7 games with the best sword combat to play in 2025

Several great titles can enter the discussion if we are talking about games that feature some of the best sword combat. From classics like Devil May Cry and Ninja Gaiden to modern titles like Sekiro, each offers a specific flavor of sword combat that action game enthusiasts will definitely enjoy. Moreover, while older games remain some of the best in this genre, the combat style has been refined since then and modern games deliver an experience that is visceral, satisfying, and engaging.

Here are some amazing action games featuring incredible sword combat that you should play in 2025.

Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

---

7 incredible games with the best sword combat you can play in 2025

1) Devil May Cry 5

A still from Devil May Cry 5 (Image via Capcom)

The Devil May Cry series has always been at the forefront of action games. Its latest mainline entry, Devil May Cry 5, is a culmination of Capcom's experiments with the franchise. The game delivers an incredibly satisfying, extensive, varied, and complex combat system that encourages skill expression.

Players who want a hack-and-slash title with the best sword combat system that encourages dispatching enemies with style should go for Devil May Cry 5.

---

2) Ninja Gaiden Black

A still from Ninja Gaiden Black (Image via Tecmo)

A list of action-adventure games with the best sword combat mechanics is incomplete without Ninja Gaiden Black. Apart from having a fully fleshed-out melee combat mechanic, the game offers a wide variety of weapons that one can use to eliminate enemies. These weapons include interesting and iconic choices like the dragon sword, plasma saber, dark dragon blade, and more.

Players, who want a hack-and-slash game that focuses on providing a non-stop exhilarating thrill ride should go for Ninja Gaiden Black.

---

3) For Honor

A still from For Honor (Image via Ubisoft)

For Honor is a great pick for those who want a medieval game with an incredible sword combat system. Players can choose between three different factions in the game — Samurais, Vikings, and Knights. Each faction comes with its unique playstyles, strengths, and weaknesses. They can then engage in brutal, visceral, and gory fights with one another.

For Honor also has a PVP multiplayer component with an active player base, allowing them to engage in 1v1 battles against other players.

---

4) Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

A still from Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (Image via Activision)

A recent title that took over the industry thanks to its impeccable combat system is FromSoftware's Game of the Year winning title Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Sekiro's back and forth of thrusts and parries makes fighting even normal enemies quite engaging. Players can combine their raw offensive moves with unique weapon arts to get an upper hand in the fight.

Players looking for a Souls game with the best sword combat should opt for Sekiro.

---

5) Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

A still from Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (Image via Konami)

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a spin-off of the Metal Gear franchise that breaks from the mainline series' genre to become an action-adventure title. Raiden can use his primary weapon — a high-frequency blade to decimate enemy cyborgs with ease. A novelty feature of this game is the "Blade Mode" mechanic, allowing players to precisely slice enemies into pieces by slowing down time.

Revengeance is an incredible pick for those who want a great hack-and-slash game with the cinematic treatment of the Metal Gear series.

---

6) Like A Dragon: Ishin!

A still from Like A Dragon: Ishin! (Image via SEGA)

Like A Dragon: Ishin! is an incredible hack-and-slash spin-off title of the Yakuza series that imagines the central characters of the franchise as Edo-era warriors. This reimagining of the gritty Japanese Mafia franchise features some stylish gameplay. Players can switch between various fighting styles utilizing swords and guns or blend both to eradicate their enemies.

Ishin is a great choice for players, who want a title with the best sword combat that balances a gritty atmosphere with some wacky undertones.

---

7) Ghost of Tsushima

A still from Ghost of Tsushima (Image via PlayStation Publishing LLC)

Sucker Punch Production's Ghost of Tsushima is a 2020 title that was host to rave reviews thanks to its cinematic presentation. It features one of the best sword combat systems that allows players to either face their enemies head-on or silently pick them off one by one. Players can also use various stances to deal with different enemy types.

Those who want a title with the best sword combat that takes heavy inspiration from Akira Kurosawa's epics should pick Ghost of Tsushima.