Top PlayStation Action Games for Adrenaline Seekers
God of War Ragnarok stands out as the top pick for most players, offering a cinematic story and brutal combat that feels both powerful and precise. Its main advantage is the seamless blend of narrative and action, but its main limitation is that it requires some familiarity with the previous game to fully appreciate the story.
Action games are a cornerstone of the PlayStation library, offering everything from hack-and-slash combat to stealth and exploration. With so many options, finding the right one can be overwhelming.
We’ve narrowed down the field to the top seven titles that deliver on excitement, challenge, and fun. Whether you prefer story-driven epics or pure gameplay challenges, these games are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The top picks, ranked
God of War Ragnarok
Kratos and Atreus journey through the Nine Realms in this epic sequel. The combat is visceral and satisfying, with a deep upgrade system and a variety of enemies. The story is emotional and grand, making it a must-play for any action fan.
Pros
- Exceptional storytelling
- Brutal, polished combat
- Stunning visuals and world design
Cons
- Requires knowledge of the previous game
- Pacing can be slow in parts
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
From the creators of Dark Souls, Sekiro offers a demanding combat system that rewards precision and timing. Players take on the role of a shinobi in feudal Japan, facing deadly enemies and formidable bosses. It’s tough but fair, delivering a sense of achievement like few others.
Pros
- Masterful combat mechanics
- Rewarding difficulty curve
- Beautiful, atmospheric world
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Limited replay value
Horizon Forbidden West
Aloy returns in this stunning sequel that expands the world to the west. The game combines ranged and melee combat against robotic creatures, with a deep crafting system and numerous side activities. The open world is breathtaking, filled with secrets to discover.
Pros
- Huge, detailed open world
- Excellent visual fidelity
- Engaging combat and exploration
Cons
- Story can feel predictable
- Some performance issues on base PS4
Elden Ring
From the minds of George R.R. Martin and Hidetaka Miyazaki, Elden Ring is a massive open-world action RPG. Players traverse the Lands Between, fighting challenging bosses and uncovering lore. The freedom to explore is unparalleled, making every playthrough unique.
Pros
- Vast, seamless open world
- Deep, customizable combat
- High replayability
Cons
- Difficulty may be off-putting
- Optimization issues on some systems
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
This spin-off focuses on Miles Morales as he steps into the role of Spider-Man. The web-swinging is fluid and exhilarating, and the combat incorporates Miles’ unique bio-electric powers. The story is shorter but heartfelt, set during a snowy Christmas in Harlem.
Pros
- Smooth, satisfying traversal
- Engaging story with character growth
- Visually impressive on PS5
Cons
- Shorter length than expected
- Limited enemy variety
Ghost of Tsushima
Set in feudal Japan, players control Jin Sakai as he fights to liberate Tsushima from Mongol invaders. The combat is elegant, with a stance system that adapts to different enemy types. The game also features a gripping multiplayer mode.
Pros
- Beautiful art direction
- Satisfying, strategic combat
- Rich side quests
Cons
- Open world can feel repetitive
- Story lacks innovation
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
This vibrant platformer shooter is a showcase for the PlayStation 5’s SSD, with lightning-fast loading and seamless dimension hopping. The gameplay is chaotic and fun, with a wide arsenal of crazy weapons. It’s a lighthearted adventure that appeals to all ages.
Pros
- Visually stunning and fast-paced
- Fun, creative weapons
- Polished gameplay
Cons
- Short campaign
- Not very challenging for veterans
Side by side
| # | Model | Platform | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | God of War Ragnarok | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | Best overall action game with a compelling story | 9.6 | Check price |
| 2 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | PlayStation 4 | Best for players seeking a hardcore challenge | 9.4 | Check price |
| 3 | Horizon Forbidden West | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | Best open-world action with a massive map | 9.2 | Check price |
| 4 | Elden Ring | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | Best for action RPG fans who love exploration | 9.3 | Check price |
| 5 | Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | Best for fast-paced superhero action | 8.9 | Check price |
| 6 | Ghost of Tsushima | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | Best for samurai action and stealth | 9.1 | Check price |
| 7 | Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | PlayStation 5 | Best for family-friendly action adventure | 8.8 | Check price |
How to pick the right one
Common questions
What is the best action game on PlayStation for a beginner?
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a great choice due to its accessible difficulty and fun gameplay. It’s also visually delightful and easy to pick up.
Are these games available on PlayStation 4?
Most of them are cross-gen, but Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is exclusive to PlayStation 5. Others like God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West are available on both PS4 and PS5.
Which game has the best graphics?
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Horizon Forbidden West are often praised for their visuals, but God of War Ragnarok also looks stunning, especially on PS5.
Can I play these games with friends?
Elden Ring offers online co-op and PvP, while Ghost of Tsushima has a cooperative multiplayer mode. The others are primarily single-player experiences.
Are there any action games with a good story?
God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Forbidden West are known for their compelling stories. Ghost of Tsushima also offers a narrative-driven experience with memorable characters.
What is the hardest action game on this list?
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is widely considered the most challenging due to its precise timing and unforgiving combat. Elden Ring is also difficult but offers more freedom to explore and level up.
Do I need to play previous games in a series to enjoy these?
For God of War Ragnarok, it’s helpful to play God of War (2018) first. Spider-Man: Miles Morales references the original Spider-Man game, but it’s not strictly necessary. The others are standalone.
Which game offers the most replay value?
Elden Ring has multiple endings and extensive side content, making it highly replayable. God of War Ragnarok also has New Game Plus and many collectibles.
Are there any family-friendly action games?
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is suitable for all ages, offering a lighthearted story and fun gameplay without excessive violence.
What is the best action game for exploring an open world?
Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring both offer vast open worlds with plenty to discover. Horizon features a more guided experience, while Elden Ring emphasizes player freedom.
Our pick
For the best overall action game experience, pick God of War Ragnarok. It delivers a perfect balance of story, combat, and visual spectacle. If you want a more challenging and open-ended adventure, Elden Ring is the way to go. For a lighter, family-friendly option, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a joy to play.
