Games focused on pure gameplay are a cornerstone of the video game world. They prioritize how a game feels and plays above all else, which is rare these days, and some of the most popular and critically acclaimed games of the last few years fall into this category, despite often being surprisingly straightforward in design.
Lots of action games – like those focused on fighting, fast-paced combat, and shooting – have really stood out recently. Here are some of the best action games from the last ten years.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is FromSoftware’s Most Underrated Game
Everyone’s been talking about FromSoftware’s popular Souls games, but their Armored Core series deserves attention too. Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is a fantastic action game that many players seem to have overlooked. It features incredibly fast-paced and exciting mech combat, and you can fully customize your mech to match how you like to play.
Missions in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon range from destroying large groups of enemies to challenging, epic boss fights. If you’ve been worried about the game being too difficult because of FromSoftware’s past games, don’t let that stop you – this mecha action game is fun for everyone!
Neon White Will Keep Players Coming Back
When Neon White came out in 2023, it quickly became very popular with players. The game is about assassins from Hell competing in a special contest.
Players quickly became captivated by the fast-paced action and first-person shooter gameplay, leading them to replay levels repeatedly. The desire to improve personal best times and reduce completion times keeps players coming back for more.
Saros is Better Than Returnal
Housemarque built on the lessons of Returnal to create Saros, refining what they did well. The game still blends the fast-paced action of bullet-hell shooters with the replayability of roguelikes, but now it’s easier to find ways to strengthen your character.
Saros lives up to its tagline, “come back stronger,” with fantastic improvements and a focus on movement. Every playthrough is thrilling and action-packed, keeping you on the edge of your seat. It proves that even a great game like Returnal can be surpassed, and Saros is Housemarque’s most impressive title to date.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is an Incredible Throwback
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge captures the fun of classic 90s arcade beat-em-ups and updates it for today’s players. It stays true to the original games that fans loved, while offering a fresh experience. Players take control of Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael as they fight their way through the city against the Foot Clan.
The game is fun to play alone, but multiplayer is where it really shines. Each character has a unique feel and is very responsive, making experimentation with different teams enjoyable. Visually, Shredder’s Revenge perfectly captures the look and feel of classic arcade games with its beautiful pixel art, which greatly enhances the overall experience.
Hi-Fi Rush Fights to the Beat of Its Own Drum
Tango Gameworks surprised everyone with the sudden release of Hi-Fi Rush, a fantastic new action game. It uniquely blends fast-paced action with rhythm-based gameplay, challenging players to time their attacks to the music. The game’s vibrant, cartoon-style animation makes the action even more exciting.
Every challenge in the game plays out like a vibrant music video, where the music isn’t simply background noise – it’s woven directly into what’s happening on screen.
Cuphead Combines 30s Animation With Brutal Run-and-Gun Gameplay
At first glance, Cuphead seems simple – just dodging attacks and shooting bosses. However, it’s actually a very challenging game that will test the skills of even the most experienced players.
Cuphead is a visually stunning game that looks like an old-fashioned cartoon thanks to its hand-drawn animation. It’s a fast-paced, challenging run-and-gun adventure where you’ll battle unique and imaginative bosses using a variety of weapons – it’s incredibly addictive!
Sifu Plays Like The Raid
The game Sifu follows the story of a martial arts student who sets out to avenge their master against a former student and his crew. The combat is heavily inspired by films like The Raid, particularly its intense, close-quarters hallway fights, which form the core of Sifu‘s action.
I’m really enjoying this game because every playthrough feels rewarding, even though enemies just keep coming! The cool thing is, when my character dies, they age. That adds a lot of pressure to make every move count and really master the gameplay. Eventually, though, you get too old and that’s game over, which is a fun challenge!
Devil May Cry 5 is a Modern Action Classic
The Devil May Cry series is known for its amazing action, and Devil May Cry 5 continues that tradition. What makes this game special isn’t just winning battles, but how you win. It lets players express their own style, making every fight feel fresh and thrilling.
The game features a ranking system that rewards players for varied and creative combat, encouraging them to experiment with different strategies. It blends stunning graphics with exceptional gameplay, ultimately delivering the strongest entry in the Devil May Cry series.
Hades II Improves On a Masterpiece
It was a challenge for Supergiant Games to create a follow-up to the incredibly popular Hades, but Hades II not only meets expectations—it exceeds them. The new game retains the fast-paced action of the original while adding exciting new features like Arcane Cards and Incantations, making every playthrough thrilling and unpredictable.
This game is fast-paced and keeps you engaged from beginning to end. Players will constantly need to adjust to new challenges and a dynamic environment, creating a memorable experience.
2016’s Doom Brought Back a Classic
The original Doom is a legendary action game, and its recent iteration is arguably the best in the genre over the past decade. It successfully captures the spirit of the first game, but focuses even more on fast-paced, aggressive combat. Players are meant to charge into battle and fight their way through challenges, rather than playing cautiously.
Many games in this genre follow a similar formula, but id Software played to their strengths. The result was a truly exceptional experience that remains unmatched, even by later games in the series.
2026-07-22 04:09