Top PC Action Games to Play Right Now
For most players, the top pick is DOOM Eternal, a high-octane shooter that rewards aggressive play with fluid movement and a heavy metal soundtrack. Its main advantage is the best-in-class combat loop that keeps you on the edge. The main limitation is its steep difficulty curve, which can frustrate newcomers.
Action games on PC offer a vast spectrum, from lightning-fast shooters to methodical sword duels. With so many titles, finding the right one can be overwhelming. We compared seven of the most acclaimed action games based on gameplay, replayability, and system requirements.
Whether you are a veteran seeking a challenge or a casual player looking for a fun weekend, this list covers a range of styles. Each game has been chosen for its exceptional quality and distinct flavor. Our goal is to help you pick the one that fits your play style best.
How to pick the right one
What we recommend
DOOM Eternal
DOOM Eternal is a first-person shooter that pushes the genre forward. Players take on demonic forces using a variety of weapons and quick movement. The game emphasizes aggressive play, rewarding you for constantly moving and switching guns. Its single-player campaign is polished and offers a deep combat system that keeps you engaged for many hours.
Pros
- Fluid and fast combat mechanics
- Excellent level design with verticality
- Heavy metal soundtrack that pumps adrenaline
Cons
- Difficulty may be too intense for casual players
- Requires constant attention and quick reflexes
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is an action-adventure game from FromSoftware. It focuses on sword combat, where timing and parrying are key. Unlike other souls-like games, it features a grappling hook for vertical traversal. The game is set in a fantasy version of feudal Japan and offers a deep, rewarding combat system.
Pros
- Masterful combat with high skill ceiling
- Beautiful world with vertical exploration
- Engaging boss battles that test your patience
Cons
- Very difficult, may frustrate some players
- Limited character customization
Devil May Cry 5
Devil May Cry 5 is a hack and slash action game that lets you play as three characters, each with unique movesets. The combat is deep, allowing for stylish combos and crazy stunts. It uses the RE Engine, delivering stunning visuals and smooth 60fps on PC. The story is over-the-top but fun, and the game is packed with content.
Pros
- Incredibly satisfying combo system
- Three characters with distinct playstyles
- Great graphics and performance on PC
Cons
- Story is cheesy and not very deep
- Some camera issues in tight spaces
Hades
Hades is a roguelike action dungeon crawler where you escape the underworld. You play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, with a variety of weapons and boons from Olympian gods. Each run is different, and the narrative unfolds as you progress. The game is praised for its fluid combat and excellent writing.
Pros
- Tight and responsive combat
- Engaging story with memorable characters
- High replayability with randomized runs
Cons
- Can feel repetitive after many hours
- Requires multiple runs to see full story
Control
Control is a third-person action shooter that combines gunplay with telekinetic powers. You play as Jesse Faden, who becomes the director of a secret agency. The game features a unique world that shifts and changes, with a deep lore. Combat is fast and allows for creative uses of your abilities.
Pros
- Innovative use of telekinesis and physics
- Atmospheric and mysterious world
- Solid gunplay mixed with supernatural powers
Cons
- Map and navigation can be confusing
- Difficulty spikes in some encounters
Celeste
Celeste is a platformer that focuses on precision and reflex. You climb a mountain named Celeste, overcoming obstacles and your own inner demons. The game is known for its tight controls and challenging but fair level design. It also tells a touching story about mental health and perseverance.
Pros
- Extremely tight and responsive controls
- Meaningful story with a positive message
- Lots of content with B-sides and bonus levels
Cons
- Some players may find it too hard
- Not a typical action game in the sense of combat
Apex Legends
Apex Legends is a free-to-play battle royale game that emphasizes teamwork and character abilities. Each legend has unique skills, and movement is fluid with sliding and climbing. The game offers a polished shooter experience with a vibrant roster of characters. It is constantly updated with new seasons and content.
Pros
- Fast-paced and team-oriented action
- Unique character abilities add depth
- Free to play with frequent updates
Cons
- Requires internet connection and team coordination
- Microtransactions for cosmetic items
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Genre | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DOOM Eternal | First-person shooter | Fast-paced shooter fans | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Action-adventure | Precision combat and challenge seekers | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Devil May Cry 5 | Hack and slash | Stylish hack and slash action | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | Hades | Roguelike action | Roguelike fans who love a good story | 9.1 | Check price |
| 5 | Control | Action-adventure shooter | Fans of supernatural powers and mind-bending narratives | 8.8 | Check price |
| 6 | Celeste | Platformer | Precision platforming and emotional storytelling | 9.0 | Check price |
| 7 | Apex Legends | Battle royale | Team-based battle royale action | 8.5 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best PC action game for beginners?
If you are new to action games, Hades is a great choice because it offers a forgiving difficulty curve and a compelling story that keeps you motivated. It also has a ‘God Mode’ that makes it easier.
Are these games available on Steam?
Yes, all of them are available on Steam. Additionally, some are on Epic Games Store or Origin, but Steam is a common platform for PC gamers.
Do I need a high-end PC to run these games?
It depends on the game. Celeste and Hades run on almost any PC. DOOM Eternal and Devil May Cry 5 are well optimized but benefit from a decent GPU. Control and Apex Legends will require a more powerful system for higher settings.
Which game has the best graphics?
Control and Devil May Cry 5 are known for their impressive visuals, especially with ray tracing enabled. DOOM Eternal also looks fantastic with high frame rates.
Can I play these games with a controller?
Yes, all of these games support controllers. A controller is recommended for platformers and hack and slash games, while keyboard and mouse are often better for shooters like DOOM Eternal and Apex Legends.
Are any of these games multiplayer?
Apex Legends is primarily multiplayer. DOOM Eternal has a Battlemode. Devil May Cry 5 has some co-op elements. The others are single-player.
Which game offers the longest playtime?
Hades and Apex Legends offer virtually endless playtime due to their roguelike and multiplayer nature. DOOM Eternal and Devil May Cry 5 have around 15-20 hours for the main campaign, with more for completionists.
What is the difference between action and adventure games?
Action games emphasize physical challenges like combat and platforming. Adventure games focus on exploration and puzzle solving. Many games blend both, but the ones on this list are primarily action-oriented.
Are there any free action games on PC?
Apex Legends is free to play. Other free action games include Warframe and Destiny 2, but they are not on this list.
Do these games have mod support?
DOOM Eternal and Devil May Cry 5 have some mod support, but it is limited. Celeste and Hades have active modding communities. Apex Legends does not support mods due to its online nature.
The bottom line
If you want the best all-around action experience, get DOOM Eternal for its exhilarating combat and polished design. For a deep challenge, Sekiro is unmatched but demands patience. If you prefer stylish combos, Devil May Cry 5 is a must. Hades is perfect for those who enjoy narrative and replayability. Control offers a unique supernatural twist. Celeste is ideal for platforming enthusiasts. Apex Legends is the top choice for competitive multiplayer. Ultimately, your pick should align with the subgenre you enjoy most, but if you are still unsure, start with Hades because it balances accessibility and depth.
