In medieval and medieval fantasy open-world games, fighting with swords will always be one of the most exciting things to do. While some only manage to offer a simple slash, block, and parry system, other games offer complex sword duels where timing is everything and different combos can overcome stalwart defenses when used correctly.
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In some of these games, particularly those based solely on medieval history, the swordplay can be more realistic, which may or may not be to everyone's liking. In others, players can expect ludicrously large swords, fancy combos, and endless fun on top of plenty of skill expression.
Elden Ring
Challenging Swordplay Where Timing Is Key
Elden Ring
- Released
- February 25, 2022
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- From Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Elden Ring is not a game for the faint-hearted, although its open-world nature does allow players to grind and level up before taking on bosses if they wish. It also happens to be one of the open-world games with the best sword combat, although plenty of other weapon types and playstyles are available.
Swordplay in Elden Ring can be slow and methodical with Colossal Swords, with timing being key between boss attacks, and parries being important too. It can also be more hectic with plenty of flourish when using Katanas, Shortswords, and Longswords, especially when these are imbued with certain Ashes of War that grant the sword new abilities. Some bosses and many normal enemies also fight with swords, although their attacks are often more lethal during epic sword duels.
The Witcher 3
Geralt Of Rivia Is Famed For His Two Swords
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Released
- May 19, 2015
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
While in many medieval fantasy games, players may opt to wield a spear, mace, or other weapon instead of using a sword, Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher 3 only uses swords aside from a crossbow for ranged attacks. In fact, the White Wolf always carries two swords on his back, steel for humans and beasts, and silver for monsters.
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The sword combat is extremely fun without being too complicated, and with multiple difficulties to choose from, players should be able to find a level that suits them. Expect lots of twirls, long slashes, and swordplay that often feels like dancing, especially after unlocking Geralt's best moves. His magical abilities and potions also shake up combat, and fighting armored men-at-arms feels completely different from fighting the myriad of monsters.
Ghost Of Tsushima
Japanese-Inspired Sword Combat
Ghost of Tsushima
- Released
- July 17, 2020
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity
- Developer(s)
- Sucker Punch
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
As many open-world games with sword fighting are inspired by combat from European history, players might enjoy a change of style in a game such as Ghost of Tsushima, which is set in Japan. While not completely realistic, the combat with katanas and other sword types is undoubtedly fun and highly rewarding for those with good reactions.
While defending the island of Tsushima from the Mongol storm, players will mostly face off against enemies who also wield swords, making for engaging duels. The animations are also great, especially when katanas are drawn from the hip before opening an enemy up barely half a second later. There's lots of rolling around on the floor, spinning, and all that fun stuff.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Authentic First Person Medieval Sword Fighting
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- Released
- February 4, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity
- Developer(s)
- Warhorse Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Deep Silver
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action-Adventure, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
If players are looking for realistic sword combat in an open-world game, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is the answer, as it is for anything medieval. In this game, swords will not slice through armor like butter, and Henry cannot take on large groups of men-at-arms by himself. A directional system is used, with players able to change their stance and where they strike from.
They will need to find gaps in their opponents' defense, while making sure to block or parry any incoming strikes. This is all in first person. Additionally, the only way to level up Henry's swordmanship is to train in combat arenas, and this time is also spent improving the player's skills. There are also combos to learn based on real techniques from manuscripts. Henry can even join the swordfighting guild in Kuttenberg via the 'Ars Dimicatoria' quest, which eventually leads to weekly tournaments.
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
A Medieval Warfare Sandbox Game With Huge Battles
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
- Released
- October 25, 2022
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- TaleWorlds Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- TaleWorlds Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Strategy
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
For those who want to experience life as a medieval soldier, mercenary, or bandit, Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord is the game to make such dreams a reality. It is a huge open-world sandbox game where players can do what they like, both offline in their own world or online with others. Huge battles, sieges, and deadly duels are all core parts of the game, and thus, swordfighting is fairly complex and rewarding.
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For starters, players will need to block with their sword or shield in one of four directions, depending on where they see their opponent attacking. This means players have to truly pay attention rather than just pressing the block button at the right time. Attacking with a sword or other weapons follows a similar pattern, with players needing to shake up which angle they attack from to catch an enemy off guard. Bannerlord's combat can be enjoyed in first or third person.
Rise Of The Ronin
Extremely Flashy Swordplay In 19th Century Japan
Rise of the Ronin
- Released
- March 22, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Team Ninja
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Adventure, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5
Set in mid-19th-century Japan, Rise of the Ronin offers swordplay in a more modern setting, and yet its historical backdrop does not hold it back in terms of flashiness. The combat is far from realistic with tonnes of abilities and combos, but this makes for some of the most fun sword combat in open-world games.
Players can fly across the screen to their opponent, flip in mid-air, and pull out a secondary weapon before impaling. The sword effects add to the beauty of the game's combat, making every slash of a katana feel even more epic.
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