after a title to use with your virtual reality headset, we would recommend Hellsplit: Arena. This is a horror title in which players have access to several melee weapons such as swords or clubs to use against all kinds of hostile enemies. These enemies can range from humans to skeletons, or other terrifying monsters.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengence

Platform: OS X, Nvidia Android TV, PC, PS3, Xbox 360

Release Date: February 19, 2013

PS3, Xbox 360 – February 19, 2013

PC – January 9, 2014

Genre: Action, hack and slash

PC

Konami is known for their line of Metal Gear Solid games, but it was PlatinumGames that developed Metal Gear Rising: Revengence. This is a pretty different installment to the Metal Gear Solid franchise as it’s less about stealth and more about the action-packed hack and slash combat. Players take on the role of Raiden who uses his high-frequency katana blade to cut up every enemy that stands in his way.