32 Best Hack and Slash Games of 2022

There is an abundance of new hack and slash titles being added to the genre this year, so fans of combat-focused games are sure to be pleased. Heavy-hitting franchises such as God of War, Diablo, and Warhammer 40,000 can all be found on this list, as well as several brand new IPs definitely worth checking out. Take a look at 40 new hack and slash games launching in 2022 below.

Disclaimer: Diablo 4, Deathground, BIONICLE: Masks of Power, Crowsworn, Bleak Faith: Forsaken, Gori: Cuddle Carnage, Shady Knight, Wizard with a Gun, Warhammer 40000: Space Marine 2, Palworld, Black Myth: Wukong was removed due to now being released in 2023.

#32 We Who Are About To Die

Developer: Jordy Lakiere
Publisher: Jordy Lakiere
Platforms: PC
Release: November 14, 2022

We Who Are About To Die throws players into the past. Here you’re taking on the role of a gladiator. Each match starts with a new gladiator to take control of, and it’s worth pointing out that they’ll have unique attributes. You’ll start the game by trying to build up a reputation and money to ensure your character is equipped. Then there are the battles as you attempt to take out the enemies and retain your glory. It’s currently still an early-access game, so it might be a good while before we see a full launch. Likewise, since this game is in early access, you’ll probably find new content regularly added to the title. 

#31 SD Gundam Battle Alliance

• Publisher: BNE Entertainment and Namco Bandai
• Developer: Artdink and Alvion
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5
• Release Date: August 25, 2022

SD Gundam Battle Alliance is a multiplayer Gundam action RPG that allows players to smash up foes on their own or by teaming up with friends to use the exciting, mechanized combat that takes the hack and slash genre to another level. You will be allowed to acquire new mobile suits and power them up before you finally take them into various battle situations and missions. There are still a few weeks before this game is released into the world, but the early noise is sounding warm and positive, and if the trailers are anything to go by then this could be a lovely way to wrap up this summer’s list of great games.

#30 Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate Definitive Edition

• Publisher: Koei Tecmo
• Developer: Koei Tecmo
• Platform: Microsoft Windows
• Release Date: July 12, 2022

From the hugely popular Warrior series, this game is set in a parallel universe that has been created by the suddenly appearing Serpent King Orochi. This series within a series consists of tactical action games where heroes from other Koei game characters and this installment offers all the content of the basic version as well as several new characters too. This definitive edition also includes elements such as the well-known “Duel Mode” and a brand-new “Gauntlet Mode.” There are some people out there that say this is the best game out of the long-running series, and possibly the best game to come out of Koei as well – that is some high praise indeed.

#29 Evil West

• Publisher: Focus Entertainment
• Developer: Flying Wild Hog
• Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, and PlayStation 5
• Release Date: September 20, 2022

Evil West is an upcoming action-adventure game that is played in the third person. Players will take control of a fearsome vampire hunter called Jesse Rentier who has an arsenal of weapons that range from a six-shot pistol, a rifle, and a flamethrower, as well as a selection of melee weapons that include a gauntlet that can accumulate electrical energy and an ax. The environment can also be manipulated as well to give Jesse an advantage while fighting his vampire enemies. The game’s combo system was inspired by the Devil May Cry series, while the third-person perspective and melee combat were inspired by God of War – taking inspiration from these two popular games can only be a good thing.

#28 Achilles: Legends Untold

• Developer: Dark Point Games
• Publisher: Dark Point Games
• Platform: PC
• Release: Q2 2022

Achilles: Legends Untold is a hack and slash game based on Greek mythology, and is also described by developer Dark Point Games as being a “souls-like action RPG.” So rejoice hack and slash/RPG/souls lovers! This game is just for you, especially those who also have an interest in ancient Greece. In the game, players will be tasked with defeating mythological creatures and gods in single-player or co-op. 

Achilles is currently available in early access on Steam so anyone interested can check the game out right now. The full release is scheduled for later this year.

#27 Soulstice

• Developer: Reply Game Studios
• Publisher: Modus Games
• Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
• Release: 2022

This hack and slash title allows players to explore a dark world filled with mystery. Soulstice features a diverse combat system and tells a coming-of-age fantasy story about two sisters, Briar and Lute. The sisters have been reborn as Chimera and the transformation has granted them superhuman strength and resilience. The two must reclaim a city in ruins that has been invaded by Wraiths. Get ready for fast-paced action, vicious enemies, and arduous boss encounters.

#26 Conan Chop Chop

• Developer: Mighty Kingdom
• Publisher: Funcom
• Platform: PC
• Release: March 1, 2022

Conan Chop Chop is a co-op roguelike hack and slash. The game is described as a “hilarious take on Conan the Barbarian” and, judging by the trailers, it certainly seems like it. Gamers can hack and slash their way through bad guys in single-player, couch co-op, and online co-op. This indie title looks like a blast. The game is going to be released on March 1 but anyone interested in the game can also check out the demo that is available right now.

#25 Zenith: The Last City

• Developer: Ramen VR
• Publisher: Ramen VR
• Platform: PC
• Release: January 27, 2022

Zenith: The Last City is a particularly intriguing entry into the hack and slash genre as it is played in VR. The game allows gamers to fight, craft, and explore this massively multiplayer world. The game features the ability to forge alliances, form friendships, and participate in raids. The world of Zenith has been built for immersion and features ocean site towns and white-capped mountains. Zenith: The Last City is now available to play on Steam.

#24 V Rising

• Developer: Stunlock Studios
• Publisher: Stunlock Studios
• Platform: PC
• Release: TBA

The gothic open world of V Rising is perfect for gamers interested in playing as a bloodthirsty vampire who must hunt nearby settlements at night and retreat into the shadows during the day. This game starts off with a vampire who has woken after centuries of slumber. The world is a very different place and filled with unknown dangers. V Rising has players travel through lush forests, hunt humans, and even raise a castle where loot can be stored. This upcoming title doesn’t have an exact release date yet but will be available on Steam. Add it to your wishlist now!

#23 Babylon’s Fall

• Developer: PlatinumGames
• Publisher: Square Enix
• Platform: PX, PS4, PS5
• Release: March 3, 2022

This action RPG from acclaimed developer PlatinumGames allows up to four players to take on the Tower of Babel. Available in either single-player or online co-op, Babylon’s Fall takes place at a time when all of the Babylonians have perished and only the Ziggurat tower remains. A new empire has arrived, ready to pillage and uncover past treasures. Players can join forces with other Sentinals and ascend to greatness as they fight to survive the climb to the top of the Tower of Babel.

#22 Trek to Yomi

• Developer: Leonard Menchiari
• Publisher: Devolver Digital
• Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
• Release: 2022

Trek to Yomi is a uniquely black and white game that follows the young swordsman, Hiroki who has sworn to protect his town from all threats. This lone samurai must embark on a journey filled with visions sword fights and supernatural beings. The game features a streamlined combat system based around traditional; samurai weapons. The cinematic visuals mixed with the thrilling soundtrack are sure to make Trek to Yomi a must play.

#21 Overlord: Escape from Nazarick

• Developer: Engines Inc.
• Publisher: Kadokawa Corporation
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
• Release: 2022

This 2D action-adventure game is set in the dark fantasy world of the Overlord franchise. The upcoming installment to the series will have players seek out Clementine’s missing memories and make an escape from the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Clementine suffers from amnesia and is unable to access all of her abilities so players will help her find her memories with an arsecal of weapons and powers. Overlord: Escape from Nazarick will be available later this year on PC and Nintendo Switch.

#20 Crystar

• Developer: Gemdrops
• Publisher: Spike Chunsoft / NIS America
• Platform: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch
• Release: March 29, 2022 (US), April 1, 2022 (EU)

Crystar has been available on PS4 and PC since 2019 but will get its Nintendo Switch release this year. This action RPG follows a girl named Rei Hatada who makes a deal with twin demons in an effort to revive her younger dead sister. Crystar has players fight various souls of Purgatory while exploring a wide range of dungeons. Outside of journeying through the afterlife, players also have the chance to return to Rei’s real-world room to prepare for battle, pet her dog, and enjoy everyday life.

#19 Thymesia

• Developer: OverBorder Studio
• Publisher: Team17
• Platform: PC
• Release: Coming Soon

Developers describe Thymesia as a “grueling” action RPG. It features fast-paced combat with an “intricate” weapon system and takes place in a kingdom where death spreads. Gamers play as a character known mysteriously as code name “Corvus.” This single-player hack and slash title makes use of the deadly plague, making it a deadly weapon. Corvus must use the disease to give his enemies a taste of their own medicine. Add Thymesia to your Steam wishlist today.

#18 Dynasty Warriors 9: Empires

• Developer: Omega Force
• Publisher: Koei Tecmo
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Release: February 15, 2022

Empires is an expansion to Dynasty Warriors 9 that was released worldwide this month. The game first launched in 2018 and this will be the game’s first big expansion. The original game is an open-world hack and slash title played from a third-person perspective, featuring elements of stealth. Players can journey through ancient China, traveling on foot, horseback, or boat. Dynasty Warriors 9: Empires has fans invade and infiltrate various enemy fortifications. Check out the game and its new expansion across all consoles and PC.

#17 Otherworld Legends

• Developer: ChillyRoom
• Publisher: ChillyRoom
• Platform: PC
• Release: April 28, 2022

The roguelike brawler that is Otherworld Legends is described by developers as a “blood-pumping” and “face-bashing” game. Players are able to master the heroes of their choice, craft uniquely broken builds, and explore various dungeons filled with deadly enemies. Available to play in single-player or online co-op, Otherworld Legends features fierce fighters inhabiting the frigid plains of Scandinavia. Check out the upcoming hack and slash title on Steam in April.

#16 Have a Nice Death

• Developer: Magic Design Studios
• Publisher: Perfect World Entertainment
• Platform: PC
• Release: March 2022

Take on the role of the grim reaper in this 2D action roguelike game. Have a Nice Death has players work as Death, complete with managing employees, balancing the constant flow of incoming souls, and even making vacation plans. Players must restore order with Death’s trusty scythe and show the employees who’s boss. This indie is darkly charming and features a diverse cast of memorable characters. Check it out on Steam next month.

#15 Ultra Age

• Developer: Next Stage Inc.
• Publisher: Next Stage Inc.
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch
• Release: TBA

The sword-swinging action game, Ultra Age is set far in the future and follows the story of a young warrior by the name of Age. Players must use various blades to battle robotic enemies and mutant foes. The game offers the chance to explore futuristic locales and investigate a conspiracy concerning the fate of the planet. This upcoming single-player hack and slash game has gamers choose from a wide variety of swords with different characteristics. Keep an eye out for Ultra Age.

#14 Batora: Lost Haven

• Developer: Stromind Games
• Publisher: Team17
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Release: 2022

Batora: Lost Haven stars a girl with physical and mental powers as she works to save the Earth from oblivion. This action RPG leads players on a journey across vibrant planets filled with adventure. A key aspect of the combat system has mental power used equally with physical power. Alternating between each combat style is crucial to defeating enemies in Batora: Lost Haven.

#13 Ember Knights

• Developer: Tiny Titan Studios
• Publisher: Asmodee Digital
• Platform: PC
• Release: Spring 2022

Ember Knight is described as “a fast-paced multiplayer rogue-lite.” If nothing else, it certainly is fast-paced. The game, which features multiplayer co-op for 1-4 players, is all about building powerful attack synergies that are unique to each player depending on how you choose to customize them. Players can customize their loadouts with upgradeable perks, magic skills, and relics. Ember Knights has a release date of Spring 2022 but there is a free demo available now on Steam.

#12 The Unliving

• Developer: RocketBrush Studio
• Publisher: Team17
• Platform: PC
• Release: First half of 2022

The Unliving is a rogue-lite action RPG where players must work as a Necromancer to command an undead army. This game offers the opportunity to burn cities to ash with devastating spells, battle menacing bosses, and turn enemies into servants. This single-player title is currently available for early access on Steam with a full release coming later this year.

#11 Undecember

• Developer: Needs Games
• Publisher: LINE Games
• Platform: PC
• Release: Q1 2022

As a hack and slash action RPG, Undecember has players become Rune Hunters and combine a variety of Skill and Link Runes to promote character growth. The soon-to-be-released game provides the opportunity to annihilate countless enemies at once, choose from select combat styles, combine an infinite mix of skills, and take part in a wide variety of game content such as the main story, the Chaos Dungeon, boss raids, PvP scenarios, and a guild. Undecember developers will launch the top-down game on Steam in the first quarter of this year.

#10 Deflector

• Developer: Arrowfist Games
• Publisher: Super.com
• Platform: PC
• Release: January 27, 2022

Developers describe Deflector as a ” high-octane bullet hell rogue-lite set in a deadly world.” The indie title has players upgrade characters’ DNA and evolve them into totally new beings. The game’s objective is to deflect enemy attacks by sending them right back to your foes. Players can combine upgrades to unlock powerful abilities, create explosive clones, and duplicate deflected projectiles. Deflector is now available to play on Steam.

#9 Asterigos

• Developer: Acme Gamestudios
• Publisher: Acme Gamestudios
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5
• Release: Spring 2022

This action RPG comes from Taiwan-based developer Acme Gamestudios. Asterigos is strongly inspired by the real-world Greco-Roman historical periods. It features exploring an ancient world, battling a diverse range of cursed beats, and a story told from differing perspectives. Asterigos will be available this coming spring on PS4, PS5, and PC.

#8 Blind Fate: Edo no Yami

• Developer: Troglobytes Games
• Publisher: 101XP
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
• Release: Q1 2022

Blind Fate: Edo no Yami is a captivating cyberpunk-themed side scroller that dives deep into a sci-fi world that is both futuristic and in keeping with ancient tradition. Players can slash robots with their trusty katana, use high-tech implants to navigate the map and battle ferocious enemies. This futuristic samurai tale is sure to enthrall hack and slash enthusiasts. Blind Fate: Edo no Yami will be available across all consoles and PC.

#7 Kalyzmyr

• Developer: Psychoseel
• Publisher: Next in Game
• Platform: PC
• Release: TBA

If you’re a fan of dungeon crawlers and hack and slash games, Kalyzmyr could be right up your alley. This game stars a legendary warrior named Smyrna as attempts to escape a dungeon called Kalyzmyr. There’s plenty of button mashing to be done with the randomly generated enemies that appear ready for battle. This single-player game is currently available for early access on Steam.

#6 Nobody Saves the World

• Developer: DrinkBox Studios
• Publisher: DrinkBox Studios
• Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Release: January 18, 2022

This action RPG is a hack and slash dungeon crawler that allows players to transform into a slug, ghost, dragon, or many other forms. Nobody Saves the World is from the creators of the popular Guacamelee and boasts a review score of 92% on Steam. The key features of this game include transforming into over 15 distinct forms, mixing and matching abilities, going on some unconventional quests, and exploring dungeons. Nobody Saves the World is available now on Steam and Xbox consoles.

#5 Bayonetta 3

• Developer: PlatinumGames
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Platforms: NS
• Release: October 28, 2022

For fans that have been following the Bayonetta franchise since the start, there is plenty of eagerly awaiting players waiting for that next action-packed installment. Fortunately, we know that 2022 will not wrap without Bayonetta 3 being readily available. In this game players will once again take the role of our favorite dark witch who will be fighting another evil foe. This game is filled with nonstop action as you’ll be blasting away enemies through a furry of attacks. We’re hopeful that the chaotic gameplay lives up to fan expectations but for now we’ll have to wait for the game to hit the marketplace this October.  

#4 Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

• Developer: Fatshark
• Publisher: Fatshark
• Platform: PC, Xbox Series X/S
• Release: Spring 2022

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a soon-to-be-released action game that follows a squad of Imperial Guardsmen investigating a potential Chaos infiltration on the planet Atoma Prime. The gameplay follows a similar formula to Fatshark’s Warhammer: Verminitude which has four players work together to defeat waves of enemies. Gather your friends and get ready to take on some menacing foes in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide this coming Spring.

#3 Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

• Publisher: Square Enix
• Developer: Square Enix
• Platform: PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Windows
• Release Date: June 17, 2022 PC

This is an enhanced version of Final Fantasy VII Remake and involves an ex-SOLDIER operative by the name of Cloud Strife as they descend on the mako-powered city of Midgar. This enhanced version uses cutting-edge graphic technology, a new battle system, and an additional adventure featuring Yuffie Kisaragi. The game has only been out for a couple of months, but the reception has been overwhelmingly positive – which is often the case with Final Fantasy games – and something that was considered to be nothing more than a mere “cash grab” this game has been made with a lot of heart and a heck of a lot of detail.

#2 God of War [PC]

• Developer: Santa Monica Studio
• Publisher: Sony
• Platform: PC, PS4, PS5
• Release: January 14, 2022

2018’s God of War is arguably the best game of the PS4 generation. The game, which is a reimagining of the franchise, follows Kratos as a father. Instead of the Greek gods, this time the Norse gods are the ones feeling Kratos’ wrath. The PC port of the game was finally released this year and has been almost universally praised as an excellent port of the game. In fact, many would say it is now the version of the game to play because of all the PC enhancements that were made to the game. Even for those who played the game on PS4, God of War on PC is probably worth playing again.

#1 God Of War Ragnarok

• Developer: Santa Monica Studio
• Publisher: Sony
• Platform: PS4, PS5
• Release: November 9, 2022

God of War: Ragnarok is not only one of the most hyped hack and slash games of 2022, it’s one of the most hyped games of any genre. The follow-up to 2018’s phenomenal God of War, Ragnarok is continuing the story of the reimagined 2018 game. The God of War franchise was the undisputed king of hack and slash games from 2005-2013. The franchise’s gameplay may be a little different these days but the games are still the best of the best. Ragnarok is sure to be one of the best hack and slash games this year and perhaps even the best overall game of the year. God of War: Ragnarok will be released later this year for the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.