What are Sword Fighting Games and why do we love them?

Simply put, sword fighting games are video games that use swords as the centerpiece of their gameplay. We all have fantasized about using swords in combat at least once, and this is the video game equivalent of that. It can be an unrealistically big sword or something futuristic and laser-y, it all boils down to having something in the game that satisfies our need for that action that only swords can give.

We have compiled a list that spans every known setting where sword fighting can give that extra boost of fun and where you can get your sword fix.

17. Onimusha: Warlords (PlayStation 2, PlayStation 4, Xbox, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch)

Game trailer:

Onimusha: Warlords – Announcement Trailer | PS4

Onimusha: Warlords was originally a PS2 game and was later remastered for multiple ports back in 2019. Set in the Warring States period of Japan, you play as Samanosuke Akechi, a warrior tasked to rescue a princess from the hands of monsters bent on reviving Oda Nobunaga. 

Onimusha’s gameplay revolves around hacking and slashing enemy demons as offense while guarding and sidestepping served as a defense. It took a lot of elements from the fixed camera angles and puzzles from the Resident Evil series but this time, the core gameplay is changed to melee combat. At the time, this was interesting since it felt like Resident Evil but with swords and the slow zombies were replaced with more diverse and mobile demons as enemies. 

As the game progresses, your main character gets upgrades for his weapons to better fight tougher enemies. Onimusha’s feel was indeed authentic but its repetitiveness in gameplay did not age that well. It may serve that nostalgia you felt when you first played it years back but it doesn’t compare much with today’s games.

16. Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord (PC)

Game trailer:

Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord - Early Access Trailer

Mount and Blade 2: Bannerlord is a medieval role-playing game with elements of strategy and tactics at the core of its gameplay. The game is set in the middle ages but in a fictional kingdom where you play a customizable main character. Think Medieval: Total War but with more freedom in customization and the feature to roleplay and participate in the battles and sieges and you’ll get this game.

The game is just upfront a better version of Mount and Blade: Warband since it’s a sequel in terms of release. Almost every aspect has been improved, especially the role-playing aspect of the game. One thing though that medieval games cannot escape is the lack of variety in quests compared to medieval-fantasy games. Yes, you can live your fantasy of being a knight and wage crusades but that’s just it.

15. Kingdom Come: Deliverance (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC)

Game trailer:

Kingdom Come: Deliverance - Launch Trailer

Kingdom Come: Deliverance is another medieval role-playing game but this time, elements of realism are cranked up to 11. You play as Henry, a blacksmith apprentice who later in the story takes up arms to avenge the death of his family in the hands of invaders. It boasts a sprawling open world filled with bandits, monasteries, and castles filled with quests for you to complete.

The swordplay in Kingdom Come: Deliverance is considerably one of the best in terms of realism. The devs doubled down on how they would present realism when fighting with or against swords in the middle ages. However, as with any other realistic medieval game, the role-playing aspect of the game eventually hit a wall as there won’t be much variety in the quests in offers. Its realism had brought more problems than fun as a video game.

14. For Honor (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)

Game trailer:

For Honor – Cinematic Story Trailer – E3 2016

For Honor is a hybrid fighting game with elements of MOBA’s objectives and team play as well as one on one duels like those of fighting games. You get to choose your character from a roster of 30 heroes (and still increasing) to duke it out with other players on a variety of multiplayer game modes. It also has a story mode for those interested in the game lore.

For Honor’s initial premise of Knights versus Vikings versus Samurai is what attracted a lot of players to try out the game. It delivered on its promise of the fantastical and fantastic battles between these warriors but nothing else. It had a terrible launch with its servers and game mechanics being slow. Today, the devs are still hard at work on polishing the game but seldomly listen to feedback from its game community.

13. Hellish Quart (PC)

Game trailer:

Hellish Quart - Trailer 3

Hellish Quart is a realistic sword dueling game that puts its unique spin on fighting games. The realism is again cranked to 11 but this time, like in real life, the match can quickly end when a precise fatal strike is delivered to your enemy. It only has a small number of characters to choose from but the difference between them is distinct.

The realism in Hellish Quart is unique in the sense that physics is widely at play when the weapons are swung. It lives up to its promise of being a sword dueling game as there’s no other game that it can be compared to. However, the game is still in early access and it’s technically a raw game so a lot can still be improved in terms of mechanics and replayability.

12. Naraka: Bladepoint (Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC)

Game trailer:

NARAKA: BLADEPOINT LAUNCH GAMEPLAY TRAILER

Naraka: Bladepoint is a battle royale game with an intense focus on melee combat compared to the usual formula of ranged weapons in the same genre. You can choose from 7 unique characters, each also with unique abilities, and battle it out with other players. It has game modes in which up to 60 players can participate.

The sword action in Naraka: Bladepoint is on point if you’re looking for flashy and fantastical movements inspired by martial art films. Though the focus is melee combat with the use of weapons (mostly swords), there is still an option to use ranged weapons. Compared to other battle royale titles, the movement in this game relies mostly on dashes and grappling hooks which adds another layer of action. The only problem here is that it’s another battle royale in an already saturated market of games of the same genre.

11. Soul Calibur VI (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)

Game trailer:

SOULCALIBUR VI - PS4/XB1/PC - Launch Trailer

Soul Calibur VI is a 3D fighting game where all characters wield different kinds of weapons. It is also the 7th installment of the franchise. Much like its previous titles, players fight each other in different arenas where you control your character to defeat your enemy by either a knockout or a ring out. The title’s roster started with 21 base characters with 8 additional characters spread out through various DLCs.

The combat in Soul Calibur VI has been the best throughout its multiple installments. Flashy slash-y effects have been utilized to their full potential and the addition of reversal edge and soul charge mechanics made the game even better. The feature for custom characters has also been improved as costumes were added with each season, giving players endless possibilities in dressing up their creations. The multiplayer mode is fun as expected but the story mode of the game offers no surprise in the storytelling of the game’s lore.

10. Chivalry II (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC)

Game trailer:

Chivalry 2 - Launch Trailer

Chivalry II is a hack and slash game focused on objectives spanning large maps where up to 64 players can participate. Players have the option to play in either first-person view or third-person view. The objective game modes imitate that of medieval campaigns such as village raids and sieges into walled cities.

If you’re looking for non-stop hack and slash action then Chivalry II is for you. The game does not shy away from the gore of decapitations or bloody effects and uses these as important elements of the gameplay. Sure, the swings of swords and other weapons are not exactly the movement you’d expect from it but it's part of the fun that the game provides. The chaos in 64-player game modes is perhaps the heart of this game because half the time, you’d have no idea what’s happening but you’d strike down any enemy you encounter anyway.

9. Middle Earth: Shadow of War (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)

Game trailer:

Middle-earth: Shadow of War - Official Launch Trailer

Middle Earth: Shadow of War is a fantasy role-playing game set in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth. It is the sequel to Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor. You play as the ranger Talion who came back from death and with him, the wraith of Celebrimbor, the Elf that forged the Ring of Power. Together, they explore Middle Earth’s multiple regions to raise Orc armies and overthrow the reigning powers of each area.

The mechanics of Shadow of War didn’t stray far from what it was in Shadow of Mordor except with the addition of new Orc types and the new Siege mode. It still has its signature gameplay of sword fighting that is similar to the combat of Batman: Arkham series and stealth mechanics that will remind you of Assassin’s Creed but more violent. Of course, its unique and patented Nemesis System is what sets it apart from any game that gets close to its core gameplay. If fantasy-meets-swordplay games are your thing then Shadow of War is for you.

8. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order (Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia)

Game trailer:

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order – Launch Trailer

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is an action-adventure game set in the Star Wars universe. You play as Cal Kestis, a survivor of the Order 66 genocide, as you traverse the galaxy to find answers about the Jedi Order and find friends along the way to help you out.

There has been no other game that nailed the Star Wars combat as Fallen Order did. The lightsaber fights in this game are the closest as you’ll ever get to what the movies did. The inclusion of The Force as a combat and puzzle tool gave this game a very authentic Star Wars feel. And for boss battles, the fights are simply awesome especially if you’re up against an enemy who also wields a lightsaber. You don’t have to imagine a fictional lightsaber fight anymore as this game will give you that.

7. Mordhau (PC)

Game trailer:

Mordhau - Official Trailer

Mordhau is a medieval multiplayer hack and slash game and is, for the lack of a better term, the only other medieval multiplayer hack and slash game aside from Chivalry II. Players can choose from multiple game modes from objective-focused modes like Invasion to free-for-all Battle Royale mode.

It’s not surprising that Mordhau is often compared to Chivalry I & II because they’re simply almost identical to each other. Mordhau was formed by people who played and modded Chivalry before Chivalry II came out so it’s essentially a modded Chivalry game that got its own funding. The combat of Mordhau is different from Chivalry in the sense that the battles themselves give a more realistic feel than how the latter does it. Chivalry II came to the party late while Mordhau was ahead and already gave content that players wanted.

6. Devil May Cry 5 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC, Amazon Luna)

Game trailer:

Devil May Cry 5 – Main Trailer

Devil May Cry 5 is a third-person hack and slash adventure game and the 5th (not counting DmC) installment of the franchise. You play as Dante, Nero, and V in different missions as you progress with the game’s story. The game is loosely based on Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy where instead of traveling to Hell to rescue your beloved, you fight and hack down demons until you get to the final demon boss (who’s also from Hell).

The action you can find and/or create in Devil May Cry 5 is by far the most you can in all of its games within the franchise. Yes, the action we’re talking about here is not exclusive to swords but the overall action you can get here comes from that. The swings, jumps, and combos you can do revolves around the swords that most characters wield here. Oh, and don’t forget about Vergil. He’s the single reason you’ll want to buy the game. Because he is the storm that is approaching.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Nintendo Switch, Wii U)

Game trailer:

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Official Game Trailer - Nintendo E3 2016

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) is an action RPG set in a massive open world, a first for the franchise. You play as Link, the franchise’s long-time silent protagonist, as he awakens from a long slumber and tries to piece out what happened when he was asleep. The game introduces many new mechanics that utilize the massive open world. It also gives the player absolute freedom on how to progress.

If you’re not a fan of the franchise, chances are you’ll be skeptical to pick this up but the massive open world that BotW offers will change that. The concept of a massive open world is not a new idea when BotW came out but its execution is top-notch and made it game of the year material (which it also won). Sword action in the game is not intense or gory since it’s a Nintendo game but it still fits in the game’s aesthetic. It’s no wonder that gamers of all ages picked this game and lost countless hours to the fun it gives.

4. Ghostrunner (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC, Amazon Luna)

Game trailer:

Ghostrunner | Official Pax 2020 Trailer - Pre-order Ghostrunner!

Ghostrunner is a first-person hack and slash platformer set in a cyberpunk world. You play as Jack the Ghostrunner and you’re trying to uncover the truth about what happened with the game world’s creator, the Architect. In the game, you utilize the main character’s robotic and athletic capabilities like wall-running, mid-air dashing, and grappling hooks to progress.

Ghostrunner is what you get if your childhood dreams of jumping and flying around like a ninja actually happened. The game’s core mechanic of next-level parkour enhanced its combat exponentially. There’s also the factor of a cyberpunk setting which added a whole new layer of awesomeness. Hacking and slashing enemies mid-air or slowing down time while you’re airborne is something that this game absolutely nailed. All the swordplay you’ll get in the game is simply fun to do over and over again.

3. Final Fantasy VII Remake (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC)

Game trailer:

FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE - PSX 2015 Trailer

Final Fantasy VII Remake is an action RPG and, as its name says, a remake of the PS1 title of the same name. You play as Cloud, a SOLDIER 1st class, as he fights his way through his foggy memory and helps out friends against the Shinra Electric Power Company. The remake shelved the original turn-based combat with action-centered gameplay with strategic pauses when choosing other moves.

The remake for FF VII has been one of the phenomenal facelifts that any game has ever gotten. Not only did the graphics look so good on the new title but the choice to shift to real-time action gameplay made the game at least 10 times better. Of course, you have the choice to switch party members if the situation arises but the look of Cloud hacking away at enemies with his Buster Sword is something you don’t want to miss. Couple this with cinematic boss battles and you have yourself a game that’s fun to play regardless if you’re a Final Fantasy fan or not.

2. Ghost of Tsushima (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5)

Game trailer:

Ghost of Tsushima - E3 2018 Gameplay Debut | PS4

Ghost of Tsushima is an open world action-adventure game set on the island of Tsushima in Japan during the Mongol Invasion. You play as Jin Sakai, a samurai who fought against the invasion and was eventually dubbed the Ghost. You have the choice to fight against the Mongol invaders using brute strength with honor or through a sneaky but dishonorable way of the Ghost.

No other game was as hyped as Ghost of Tsushima (at the time) since its teaser trailer was revealed years ago. Yet the devs have delivered everything they have shown during the trailer and even improved the game further. The sword action in the game is nothing short of amazing and it’s simply everything that a fan can hope for in a samurai game. This was the game that Ubisoft never did in their Assassin’s Creed games and it’s a good thing another developer did it.

1. Elden Ring (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, PC)

Game trailer:

ELDEN RING - Official Gameplay Reveal

Elden Ring is a souls-like action RPG set in a vast multi-region open world of the Lands Between. You play as a Tarnished, an exiled warrior and now recalled back intending to become an Elden Lord. Players have the freedom to customize their character in any way they want as the game doesn’t set any fixed boundaries on how it must be played.

You may be wondering why there were no other souls-like games on this list before this one. It’s because Elden Ring was the culmination of every souls game that was ever made (From Demon’s Souls to Sekiro) and FromSoftware just took it to a whole new level. Like Ghost of Tsushima, it’s one of those games that lived up to the hype and was even better than was promised. Yes, the sword combat can be slow for someone not used to the pacing of souls games but it’s definitely part of its charm. Figuring out how to time guards and parries add to that satisfying combat that it provides.

Before, souls games were considered too hard for any casual gamers because it was. Now, thanks to Elden Ring, souls games are now mainstream and people are actually putting in the time to really get better.