2025 has been a banner year for action games, with a rich variety of titles spanning fast-paced shooters, intense melee combat, and thrilling narratives. From the refined roguelite perfection of Hades 2 to the high-octane ninja action of Ninja Gaiden 4, the year’s finest action games cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Here’s a detailed look at the year’s top 10 action games shaping the genre.
Hades 2
Widely lauded as one of the best roguelites ever made, Hades 2 builds profoundly on its predecessor’s legacy, offering tightly tuned combat, nuanced storytelling, and an endlessly rewarding gameplay loop. The improvement in every facet—from the mechanics to the narrative depth—makes it the crown jewel of 2025’s action roster. Available on PC and Switch platforms.
Split Fiction
Hazelight returns with a co-op adventure masterpiece that blends exciting gameplay with compelling characters. Following the high bar set by It Takes Two, Split Fiction delivers remarkable level design and engaging cooperative action that is both accessible and deeply satisfying. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Absolum
Guard Games’ Absolum revitalizes the beat-’em-up genre with roguelike elements, featuring finely crafted swordplay and sorcery visuals. Its rewarding combat system and stylistic art direction make it a standout modern action title. Available on PC, PS5, PS4, and Switch.
Ninja Gaiden 4
The long-awaited return of the mainline Ninja Gaiden series delivers lightning-fast hack-and-slash combat and challenging boss fights. While the story may not captivate, the combat mechanics provide a compelling reason to dive in and master the gameplay. Available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound
A retro-inspired action platformer that captures the intensity and challenge of classic Ninja Gaiden titles. This game is a loving homage with modern polish and relentlessly tough gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of the genre. Available on multiple platforms including PC, consoles, and Switch.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
Mech combat returns with customizable loadouts and fast-paced battles that require strategic thinking and twitch reflexes. The game emphasizes ground and aerial combat with a wide array of mech classes and weapons, satisfying mech enthusiasts and action gamers alike.
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Blending stealth and action, this installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise continues to impress with fluid combat, expansive open-world exploration, and engaging samurai and assassin roles rooted in rich historical settings.
Ghostrunner
A cyberpunk-themed first-person action game that mixes parkour and lightning-quick combat. It demands precision and timing, rewarding players with pulse-pounding fights in a visually striking dystopian world.
Bayonetta 4
Continuing the series’ legacy of over-the-top, stylish combat, Bayonetta 4 amps up character-action gameplay with dazzling combos and cinematic flair, blending humor and narrative with intense action.
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Combining stealth, survival elements with action, this sequel expands the unique post-apocalyptic world with more immersive gameplay and deeper storylines, maintaining the original’s blend of tension and action.
These games showcase the breadth and depth of action gaming in 2025, from co-op adventures and mesmerizing story-driven epics to skill-based combat maestros and mech battles. Whether you’re tackling roguelites, slashing through ninjas, or piloting giant war machines, 2025 offers an astonishing lineup for action fans.
