Best Games with Combo-Based Combat Systems

In action games, combat isn’t just a mechanic — it’s an art form. And when combo combat comes into play, everything speeds up. It’s all about skill chaining, nailing the rhythm, and using systems that reward precision and creativity.

These aren’t games for passive players — here, every decision matters, and the fighting mechanics often run deeper than the storylines of some RPGs.

Game	Release	Genre	Developer
Devil May Cry 5	2019-03-08	Hack and slash/Beat 'em up & Adventure	Capcom Development Division 1
Bayonetta 3	2022-10-28	Hack and slash/Beat 'em up & Shooter	PlatinumGames
God Of War Ragnark	2024-09-19	Adventure & Hack and slash/Beat 'em up	SIE Santa Monica Studio
Nioh 2 The Complete Edition	2021-02-05	Hack and slash/Beat 'em up & Adventure	Team NINJA
Mortal Kombat 11	2019-04-23	Fighting	NetherRealm Studios
GUILTY GEAR STRIVE	2021-06-11	Fighting	Arc System Works
Sekiro Shadows Die Twice GOTY Edition	2019-03-22	Role-playing (RPG) & Hack and slash/Beat 'em up	FromSoftware, Inc.
Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition	2015-06-23	Hack and slash/Beat 'em up & Adventure	CAPCOM CO., LTD.
Bayonetta	2017-04-11	Adventure & Hack and slash/Beat 'em up	PlatinumGames
Mortal Kombat 1	2023-09-19	Adventure & Fighting	NetherRealm Studios

This list is all about games that stand out for their action combat systems, refined combo attacks, and an approach that demands not just fast fingers, but also timing, intuition, and sharp reflexes. These titles don’t just serve up intense fights — they push you to learn, experiment, and most importantly, have a blast!

Devil May Cry series

Release date:	2019-03-08
Genre:	Hack and slash/Beat 'em up & Adventure
Developer:	Capcom Development Division 1

The Devil May Cry series tells the story of Dante and his brother Vergil — descendants of the legendary demon Sparda, caught on opposite sides of a war between humanity and the forces of hell. With each game, the story dives deeper into themes of family, betrayal, loyalty, and fate.

Image credit: Capcom Development Division 1

Devil May Cry practically invented combo combat as a gameplay style, where it’s not just about efficiency — it’s about flair. The combat system encourages you to mix up attacks, weapons, and abilities into increasingly stylish sequences. Creativity and variety are rewarded, and every battle is a chance to show off your skills.

You may like it because
It rewards you for being stylish in combat You get massive freedom to craft your own attack sequences It’s one of those rare series where combat looks just as good as it feels

Devil May Cry series

Release date:	2022-10-28
Genre:	Hack and slash/Beat 'em up & Shooter
Developer:	PlatinumGames

Bayonetta stars a witch fighting angelic forces while uncovering secrets about her past and lost identity. The story walks the line between serious and absurd, delivering a bizarre but compelling twist on the classic good-versus-evil narrative.

Image credit: PlatinumGames

It’s known for over-the-top battles and stylish moves. Skill chaining into smooth, flashy combos is part of the core experience. The game rewards you for perfect dodges, and every encounter feels like a dazzling storm of explosions, sparkles, and organized chaos.

You may like it because
The combos are smooth and flashy Every boss fight feels like a theatrical anime showdown The main character adds charisma to every scene

Bayonetta series

Release date:	2022-01-14
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG) & Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer:	Santa Monica Studio

Kratos is older, bearded, and has traded Greek gods for Norse legends — but one thing remains: action-packed combat. This new chapter moves from pure revenge to a deeper story of fatherhood, as Kratos tries to teach his son how to survive in a dangerous world.

Image credit: Santa Monica Studio

The combat doesn’t rely on a flashy style meter, but it’s still grounded in skill execution, smart ability use, and tactical thinking. Mastering the axe, special moves, and enemy patterns is essential — this is a system that demands control and awareness.

You may like it because
It blends brutality with precision You can tailor your style with runes and upgrades It fuses intense fights with an emotional story

God of War (2018)

Release date:	2021-02-05
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG) & Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer:	Team NINJA

Set in an alternate feudal Japan, Nioh mixes history with myth, where samurai clash with demonic yokai. You play as a warrior trying to restore balance to a war-torn, supernatural world.

Image credit: Team NINJA

This game demands mastery of its deep fighting mechanics. With three stances, a stamina system, and precise combo attacks, every fight is a tactical puzzle. You can’t just rush in — you have to strike smart.

You may like it because
It demands strategy, precision, and quick reflexes You can shape the combat style to match your preferences The satisfaction of beating tough enemies is unbeatable

NiOh series

Release date:	2019-03-22
Genre:	Role-playing (RPG) & Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer:	FromSoftware, Inc.

In Sekiro, you’re a shinobi named Sekiro, tasked with protecting a young heir with divine blood. The story touches on loyalty, duty, and redemption, and is set in a brutal version of Japan full of mystical danger.

Image credit: FromSoftware, Inc.

This is one of the most challenging skill execution games out there — no gear upgrades, no stat grinding, just pure skill. Every enemy encounter tests your timing, technique, and nerves.

You may like it because
Every fight builds serious tension Battles feel like duels between masters You need absolute focus and lightning reflexes

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Release date:	2023-09-19
Genre:	Fighting & Adventure
Developer:	NetherRealm Studios

Mortal Kombat is a legendary series with epic clashes and brutal tournaments that define the fate of the world.

Image credit: NetherRealm Studios

Though a classic fighting game, Mortal Kombat features a deep combo combat system — with chained hits and special techniques that rely on mastering advanced fighting mechanics. Every punch and kick can explode into a painful (but spectacular) sequence.

You may like it because
You need to truly learn your character to succeed The combat system supports unique personal styles Every match is a fast-paced, technical showdown

Mortal Kombat series

Release date:	2021-06-11
Genre:	Fighting
Developer:	Arc System Works

Set in a futuristic world where magic meets tech, Guilty Gear is about rebels fighting corrupt systems, AI, and their own demons. The series is known for its deep lore and wildly distinct characters.

Image credit: Arc System Works

This is one of the most technical fighting games out there. With complex combo attacks, movement mechanics, and layered systems, every fight is a true test of your knowledge and reflexes.

You may like it because
You get total freedom to build your own fighting style Every match is a blend of strategy and split-second decisions The system is tough to master, but incredibly rewarding

Guilty Gear series

Combo-based combat is about knowing the system, feeling the rhythm, and reacting with precision, and the games in this list aren’t for casual play — they’re for players who crave a challenge, and who find joy in skill-building and mastery.

Remember: a true combo attack doesn’t end at the third strike… it begins at the moment you really know what you’re doing!