Who doesn’t love a good and well-made video game combat system? Controlling a character that wields powerful weapons and unleashes devastating combos on enemies and bosses is always satisfying and enjoyable. It’s no wonder many gamers prioritize solid combat over every other aspect whenever they are looking to purchase a new video game.
The next few years will be filled to the brim with multiple promising releases and, fortunately for this type of gamers, many of them focus heavily on the action, regardless of what genre they belong to (hack-and-slash, Soulslike, Musou, etc.). A lot of upcoming video games are all about their combat, but the following are the ones that gamers are most excited for.
7 Upcoming Action JRPGs With Intense Combat
Get ready for epic adventures with these upcoming action JRPGs. Their stories and settings are enticing, but it's the combat that makes them stand out
Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment
The Warriors And Zelda Franchises Cross Over For The Third Time
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment
- Released
- November 6, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen / Fantasy Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action, Hack and Slash
- Release Date: November 6, 2025
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment is one of many upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusives that has owners of Nintendo’s newest console very excited. This is the third Hyrule Warriors spin-off that Nintendo and Koei Tecmo have worked on. This one will be a canonical prequel to 2023’s Tears of the Kingdom, detailing what happened to Princess Zelda during her time-traveling adventure through ancient Hyrule.
As one would expect from any traditional Musou game, Age of Imprisonment will put a huge focus on its combat. Players can control beloved characters like Zelda, Rauru, Sonia, Mineru, and more, and use their unique abilities and weapons to take down entire armies of Ganondorf’s evil forces. This will not be the most nuanced Legend of Zelda game, but the fast-paced combat system alone will be worth the price of admission.
Let It Die: Inferno
The Unexpected Return Of Suda51’s Strange Soulslike
Let It Die: Inferno
- Released
- December 4, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- Release Date: December 4, 2025
Suda51 is a master of the bizarre action game, and he recently announced that a direct sequel to his free-to-play roguelike action game from 2016, Let it Die, is coming out very soon. Titled Let it Die: Inferno, this will be yet another Soulslike with a distinct art style and over-the-top gameplay.
In Let it Die: Inferno, players choose an avatar and travel down to an abandoned version of Earth that has been infested with deadly monsters. They can get new items and weapons and, if they die, they can just choose another avatar, go to the place the previous one fell, and retrieve their lost equipment. This means that mastering this game’s ruthless combat system will be crucial for any player who wants to make significant progress without losing most of their treasured items. This formula worked surprisingly well for the original Let it Die, so the sequel will likely be just as addictive and entertaining.
Nioh 3
The Long-Awaited Third Entry In This Fast-Paced Soulslike Series
Nioh 3
- Released
- February 6, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Release Date: February 6, 2026
Nioh is one of the best and most successful action RPG series out there, as the first two games featured fast-paced combat that felt like a perfect blend of the Soulslike and hack-and-slash genres. After a long wait, Nioh 3 is scheduled to come out in early 2026. Based on everything that has been shown so far, it feels like the culmination of everything Koei Tecmo has learned over the past nine years.
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The main selling point of Nioh 3 is its brand-new combat system, which is split into two styles. Samurai Style focuses more on powerful attacks and direct confrontations with enemies, while Ninja Style focuses more on quick movements and special techniques. Players will be able to seamlessly switch between the two, adding some much-needed depth and variety to the action gameplay. This new mechanic will be especially useful during boss fights, which will be as challenging and exciting as ever, whether they are against a Yokai or a fellow human.
Marvel's Wolverine
Insomniac Games’ New, Violent Superhero Project
Marvel's Wolverine
- Released
- 2026
- Developer(s)
- Insomniac Games
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Franchise
- Marvel
- Release Date: Fall 2026
Insomniac Games made a huge impact on the industry with its recent trilogy of high-quality Spider-Man video games. But, before the studio starts working on the next entry in its Marvel's Spider-Man series, it has to complete another important mission first: the upcoming release of Marvel's Wolverine. After years of anticipation, this game was fully revealed in a recent State of Play, and it looks amazing.
Unlike Insomniac’s Spider-Man games, Marvel's Wolverine will be brutal and violent, as one would expect from this iconic mutant hero with adamantium claws. The combat will be a crucial part of this game, as it looks like the perfect combination between the God of War reboot duology and the Batman: Arkham series. Other iconic X-Men characters (like Mystique and Omega Red) will be making appearances, most likely as bosses that Logan will have to face and defeat throughout his solo adventure.
Onimusha: Way Of The Sword
Capcom Brings Back One Of Its Most Important Hack-And-Slash Franchises
Onimusha: Way of the Sword
- Released
- 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Release Date: 2026
Though it is often overshadowed by Devil May Cry, Onimusha is one of the most influential and iconic hack-and-slash franchises ever made. Capcom has been slowly bringing it back in the last few years, by releasing remastered versions of the first two games. Nevertheless, the upcoming Onimusha: Way of the Sword will be the series’ first true new mainline entry in over twenty years.
Unlike previous games, Way of the Sword will have a darker, more realistic art style and atmosphere. While the over-the-shoulder camera and slower movement may lead some fans to believe this will be a Soulslike, it’s evident that this is still going to be a chaotic and entertaining hack-and-slash title. There will be a focus on precise swordplay and Miyamoto Musashi’s ability to cut through almost everything he encounters, including objects and enemies. Of course, he's also in possession of the legendary Oni Gauntlet, which is a staple of this franchise. Based on how great Devil May Cry 5 turned out, it’s safe to say that Onimusha: Way of the Sword is going to be a major hit and will succeed in bringing back this once-forgotten series.
Kingdom Hearts 4
The Next Entry In This Beloved Action RPG Series
Kingdom Hearts 4
- ESRB
- e
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Release Date: Unknown
While the Kingdom Hearts series is known for being a whimsical crossover between Square Enix and Disney characters, these are still action RPGs first and foremost. While most fans are wondering which Disney worlds they will be able to visit in the upcoming Kingdom Hearts 4, the revamped combat system will be a key part of the experience as well.
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Based on the only trailer released so far, it’s evident that Kingdom Hearts 4 will once again feature the series’ signature action RPG gameplay, but with the addition of Sora’s new ability to make giant constructs (like a whip or a drill) with his Keyblade. Director Tetsuya Nomura has also confirmed that Reaction Commands will finally make a comeback, which will make the combat even more cinematic and satisfying. The release date of Kingdom Hearts 4 is still a mystery, but there’s no doubt that it’s going to end up being one of the best action games of the current generation.
Phantom Blade Zero
A Dark, Cinematic Action Game With Impressive Fight Choreography
Phantom Blade Zero
- Released
- September 9, 2026
WHERE TO PLAY
- Release Date: Unknown
Made by Chinese developer S-GAME, Phantom Blade Zero is an upcoming action RPG that is brimming with potential, which is especially impressive for a brand-new IP. The graphics are detailed, the story and atmosphere are dark and serious, and, most important of all, the combat system looks quite ambitious.
The action of Phantom Blade Zero is smooth, cinematic, and violent, but it also seems like it will require precise timing from the player, especially if they want to block and/or avoid enemy attacks. Even though it appears to have elements from the Soulslike genre, the focus still remains mostly on the fast-paced action and the beautifully choreographed swordplay, which will make boss fights engaging and memorable.
Tides Of Annihilation
An Original IP With A Promising New Mechanic
Tides of Annihilation
- ESRB
- Rating Pending
WHERE TO PLAY
- Release Date: Unknown
Tides of Annihilation is an upcoming hack-and-slash video game being developed by newcomer Eclipse Glow Games. With its beautiful graphics, unique premise, massive bosses, and fluid combat system, the reveal trailer of this original title immediately caught the attention of genre fans.
The most interesting part of Tides of Annihilation’s gameplay (and the main thing that sets it apart from other upcoming action games) is its “knightly combat system.” It allows the main character, Gwendolyn, to summon legendary spectral knights that will aid her in battle with their own combos and abilities. This mechanic is reminiscent of another amazing character action game, Astral Chain. If Eclipse Glow Games successfully pulls it off, Tides of Annihilation might become one of the best new hack-and-slash IPs.
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