Best Action Games for PC: Top Picks for Epic Gameplay
Published: 30 Apr 2025
Looking for the best action games for PC? We’ve compiled a list of top picks that deliver thrilling gameplay, stunning visuals, and intense action. Whether you’re into FPS, RPGs, or open-world adventures, these games are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you’re a fan of heart-pounding action, this list of the best action games for PC is for you. From epic shootouts to gripping storylines, we’ve rounded up the top titles you should play in 2025.
DOOM Eternal
Genre: FPS
- Why Play: Fast-paced, demon-slaying action with epic weapons and intense combat.
- Features: Brutal combat, stunning graphics, and a killer soundtrack.
- System Requirements: GTX 1050 Ti (min), GTX 1080 Ti (recommended).
- Where to Buy: Steam, Bethesda Store.
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Genre: Open-World Action
- Why Play: Live the Wild West with immersive gameplay, beautiful landscapes, and deep storytelling.
- Features: Massive world to explore, realistic gunfights, and dynamic weather.
- System Requirements: GTX 770 (min), GTX 1060 (recommended).
- Where to Buy: Steam, Rockstar Launcher.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Genre: Action RPG
- Why Play: A rich, story-driven RPG full of monsters, magic, and unforgettable choices.
- Features: Open-world exploration, epic combat, and memorable characters.
- System Requirements: GTX 770 (min), GTX 1060 (recommended).
- Where to Buy: Steam, GOG.
Cyberpunk 2077
- Genre: Action RPG
- Why Play: Dive into a futuristic world of hacking, high-speed combat, and gripping storylines.
- Features: Deep customization, dynamic open world, and intense combat.
- System Requirements: GTX 780 (min), RTX 2070 (recommended).
- Where to Buy: Steam, GOG.
Devil May Cry 5
- Genre: Hack-and-Slash
- Why Play: Over-the-top combat with stylish moves and boss fights.
- Features: Fast combos, multiple characters, and visually stunning action.
- System Requirements: GTX 760 (min), GTX 1060 (recommended).
- Where to Buy: Steam.
Action Game Subgenres:
First-Person Shooters (FPS)
If you’re looking for high-speed action with a focus on precision and combat, FPS games are the ultimate adrenaline rush. Step into the shoes of a soldier or hero and experience heart-pounding battles from the first-person perspective. How Many Types of Games Are There?
Examples:
- DOOM Eternal, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Why Play: Fast-paced firefights, tactical gameplay, and multiplayer action that tests your reflexes and decision-making.
- What to Expect: Intense combat, immersive environments, and a variety of weapons to master.
Open-World Action Games
Love the freedom to explore vast, beautiful worlds at your own pace? Open-world action games give you endless opportunities to dive into epic adventures and create your own story.
Examples:
Red Dead Redemption 2, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Grand Theft Auto V
- Why Play: Freedom to explore expansive environments, engage in side quests, and discover hidden secrets.
- What to Expect: Rich storytelling, dynamic worlds, and non-linear gameplay where your choices matter. What is a Game Mod?
Action RPGs (Role-Playing Games)
For those who crave action with a deep, immersive storyline, action RPGs combine thrilling combat with character development and narrative depth, letting you create your own hero’s journey.
Examples:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Cyberpunk 2077, Dark Souls III
- Why Play: A balance of action-packed combat and meaningful decision-making that impacts the world around you.
- What to Expect: Character progression, engaging stories, tough enemies, and memorable quests.
Hack-and-Slash
If you enjoy nonstop action with flashy combos and hordes of enemies, hack-and-slash games are your perfect match. Slice, dice, and defeat enemies in intense, action-filled gameplay.
Examples:
Devil May Cry 5, Bayonetta, God of War (2018)
- Why Play: Fast, fluid combat with rewarding combo systems and visually satisfying action sequences.
What to Expect: Epic battles, massive enemies, and a focus on skillful, combo-driven gameplay.
Fighting Games
Fighting games are where precision, strategy, and reflexes meet. Test your skills against others in one-on-one battles with unique characters and move sets.
Examples:
Street Fighter V, Mortal Kombat 11, Tekken 7
- Why Play: Competitive and strategic battles, with deep mechanics that reward practice and mastery.
- What to Expect: Tight controls, high skill ceilings, and thrilling multiplayer matches.
How to Choose the Best Action Game for Your PC
Choosing the right action game for your PC depends on several factors, from your gameplay preferences to your system’s performance capabilities. With so many exciting options available, it’s important to know what type of experience you want—whether it’s a fast-paced shooter or a deep, story-driven RPG.
Consider your preferred gaming style, how much time you can dedicate to gaming, and the specifications of your PC. Let’s break down the key factors to help you find the perfect action game for your setup.
Consider Your Gameplay Preferences:
- Fast-paced Combat vs. Strategic Play: Do you love non-stop action like DOOM Eternal, or do you prefer a more methodical and tactical combat system like The Witcher 3?
- Story vs. Action: Are you looking for an engaging narrative with action elements (like Cyberpunk 2077) or just pure adrenaline-driven action (like Devil May Cry 5)?
Multiplayer or Single-Player: Do you prefer competitive multiplayer matches (e.g., Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II) or immersive single-player campaigns (e.g., Red Dead Redemption 2)?
Check Your PC’s Specifications:
- Minimum vs. Recommended System Requirements: Always compare your PC specs to the game’s minimum and recommended requirements to ensure smooth gameplay.
- Graphics Settings: Higher-end games, especially those with advanced graphics like Cyberpunk 2077, may require a more powerful GPU and processor.
- Storage Space: Some games, like Red Dead Redemption 2, take up a significant amount of space, so make sure you have enough storage.
Gameplay Length and Replayability:
- Short vs. Long Campaigns: Some action games have epic, lengthy campaigns (e.g., The Witcher 3), while others offer quick, action-packed sessions (e.g., DOOM Eternal).
- Replay Value: Consider whether the game offers multiplayer modes, new game plus options, or DLC content that can extend playtime.
Game Genre and Style:
- Shooter, RPG, or Hack-and-Slash: Think about the genre that excites you the most. Do you prefer the precision of a first-person shooter, the character development of an RPG, or the fluid combat of a hack-and-slash game?
- World Type: Some action games are set in open worlds (Red Dead Redemption 2), while others feature linear paths with intense missions (DOOM Eternal).
Reviews and Community Feedback:
- Player Reviews: Check reviews and ratings on platforms like Steam or Metacritic to get a sense of the game’s quality.
- Community Support: Some games, especially multiplayer ones, thrive on community interaction and mod support (e.g., Grand Theft Auto V or Counter-Strike).
Why Action Games Are So Popular and Worth Playing
Action games have remained a dominant genre in the gaming industry for decades, and it’s easy to see why. They offer an unparalleled experience, combining intense gameplay, fast reflexes, and adrenaline-pumping moments that captivate players. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a seasoned pro, action games always promise excitement and challenges that keep players coming back for more.
Instant Gratification and Thrills
One of the main reasons action games are so addictive is the instant gratification they provide. Every encounter, battle, or chase gives players a quick burst of satisfaction, whether it’s completing a mission or defeating a difficult enemy. The immediate rewards and accomplishments keep players engaged, making it a thrilling experience.
Games like DOOM Eternal are perfect examples, offering constant combat that demands quick reflexes and precision. Players can feel the rush as they chain combos and defeat powerful enemies. These games allow you to feel like an unstoppable force, bringing a level of excitement that’s hard to match in other genres.
Immersive Worlds and Storytelling
While action games are often known for their high-energy gameplay, many also offer deep, immersive worlds and captivating stories. Open-world action games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher 3 not only deliver action-packed moments but also present rich narratives that players can lose themselves in for hours. These games blur the lines between action and storytelling, making them stand out in the genre.
In these games, players become part of the world. The stories unfold through the characters they interact with, the choices they make, and the consequences that follow. The experience becomes more than just completing missions—it’s about discovering a story that makes the action feel meaningful and rewarding.
Social Interaction and Multiplayer Fun
Multiplayer modes have also contributed to the genre’s growth. Titles like Call of Duty and Apex Legends offer competitive online play that brings gamers together, offering a social aspect that keeps the gameplay fresh. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or competing against others worldwide, the multiplayer experience adds layers of fun and replayability.
Conclusion
Finding the best action game for your PC ultimately comes down to understanding your gaming preferences, your system’s capabilities, and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Whether you crave fast-paced action, deep storytelling, or expansive worlds to explore, there’s a game out there that fits your needs.
Find out which action game genre fits your gaming style the best!
- What type of gameplay do you enjoy most?
A) Non-stop combat with lots of enemies.
B) Exploring vast worlds and discovering hidden secrets.
C) A deep storyline with character progression and choices.
D) Fast-paced, competitive combat with friends. - How do you like your combat?
A) Quick reflexes, high damage, and lots of explosions.
B) Tactical and strategic, where every decision matters.
C) Close combat with a focus on fluid combos and skills.
D) Precise, tactical, and aiming for perfect accuracy. - How long do you want to spend playing?
A) I enjoy quick sessions that give me an immediate rush.
B) I want an open world where I can explore for hours.
C) I prefer long, story-driven experiences that require a commitment.
D) I love multiplayer, so short, competitive matches work best. - What’s most important to you in a game?
A) Intense action and high-energy fights.
B) A big, immersive world to explore.
C) An engaging story with complex characters.
D) The thrill of competition with others.
Results:
Mostly A’s: FPS Games – You’ll love the fast-paced, intense action of first-person shooters like DOOM Eternal or Call of Duty.
Mostly B’s: Open-World Action Games – Red Dead Redemption 2 or Assassin’s Creed Valhalla are perfect for you, offering vast worlds to explore.
Mostly C’s: Action RPGs – Dive into deep, story-driven games like The Witcher 3 or Cyberpunk 2077 for thrilling combat and a gripping narrative.
Mostly D’s: Fighting Games – Competitive play is your thing! Street Fighter V or Mortal Kombat 11 will keep you on your toes.
The system requirements for action games can vary greatly depending on the title. However, most modern action games, like DOOM Eternal or Cyberpunk 2077, require a PC with at least 8GB of RAM, a mid-range processor (Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5), and a dedicated graphics card (GTX 1060 or equivalent). For a smoother experience with higher settings, aim for 16GB of RAM, a more powerful CPU (Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 7), and a graphics card like the GTX 1080 Ti or RTX series.
It’s always best to check the specific game’s system requirements on its official store page (Steam, Epic Games, etc.) to ensure your PC can handle it.
The main difference lies in the combat style and perspective:
First-Person Shooter (FPS): In FPS games like DOOM Eternal or Call of Duty, you experience the action through the eyes of the character. The focus is on ranged combat using guns or other weapons. FPS games typically emphasize quick reflexes, tactical positioning, and precise aiming.
Hack-and-Slash: Hack-and-slash games, like Devil May Cry 5 or God of War, are focused on close-combat, combo-driven gameplay. The goal is to defeat enemies using melee weapons, with players chaining together attacks for powerful combos. These games tend to focus more on fluid, action-packed fighting mechanics rather than shooting.

- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks

- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks