Here are ten RPGs with great combat systems, ranked in no particular order. In this list, I will focus on including more underrated and hidden gem RPGs than the most well-known and mainstream ones.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War
As the name implies, Shadow of War is set in Middle-earth, which is the Lord of the Rings universe. Unlike the previous game, Shadow of Mordor, Shadow of War has more RPG elements and a great, customisable combat system. There are a variety of beautiful and powerful weapons and armour to choose from. Combat has seen a great improvement from the previous game. This combat system is similar to the Batman: Arkham games, but it’s a lot more brutal.
Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
Kingdoms of Amalur was originally released in 2012 and it recently got a remaster named Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning. This game is quite underrated and it deserves more attention. The game is flawed in some sections, but it doesn’t keep the game from having good RPG elements and a great combat system. The weaponry and armour from this game are more fantasy-focused than realistic. You can play as a mage, a ranged warrior, a heavily armoured juggernaut, a fast and deadly assassin and more.
Dragon Age: Origins
The combat system of Dragon Age: Origins is quite different from the other entries on this list, with a focus on strategy, teamwork and tactics rather than real-time button mash combat. You have a party with various abilities and you need to strategically plan each of your attacks. You have multiple classes and weapons and armour to choose from. Dragon Age: Origins is also one of the greatest RPGs ever created, and this unique, great combat system is the cherry on top.
Cyberpunk 2077
Everyone knows of the disastrous launch of Cyberpunk 2077 and this incident made countless gamers lose their faith in the developer, CD Projekt RED. But now, the devs have almost completely fixed the game. I consider CP2077 to be one of the better RPGs, and its combat system relies on gunplay and melee combat with various weapons, ranging from Katanas to Machine guns. You can greatly customize your character and the weapons/armors. And the game goes on sale once in a while too.
Check out CDPR’s masterpiece, The Witcher 3, as well. While it doesn’t have a combat system as great as others on this list, it’s a must-play video game.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Unlike the previous Yakuza games, Like a Dragon is turn-based. You can also switch your party’s combat styles. This combat system is very consistent and tight. It’s an absolutely wonderful game.
Mortal Shell
Mortal Shell is a Soulsborne-like indie RPG. The game is very grotesque and beautiful in its own way. While there aren’t as many weapons to choose from as in the Souls games, Mortal Shell‘s combat is very good. The lore and the world are also well-built. There are some innovative features in the combat system as well. Most Soulsborne fans will appreciate this game.
NieR: Automata
In simple words, NieR: Automata is an absolute masterpiece and a work of art. Everything about this game is near-perfect, with a philosophical and masterful story, gorgeous open-world and lore, and of course, the great combat system. It’s fast-paced and very stylish. This is considered to be one of the greatest action RPGs by both critics and gamers. You can use ranged attacks and melee attacks to bring down your foes. And the main character is one of the most loved protagonists in gaming history. You don’t want to miss this masterpiece.
Elden Ring and the Soulsborne franchise
There isn’t much to tell of the recently released masterpiece, Elden Ring. It has the best combat system out of all the Souls games. Simply put, it shines in every way. If you liked Elden Ring, be sure to check out the other Soulsborne games: The Dark Souls Trilogy, Demon’s Souls, and Bloodborne. Players love all of these games and combat is the main focus.
I’d like to include Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice as an honorable mention (read our full review here). Unlike the setting of western locations in Souls games, Sekiro is set in Sengoku Era, Japan. While there aren’t a lot of RPG elements in Sekiro, it has arguably the best combat system of all From Software games. Both the Soulsborne games and Sekiro are brutally punishing, yet rewarding games.
Read this article about a funny encounter between Elden Ring online players: https://gamefreaks365.com/reddit-user-meets-jesus-and-lucifer-in-elden-ring/
Nioh and Nioh 2
Nioh is an action RPG set in Japan, where you get to fight various creatures from Japanese mythology. You can choose from a wide range of weapons, including Katana swords, spears, bows, axes and etc. Nioh is not completely open world, but the open-ended levels are fun to explore. It’s a tight and satisfying but incredibly punishing combat system.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Dragon’s Dogma has one of the best combat systems ever found in a game. It feels tight, consistent, and satisfying. You can climb on giant foes and attack their weak points, you can pick up and throw small foes like a juggernaut beast, and you can use magic skills that will make the battlefield feel like a nuclear test site. You can have a party of your choosing and they fight as skillfully as you. Most other RPGs fail to create combat as intense and action-packed as Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen. And this game’s final boss fight will make your jaw drop, believe me!
