Summary
- Not all action games prioritize speed; some focus on methodical gameplay and strategic planning.
- Games like Sekiro, For Honor, and Sifu require skillful execution and thoughtful combat over quick reactions.
- Patience, precision, and strategy are key in games like God of War, Shadow of the Colossus, and Dark Souls.
When people think of action games, they often picture lightning-fast reflexes, split-second decisions, and frantic button-mashing. But not every action game is about speed.
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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.
6 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Sometimes Slow Is More Deadly Than Fast
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- Released
- March 22, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice doesn’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 dance than 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 of Sekiro lies 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.
5 For Honor
Honor Isn’t About Speed; It’s About Precision
For Honor
- Released
- February 14, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montreal
- Genre(s)
- Action
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4
As one of Ubisoft’s most unique games, For Honor puts 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.
4 Sifu
When Slow Motion Feels Like A Power Move
Sifu
- Released
- February 8, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Drug Reference, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Sloclap
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike, Beat 'Em Up
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Sifu is 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.
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What makes Sifu unique 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.
3 God Of War
When Raw Power Trumps Lightning Speed
God of War
- Released
- April 20, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Santa Monica Studio
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4
The reboot of the legendary God of War franchise 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 and mythological monsters are 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.
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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.
2 Shadow Of The Colossus
The Colossal Weight Of Every Step
Shadow of the Colossus
- Released
- October 18, 2005
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- Team Ico
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 2
Shadow of the Colossus isn’t a fast game by 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.
1 Dark Souls Remastered
The Slow, Steady March Toward Victory
Dark Souls Remastered
- Released
- May 23, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Dark Souls Remastered might 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 defines Dark Souls as an experience where thoughtfulness wins over speed.
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