Come on sometimes, you just want to disconnect from the world and start killing a lot of enemies. If you're looking for a hack and slash game to play today, you're in luck. Here are some of the best hack and slash games available right now for a variety of platforms such as PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
#30 Dark Dawn
The release of Grim Dawn offered gamers an alternative game to the Diablo franchise. It is an action RPG title that immerses players in a world called Cairn. It is here that humanity is on the verge of extinction thanks to a horrific war between two supernatural forces that see humanity as a resource or simply a target to be cleansed from the world. Players are essentially thrown into this world to see how they will survive or potentially shape this new reality for the human race.
It has everything you would expect from this type of game. Multiple different enemies to face, multiple classes to choose from, a skill tree to further hone your playstyle, and co-op play support. If you want to get sucked into a title after going through courses like Path of Exile or Diablo 3, then this is a game you can't pass up.
# 29 Ryse: Fils de Rome
Ryse: Son of Rome was released in 2022 from developers Crytek. In the game, players take control of Marius Titus, a Roman soldier who sees his family murdered by barbarian bandits. Now that revenge fills his heart, Marius heads to Britannia to seek out those who destroyed what he treasured most. It's a shorter cinematic-style video game, but for the current price, it's definitely a title worth investing in.
Being a period piece, players will primarily use a sword and shield to hack and smash their way through enemies with players also sometimes being able to command other soldiers into battle, such as a group of archers. However, as mentioned, this is a relatively short video game. At most, you need about six hours to complete this game.
#28 Nier: Automata
Nier: Automata follows an interesting storyline where humans were forced to flee Earth after a robotic attack. Today, the company hopes to be able to return to its home planet through the use of highly skilled and developed androids. You play as a combat android sent to Earth to fight in this proxy war. In the game, players will have a mix of heavy and light attacks to use against the enemy and there will even be some shump elements at times.
That said, there are still RPG elements to the title and that means upgrading your weapons with the android itself. Chances are you've played this game before, but if not, you're missing out on a classic featuring not just great hack and slash gameplay moments, but an engaging storyline that keeps you going.
#27 Warhammer: Vermintide 2
Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is a first-person action title that places players in a party to battle Skaven. This is a combat-focused game with an assortment of melee weapons and abilities. Players can choose from five different characters that can all be adjusted to match a given class path, resulting in different skill sets that you can use. You may find it's a great title to enjoy with friends too and most would say that if you're a fan of titles like Left 4 Dead you'll probably have just as much fun playing Warhammer: Vermintide 2. mainly acts to exchange the decoration and the weapons.
#26 Shadow Warrior 2
Shadow Warrior 2 can be considered a mix between Doom and Duke Nukem. There's crude humor as it throws players into a badass mercenary tasked with taking down countless demonic scum. There's a wide range of weapons to use, such as blades or explosive guns, and you even have a four-player co-op game mode. It's also a game you don't need to dive into the first installment to have a lot of fun here. That said, you can also find a ton of fun right from the first installment.
#25 Monster Hunter: World
Monster Hunter: World was the fifth main installment in the franchise, and the development team made some pretty big changes. For example, Capcom placed larger maps, a more seamless experience between areas. It is also possible to participate in hunts with friends, which can allow cooperative play for up to four players. Just like in previous Monster Hunter games, preparing for your battles is a priority, which means knowing what gear to equip before heading into battle.
Monster Hunter is a hack and slash style game, but there's a fair amount of strategy that goes into these games as well. Knowing the type of enemy you will face, their movements, the weapons to use and the materials you will receive to win are very important to progress. Luckily, the community is quite welcoming as Monster Hunter titles can get a bit complex. Likewise, at the time of writing this review, Monster Hunter: World is the latest installment available, so you should have no problems finding an active community going through this title.
# 24 Metal Gear Rising Revengence
When you think of Metal Gear, it's usually the classic titles delivered by Hideo Kojima. The series of games where stealth is required as you venture through a fairly complex narrative that plays out over different time periods. However, in 2022 we received a pretty drastic change to the Metal Gear series with a spin-off.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengence was developed under PlatinumGames, which is the origin of the Bayonetta franchise. Here, you play as Raiden using a high-tech katana to slice and slash your way through enemies. It's a big departure from previous Metal Gear games, but it's still a fun hack and slash title.
#23 Darksiders Genesis
In Darksiders: Genesis, players can go through a prequel title where you step into the role of Strife. Without spoiling the narrative too much, Strife is set to reunite with Lucifer to maintain balance through existence. Just like before, it's a hack and slash game where players fight all kinds of demonic creatures.
However, unlike some of the previous installments, Darksiders Genesis is set in a top-down perspective, almost similar to what you'd find in the Diablo franchise. Even better, it's a game you can enjoy with a secondary player so you don't have to go through this title solo. At the moment this is also the last Darksiders game, but hopefully we will see another version in the future.
#22 Chivalry: Medieval Warfare
Chivalry: Medieval Warfare is a hack and slash multiplayer video game. This is a brutal period piece game where you venture into a medieval battle armed with nothing but a heavy mace of steel, a sword, or just keeping your distance with a bow and arrows. It's a somewhat dated game today, but it's still just as much fun going into battle with friends as it is swinging your blade at the enemy. You'll even find that players can dismember an enemy if they swing in the right spot.
That said, there's a sequel in the works that will overhaul the gameplay not only mechanically but also visually. The sequel doesn't have a release date yet, but there is a launch window this year, 2022. Still, you'll find an active community of gamers enjoying the first installment until the sequel hits the market.
# 21 Bayonetta 2
PlatinumGames created an iconic hit series when Bayonetta first shipped. Players are entered into a cunning witch who is able to unleash a barrage of powerful attacks against a large number of enemies. Bayonetta 2 entered development and was originally canned by Sega at the time. Fortunately, Nintendo stepped in with funding to provide this game exclusively for the Nintendo Wii U, although the game can be enjoyed on the Nintendo Switch platform today. Overall, this game acted as a sequel to the first installment, but I won't spoil anything here. It's a fun series worth watching today. Especially knowing that a third installment is in the works. Details are truly sparse when it comes to Bayonetta 3, but if you love hack and slash games, own a Nintendo Switch, then you'll want to pick up the first two installments not just to enjoy them, but also to prepare for this next one. exciting game.
# 20 Nioh 2
If you haven't played Nioh, you're still in luck because Nioh 2 takes place fifty years before the events of the first game. In Nioh 2, players take on the role of a half-human, half-demon mercenary. Even though our protagonist is pumping demon blood inside, he takes contacts to kill other demons that prove to be troublesome. If you played with the first installment, you'll feel pretty comfortable with the sequel.
Combat is a bit like a game of souls in that you'll focus on the battle and make adjustments as you fight. This isn't just a hack and slash, so watching your gear, knowing how to properly dodge attacks, and when to strike will be key here. That said, there are a ton of mechanics they throw at you, so having played Nioh originally would probably be a big help before diving into Nioh 2.
#19 Astral Chain
PlatinumGames makes our list again with this time around their Nintendo Switch exclusive, Astral Chain. Similar to the Bayonetta series, this is a fast paced hack and slash style game where humanity is on the brink of extinction. The story can get a bit complex, it's a sci-fi style game set decades in the future. The players are a task force fighting against a supernatural enemy. Still, it's a fun game that plays out similarly to previous PlatinumGames releases and if you own a Nintendo Switch, it's a game worth checking out.
#18 RAM
Bright Memory is an intense and fast FPS. This title will put players in the role of Shelia who tries to stop a military organization from awakening a supernatural power that will raise the dead. Although the game features a bit of gunplay, players have a katana sword that they can extract and slice through enemies. That said, the game is also getting a free update which is Bright Memory: Infinite. We are expected to receive this game later this year, which will not only expand the narrative, but also flesh out the game mechanics further.
#17 Attack on Titan 2
If you liked the Attack on Titan anime or manga series, you might have tried the games before. However, if you missed the games, we recommend you tune into Attack on Titan 2. It is a newly developed game from the first installment, but rather than playing a particular character from the series or the storyline of the manga, you are a custom-made protagonist. It's a bit of a way to see the great moments from a different angle.
However, the game is still a fast-paced hack and slash game. Players will roam all over town and line up the perfect angle to carve out a Titan's weak spot. Of course, as more types of Titans move through the city, the greater the challenge is to take them down.
#16 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King and the Two Towers
The Lord of the Rings is an iconic franchise and over the years we have received several IP-based video game installments. For example, we have The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King along with The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. They are video game adaptations of the Peterson motion pictures. Most video game adaptations from movies tend not to do well, but there's one big exception here.
Both games are fantastic hack and slash titles where you will play as different members of The Fellowship as you progress through the story telling. Likewise, both titles featured great moments from the movies like the various battles and skirmishes. Additionally, there was a cooperative game mode which made this title even more fun to play with a friend.
#15 Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition
In many ways, Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition is a mix between Dynasty Warriors and The Legend of Zelda. In this game, players will fight against Ganondorf's army that is rampaging against Hyrule in search of the Triforce. Players will roam the battlefield to take down a massive army of enemies while battling some of the high level enemies in the party. It's a fun spin-off game, especially if you're a fan of Dynasty Warriors and The Legend of Zelda. However, it's a great hack and slash experience if you're not a die-hard fan of either IP. This game even saw a side episode called Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, which is only available on the Nintendo Switch platform.
#14 Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Hellblade Senuas Sacrifice was a surprisingly well-designed psychological horror hack and slash game from the Ninja Theory development team. In the game, players take on the role of Senua, a Pict warrior, who must venture to Helheim. Senua seeks to save the soul of her deceased lover, however, along the way, players will have to fight otherworldly entities, but with our protagonist suffering from psychosis, the world at large and venturing into Helheim can be too much to handle.
The game does a good job of blending a hack and slash title with a more strategic battle where you'll have to dodge and block before you can land your devastating blows. This game also features a deep narrative journey that will keep you following in hopes of seeing how things end.
# 13 Ghostrunner
While the cyberpunk genre is dominated by Cyberpunk 2077, there's another title you should look into. Ghostrunner is a first-person action game where the world has been wrapped up in a massive towering haven. Players step into a futuristic ninja who finds himself with no memories but somehow finds himself in a battle for power.
Overall, the goal is to reach the top of this city tower in hopes of uncovering the truth behind the tower and potentially saving humanity from any further tyranny. It is extremely fast and sometimes unforgiving. However, thanks to the game's fast loading and returning players to the action, this could be a tough title to land. There's a mix of parkour and hack and slash combat, not to mention the game looks simply stunning with the glowing neon graphics.
#12 For Honor
For Honor is another iconic hack-and-slash action video game you've played or at least heard of. In For Honor, the game throws different factions into battle so you have knights, samurai, and Vikings going into a head-on battle. It's a game that emphasizes properly swinging your axe, sword, or whatever else you might be equipped with to hit your target.
Likewise, there's a big game on defense, as you avoid being defeated not just by an enemy, but potentially by a rival group if they gang up on you on the battlefield. This game was launched in 2022, so you can find it relatively cheap today. However, there are several editions available that provide players with additional modes and heroes. Being a multiplayer-focused game, one thing you'll need to keep in mind is that this title will need a constant internet connection.
# 11 Dynasty Warriors 8: Xtreme Legends Complete Edition
The Dynasty Warriors is a great series overall if you like hack and slash games. They can be a bit of arcade-style fun where you go through a series of battles in ancient Japan. All in all, you basically fell into a massive war and through the various battles players are attacking swarms of enemies. There are multiple installments available in this franchise, with players expecting to get their hands on Dynasty Warriors 10 later this year. However, for this list, we are going with Dynasty Warriors 8. Specifically, Xtreme Legends Complete Edition. Here you not only get the story mode but also additional bonuses like extra characters and alternate stories to go through.
#10 Middle-earth: Shadow of War
Middle-earth: Shadow of War expands on what was featured in the first episode, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. This is a game where you have fast-paced fights with a mix of bow and arrow swordplay. Of course, there are additional upgrades and upgrades that you can use to shape your preferred playstyle. I don't want to spoil the story campaign too much, it takes place after the events of Shadow of Mordor.
Overall, players will find that our protagonist Talion is still imbued with the spirit of Celebrimbor and your battle progresses against Sauron. If you haven't played the first installment I think it's worth checking back before jumping into Shadow of War, but both are great hack and slash style video games set in the franchise The Lord of the Rings. It might not have the same combat feel as our previous entry in the Lord of the Rings franchise, but you should still have a lot of fun with this game.
# 9 Mordhau
Mordhau is very similar to our previous For Honor game pick. Players will enter a battle filled with over sixty players as they try to survive or bring victory to their team. It's all about melee combat and you'll find a wide assortment of weapons to use in the field, from swords to arrows. This is again an online multiplayer game where you fight against an opposing medieval force. In terms of combat there is an influence on positioning your character for the proper swing, it's a bit hard to put in writing but depending on how your character will face an opponent it will determine how you go attack. There's also customization play here too with players able to craft weapons from different parts while tweaking your armor to help withstand heavy blows.
# 8 Ninja Gaiden 3
The Ninja Gaiden franchise is hugely popular but we haven't seen a new installment in several years at this point. The latest version was released in 2022 which was Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z but for our list we are going with Ninja Gaiden 3. It is a bit older game now with it released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 but it was another exciting hack and slash version that featured new mechanics for the franchise. However, for some fans, the decision to make things a little simpler this time around was a little oversimplified.
#7 Onimusha: Warlords
Onimusha: Warlords came into the limelight in 2001 as an action-adventure game that released its series. In this game, players take on the role of a samurai during the Sengoku period where you have to fight an assortment of demons who have captured the princess. While you start with a standard katana sword, our protagonist can eventually get a few elemental weapons with unique magic attack abilities to use against your enemies.
It's worth pointing out that you're not just playing as a samurai throughout the game like in certain sections, but you'll also have the chance to jump into his partner, a ninja who mixes her weapons with acrobatic skills. Although this game was released in 2001, it received a remaster in 2022 so that you can enjoy this game on more modern platforms today.
# 6 Prototype 2
The Prototype series was short-lived, unfortunately. It was an open-world sandbox game where players were infected with a virus, turning them into a killing machine. Developed by Radical Entertainment, this series only had two installments, with the planned third game being dropped. In Prototype 2, players enter a U.S. Marine one year after the events of the first game, where he sets out to seek revenge against the Blacklight Virus when he discovers his family has been killed.
It's almost like a mutated Hulk when attacking enemies on foot or even in vehicles like a helicopter. You might have overlooked this game when it launched, but it's a shame we didn't see exactly what the studio would have done to revamp the game further with a third installment.
# 5 Diablo 3
Diablo 3 plays out much like its predecessors, with players choosing one of six possible character classes and beginning their journey by undertaking quests and collecting valuable loot. While the game was launched in 2022 originally launched for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One owners managed to get the video game a few years later in 2022. The release came with the bundles of previous expansion and content update for Diablo III, giving players plenty of gameplay to go through. This is an iconic series and even though the game is a few years old at this point, it's still an amazing action RPG title that can be picked up and enjoyed today.
#4 God of War 2022
What can we say about God of War that you're probably not fully aware of already? The video game franchise got its start during the PlayStation 2 era and is still going strong today. We've been following the story of Kratos for years now across multiple console generations. However, this title, in particular, is more of a soft reboot of the franchise. If you're familiar with previous installments, this time Kratos ended his time with Greek mythology and has since moved on to Norse mythology. Similarly, Kratos will no longer be alone as he examines his son named Atreus, preparing him for the real world after the recent passing of his mother. As of writing this, we know that Kratos has another game episode to go which will be based around Ragnarok.
#3 Prince of Persia
Prince of Persia has been around since 1989. This action-adventure platformer was initially a huge hit and sparked new installments before being rebooted not once but twice once the IP was acquired. by Ubisoft. Most will remember the game for its ability to rewind time as well as the fast-paced parkour-like skills the protagonist used in the campaign. This series is actually what inspired Ubisoft's hit video game franchise, Assassin's Creed. Since then, the video game franchise has been slightly dormant. However, a new remake is in the works later this year, 2022.
#2 Devil May Cry 5
Devil May Cry 5 puts the players in the shoes of a few different characters such as Nero who was present in Devil May Cry 4 and it must be said that the game is very fluid with its combat just like the previous ones. In terms of narrative, the game picks up after the events of Devil May Cry 4 which follows Nero, Dante and a new character named V as they face a powerful new demonic invasion.
These games have always been intense hack and slash style games with a ton of shootouts. Luckily, Devil May Cry 5 delivers and even brings more gameplay combat variety as you swap out different characters throughout the campaign narrative.
#1 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
FromSoftware has been around for years, but they're perhaps best known for their Souls series. In 2022, the development studio even released a brand new IP called Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This is a third-person RPG title with brutal samurai-style swordplay. Players take on the role of a shinobi who discovers his lord has been kidnapped. During the fight, our protagonist was beaten with his arm severed.
Thanks to a busshi, our shinobi manages to keep his life. In place of his missing arm is a prosthetic that players can equip with different gadgets and tools to use enemies again. Most Souls series RPG elements such as classes and character creation will be removed. That said, you might find this game a little more manageable.
Premium
Underworld
There's a reason Hades made it into the top five video games of 2022 by overall awards on the official Game Awards tracking website. It's an instant iconic indie title from Supergiant Games, the folks behind Bastion, Transistor and Pyre. In Hades, players are cast in the role of Zagreus, the son of Hades. In this coming-of-age story, Zagreus tires of the depths of hell and embarks on an adventure to reach Mount Olympus above. Of course, this will force Zagreus to fight against a multitude of monsters that reside in the underworld.
Fortunately, that's not all for our protagonist. With the help of other Olympians, Zagreus can bolster his arsenal to fight off enemies who seek to keep him in hell. With magical powers, multiple weapons, and unique firepower, players can race through levels and battle enemies as they progress. However, being a roguelike, you can expect each death to not only set you back, but provide a means of a variety of what may await our next hero.
