Top PC Action Games That Deliver Nonstop Thrills
For pure adrenaline and refined combat, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands out as the best overall pick due to its precise swordplay and challenging encounters, though its steep difficulty may frustrate casual players.
Action games on PC offer a wide range of experiences, from fast-paced shooters to deep melee combat. The genre thrives on responsive controls and immersive worlds.
Our list includes titles that excel in different aspects: some prioritize story, others focus on multiplayer chaos, and a few deliver pure skill-based challenges. Each game is widely available on Amazon for digital download.
The shortlist, ranked
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
FromSoftware’s masterpiece of precision swordplay. You play a shinobi on a quest for revenge in feudal Japan. The combat requires perfect timing and posture management.
Pros
- Rewarding and deep combat system
- Beautiful and atmospheric world
- High replay value with multiple endings
Cons
- Very difficult, not for casual gamers
- Limited customization compared to other RPGs
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition
Capcom’s signature stylish action game returns with three playable characters. The combat is deep, allowing for insane aerial combos and stylish rankings. Includes the special edition content.
Pros
- Incredibly satisfying and fluid combat
- Three distinct playable characters with unique styles
- Great graphics and performance on PC
Cons
- Story can be cheesy
- Camera issues in tight spaces
Doom Eternal
Rip and tear through hordes of demons in this intense FPS. The game encourages aggressive play, rewarding you for staying mobile and using a variety of weapons. The soundtrack is phenomenal.
Pros
- Fast and fluid gunplay
- Excellent level design that encourages exploration
- Demanding but fair difficulty
Cons
- May be too intense for some players
- Multiplayer modes are not as polished as single-player
God of War
Kratos returns in a Norse mythology setting. This game blends intense combat with a deeply personal story about fatherhood. The Leviathan Axe is a joy to use.
Pros
- Compelling narrative and character development
- Visually stunning and technically impressive on PC
- Satisfying combat with a variety of enemies
Cons
- Some puzzle sections slow the pacing
- Limited enemy variety in certain areas
Monster Hunter: World
Hunt massive monsters in a living ecosystem. This game offers a robust co-op experience where you and friends can tackle challenging beasts. The weapons have deep movesets.
Pros
- Huge amount of content
- Rewarding progression and crafting
- Great cooperative play
Cons
- Grindy endgame
- Story is almost nonexistent
Hades
Escape the Underworld as Zagreus, son of Hades. This game combines fast-paced action with a branching narrative that unfolds each run. The art style is gorgeous.
Pros
- Exceptional writing and voice acting
- Every run feels fresh with different boon combinations
- Accessible for beginners but deep for veterans
Cons
- May become repetitive after many runs
- Controller recommended for best experience
Batman: Arkham Knight
Don the cape and cowl in the final chapter of the Arkham trilogy. The freeflow combat is smooth, and the Batmobile adds a new dimension. The story is a fitting conclusion.
Pros
- Satisfying combat and stealth mechanics
- Gorgeous open-world Gotham City
- Engaging story with a great twist
Cons
- Batmobile segments can be overused
- PC port had issues at launch (since fixed)
How they compare
| # | Model | Genre | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Action-adventure | Hardcore players seeking a demanding combat experience | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition | Hack and slash | Stylish combo enthusiasts who love over-the-top action | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Doom Eternal | First-person shooter | Fast-paced first-person shooter fans | 9.3 | Check price |
| 4 | God of War | Action-adventure | Story-driven action with epic scale | 9.2 | Check price |
| 5 | Monster Hunter: World | Action RPG | Cooperative action with deep crafting | 9.0 | Check price |
| 6 | Hades | Roguelike | Roguelike action with a compelling story | 9.1 | Check price |
| 7 | Batman: Arkham Knight | Action-adventure | Players who want a great superhero power fantasy | 8.8 | Check price |
How to pick the right one
Frequently asked questions
What are the best PC action games for beginners?
For beginners, games like Batman: Arkham Knight offer a fair difficulty curve and familiar mechanics. Hades is also accessible due to its forgiving death system and adjustable difficulty modes.
Do these games require a powerful gaming PC?
Yes, many modern action games have high system requirements. For example, God of War on PC requires a fairly robust setup to run at high settings. Check the specific requirements for each game.
Can I play these action games with a controller?
Most action games are better with a controller, especially melee-focused ones. However, shooters like Doom Eternal are often played with keyboard and mouse. All games on this list support both.
Are these games available on Steam or other platforms?
All of these games are available on Steam, and some also on Epic Games Store or other platforms. Digital codes are sold on Amazon, which you can redeem on the respective platform.
Which of these games have the best graphics?
God of War and Devil May Cry 5 are known for stunning visuals. Doom Eternal also has impressive graphics with a high frame rate capability.
Are there any action games that support multiplayer?
Monster Hunter: World offers excellent co-op multiplayer. Devil May Cry 5 has a competitive mode in the Special Edition, but it is primarily single-player.
How long is the campaign for each game?
Campaign lengths vary. Sekiro takes about 30-40 hours, while Hades can take 20 hours to see the credits but has endless replay. Batman: Arkham Knight is around 15-20 hours for the main story.
What if I find a game too difficult?
Many games offer difficulty options. Hades has a ‘God Mode’ that reduces damage taken. For Sekiro, there is no difficulty setting, so consider other games if you prefer a relaxed experience.
Are there any action games with a good story?
God of War is praised for its narrative, and Batman: Arkham Knight tells a compelling story. Hades weaves story into its gameplay loop perfectly.
Can I get a refund if the game doesn’t run well?
Amazon has a return policy for digital games, but it’s limited. Check the game’s system requirements and user reviews to ensure compatibility before purchasing.
Final word
If you want the pinnacle of action gaming, choose Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice for its unmatched challenge and precision. For a more accessible yet still exhilarating experience, God of War offers a perfect balance of story and combat. Doom Eternal is your pick if you prefer fast-paced shooters, and Monster Hunter: World is ideal for playing with friends. Every title on this list delivers exceptional action, so you can’t go wrong.
