Summary
When people think ofaction games, they often picture lightning-fast reflexes, split-second decisions, and frantic button-mashing. But not every action game is about speed.
Some of the best in the genre take a more methodical approach, emphasizing careful planning, strategy, and patience over raw reaction time, and these games prove that you don’t have to be the fastest to come out on top. These are the best action games that reward skillful execution without making players feel like they need to train with a reflex coach.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicedoesn’t rush anyone. Instead, it dares players to slow down and perfect their swordplay. The game’s focus is on timing, precision, and learning enemy patterns rather than just reacting on instinct.Combat feels more like a deadly dancethan a chaotic brawl, where blocking, deflecting, and reading the opponent’s next move are far more important than quick reactions. There are no spamming attack buttons here—charging mindlessly will get players skewered.
The beauty ofSekirolies in its rhythm. Players aren’t just button-mashing but mastering a fluid and deliberate combat system. Every duel feels like a personal challenge, especially when facing bosses that seem impossible initially. Victory doesn’t come from speed; it comes from understanding the fight itself. The game’s emphasis on posture and balance makes each clash feel weighty, like one wrong move could spell doom, which it often does.
As one ofUbisoft’s most unique games,ForHonorputs players in a medieval brawler where success hinges more on strategy and skill than raw speed. Players pick from a roster of knights, samurai, Vikings, and more, each with their distinct fighting styles. The combat system, dubbed the “Art of Battle,” is complex but rewarding, allowing for tactical duels where reading an opponent’s stance and anticipating their attacks are essential. It’s more about being one step ahead than being the fastest on the draw.
Multiplayer skirmishes are often slow and tense rather than quick and chaotic. Players have to gauge their opponent’s movements and respond accordingly—rush in thoughtlessly, and they’ll be countered and cut down. The emphasis on defense and counterattacks makes each fight feel like a calculated chess match, where patience can mean the difference between victory and a humiliating defeat.
Sifuis a game where patience is not just a virtue but a key to survival. Set against a stylish martial arts backdrop, players must learn to slow down their fighting style to master it. Button mashing just doesn’t cut it when enemies can easily counter thoughtless combos. Instead, players need to gauge when to strike, when to dodge, and when to unleash devastating finishers.
What makesSifuunique is its progression system. Players age with every death, growing older but more skilled, which ties directly into the game’s philosophy of patience and mastery. A younger protagonist might be faster, but the older, more experienced fighter hits harder and has more refined techniques. The game subtly teaches that age—and the wisdom that comes with it—can be just as deadly as speed.
The reboot of the legendaryGod of Warfranchise landed in 2018 and took Kratos from a furious whirlwind of chaos to a more mature, calculated warrior. The Leviathan Axe doesn’t encourage rapid strikes but rather purposeful, crushing blows. Battles against enemies andmythological monstersare slower and heavier, demanding precision rather than speed. Timing the axe throws, parries, and combos means thinking about each move in advance rather than reacting on the fly.
Kratos’ new fighting style feels more grounded, emphasizing controlled strength. The game’s combat mechanics reward knowing when to hold back and when to unleash a flurry of attacks. The bond between Kratos and Atreus also brings a layer of strategy, as players need to think about when to command Atreus to fire arrows or assist in combat. Speed is secondary to tactical control.
Shadow of the Colossusisn’t afast gameby any measure. It’s all about thoughtful movement and deliberate actions. Each colossus is a towering puzzle, and players must carefully analyze their surroundings to find a way up and deal damage. Rushing in without a plan is not only foolish but borderline impossible, as the sheer scale of these creatures makes even reaching them a challenge.
There’s a sense of calm before every storm, as players have to study the behemoth’s movements and time their climb carefully. Even once on the colossus’ back, it’s a matter of holding on for dear life while waiting for just the right moment to strike. The game’s atmosphere enhances the tension, emphasizing the loneliness and grandeur of each battle rather than quick,flashy combat.
Dark Souls Remasteredmight seem like it demands quick reactions, but speed is rarely the deciding factor. The game’s combat revolves around methodical movement and careful timing. Rushing into a fight usually means getting punished by well-placed enemy attacks. Instead, players learn to block, parry, and strike only when it’s safe.
One of the game’s defining aspects is how it punishes impatience. Those who take the time to learn each enemy’s attack patterns and weaknesses are rewarded, while those who charge ahead are often cut down in seconds. The weighty combat means every swing and block has a cost, pushing players to think before they act. That balance between caution and confidence definesDark Soulsas an experience where thoughtfulness wins over speed.
