Summary
- RPGs with strong combat systems use rewarding RPG elements to enhance battles over time.
- First-person RPGs like Deus Ex boast compelling combat that benefits from investing in skill improvements.
- Games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Cyberpunk 2077 feature engaging combat through refined mechanics and updates.
The role-playing genre has become one of the most dominant genres in gaming, with most mainstream titles using RPG progression mechanics to let players enjoy a sense of satisfaction as they slowly make progress and become stronger. As one would expect, the bulk of RPGs boast some form of combat to keep fans engaged.
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RPGs give players tons of freedom when it comes to how they want to play. Here are some RPGs that reward exploration over combat.
This is especially true in the case of first-person RPGs, where battles must be compelling to keep fans engaged in the long run. Thankfully, numerous first-person RPGs do a great job of letting players enjoy a fun combat system.
8 Deus Ex
Despite Being Dated, The RPG Elements Help The Combat Hold Up
Deus Ex
- Released
- June 23, 2000
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, FPS, Stealth
There's no denying that combat in Deus Ex can feel somewhat dated, but this is something fans don't mind at all. After all, the RPG elements in this title are so strong that they enhance the game's battles by rewarding and punishing JC's build.
Players must learn how to use certain types of guns if they want to be as effective as possible while wielding them in combat. The gap between Untrained and Master is massive, with players instantly noticing an improvement in gameplay if they decide to invest in the skills they like to use the most often.
7 Borderlands 3
Great Combat With Near-Infinite Gun Variations
Borderlands 3
- Released
- September 13, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
While the writing in Borderlands 3 was a far cry from its predecessor, the combat was bound to be an improvement. Players are encouraged to find valuable loot that will help them equip their chosen character with numerous powerful weapons to riddle their enemies with bullets.
Teaming up with friends and coordinating an assault on a powerful boss never gets old. This is a huge part of what made Borderlands 3 appealing to play, and players who want to make the most of the combat system should definitely jump in to co-op instead of playing solo.
6 Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
The Series' Tough Yet Engaging Combat Is Better Than Ever
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- Released
- February 4, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action-Adventure, Open-World
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 boasts a refined version of the combat system seen in its predecessor, which was lauded and criticized in equal measure. While fights against multiple enemies can become messy with this combat system, the game makes up for it with scintillating one-on-one duels where players must position their blade properly to target openings and deflect incoming blows.
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While a bit rarer than some other systems, some of the best role-playing games use turn-based combat with timed inputs.
Master strikes and combos will go a long way in encouraging players to try out all sorts of swings instead of just sticking to one direction of attack. It may have its flaws, but combat in both Kingdom Come: Deliverance and its sequel is unlike anything fans have experienced in other RPGs.
5 Dark Messiah Of Might And Magic
Melee Combat Is A Blast, And The Game's Magic Is Still Ahead Of Its Time
Dark Messiah Of Might And Magic
- Released
- October 24, 2006
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity
Fans who want to check out an action-packed RPG should definitely give Dark Messiah of Might and Magic a shot. It may have a generic setting and a threadbare plot, but what helps the game stand out is a combat system that encourages players to be creative.
Players can use environmental traps to slay their foes, kick enemies off cliffs, and stock up on Adrenaline to unleash deadly blows. The crunchy nature of the combat makes melee fights a blast, and players can always use a bit of magic if they want to trick opponents.
4 Dying Light 2 Stay Human
Parkour And First-Person Combat Is A Winning Combination Once Again
Dying Light 2 Stay Human
- Released
- February 4, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes
Dying Light 2 is a sequel that may have become a bit too big for its own good, but there's no denying that this game brings some substantial improvements over its predecessor. For starters, the harmony between parkour and combat is more evident than ever before.
Finding powerful gear to hack or shoot down enemies never gets old, with certain weapon special effects feeling great as players set their enemies ablaze with a well-placed blow or apply any number of debuffs with a single swing. Aiden can also chain his acrobatic parkour moves into attacks that use momentum to knock zombies off balance, opening them up for a killing blow.
3 Prey
Immersive Sim Elements Enhance This Title's Combat
Prey
- Released
- May 5, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Genre(s)
- FPS
Prey deserves some more time in the spotlight, given that many people consider it to be one of Arkane's best games. Controlling Morgan Yu from the moment they escape their simulation is a blast, letting players acquire powerful weapons at a steady pace while slowly upgrading their powers.
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Deadly combos, kicks, and punches are all valid forms of combat in these RPGs that give hand-to-hand combat a spotlight.
Given how appealing the Typhon powers are, it's nice to see that Prey isn't too punishing about letting fans play the game their own way. From struggling against Mimics to taking on the Nightmare in direct combat, the sense of progression in Prey ensures that combat will feel fresh until the very end of this cult classic immersive sim RPG.
2 Avowed
Every Build Is Viable In Combat, From Magic To Firearms
Avowed
- Released
- February 18, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
Avowed may have some issues, but most people agree that the combat is incredible. The fact that playing as a mage is so rewarding in this game is a testament to the work Obsidian put into their pillar of combat design.
In fact, other elements of Avowed are noticeably dumbed down compared to most other RPGs, showing Obsidian's priorities when developing this game. Swordfighting, archery, and spellslinging all feel great in this game and ensure that every build is viable in Avowed.
1 Cyberpunk 2077
The Combat Was Great Even Before Update 2.0, Which Only Improved Things Further
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
Despite the bugs that plagued this game at launch, everyone knew that CD Projekt Red had built something special when it came to combat in Cyberpunk 2077. As the game received numerous patches, more people appreciated this feature, but it was the advent of Update 2.0 that made combat even better.
The changes made to the weapon system, cyberware, and combat balance ensure that players will love using both melee and ranged weapons in this amazing RPG. Every playstyle is unique in its own way, guaranteeing that fans will love V's aptitude in combat no matter what build is pursued for their protagonist in Cyberpunk 2077.
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