Best Games For One-on-One Duels

Video games often let gamers enjoy their wildest power fantasies, sometimes permitting them to assume the role of accomplished warriors and fighters who can take on tough enemies with ease. However, while taking out groups of enemies is fun, there’s something to be said about one-on-one duels and how cinematic, challenging, and satisfying they can be.

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Some of the best action games that gamers can get their hands on feature compelling dueling mechanics that are a blast to engage with. Those who decide to try out such titles will need to be at the top of their game, mastering certain skills in order to deal with the wealth of challenging enemies that come their way.

8

Nidhogg

Hilarious Dueling Where Players Must Take Out Their Opponent And Make A Break For It

Systems

Released

January 13, 2014

A hilarious 2-player game where players must win fencing duels and reach the end of a stage, Nidhogg is an underrated competitive game with a simple premise. The duels may not be all that serious, but the game’s fun factor more than makes up for it.

The majority of players often can’t help but laugh as they goofily run to the other side of the arena and get eaten by Nidhogg as a reward for attaining victory. It helps that the fencing combat is deceptively complex and rewards players for adjusting the angle of their swing and commends them for their ability to hit targets at range with a well-placed sword throw.

7

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

The Combat Shines In 1v1 Encounters

RPG

Action-Adventure

Open-World

Released

February 4, 2025

ESRB

Mature 17+ // Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity

The much-anticipated sequel to Kingdom Come: Deliverance is everything that fans wanted and more. Starting as a weakened Henry may not sit right with some players, but it’s a tried-and-tested way to help those in control feel a sense of accomplishment as they eventually acquire the skills they need to take on enemies in high-stakes duels.

The combat loses a lot of the unnecessary complexities from the first game, making duels more breathtaking than ever. Using Master Strikes and blocking attacks effectively is integral for players who want to best tough opponents in scintillating one-on-one battles.

6

Absolver

Players Must Become Expert Martial Artists To Deal With The Many Enemies That Come Their Way

Released

August 28, 2017

ESRB

T For Teen: Violence

Players who want to check out a game with incredible hand-to-hand combat will find Absolver to be right up their alley. In this title, players can take on both NPCs and human-controlled opponents in an open world bursting with avenues to explore.

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Players must master strikes, parries, feints, and combos in order to catch their enemies unawares. A good defense and offense are critical for getting through some of the hardest one-on-one duels in Absolver.

5

Ghost Of Tsushima

The Duels Jin Can Participate In Make For Some Of The Game’s Biggest Highlights

Systems

Released

July 17, 2020

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Language, Partial Nudity

One of the most beautiful open-world games around that wowed countless gamers when it first came out, Ghost of Tsushima boasts an incredible combat loop and striking visuals that make it a treat for players to explore. Jin’s adventures to drive the Mongols away from his homeland are full of epic encounters and memorable set pieces.

As one would expect, this game is full to the brim with duels against Mongols and samurai alike, which are as cinematic as they come. Players must become masters of the combat system if they want to come out victorious in these pulse-pounding duels where a single mistake can be deadly.

4

Yakuza 0

Every Yakuza Game Fits The Bill For Epic 1v1 Encounters

Action

Adventure

Beat ‘Em Up

Released

January 24, 2017

ESRB

M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Intense Violence, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol

Players who want to see why the Yakuza games are so beloved by the masses will find this prequel to be the perfect introduction. Those unfamiliar with the legacies of Kiryu and Majima will soon understand why countless fans can’t get enough of these two badasses.

The Dragon of Dojima and the Mad Dog of Shimano establish their legacies in compelling narratives full of epic boss fights. The many duels that players will have against fan-favorite characters like Kuze and Nishitani are fun and cinematic, making Yakuza 0 a must-play for fans of one-on-one battles.

3

Furi

A Boss Rush Game With Pulse-Pounding Combat Against Tough Foes

It’s only a given that a game that structures itself as a boss rush will feature some amazing duels. From the very moment the Stranger is freed, Furi players are treated to a tutorial boss who sets the stage for a series of thrilling encounters.

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Every boss in Furi makes for a tough duel, with players needing to be well-versed with the Stranger’s moveset as they take out the people keeping the protagonist imprisoned. It’s far from an easy game, which is why the feeling of satisfaction that one can enjoy after defeating these tough bosses is so magical.

2

Bloodborne

Battling Against Both CPU And Player-Controlled Hunters Is A Blast

Systems

Released

March 24, 2015

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence

Out of all the FromSoftware games that fans can check out, the fast-paced duels of Bloodborne are in a class of their own. A player’s loadout must be nigh-perfect if they want to deal with the many invaders and Hunter fights that make for sizzling one-on-one encounters.

That’s to say nothing of the bosses that take players on in epic one-on-one clashes. Fights with epic bosses like Gerhman along with tough hunter fights against the Bloody Crow of Cainhurst (among others) make it clear why Bloodborne is a perfect title for those who want to enjoy tough one-on-one duels.

1

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

The Tight And Satisfying Combat Makes 1v1 Duels Feel Incredible

Released

March 22, 2019

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence

Unlike most other FromSoftware games, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is all about mastering the deflection mechanic and punishing enemies with powerful deathblows. This is perfect for those who want to engage in tough duels where parrying will be the key to victory.

Watching Sekiro deflect multiple attacks and break an enemy’s stance never ceases to be engaging. This is especially true when the toughest bosses in Sekiro can push players to their very limit as they deflect and dodge attacks to make things easier for themselves.

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