More recently, RPGs have incorporated combat systems that are satisfyingly fun to use. These games are the proof.
There was a time when the roleplaying genre never used to reach the same heights as pure action games in their combat systems. However, RPGs can offer unique takes on these systems that pure fighting or shooting games cannot. More recently, the genre has incorporated combat systems that often find ways to integrate the need for number-crunching and a hybrid fighting system that is appealing to all gamers.
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Japanese developers appear to be looking at Western action RPGs like The Witcher 3, with even the Final Fantasy series leaning toward the action genre. At the same time, Western RPGs are streamlining their once complicated leveling systems for something more straightforward like those seen in JRPGs. Whether fans want a superb action-based fighting system, or something tactical and turn-based, this list has some of the best.
Updated June 3, 2023 by Michael Llewellyn: The RPG can adapt several genres to make its combat system feel unique, cinematic, or tactical. Fighting systems can utilize real-time fighting or a turn-based system utilizing grids and chess-like movements. Japanese and Western developers implement styles that used to be different but can be comparable in modern gaming.
Combat can have real-time action, like Final Fantasy 16, or use a system that uses a traditional turn-based system like Baldur’s Gate 3. This list has been updated to include more great fighting systems from Japanese and Western RPGs.
This entry bundles Ys 8: Lacrimosa of Dana and Ys 9: Monstrum Nox because both titles feature similar combat. However, both RPGs feature some of the best and fastest real-time combat systems in RPGs. It is fast-paced, responsive, arcade-like, and accessible, especially on the PS5, running at a smooth 60 FPS.
The long-running Ys series has always made it easy for players to pick and play, but the challenge is there with the increased difficulties. Both titles are worth exploring for fans of RPGs, Ys 8 has an intriguing and explorable island with a story that develops over time, and Ys 9 is slightly darker with more focus on character development.
Nier: Automata is a sequel to Nier Replicant – the remastered Nier (2010) – it has some of the best real-time combat in a JRPG. It is developed by PlatinumGames and merges genres in exciting ways where the protagonist engages in swordplay, battles with giant mechs, top-down shooting, and platforming.
In addition to having slick combat, Nier: Automatahas an in-depth story that questions what it means to be human, morality, and much more. It has multiple endings, and the character development of 2B and 9S as androids with human emotions call upon questions raised in the icon Blade Runner movies.
Team Ninja’s Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is an action RPG similar to the Nioh and Sekiro. Fans of the swordplay focus on deflections and counters in Sekiro will love the combat in Wo Long. It is a faster and more fluid RPG than most Souls-likes and will challenge the most seasoned veterans of the genre.
The first boss battle against the General will test the patience of most players, but it allows Wo Long players to become accustomed to the fighting system. The fights become more challenging, but it’s rewarding when players get skilled enough to defeat multiple enemies and bosses with deflections and counters.
Elden Ring is the latest game coming out of FromSoft’s Soulsborne franchise. It is arguably the best and most ambitious game the studio has created and features a ton of playstyles to choose from. The combat is an evolution of everything the studio has worked on, with only Sekiro having better-dedicated swordplay mechanics.
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The tough but fair philosophy is present in every fight forcing players to learn the patterns and animations of enemies. There is a fun PVP, but it can feel unbalanced in favor of magic users. Ultimately, Elden Ringis at its best when playing the single-player mode because the scope and scale offer so much flexibility in the fighting systems.
The Tales series has always stood out because of its character development and combat systems. Tales of Arise is no exception and has one of the best and most visually impressive combat systems. Tales of Arise has the most cinematic combat system in the series, making players feel like they are in the middle of an anime fight scene.
The combat is challenging but easy to pick and learn with team abilities and characters that feel different and unique in battle. There are lots of monsters and engaging enemies to fight, and each fight feels rewarding in its own right.
2021 was a vintage year for Bandai Namco, with two big hits from the studio. The first is Tales of Arise, and the most recent is Scarlet Nexus.
