Action Games

The evolution of games paved the way for new and exciting genres to pop up over the years. Still, some categories like action games consistently belong to chart-topping lists, and for good reason. This type of game is typically characterized by fast-paced and physically challenging gameplay.

Gamers often turn to this genre to sharpen their movement and combat skills. Some players search for action games that require intense focus and flawless hand-eye coordination. Most of these titles also test a user’s reaction time as they battle it out with other players or computer-generated characters.

There’s no doubt regarding the popularity of these games, which you can learn more about in this quick guide.

What are the categories found in action games?

In essence, action games refer to a broad range of commercial and indie titles, each with unique sub-genres. These categories are some of the most common examples.

Adventure Games

Action adventure games mix exciting mechanics such as problem-solving and physical skills with a compelling storyline. As a hybrid sub-genre, this category ensures a more frantic gameplay. Players get to explore a world and live as a character. The Legend of Zelda and Uncharted are some popular titles from this block.

Platform Games

Platformers produce several of the gaming community’s revolutionary characters like Crash Bandicoot and Super Mario. The defining elements of this type of game are the platforms and obstacles that players must skip, hop, or jump over.

Shooter Games

Shooting games have outstanding popularity within the gaming community focusing on weapon-based firefights. It’s a mishmash of titles that present varying themes like military, mafia, and more.

Generally, shooting games are subdivided into first-person shooters or FPS and third-person shooters or TPS. Call of Duty and DOOM are exceptional FPS games, while Fortnite and Gears of War hold the crown for TPS games.

Fighting Games

Another group of top rated action games are fighting games. This sub-genre is all about winning a battle using an attack or defense mechanic. Typically, players fight to bring down the enemy's health bar. Arcade titles like Tekken, Mortal Kombat, and Street Fighter are representative of this genre.

Stealth Games

Covert operations and ninja-like capabilities are characteristics of stealth games. In this sub-genre, you must move past enemies without getting detected to win. Players should move carefully and time their actions, hiding when necessary. This category’s famous titles include Splinter Cell and Metal Gear Solid.

Rhythm Games

Online action games may blend musical elements to bring a unique twist to the gameplay. Titles like Beat Saber and Guitar Hero combine action and rhythm by timing button presses to the beat. These games test hand-eye coordination and the player’s ability to sync their movement to the music.

Hack and Slasher Games

God of War and Diablo appeal to players who follow the hack and slasher (HnS) sub-genre. These games incorporate a melee-based fighting style, with the characters fighting to conquer wave after wave of enemies.

Beat’em Ups and Brawlers Games

Beat’em Ups and Brawlers may fit into the fighting category, but they have specific elements no other combat games have. These games, which include Double Dragon and Streets of Rage, feature a side-scrolling format. The player controls the characters that engage in hand-to-hand combat against a series of opponents.

Vehicle Action Games

Video games that focus on building battle vehicles belong to this category. Vehicle action games introduce classics like Twisted Metal and Wipeout, which target gearheads that love a good round of skirmish, too.

Open-World Action Games

Completing tasks in a vast in-game environment is the common objective of open-world action games. If you have experienced playing Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto, you’ll know that these titles prompt exploration and plenty of side quests.

What are the most popular action games by platform?

There’s an almost endless list of action-based titles in the market. We rounded up the top-rated action games to make it easier for you to find the best ones to play!

Android and iOS Action Games

Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is one of the best action adventure games that have a massive open-world format. There’s a healthy mix of exploration, battles, and cooperative play in this game!

Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.miHoYo.GenshinImpact

Appstore: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/genshin-impact/id1517783697&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1701212407321417&usg=AOvVaw0n_LY0H4iQp7Gv2Vy2snyT

PUBG Mobile

Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds or PUBG amassed a huge following on release, prompting creators to produce a mobile version. PUBG Mobile is primarily a battle royale game wherein players win by being the last man or team standing.

Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tencent.ig

Appstore: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pubg-mobile/id1330123889

PC Action Games

Apex Legends

Apex Legends is one of the popular online action games under the shooter battle royale category. Players pick between heroes who possess different skill sets, adding excitement to the game.

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1172470/Apex_Legends/

EA: https://www.ea.com/games/apex-legends/buy/pc

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Become a mercenary in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and explore the engaging fantasy world of this game. Players can select their path and perform quests that match the destination they choose.

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/292030/The_Witcher_3_Wild_Hunt/

Xbox One and Series X/S Action Games

Gear 5

Xbox gamers praise Gears 5 for its impressive graphics and fun multiplayer mode. At its core, the game is a cover-shooter campaign that transports the players to a gory, action-packed battlefield.

Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/ar-AE/games/gears-5

Halo Infinite

Action games like Halo Infinite provide gamers the option to run single-player campaigns or play alongside friends in multiplayer mode. This game features next-level weapons and rousing boss fights that hardcore gamers like.

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1240440/Halo_Infinite/

Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/halo-infinite

PlayStation Action Games (PS4/PS5)

God of War Ragnarok

A great adventure is in store for God of War Ragnarok players. It features a Norse theme with familiar characters and a breathtaking environment that deserves more than a run-through.

PlayStation: https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/god-of-war-ragnarok/#buy-now

Nintendo Switch Action Games

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

The Legend of Zelda is a leading franchise when you search for action games. It takes you on an expanded adventure filled with side quests and a rewarding storyline for the brave wanderer.

Nintendo eShop: https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-switch/

VR Action Games

Beat Saber

Beat Saber is a rhythm action game that requires matching saber movements to the musical beat. The goal is to finish the song by cutting cubes and overcoming obstacles flawlessly.

Meta: https://www.meta.com/experiences/2448060205267927/

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/620980/Beat_Saber/

Population: One

Dive into the enthralling virtual reality experience offered by Population: One. This FPS action title is available in various modes, enabling players to explore different playstyles alone or with friends.

Meta: https://www.meta.com/experiences/2564158073609422/

Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/691260/POPULATION_ONE/

Which Free-to-Play action games are available?

Gamers are always on the hunt for titles that can be played without spending a dime. Fortunately, there are several free-to-play (F2P) action games from this list. For instance, Population: One is an F2P VR title to the delight of many players. Other popular games you can play for free include Halo Infinite, Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, Apex Legends, and more.

Conclusion

The intensity of action games paired with a high entertainment value helps players have fun and sharpen their gaming skills simultaneously. This genre is now more fluid, ensuring that everyone can find the sub-genre that suits their playing style.