When it comes to the world of video games, few genres offer the same level of excitement, immersion, and adrenaline-pumping action as Action RPG Games. These games seamlessly blend the heart-pounding combat of action games with the depth and character progression of traditional RPGs.
Action RPGs excel at striking a perfect balance between frenetic action and strategic gameplay. Players are not only challenged by hordes of formidable foes but also tasked with making critical decisions that affect the fate of their characters and the game world.
These games transport players to immersive, often sprawling game worlds filled with intricate lore, dynamic NPCs, and breathtaking landscapes. These environments are not just backdrops but integral parts of the gaming experience. Here on Naijaknowhow, we’ll explore some of the best action RPG games to play on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
List of the Best Action RPG Games to Play Right Now
1. Pillars of Eternity
“Pillars of Eternity is a computer role-playing game (CRPG) developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Paradox Interactive. Released in 2015, the game garnered attention for its deep storytelling, intricate world-building, and a return to the classic isometric RPG style reminiscent of titles like Baldur’s Gate and Planescape: Torment.
The game’s character creation system allows players to craft heroes, from wizards and warriors to rogues and priests, each with their own abilities, skills, and backstories. The choices made during character creation, including race, class, and background, have a significant impact on gameplay and dialogue options throughout the adventure.
Pillars of Eternity features a real-time combat system, which enables players to strategize and orchestrate battles with a party of companions. The game emphasizes tactical thinking, as players can pause the action to issue commands, cast spells, and coordinate attacks, making it accessible to both veterans of CRPGs and newcomers to the genre.
2. Grim Dawn
Grim Dawn is an action role-playing game (ARPG) that was released in 2016.. It’s set in a dark and gritty fantasy world plagued by a cataclysmic event known as the “Grim Dawn,” which has led to the rise of otherworldly creatures and the fall of civilization. The game’s atmospheric and gloomy setting immediately sets it apart from many other ARPGs.
Grim Dawn employs a dual-class system that allows players to combine any two classes, resulting in a vast array of possible character builds. This system encourages experimentation and replayability, as you can try different combinations to find your preferred playstyle. It makes the game one of the best Action RPG games to play.
The combat in Grim Dawn is fast-paced and visceral, with various weapons, spells, and abilities at your disposal. You’ll engage in intense battles against a diverse range of foes, from undead monstrosities to eldritch horrors. The game’s difficulty scales as you progress, offering a challenging experience for both newcomers and veterans of the ARPG genre.
3. Hades
Hades is an action-packed rogue-like video game developed by Supergiant Games and released in 2020. It quickly gained critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base for its unique blend of Greek mythology, engaging storytelling, and addictive gameplay.
One standout feature of Hades is its fluid and fast-paced combat system. Players have access to a variety of weapons and abilities, each with its own unique playstyle. As Zagreus progresses through the underworld, he can acquire Boons from Olympian gods like Zeus, Athena, and Ares, which grant him new abilities and enhance his combat prowess.
The roguelike elements come into play with each run through the underworld. When Zagreus dies, he returns to his father’s palace but retains some of the resources he collected during the run. These resources can be used to improve Zagreus’s abilities, unlock new weapons, and upgrade the underworld itself.
4. Path of Exile
Path of Exile is a free-to-play action role-playing game (ARPG) that has gained immense popularity since its initial release in 2013. Developed by Grinding Gear Games, it has garnered a dedicated fanbase and is often compared to other notable ARPGs like Diablo due to its similar gameplay mechanics.
The game is set in the dark and gritty world of Wraeclast, a forsaken continent filled with sinister creatures, ancient ruins, and a deep, complex lore. Players take on the role of an Exile, a character who has been cast out of society for various reasons, and they must navigate this treacherous land to uncover the mysteries of their past and survive in a hostile environment.
What truly sets Path of Exile apart is its deep and complex character customization system. The game features seven core character classes, each with its own unique starting point on the massive skill tree. As one of the best Action RPG games, it offers abilities and skill nodes that allow players to tailor their characters to their specific play-style.
5. Darksiders Genesis
Darksiders Genesis is a video game that was released in 2019. It’s part of the popular “Darksiders” franchise. This installment takes a departure from the traditional third-person perspective of the previous games and adopts an isometric view, offering a different gameplay experience while staying true to the series’ dark and apocalyptic themes.
The game serves as a prequel to the events of the original “Darksiders” game and explores the story of two of the franchise’s iconic Horsemen of the Apocalypse, War and Strife. Players can choose to control either War or Strife, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles.
The plot revolves around the Horsemen being tasked by the enigmatic Council to stop Lucifer, the demon king, from upsetting the balance between Heaven and Hell. As they journey through various realms, players encounter a range of enemies and engage in fast-paced combat.
6. Pathfinder: Kingmaker
Pathfinder: Kingmaker is an isometric role-playing game (RPG) that combines elements of classic CRPGs (computer role-playing games) with the intricacies of the Pathfinder tabletop role-playing system. Released in 2018 by Owlcat Games, it offers players an immersive and challenging fantasy experience set in the beloved Pathfinder universe.
The game begins with players creating their own customizable protagonist, choosing from a variety of races, classes, and backgrounds, each with its unique abilities and story implications. The central narrative revolves around establishing and ruling a new kingdom in the Stolen Lands, a wild and untamed region filled with danger and adventure.
What sets this game apart is its adherence to the Pathfinder tabletop ruleset, which is a derivative of the 3.5 edition of Dungeons & Dragons. This means that the game has a system for character customization, complete with an array of spells, feats, and abilities. Pathfinder: Kingmaker is without doubt, one of the best Action RPG games to play.
Conclusion
Action RPG games offer gamers a captivating fusion of action-packed combat, character progression, and intricate storytelling. These games allow players to become the heroes of their own epic adventures, where every decision made and battle fought has far-reaching consequences. Dive in and prepare for an epic adventure like no other.
