Action games with the best strategic battles

Action games come in all shapes and sizes, offering players the chance to delve into different game mechanics while exploring different stories and settings. The adrenaline and quick thinking required make for an engaging and challenging experience where every move can mean the difference between success and failure.

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Some of these games require players to think more strategically, as they must prepare in advance to face certain opponents, otherwise their chances of victory are significantly reduced. Fortunately, there are some options in the action genre for those who appreciate a good dose of strategy mixed with chaos.

10 Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord

Metacritic rating: 77

Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord offers a unique approach that combines open-world strategy with third-person combat. Across the vast map, players explore and manage resources and seek out battles and objectives, similar to a grand strategy game, which can impact troop morale.

When a battle begins, the perspective changes and players act as generals on the medieval battlefield. The choice of formation and troop positioning is crucial for victory. Since both tactical and strategic decisions have to be made, Banner Lord offers an engaging experience for fans looking for a game that combines strategy and action elements.

9 Fallout: New Vegas

Metacritic rating: 84

Fallout: New Vegas stands out as one of the best action RPGs set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players explore the vast Mojave Desert, face various enemies (sometimes human, sometimes not) and make decisions that affect the narrative, which can branch off in multiple directions.

To survive and thrive in the unforgiving desert, strategic resource management is critical. Fighting enemies with different armor requires efficient use of special ammunition (armor-piercing, hollow point, etc.) and the right choice of weapon. Every bullet counts, and the scarcity of supplies forces players to plan their battles carefully. In addition, the VATS targeting system allows players to choose their spots on an opponent’s body to land a decisive headshot to end the fight early, or to try to cripple a tough opponent’s limb, compromising their accuracy.

8th Diablo4

Metacritic rating: 86

A highly acclaimed action RPG, Diablo4 is known for its dark, sprawling world filled with demonic enemies and legendary treasures. Players embark on an epic campaign alone or with friends, exploring terrifying dungeons and mastering a variety of skills.

To overcome challenges, especially in hardcore modes, preparation is essential. Players must choose the right gear and build before facing powerful enemies. This advance planning is crucial to ensuring survival and success in battles, turning each boss fight into a struggle to the death.

7 Dragon’s Dogma 2

Metacritic rating: 86

Dragon’s Dogma 2 is a single-player action RPG that requires players to create their own stories. From how their Arisen looks to what they do in their jobs and how they behave in different situations, the game offers a rich fantasy world full of content to explore.

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Resource management and planning for potential dangers are essential for players who want to face the challenges Dragon’s Dogma 2. Decisions like using swords, bows, or even magic are crucial before each battle, as is planning builds and understanding group needs to fill in any potential gaps.

6 Horizon Forbidden West

Metacritic rating: 88

In Horizon Forbidden Westplayers follow Aloy on a journey through a majestic and dangerous land full of mysterious threats. The goal of the game is to explore distant lands, face gigantic machines, and interact with new tribes.

Strategic planning is essential to overcoming the game’s challenges. Before facing off against each machine, players must carefully choose their weapons and equipment, adapting their approach to each enemy type. With the expanded selection of weapons, outfits, and abilities, it’s crucial to understand the specifics of each weapon and explore the best combinations and synergies. This detailed preparation makes for a thrilling combat experience where each encounter requires critical thinking and adaptation.

5 Monster Hunter: World

Metacritic rating: 90

Monster Hunter: World is an action RPG where players take on the role of hunters in a vast and vibrant world filled with gigantic creatures. Exploration and hunting are central elements, with rich and detailed environments that provide an immersive experience.

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Fight in Monster Hunter: World offers intense action that requires careful strategy. Hunting monsters requires understanding their behavior patterns, weaknesses, and resistances. Players must choose the right weapons and armor for each hunt and plan their strategies and preparations before each encounter.

4 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Metacritic rating: 92

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an acclaimed action RPG in which players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia, a professional monster hunter. Set in a vast open world, Geralt must face various monsters, explore stunning landscapes, and immerse himself in an excellent narrative. Of course, fighting monsters is all about strategy.

Geralt’s knowledge of monsters is crucial to his survival. Using the right sword is important, as the game’s lore calls for one sword for humans (steel) and another for monsters (silver). In addition, applying certain oils to blades and preparing appropriate potions increases his chances of success in battle. This combination of preparation and knowledge makes every fight strategic and underlines the depth of the game.

3 Hades

Metacritic rating: 93

In 2021, Supergiant Games showed the world that family problems were just the beginning of the stories of Greek mythology, putting players in the role of Zagreus, a son of Hades who seeks to escape his father’s kingdom.

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The game, which mixes action and roguelike elements, was a success, mainly because it challenged players to constantly adapt their strategies. Each time the main character tries to escape the underworld, he must choose one of the available weapons in his arsenal and, as the game progresses, select the blessings of the gods to become stronger. These blessings are random, which makes the ability to plan and think ahead all the more important.

2 Mass Effect 2

Metacritic rating: 96

In a galaxy full of danger and intrigue, players take on the role of Commander Shepard and lead a diverse team on crucial missions for the survival of humanity. On board the Normandy, players can freely explore the galaxy and take part in optional side missions.

Every crew member in Mass Effect 2 has unique abilities (biotics, technical powers, etc.), and careful choice of companions is crucial when facing the many enemies in the game. Synergies between abilities provide tactical advantages by exploiting opponents’ weaknesses, while investing points in the right attributes and playing to characters’ strengths is fundamental.

1 Elden Ring

Metacritic rating: 96

Elden Ring is one of FromSoftware’s best games. Set in a massive open world, the game combines a thrilling narrative with intense combat that will keep players hooked from the moment they step foot in the in-between land.

Players must learn their enemies’ attack patterns, choose appropriate weapons and armor, and use special abilities to develop their combat strategies. In addition, preparing for battles, especially against bosses, by adjusting the main character’s play style and equipping the most relevant/useful Ashes of War and Talismans is crucial for progress.

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