Best Action Games on Steam

Steam offers a massive library of high quality action titles that cater to various playstyles and preferences. These games range from fast paced shooters to deep role playing experiences with intricate combat systems. Players can find everything from indie darlings to massive blockbuster productions on the platform. This list highlights some of the most acclaimed and popular action games currently available for digital purchase.

‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

Players explore the Lands Between to restore the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord. The open world design allows for vast exploration and challenging boss encounters. Various character classes and builds provide a wide range of gameplay styles for every player. FromSoftware developed this title to combine environmental storytelling with intense combat mechanics.

‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’ (2019)

Players control a shinobi attempting to rescue a young lord and exact revenge on a rival samurai. The game emphasizes precision parrying and posture management over traditional health bars. Stealth mechanics allow for strategic approaches to difficult encounters across a reimagined Sengoku period Japan. ‘Sekiro Shadows Die Twice’ provides a demanding experience that rewards timing and pattern recognition.

‘Hades’ (2020)

Zagreus attempts to escape the Underworld to reach Mount Olympus while battling the souls of the dead. This rogue like title features fast paced combat and a wide variety of divine powers granted by Olympian gods. Each escape attempt reveals more of the story and strengthens the relationships between the characters. The hand drawn art style and reactive soundtrack enhance the immersive atmosphere of the game.

‘Devil May Cry 5’ (2019)

Legendary demon hunters Nero and Dante return to stop a demonic invasion in Red Grave City. Players utilize stylish combat maneuvers and unique weapons to achieve high rankings during encounters. A third character named V introduces a different playstyle by summoning familiars to fight on his behalf. The game features high fidelity graphics and a heavy metal soundtrack that syncs with the performance of the player.

‘God of War’ (2022)

Kratos travels through the realm of Midgard with his son Atreus on a deeply personal quest. The combat focuses on the versatile Leviathan Axe and various runic abilities that can be upgraded over time. Players face legendary creatures and gods from Norse mythology in cinematic encounters. This title successfully transitions the series into a third person over the shoulder perspective with a focus on narrative.

‘DOOM Eternal’ (2020)

The Doom Slayer battles the forces of Hell across Earth and other dimensions to prevent the extinction of humanity. Combat is designed as a high speed puzzle where players must manage resources by performing specific types of kills. New movement options such as the dash and the meat hook increase the verticality of the encounters. ‘DOOM Eternal’ delivers a relentless experience supported by a heavy industrial soundtrack.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

V navigates the dangerous streets of Night City while dealing with a digital ghost inhabiting their mind. Players can choose between different playstyles including stealthy hacking or direct combat with futuristic firearms. The vast urban environment offers numerous missions and side activities that impact the reputation of the character. This game provides a dense atmosphere filled with neon lights and high stakes corporate intrigue.

‘Monster Hunter: World’ (2018)

Hunters track and battle massive creatures across diverse ecosystems to gather materials for better equipment. The gameplay loop focuses on learning the behaviors of monsters and mastering one of fourteen unique weapon types. Players can team up with others in cooperative multiplayer to take down the most dangerous threats in the New World. This entry brought the series to a global audience with improved accessibility and stunning visuals.

‘Resident Evil 4’ (2023)

Leon S. Kennedy travels to a remote European village to rescue the kidnapped daughter of the President. This remake modernizes the classic action horror experience with updated controls and expanded story elements. Players must manage limited resources while fighting off hordes of infected villagers and monstrous bosses. ‘Resident Evil 4’ maintains a tense atmosphere while delivering some of the most satisfying combat in the franchise.

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ (2015)

Three distinct criminals collaborate on a series of daring heists across the sprawling city of Los Santos. Players can switch between the characters at almost any time to experience different perspectives and abilities. The game includes a massive online component where players can build their own criminal empires. ‘Grand Theft Auto V’ remains one of the most popular titles on Steam due to its endless variety and polished mechanics.

‘Apex Legends’ (2020)

Teams of three compete in a high stakes battle royale set in the Frontier universe. Each character features unique abilities that can change the tide of battle when used strategically. The movement system is fluid and rewards players who master sliding and climbing techniques. ‘Apex Legends’ continues to evolve with frequent seasonal updates that introduce new legends and map changes.

‘Ultrakill’ (2020)

This retro styled first person shooter combines fast movement with a unique blood healing mechanic. Players must stay aggressive to regain health while navigating through levels inspired by the layers of Hell. The combat system encourages experimentation with weapon combos and stylish movement techniques. ‘Ultrakill’ provides a frantic and challenging experience for fans of classic shooters.

‘Risk of Rain 2’ (2020)

Players battle through alien environments to escape a hostile planet while collecting powerful items that stack infinitely. The difficulty increases over time which forces players to move quickly and choose their upgrades wisely. Every run offers a different experience due to the randomized nature of the loot and stage layouts. This title successfully transitioned the series from a two dimensional perspective into a fully realized three dimensional world.

‘Sifu’ (2022)

A young kung fu student seeks revenge against the assassins who murdered their family. The game features a unique aging mechanic where the character grows older every time they are defeated and resurrected. Players must master a complex combat system that emphasizes positioning and environmental interaction. ‘Sifu’ demands dedication and practice to overcome its challenging bosses and intricate levels.

‘Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance’ (2014)

Raiden uses a high frequency blade to cut through cyborg enemies and massive machines with incredible precision. The Blade Mode mechanic allows players to slow down time and choose exactly where to slice their opponents. Over the top boss fights and a high energy soundtrack define the cinematic experience of the game. ‘Metal Gear Rising Revengeance’ remains a fan favorite for its fast action and memorable characters.

‘Dead Cells’ (2018)

A failed experiment explores a sprawling and ever changing castle while fighting through diverse biomes. This rogue lite action platformer features tight combat and hundreds of unique weapon combinations. Death is a permanent part of the experience but players earn permanent upgrades to help them progress further in subsequent runs. ‘Dead Cells’ is known for its fluid movement and the constant stream of free content updates provided by the developers.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

Geralt of Rivia searches for his adopted daughter while navigating a world torn apart by war and supernatural threats. The combat involves a mix of swordplay and magical signs that players must adapt to different enemy types. A massive open world provides hundreds of hours of content through meaningful side quests and deep lore. ‘The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt’ is widely considered one of the greatest achievements in the action role playing genre.

‘Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon’ (2023)

Players pilot highly customizable mechs across a war torn planet to complete dangerous mercenary missions. The assembly system allows for deep experimentation with weapons and parts to suit different combat scenarios. Intense boss battles require players to utilize both ground and aerial movement to survive. ‘Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon’ marks the return of the storied franchise with modern visuals and refined controls.

‘Warframe’ (2013)

Players control ancient warriors known as Tenno who use powerful bio mechanical suits to fight across the solar system. The game features a massive amount of content including hundreds of weapons and dozens of unique frames to master. A deep crafting system and open world zones provide endless goals for dedicated players. ‘Warframe’ is famous for its fast movement system and its fair free to play model.

‘Destiny 2’ (2019)

Guardians protect the last safe city on Earth from various alien threats using powerful elemental abilities. The game combines satisfying first person shooting with deep role playing elements and cooperative raids. Players can explore multiple planets and participate in both competitive and cooperative game modes. ‘Destiny 2’ receives regular expansions that introduce new story arcs and gear for players to collect.

‘Titanfall 2’ (2016)

A rifleman and a veteran Vanguard class Titan must work together to complete a mission against overwhelming odds. The single player campaign is praised for its innovative level design and the bond between the two protagonists. Multiplayer matches feature a unique blend of fast paced pilot movement and massive titan combat. ‘Titanfall 2’ remains a standout title in the genre due to its polished mechanics and creative gameplay.

‘Katana ZERO’ (2019)

A drug fueled assassin with the ability to manipulate time slices through enemies in stylish side scrolling combat. Every level is a lethal puzzle where one hit means death and players must plan their moves carefully. The dark neon aesthetic and pulsing synthwave soundtrack create a distinct atmosphere throughout the experience. ‘Katana ZERO’ features a compelling narrative that unfolds through interactive dialogue sequences and frantic action.

‘Hotline Miami’ (2012)

Players take on the role of a mysterious protagonist who carries out brutal hits against the Russian mafia. The game is known for its extreme violence and high difficulty where quick reflexes are essential for survival. A psychedelic art style and a haunting electronic soundtrack complement the surreal and disturbing narrative. ‘Hotline Miami’ challenged the expectations of the industry with its raw presentation and punishing gameplay.

‘Batman: Arkham Knight’ (2015)

The Dark Knight faces his ultimate challenge as Scarecrow unites the rogues gallery to destroy Gotham City. Players can drive the Batmobile for the first time in the series to engage in high speed chases and tank combat. The Freeflow combat system remains a gold standard for the genre with its fluid animations and satisfying impact. ‘Batman Arkham Knight’ concludes the acclaimed trilogy with a massive world and a high stakes story.

‘Borderlands 2’ (2012)

Vault Hunters travel to the planet Pandora to stop the tyrannical Handsome Jack from opening a new vault. The game features a unique art style and a procedural loot system that generates millions of different firearms. Cooperative play allows up to four players to tackle missions and boss fights together. ‘Borderlands 2’ is celebrated for its humor and the sheer variety of builds available for each character class.

‘Dishonored 2’ (2016)

Players choose between Corvo Attano or Emily Kaldwin to reclaim the throne from a supernatural usurper. The game emphasizes player choice by allowing missions to be completed through stealth or direct confrontation. Intricate level design provides numerous paths and secrets for players to discover using unique supernatural abilities. ‘Dishonored 2’ rewards creativity and experimentation within its richly detailed steampunk world.

‘Left 4 Dead 2’ (2009)

Four survivors must work together to navigate through zombie infested environments and reach safety. The AI Director adjusts the difficulty and item placement in real time to ensure every match is different. Players can use a wide variety of melee weapons and firearms to fend off the common infected and special mutants. ‘Left 4 Dead 2’ remains a staple of cooperative gaming due to its tight mechanics and endless replayability.

‘Helldivers 2’ (2024)

Soldiers of Super Earth engage in chaotic third person combat against swarms of bugs and robotic armies. The game emphasizes team coordination and the strategic use of powerful stratagems to complete objectives. Friendly fire is a constant threat that adds to the frantic and often humorous nature of the missions. ‘Helldivers 2’ features a persistent galactic war where the collective efforts of players determine the fate of the universe.

‘Dying Light’ (2015)

A secret agent must survive in a quarantined city filled with aggressive zombies by mastering parkour and melee combat. The day and night cycle significantly changes the gameplay as more dangerous predators emerge after sunset. Players can craft unique weapons and participate in four player cooperative missions across the urban landscape. ‘Dying Light’ is praised for its smooth movement system and the tense atmosphere of its open world.

‘Middle-earth: Shadow of War’ (2017)

Talion and Celebrimbor build an army of orcs to challenge the power of Sauron in a massive version of Middle earth. The Nemesis System returns to create unique personal stories with enemy leaders who remember previous encounters. Players can participate in large scale fortress sieges and manage their conquered territories. ‘Middle earth Shadow of War’ offers a deep and engaging experience for fans of the fantasy setting.

‘Tomb Raider’ (2013)

A young Lara Croft must learn to survive on a mysterious island after her research vessel is shipwrecked. The game features a blend of stealth and cover based shooting alongside environmental puzzles and exploration. Players upgrade the skills and equipment of Lara as she transforms from a survivor into a seasoned adventurer. This reboot successfully modernized the iconic character with a more grounded and cinematic approach.

‘Just Cause 3’ (2015)

Rico Rodriguez returns to his homeland to overthrow a brutal dictator using a vast arsenal of weapons and vehicles. The game focuses on sandbox destruction and allows players to tether objects together for creative chaos. A wingsuit and parachute provide unparalleled freedom of movement across the massive Mediterranean island. ‘Just Cause 3’ delivers a pure power fantasy where the environment is a playground for explosive action.

‘Streets of Rage 4’ (2020)

Classic heroes return to clean up the streets of Wood Oak City in this modern revival of the legendary beat em up series. The game features beautiful hand drawn visuals and a soundtrack that pays homage to the original titles. Players can team up with friends locally or online to take down waves of criminals and powerful bosses. ‘Streets of Rage 4’ maintains the core mechanics of the franchise while adding new systems for modern players.

‘Max Payne 3’ (2012)

Max Payne moves to Brazil to work as private security for a wealthy family but finds himself caught in a conspiracy. The game features a highly detailed physics engine and the signature bullet time mechanic for cinematic shootouts. Every encounter is a bloody and intense struggle for survival through various urban environments. ‘Max Payne 3’ concludes the story of the troubled detective with a gritty and uncompromising narrative.

‘Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus’ (2017)

BJ Blazkowicz leads a resistance movement to liberate America from an alternate history occupation. The game features over the top action and a diverse cast of characters who fight for freedom. Players can dual wield weapons and use various gadgets to dismantle the technological might of the enemy. ‘Wolfenstein II The New Colossus’ combines high stakes combat with a surprisingly personal and emotional story.

‘Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’ (2015)

Venom Snake builds a private military force while seeking revenge against those who destroyed his original base. The open world design allows players to approach missions with total freedom including stealth and loud combat. A deep base management system and various companions provide layers of strategy to the tactical gameplay. ‘Metal Gear Solid V The Phantom Pain’ features some of the most polished stealth action mechanics in the entire genre.

‘Black Myth: Wukong’ (2024)

The Destined One embarks on a journey through Chinese mythology to uncover the truth behind an ancient legend. Players utilize a versatile staff and various magical transformations to defeat formidable foes and massive bosses. The combat is fast paced and requires careful timing of dodges and specialized abilities. This title features stunning visuals and a deep world inspired by the classic novel Journey to the West.

‘Ghostrunner’ (2020)

A cyber warrior climbs a massive tower city to confront a tyrannical ruler in a high speed action game. Both the player and the enemies die in a single hit which makes every encounter a test of speed and precision. Players can use a katana and various cybernetic abilities to navigate hazardous environments and slice through threats. ‘Ghostrunner’ provides a punishing but rewarding experience that emphasizes flow and momentum.

‘Enter the Gungeon’ (2016)

A band of misfits seeks to reach the bottom of a dungeon to find a gun that can kill the past. This bullet hell rogue like features hundreds of unique guns and items that create crazy synergies during a run. Players must master the dodge roll and environmental cover to survive the constant barrages of projectiles. ‘Enter the Gungeon’ is known for its charming art style and its incredible depth of secrets and challenges.

‘Remnant II’ (2023)

Survivors travel across terrifying worlds to stop a malevolent force from destroying reality itself. The game features a unique blend of third person shooting and challenging boss encounters inspired by the souls like genre. Procedural generation ensures that every campaign run features different locations and enemy encounters for players to master. ‘Remnant II’ offers a deep archetypical system that allows for extensive character customization and cooperative play.

‘Hollow Knight’ (2017)

A nameless knight explores the ruins of an ancient underground kingdom filled with dangerous creatures and hidden secrets. This action platformer features challenging combat and a massive map that encourages non linear exploration. Players can equip charms to gain new abilities and customize their playstyle for difficult boss fights. ‘Hollow Knight’ is celebrated for its atmosphere and the tight precision of its mechanics.

‘Nioh 2’ (2021)

A customizable protagonist uses the power of Yokai to fight through a demonic version of the Sengoku period. The combat system features three different stances and a stamina management mechanic that rewards aggressive play. Players can transform into powerful demons to unleash devastating attacks during difficult encounters. ‘Nioh 2’ offers a massive amount of loot and deep character progression for fans of challenging action games.

‘Control Ultimate Edition’ (2020)

Jesse Faden becomes the Director of a secretive government agency dealing with supernatural threats in a shifting office building. Players use telekinetic powers and a transforming service weapon to fight back against an invading force called the Hiss. The environmental destruction and physics based combat create dynamic and unpredictable encounters. This edition includes the base game and all expansions that further explore the mysterious world.

‘Nier: Automata’ (2017)

Androids 2B and 9S fight a proxy war against machine invaders on a desolate and beautiful Earth. The gameplay seamlessly transitions between third person action and various shooter perspectives during intense battles. A deep and philosophical narrative unfolds over multiple playthroughs with different endings to discover. ‘Nier Automata’ is praised for its unique presentation and the emotional impact of its story.

‘Dark Souls III’ (2016)

Players journey through the kingdom of Lothric to link the fire and prevent the world from falling into darkness. The game features some of the most iconic boss fights and intricate level designs in the history of the genre. Combat is deliberate and requires players to manage their stamina while looking for openings in enemy defenses. ‘Dark Souls III’ serves as a grand conclusion to the trilogy with refined mechanics and a hauntingly beautiful world.

‘Deep Rock Galactic’ (2020)

Teams of space dwarves mine valuable minerals while defending themselves against swarms of alien arachnids. The game features fully destructible environments and four distinct classes with unique tools and weapons. Cooperation is essential for survival as players navigate procedurally generated cave systems and complete dangerous objectives. ‘Deep Rock Galactic’ has built a passionate community due to its fun gameplay and frequent free updates.

Share your favorite action games from this list or tell us what we missed in the comments.