Games are always meant to be entertaining, but action games take the excitement up a notch with their fast-paced and bombastic combat. A lot of titles can be considered action ones. After all, it’s a pretty vast genre, as the only requirement to being considered an action game is the inclusion of plenty of action. So, everything from shooters to action-adventure games counts.

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As such, there are a lot of them on Steam. Therefore, to be considered among the best of them is a real achievement, and it’s something that the following games have certainly earned.

This list is just for pure action games, so action RPGs haven't been considered. However, shooters and action-adventure titles have, as they're generally very action-focused.

8 Batman: Arkham City

Batman Arkham City

Released October 18, 2011 Developer(s) Rocksteady Studios Publisher(s) Warner Bros. Games Powered by Expand Collapse

The Batman Arkham series has one of the best fighting mechanics in gaming. The strike-and-counter system is easy to learn and remains satisfying for hours upon hours. The addition of combos and gadgets makes it even more exciting. This is good because you spend a lot of time in Batman Arkham City beating up thugs.

The inclusion of different enemy types and several bosses ensures that the combat stays challenging throughout. The story and characters are excellent, too, and the open world is fun to explore.

7 Doom

DOOM

Released May 13, 2016 Developer(s) id Software Publisher(s) Bethesda Softworks Powered by Expand Collapse

Doom is about as pure of an FPS as you'll ever play. There isn't much story or pretense to what you're doing. All you need to know is that there are a bunch of demons that need to be killed, and you're the one tasked with doing it. So, throughout the game, you engage in fierce battles against all sorts of demonic creatures.

You have a range of weapons to take them out, from simple shotguns to chainsaws. During these fights, you're encouraged to be in perpetual motion, meaning Doom is one of the best movement shooters out there.

6 Grand Theft Auto 5

Grand Theft Auto 5

Released September 17, 2013 Developer(s) Rockstar North Publisher(s) Rockstar Games Powered by Expand Collapse

Grand Theft Auto 5 needs little introduction as it’s one of the most famous games in the world. The story is all about three men and their criminal lives in the city of Los Santos. All three of them embark on many different missions, both solo and together. Most of them involve a lot of shooting and killing.

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The early missions ease you in, but once you get to Trevor’s introduction, the action picks up significantly. It isn’t just all aimlessly gunning people down, either. There are elaborate heists to complete and car chases to engage in. You also can just start causing chaos in the open world if you desire.

5 Uncharted: Legacy Of Thieves Collection

Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection

Released January 28, 2022 Developer(s) Naughty Dog, Iron Galaxy Publisher(s) PlayStation Studios, Sony Interactive Entertainment Powered by Expand Collapse

Uncharted on the PC still feels a little weird, as it was a classic PlayStation-exclusive series. Yet, you can get the Legacy of Thieves Collection on Steam. The package contains Uncharted 4: A Thief's End and Uncharted: The Lost Legacy. Both of them provide excellent stories and a bunch of exciting action set pieces. It's like playing through major Hollywood action flicks.

The actual core third-person gunplay is very fluid and fun. There is an open feel to it as you run from cover to cover and occasionally climb a wall or structure to get an advantage over the opposition.

4 Yakuza 0

Yakuza 0

Released January 24, 2017 Developer(s) Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio Publisher(s) Sega Powered by Expand Collapse

As the title suggests, Yakuza 0 revolves around the criminal organization known as the Yakuza. They are fighting among themselves to get their hands on an important piece of real estate. In the middle of it all are the two playable characters, Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima. The story is a compelling and unique one.

Outside of captivating cutscenes and conversations, things get violent. Whether you're just roaming the streets or embarking on missions, you're likely to run into some thugs who want to put a pounding on you. You must use an array of martial artist techniques, as well as random weapons you can pick up to defeat them.

3 Devil May Cry 5

Devil May Cry 5

Released March 8, 2019 Developer(s) Capcom Publisher(s) Capcom Powered by Expand Collapse

No type of game is more action-packed than character-action games. It's an entire sub-genre known for outrageously over-the-top combat. Devil May Cry 5 is one of the best character-action titles of all time. It contains multiple playable characters who all fight a little differently.

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Yet, whoever you're playing as, you don't get much time to slow down. You continually face groups of dangerous enemies. Thankfully, you're equally dangerous. In these fights, you're encouraged to land fancy combos and generally take them out in style. In fact, you even get a rating for every combat encounter that reviews how you did.

2 Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Released November 11, 2014 Developer(s) 343 Industries Publisher(s) Xbox Game Studios Powered by Expand Collapse

Halo: The Master Chief Collection contains six classic Halo games, including Halo Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, and Halo 4. They aren't all exactly the same in terms of gameplay, as there is a bit of variation between them.

Each one, though, provides plenty of excellent FPS action involving plenty of gunfire and explosions. There are some moments in the games where large battles commence, and the great soundtrack starts blasting away. It's hard not to be excited when that happens.

1 Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2

Released November 17, 2009 Developer(s) Valve Publisher(s) Valve Powered by Expand Collapse

Left 4 Dead 2 is a game where you're continually surrounded by zombies. In fact, it's rare to get a moment of rest in any of the game's several campaigns. You are attacked almost constantly as you try to fight your way from safehouse to safehouse before finally escaping the area.

These aren't just regular zombies you're up against, either. There are different types of special infected who use their distinct abilities to try and take you out. At least you aren't alone, though, as you travel in a team of four, which can be made up of either CPU or other players. Whether you're playing solar or co-op, it's a lot of fun.

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