Best Hack And Slash Games If You Just Want To Shut Off Your Brain

There’s something inherently satisfying about slicing and dicing enemies to bits in some of the best hack-and-slash games players can get their hands on. Most of these titles come equipped with complex combos, high difficulty, and stories that require a fair bit of attention from the player.

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This is why it’s inherently satisfying for players to enjoy hack-and-slash titles that let players tear their way through foes without a care in the world. This mindless action isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as players know what they’re going into.

8

Heavenly Sword

A Short And Simple Action Title That Isn’t Too Complicated

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Heavenly Sword

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Released

September 12, 2007

Heavenly Sword is a short and sweet hack-and-slash game with fun combat and a story that’s captivating enough without getting too complex. For the most part, players don’t need to focus too much on the game’s intricacies as they slice their way through numerous enemies with Nariko’s skills.

A captivating performance by Andy Serkis as the title’s villain adds a ton of intrigue to the scenes where he plays a central role, but the title is fairly uncomplicated otherwise. It’s the perfect example of a video game that is quite easy and doesn’t confuse players with complicated lore.

7

Bayonetta

Players Will Lose Themselves In The Game’s Immense Style

There’s no denying that players love the challenge in Bayonetta and apply their minds to clear every level as perfectly as they can to secure a high grade. However, the inherent style of this game, coupled with its bonkers action, means that interested players shouldn’t be deterred by its mechanical depth.

Instead, all players need to do is reduce the game’s difficulty and enjoy a brainless hack-and-slash game that is full of character. It’s easy to see why Bayonetta is considered by many to be one of the most badass women in video games that players will love to control in her action-packed adventures.

6

Lollipop Chainsaw

A Fun Action Game Where Players Hack Down Wave After Wave Of Zombies

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Lollipop Chainsaw

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Another example of a visually appealing hack-and-slash title that is simple yet riveting, Lollipop Chainsaw is a great game that more players can get their hands on now, courtesy of an unexpected remaster. Juliet Starling’s character design may feel pretty dated, but fans can’t deny that her charisma and charm make her instantly likable in this engaging action-packed adventure.

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The presentation and cathartic combat system of Lollipop Chainsaw make it one of the best titles players can get their hands on if they love brainless hack-and-slash titles. The main cast is surprisingly likable, and the spectacle of the boss fights is something fans will get behind in no time.

5

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

A Surprisingly Fun Movie Tie-In Where Players Tear Their Enemies Apart As Wolverine

Wolverine’s origins made for a poor cinematic experience, but the same can’t be said for the video game adaptation. The incredible hack-and-slash combat of X-Men Origins: Wolverine made up for its lackluster story.

Players loved lunging at enemies and tearing them apart with Wolverine’s skills. The brutal combat is perfect for fans of this comic book anti-hero who don’t have to worry themselves too much about the intricacies of a nonsensical plot.

4

Dante’s Inferno

A God Of War Clone That’s Full Of Fun, Mindless Action

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Dante’s Inferno

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Released

February 9, 2010

It’s easy to label Dante’s Inferno as a God of War clone and be done with it. However, players who loved looking at the striking imagery and gory action of this game in its previews were more than pleased to get exactly what they paid for when Dante’s Inferno released back in 2010.

The bombastic boss fights, engaging hack-and-slash gameplay, and striking visual design are more than enough for players to play Dante’s Inferno till the very end. The narrative is engaging and not so complicated that players will be required to pay a lot of attention to a part of the game that isn’t its selling point.

3

Middle-earth: Shadow Of War

The Fun Action Combat And The Novelty Of The Nemesis System Make It An Easy Game To Enjoy

Some people felt that Shadow of War didn’t do enough to serve as a major step forward from its previous title, but this criticism is not something players care about if all they want is to behead and subjugate orcs. The Nemesis System makes a glorious return and is more refined and satisfying than ever before.

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With the ability to siege and defend strongholds, it becomes more important than ever before for Talion to build up a strong force that can weather these assaults. The story is largely forgettable, but this isn’t an issue for players who just want to enjoy this hack-and-slash take on Arkham‘s combat system as they kill or recruit notable orcs and weaken Sauron’s forces.

2

Persona 5 Strikers

The Musou Gameplay Merges Well With Persona 5’s Style For A Cathartic Experience

The Dynasty Warriors series introduced many players to the catharsis of musou gameplay. It didn’t require a lot of brainpower, so fans wondered how this gameplay would merge with the tactical combat of Persona 5.

Fans were pleased to see that this Persona 5 spinoff was a major success, letting players smash foes in style as Joker and his allies. The only time players need to use their brainpower is to remember every character’s special attack and take out certain bosses. Aside from these, the story chugs along with familiar beats that embody the charm of the Persona series and sees the main gang on a road trip that would almost be a feel-good experience had it not been for the many Jails popping up across Japan.

1

God Of War

The First Game Is Full Of Gory Action And Bombastic Boss Fights

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God of War (2005)

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Released

March 22, 2005

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

The first God of War lacked a lot of nuance and is a bit rough around the edges, but players won’t mind as long as they get to brutally execute their enemies. Kratos is a fascinating hack and slash protagonist whose unyielding rage motivates him to fight against the gods and take his revenge on Ares, the God of War who manipulated him into killing his family in a fit of rage.

It’s a disturbing way to start the game, but God of War‘s engaging combat means that players don’t need to worry too much about the story’s nuance and Kratos’ characterization. Both of these would see a significant improvement in latter games, especially the Norse Saga of God of War, which helped transform Kratos from a one-dimensional protagonist into one of the most fascinating video game characters of all time.

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10 Longest Hack And Slash Games, Ranked

In the brutal world of hack-and-slash video games, the following come with the most content and can take quite a while for players to fully complete.