Role-playing games usually feature a combat focus to keep fans engaged. Players love the idea of whooping people to smithereens as they use a bevy of combat techniques to leave enemies with no hope of surviving.
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These role-playing games can be tough, but incredibly rewarding, and keep things challenging even in the late game.
The combat in these games is either cathartic, tense, or both. Either way, players will love mastering the combat mechanics and feeling a sense of satisfaction as they surpass seemingly insurmountable obstacles without breaking a sweat.
8 Cyberpunk 2077
The Action In This Game Is Off The Charts
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
Cyberpunk 2077's combat was already great enough as is, even if the weapon mechanics could have done with some work. Now, with the improvements of Update 2.0, this game is more fun to play than ever before.
Leaping into battle with a katana, jumping from a height using Berserk, and utilizing a wealth of iconic weapons ensures that combat remains fresh. Quickhacks are also dynamic and allow players to broaden the wealth of options at their disposal in fun and intense battles where players can't spam heals anymore to brute force their way through encounters.
7 Yakuza 0
The Crunchy Combat And Intense Boss Fights Make For A Great Time
Yakuza 0
- Released
- January 24, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol
Yakuza 0 is the perfect introduction for fans to this series, with both Kiryu and Majima boasting a total of six (well, eight if players complete the optional content) unique combat styles players can use to great effect. The battles against regular goons are a great way for players to flex their skills against relatively easy enemies.
However, the bosses in this game are where the intensity reaches new heights. Seeing the amazing dynamic intros to bosses that will push the protagonists to their very limits never gets old, even with the ability to down healing items at any moment.
6 Darkest Dungeon
Combat Is Stressful And Becomes Very Nerve-Wracking When Things Go South
Darkest Dungeon
- Released
- January 19, 2016
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Alcohol Reference, Blood and Gore, Mild Language, Partial Nudity, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Darkest Dungeon is one of the toughest turn-based RPGs players can get their hands on. This indie game wastes no time in making players aware of just how helpless they are in the face of overwhelming odds over and over again.
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The intense battles see players trying to survive instead of winning. Tactical decisions must be made to safeguard heroes who carry the party while sacrificing others who are more disposable, which can make things seem hopeless until the stars finally align for players and they slowly but surely start making progress.
5 Divinity: Original Sin 2
Players Will Agonize Over The Decisions They Make In Every Combat Turn
Divinity: Original Sin 2
- Released
- September 14, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
Compared to the first game, Original Sin 2 is way more challenging because of the Physical and Magical Armor added to the game. Instead of just relying on RNG to apply status effects, players must now ensure that their party members are equipped to the nines and specialize in either physical or magical combat.
This made combat more tactical and intense than ever, with a single mistake leading to the player's demise. The first and last Acts are the most difficult ones of the lot and will force players to be nigh-perfect in combat.
4 Bloodborne
The Fast-Paced Combat Of This Game Is Exhilarating And Challenging In Equal Measure
Bloodborne
- Released
- March 24, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
Unlike Dark Souls and its sequel, Bloodborne adopted a faster combat system that served this game well. Battles were more intense than ever as players had to rely on swift reflexes and a ton of aggression to survive the game's tough monsters and relentless bosses.
The game actively encourages players to take risks and restore lost health by attacking right after getting hit, which turns combat into an intense dance that can be harrowing to deal with. However, this also makes mastery so satisfying as players eventually wipe out bosses who were giving them a tough time.
3 STALKER: Clear Sky
The Firefights In This Game Are Off The Charts
S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky
- Released
- September 15, 2008
WHERE TO PLAY
The hardest game in the STALKER series features one of the toughest video game beginnings of all time, where players will die over and over again. After a grueling few hours, players can finally venture into the open world... And get ripped apart by mutants or shot at by raiders in no time.
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Combat is stressful as players try to survive harrowing encounters without dying or incurring a billion wounds. This can be a nightmare to deal with, but the satisfaction of exploring and making progress ensures that players will try their hardest to match the game's intensity as much as they can.
2 Hogwarts Legacy
Combat Opens Up As Players Get Spells And Obliterate Their Foes
Hogwarts Legacy
- Released
- February 10, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
Hogwarts Legacy may falter in some departments, but the combat never lets up. Every spell expands the wealth of options in a player's arsenal, eventually allowing them to pull off incredible spell combos in battle.
This is a must, given that combat becomes so hard that timely casting Protego and taking out enemies as quickly as possible becomes more exhilarating than ever. In fact, most people would argue that the battles of Hogwarts Legacy are so intense that they single-handedly carry the experience to the very end.
1 Fear & Hunger
An Unforgiving RPG Where Players Must Bring Their A-game In Combat
Fear & Hunger
- Released
- December 11, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Fear & Hunger is one of the toughest RPGs of all time, where the first battle players get into makes it clear just how unfair this title is. Wolves will tear enemies apart, giants will smash enemies to smithereens, and the less said about the Crow Mauler, the better.
Every battle is a sweaty affair as players try to take out enemies quickly and minimize damage. Most people would outright avoid enemy encounters as much as they can to ensure that their run goes for as long as it possibly can.
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