Hack and Slash games are one of the most underrated genres in action games that you should play. Releases that really capitalize on the glorious fun of styling on your opponent with air combos and animation cancels are few and far between.
The genre had kind of died off due to the surge of Souls-like games in the market. But presently, the general opinion on Souls like is at a point of saturation. So it is time for the genre to return, starting with Ninja Gaiden 4 in 2025
In the following list, we are going to talk about some of the best hack and slash games. These are widely available across all platforms, and you should play them.
The best Hack and Slash games of all time
Darksiders 2
Darksiders is inspired by the likes of God of War and other hack and slash games of the bygone era. The unique thing about these games is that publisher THQ Nordic is constantly trying to revamp the gameplay with each iteration.
The first game, released back in 2010, was developed by Vigil Games and has always been a favorite. The last released game in the series was not too well received among fans of the genre since it approached combat through the lens of Souls-like games.
There have also been spin-off games that take a more isometric Diablo-like approach with co-op at the forefront. But the Darksiders title that you should play as a fan of the hack and slash genre is Darksiders 2. We won’t say anything further about it, as it is an experience worth going in completely blind.
Bayonetta
Bayonetta is the shining star of developer Platinum Games, a developer known to specialize in hack and slash games. Unfortunately, games from the IP only exclusively released for Nintendo consoles.
But the first game in the franchise is available on multiple platforms, which is great. It is also considered the best title out of the complete trilogy so far. The game is directed by the Legendary Hidekai Kamiya, who is known for the original Devil May Cry game.
Bayonneta follows the adventures of an umbra witch in a fictional fantasy European setting. She is one of the powerful characters in the universe, possessing several abilities, including the ability to shapeshift and bend time during combat.
Devil May Cry 5
We mentioned Devil May Cry earlier, so let’s elaborate more on that because it is definitely one of the most praised hack and slash games in existence. Devil May Cry initially started off as a new Resident Evil game project. But during development, the game was turning out to be more action-oriented. So Capcom decided to make it its own franchise.
Fast forward to the present day, and it is one of Capcom’s most prized series of action games. If we had to point to a particular game, then the readers should most definitely be playing Devil May Cry 5.
It is the last entry in the series that brings in mechanics from most of the franchise history. Along with a wide array of playable character having their own unique movesets.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
The Metal Gear franchise is one of Konami’s flagship titles that evolved cinematic video games to new heights. It was also directly influential for stealth action in video games. But today we are going to talk about its much-loved hack and slash spinoff.
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a game that is once again made by Platinum Games. They are known for making exceptional action games, and it is very unfortunate that they only got to make one Metal Gear Rising game.
The game allows players to step into the shoes of Raiden, an existing Metal Gear character. He is a cyborg Ninja capable of incredible feats such as going toe to toe with giant metal gears. This is one game that you should play if you love incredible boss fight experiences.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Superhero games can be a hit or miss, even though we have gotten some of the best in the genre in the past few years. Games in the Batman and Spider-Man series have brought out some straight heat in the last few years.
Movie tie-in games are a dying genre, since they don’t really make them like they used to. Usually, these games were meant for random fun to pass the time. But there is one game that you should definitely play, as it is the superhero movie tie-in game, which did things perfectly.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine is the best hack and slash game that you can play right now. Although, to warn you that the game is significantly gory, which got it into controversy. It is one of the most solid action games that has unfortunately been forgotten.
Ninja Gaiden 2 Black
Ideally, we should be recommending Ninja Gaiden Black, the original game that was released for Xbox. But unfortunately, it is trapped in console jail for now, so the next best option would be the newly released Ninja Gaiden 2 Black.
Ninja Gaiden is a long-running Koei Tecmo game franchise going back to the Nintendo Entertainment System days. It used to be one of the hardest action platformers, but now it is one of the hardest hack and slash games that you should definitely play.
You get to step into the shoes of Ryu Hayabusa a master Ninja, and try to stop the enemies from resurrecting a vicious archfiend. A fourth mainline Ninja Gaiden is also finally releasing after years.
Hades
Hades is an indie rogue-like RPG in concept, and one of the best ones at that. But it is also an immaculately designed isometric hack and slash title that you should play. It is developed by Supergiant Games and is often praised for its immaculate art style.
The game follows the exploits of Zagreus, the son of Hades as he tries to escape the underworld and find his way to the surface. He faces various challenges on his way, ranging from various figures from Greek mythology.
Being a rouge-like, the game also throws several Greek Gods with incredible original designs to aid you with abilities. A second Hades game was also released in the year 2025, but is presently in early access.
Nier Automata
The focus of Nier Automata as a game is not really the combat, but fans enjoy it more because of its story and characters. Although the game is designed and developed by Platinum Games, which we have already talked about in this list.
As per tradition, Nier Automata includes all that dopamine rush goodness, which makes a good hack and slash game. The game introduces some new systems from Platinum Games, but also brings back some of the more beloved mechanics, such as perfectly timed dodges.
Nier Automata is a part of a bigger game franchise series, created by the legendary director Yoko Taro. This is the only title in the whole franchise that was co-developed by Platinum Games so far.
Dynasty Warriors: Origins
Dynasty Warriors-style games are a completely separate sub-genre of hack and slash video games. These are also called Musou games in Japanese and originate from Koei Tecmo’s eponymous franchise.
This sub-genre is so sought after that a lot of popular anime and video game franchises have spun off into their own Dynasty Warriors games. There’s Hyrule Warriors, which is a Zelda musou game, Persona 5 Strikers from Atlus, and even One Piece Musou games.
The Dynasty Warriors title we recommend you should play is Dynasty Warriors: Origins. It is sort of special for reintroducing the mainline Dynasty Warriors to a new audience. It does this with flying colors, as it has been labelled as one of the best Musou games to come out in years.
God of War: Ragnarok
The God of War franchise is one of the crowning jewels of the PlayStation 2 era. It, alongside titles like Devil May Cry on the system, was responsible for popularizing the hack and slash genre. Unfortunately, there is no way to play the older games on other modern systems.
But the good news is that the God of War franchise sort of got a soft reboot in 2018 for the PlayStation 4. It reintroduced the mythos of Kratos in a Norse setting with a new companion this time, his own son.
Ideally, you should play the original PlayStation 2 God of War games, but the new title is also worth it. Kratos gets a bunch of new and fun weapons to work with, including an axe that can be thrown and called back. You also get a shield that makes melee combat insanely fun.
