Summary
- Medieval-style action games, from Skyrim to The Witcher 3, offer immersive worlds and varied combat systems.
- The difficulty and complexity of combat enhances gameplay in games like Dark Souls 3 and Middle-earth: Shadow of War.
- Medieval and medieval-inspired settings are crucial to each of these games, driving narratives, building realism, and enhancing gameplay.
Since the days of old-school RPGs, medieval-style action games have been a staple of gaming, from the high fantasy combat of The Elder Scrolls: Arena all the way back in 1994 to the beautifully grounded realism of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. With a major release every several years, this genre isn’t falling into obscurity any time soon. Many more years of dragon slaying, justice bringing, and world exploring awaits.
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The best of the best, these open-world RPGs represent the pinnacle of the genre and are an excellent choice for almost any player.
With only a sword on their back and a handful of coins to their name, players must survive in hostile worlds, overcoming the dangers of dastardly dragons, savage brigands, and villainous empires. Players must master their weapons and abilities if they are to stand any hope of carving out a legacy.
The following games are ranked on how engaging their action is — and the extent to which their medieval-style setting enhances gameplay.
Only medieval-style action games featuring real-time combat are included on this list.
Varied But Ultimately Simplistic Combat
- Released
-
November 11, 2011
- Developer(s)
-
Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher(s)
-
Bethesda Softworks
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Strong
- Open-world high fantasy RPG
- Diverse combat that has aged poorly
- Features realistic and fantasy-themed threats
In this iconic open-world high fantasy RPG, players take on the role of a newly escaped prisoner of war. In this game, players explore the beautiful land of Skyrim, locking swords with its many dangers, both fantastical and not. Here, players will make a name for themselves, rising from a penniless prisoner to the legendary savior of Tamriel.
Locked in frantic, fast-paced combat, often against multiple foes, players must quickly learn how to balance their health, stamina, and magicka if they’re to survive. There’s tons of variety to be found in this game’s combat system, including an expansive perk tree where players can unlock an array of powerful bonuses and abilities. Unfortunately, Skyrim’s combat system does not hold up long-term. Late-game combat devolves into simple button mashing, with little risk of death for the player.
Skyrim’s medieval setting is a vital part of its narrative. Every quest, from the grand to the mundane, revolves around it, whether deities, destiny, and dragons or the more realistic threats of clan feuds, encroaching empires, and conflicting factions.
7
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Organic Combat, Weak Medieval Setting
- Released
-
March 22, 2024
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
- Open-world fantasy RPG
- Incredibly organic combat encounters
- Limited enemy variety
In this open-world fantasy RPG, players are let loose to explore the beautifully wild lands of Dragon’s Dogma 2. Wrestle treasure hordes from deadly monsters, assemble an unstoppable squad, or fulfill their destiny as the Arisen; the possibilities are endless.
Players looking for a more organic approach to combat are in for a treat here. Combat can erupt at any moment, turning peaceful forest exploration into an epic player vs. griffon battle for survival. Even players expecting danger can never be certain of what to expect. All it takes is an unsuspecting troll to wander into a player’s path, and their simple goblin fight transforms into a frantic battle for survival. Once locked into such an encounter, players must navigate an ever-evolving battle as monsters and companions adapt their strategies from one moment to the next. Players must keep up if they’re to stand a chance.
Of course, none of these epic battles would be possible without Dragon Dogma 2’s medieval fantasy setting. Many locations lean more heavily on their medieval inspiration, rather than the fantastical elements of the world, but the game offers little in the way of enemy variety, which can detract from long-term enjoyment of the open-world experience.
6
Dark Souls 3
Relentless Combat With A Dark Fantasy Twist
- Released
-
March 24, 2016
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
- Dark fantasy RPG
- Notoriously difficult combat that can be rewarding or frustrating
- Setting subverts players’ expectations
Renowned for its intense difficulty and complex combat mechanics, Dark Souls 3 players take on the role of lone warriors fighting through the lands of a world fallen to decay. Terrifying horrors and otherworldly terrors lurk around every corner, ready to butcher players at a moment’s notice. Needless to say, this is not a game for the light-hearted or the impatient.
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Players looking to push their skills to the limit will find a lot to love in this series. Pitting players against seemingly unkillable monsters, players are forced to reevaluate everything they’ve ever learned about combat. There’s no overpowered weapon, difficulty lowering, or pausing here — only players, their characters, and their ability to adapt and overcome. For some, this will be the ideal challenge. Those looking for a laidback and relaxing game will, however, want to look elsewhere.
No game quite subverts players’ expectations as well as the Dark Souls games when it comes to its setting. Rather than the beautifully whimsical worlds players have come to anticipate from high fantasy, players are instead greeted by a festering world gone to ruin, one where elves and dragons are replaced by gruesome horrors and terrible monstrosities. The setting itself is the most fantastical on this list, but what it lacks in medieval realism it more than makes up for in its gritty action.
5
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Engaging Action With Medieval Fantasy Plots
- Released
-
November 18, 2014
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
- High fantasy party-based RPG
- Thrilling and complex combat
- Medieval setting is integral to the game
A fantasy RPG staple for over a decade, most gamers will at least know of Dragon Age: Inquisition. Players are free to explore a sprawling high fantasy world, assembling a rag-tag faction hell-bent on thwarting the chaotic forces that seek to bring the world to ruin.
Combat is a visually engaging and mechanically rich endeavor that presents players with an array of abilities and attacks with which to obliterate their enemies. Built around the classic selection of mage, warrior, and rogue, each class boasts three unique subclasses filled to the brim with deadly attacks and powerful abilities that are sure to change the tide of any battle. The only problem is deciding which skill to pick first! Combat can also strike at any moment, as it’s inherently tied to the game’s narrative. All it takes is one poor decision and a tense negotiation descends into a deadly brawl.
Inquisition’s medieval setting is at the heart of the series. Every game is driven by medieval high fantasy elements, usually that of the misuse of magic and its world-shattering effects. The same can be said of most side quests, which feature magic, mythical monsters, and gods galore. Others, meanwhile, revolve around more realistic medieval themes, including those of poverty, famine, and class division.
4
Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War
Satisfying Combat, Varied Approach
- Released
-
October 10, 2017
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Strong
- Open-world RPG set in Middle-earth
- Satisfying, well-refined, and varied combat
- Expansive skill tree
Join forces with Talion, a wraith-bound human, in his quest to save Tolkien’s Middle-earth from evil. With the power of a wraith on his side, Talion has an array of superhuman powers with which to thwart the orc-infested lands of Mordor and beyond.
By far the best aspect of this game is its combat, which is responsive, satisfying, and oh-so-varied. Whether facing off against orc grunts, hulking generals, or rampaging monsters, no one battle ever feels the same, as players always have new surroundings, threats, and environmental hazards to contend with. Combat is incredibly engaging, rewarding well-timed attacks with brutal combos and epic killing animations.
For all the superhuman powers this game gives players, it sure can be punishing! Overconfidence is a swift killer, especially on harder difficulties. Death is penalized by advancing time, meaning a general that players were looking to capture might be dead by the time the player respawns. Shadow Of War also features a complex skill tree for players to sink their teeth into. With the right skills unlocked, players can even ride drakes into battle!
3
The Witcher 3
Endless Variety, Brutal Setting
- Released
-
May 19, 2015
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
- Slavic mythos-inspired dark fantasy RPG
- Incredibly diverse combat
- Gritty realistic medieval setting
Join Geralt of Rivia as he journeys across the Slavic mythos-inspired lands of The Witcher 3. Chaos and destruction run rampant in this dark fantasy world, either by the blades of violent humans, elves, and dwarves, or the fangs of monstrous beasts. No place is safe here, least of all for Geralt, a despised mutant known as a Witcher.
The Witcher 3’s combat mechanics offer players unparalleled variety to fights. Whether it’s combat skills, powerful signs, potions and tonics, or weapon coatings, thes game provides near-endless ways for players to customize their combat experience. Those looking to take a tougher, if not reckless, approach can go in blind, facing off against powerful foes at a severe disadvantage. Players willing to spend a little extra time, meanwhile, can study and learn about their prey, crafting potions and bringing along deadly weapon coatings to transform themselves into a monster mashing machine. Whatever the strategy, players must be ready to adapt at a moment’s notice, as the tide of combat is forever changing.
The Witcher’s medieval setting is essential to the series, providing an excellent backdrop against which to illustrate the true horror and violence of this world. Much like in the real world, war, plagues, prejudice, and famine run rampant here, striking down the kind and the barbaric without prejudice. It is not a fair world, but rather a realistic one, despite its numerous fantastical elements.
2
Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord
Battle Altering Power, Expansive Medieval World
- Released
-
October 25, 2022
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Strong
- Open-world strategy RPG
- Players participate actively in battles
- Carve out a destiny in a realistic medieval world
Set in a realistic medieval world, this open-world RPG places players firmly in the driving seat of their own destiny. Starting out as a new adventurer, players are free to explore, fight, or negotiate their way through the world, making friends and enemies how, where, or whenever they like. There’s no set goal here, only those the players give themselves.
The Mount & Blade series showcases some of the best combat seen in the medieval action genre. With only a weapon on their back and faithful steed beneath them, players can single-handedly change the course of even the most futile of battles. Combat is intensely brutal as players fight on the ground against hordes of enemy soldiers. Helping them in this quest is an array of weapons, armor, and equipment for players to choose from, each with their own advantages and drawbacks.
Mount & Blade 2’s medieval setting is the backbone of the series. Its gameplay revolves around players carving out a name for themselves, whether as a mercenary, raider, or the ruler of a nation, something that is directly instigated by its medieval world — that being one of hardship, where those who fail to obtain glory fade into obscurity.
1
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2
Realistic Combat, Brutal Warfare
RPG
Action-Adventure
Open-World
- Released
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February 4, 2025
- Developer(s)
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Warhorse Studios
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
- Realistic medieval open-world RPG
- Combat requires precision and strategy
- Plot directly explores the horrors of medieval warfare
In this realistic open-world RPG, players follow Henry’s story as he sets out on a quest to avenge his murdered family. This is not a world of nonchalant battles and glory-seeking but one of gritty violence and daily struggles for survival.
Button-mashing attacks will get players nowhere here. Instead, precision, timing, and restraint are the name of the game, with combat being more a test of strategy than it is of strength. Akin to reality, fighting multiple enemies is all but a death sentence for new players. Even for the war-hardened, these battles should not be entered into lightly, no matter how powerful Henry becomes.
Medieval warfare is this game’s bread and butter, with a central plot that seeks to shed light on the truly horrifying reality of war. There is no fantasy in which the player or Henry can hide from this reality — no magical way to revive the dead and prevent catastrophes, nor an unquestionably evil enemy to unite against. It’s just people murdering other people, perpetuating a cycle of vengeance and violence.
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