Action RPGs are arguably one of the most popular genres of games in the modern generation. The combination of fast-paced action with the depth of RPG progression and storytelling makes for a versatile and universally appealing style of gaming.
However, when discussing Action RPGs, the discussion often focuses on console releases, since these bombastic titles tend to get a lot of attention on mainstream devices. In spite of this, plenty of fantastic Action RPGs make their way to the PC, and there is a massive selection of high-quality games in this genre that you can sink your teeth into. So, which Action RPGs onPCare worth trying out?
If you love a strong mythological influence in your games to add depth and culture to the world you’re exploring, then one of the best modern examples is Black Myth: Wukong. This title is a spiritual successor to the massively influential 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West and lends heavily from the mythology established in this story.
Adventuring through the detailed maps of Black Myth: Wukong is incredibly enjoyable, and the game features animpressive selection of bosses, ensuring there is always a challenge around every corner.
TheYakuzaseries is one of the more niche, long-running Action RPG series in the west thanks to inconsistent localization of some entries in the series, but no matter where you decide to pick it up, you’re going to have a great time playing through thesedensely packed adventures.
The action is consistent through each entry, and the level of customization when it comes to progression ensures that every playthrough is refreshing. However, the best place to start the series is with the remake of the first entry, being a more refined starting point.
The Soulslike subgenre often dominates discussions surrounding Action RPGs thanks to their increased popularity throughout the past decade, but thanks to this growth in relevance, we’ve been lucky enough to get more and more of these difficult but rewarding titles.
Lies of P is a unique take on the subgenre, being a gritty steampunk re-imagining of Pinocchio that follows the famed puppet exploring a post-apocalyptic city where he is just about the only puppet that hasn’t acquired a violent bloodlust as well as the only one that’s able to lie.
The Persona series is one of the most influential RPG series since it’s spike in popularity with Persona 5, but the series is staunchly turn-based with little action gameplay to speak of. That’s where Eternights enters as a shorter,action-focused take on Persona.
The post-apocalyptic adventure uses a similar calendar system to Persona, while also encouraging dating one of its four love interests. However, the gameplay feels similar to Bayonetta, with a strong focus on dodging, all paired with a surprisingly deep progression system.
Another subgenre that is often fused with Action RPGs are rogue-lites, and one of the best to play on PC is Hades. Arguably the best starting point if you are looking to try out rogue-lites, Hades follows the son of the game’s eponymous god of death as he tries to escape hell to meet his mother.
While the game only has four areas to explore and a handful of weapons, the level of variety you can experience and experiment with ensures that the game is always refreshing, and if you’re a fan of Greek mythology, then it’s definitely worth trying.
Perhaps the most well-known and beloved Action RPG experience you can have on PC, it’s no surprise that Skyrim has managed to maintain its relevance well over a decade following its release.
It’s a running joke that Skyrim will be ported to just about every device possible, but the almost universal consensus is that you’ll have the best time playing it on PC thanks to the veritable banquet of mods available for (usually) no extra cost to help customize and refine the experience to best fit even your most specific tastes.
Whilst Final Fantasy 16 spent its first year or so post-release bound to PlayStation 5 exclusivity, it eventually made its way over to PC, where this undeniably epic adventure can now be experienced by a much wider audience.
Taking a step away from the style of other modern Final Fantasy entries, 16 focuses more on a grittier fantasy setting. In spite of this, the action is flashy and engaging thanks to the different summons of the world Clive can mimic for a wide selection of various abilities.
If you’re after an Action RPG on PC that you can sink hours into with a perfect balance of refined Action gameplay and well-balanced RPG style progression and exploration, then Elden Ring is a perfect option.
While most tend to focus on how Elden Ring was the first open-world Soulsborne title, it’s worth acknowledging how it is also the perfect entry point to action game fans who are looking to try out Soulslike combat. While it’s accessible, that by no means makes the game any easier, and you’ll still need to have a strong sense of perseverance, but that is what makes Elden Ring such a satisfying experience to beat.
