Best Action Games You Didn’t Know You Needed

30 July 2025

Do you ever find yourself endlessly scrolling through game libraries, staring at the same mainstream titles everyone recommends? You know, the ones plastered across every social media feed? Sure, they’re great, but let’s face it—sometimes you crave something a little different, something you didn’t even know you needed. Well, you’re in luck because today I’m digging deep into the treasure trove of underrated action games that deserve your attention. Buckle up, grab your controller, and let’s get into some heart-pumping, adrenaline-fueled action titles that you probably overlooked!

1. Katana ZERO

Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
Why It’s a Must-Play: Unpredictable storytelling meets lightning-fast combat.

Let’s start with something stylish, shall we? Katana ZERO is a neo-noir 2D action game with razor-sharp gameplay to match its narrative depth. Developed by Askiisoft, this game will have you slicing through enemies with the finesse of a samurai while unraveling a mind-bending story about trauma, revenge, and time manipulation.

Each level plays out like a puzzle where speed, timing, and precision come together. And if you mess up? No problem—just rewind and try again, like editing a movie scene until it’s perfect. Add in a killer synthwave soundtrack, and this one’s like the video game equivalent of a Tarantino flick.

2. Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
Why It’s a Must-Play: Gravity-defying exploration paired with intense action.

Ever heard of Dandara? Probably not, but trust me, it’s a gem. This Metroidvania twists the genre by throwing gravity out the window—literally. Instead of traditional platforming, you’ll be zooming across walls, ceilings, and floors to navigate its labyrinthine world. The combat is fast, fluid, and rewarding, requiring quick reflexes and strategic thinking.

The pixel art feels nostalgic, but the gameplay screams innovation. And for all you lore junkies out there, its story draws from Afro-Brazilian culture, giving it a vibe that’s as fresh as it is meaningful.

3. Ruiner

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Why It’s a Must-Play: Cyberpunk chaos with a side of brutal melee combat.

If Cyberpunk 2077 left you feeling a little underwhelmed, Ruiner might be the perfect antidote. This top-down action game throws you into a gritty cyberpunk city where you, a helmet-wearing anti-hero, are on a rampage to rescue your kidnapped brother. The combat is where it truly shines—it’s fast, punishing, and incredibly satisfying.

With its slick visuals and an intense soundtrack, Ruiner throws you into a world that feels alive and hostile at every turn. It’s one of those games that makes your pulse race, especially during its white-knuckle boss fights. Trust me, it’s worth the challenge.

4. Furi

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Why It’s a Must-Play: Pure boss-rush brilliance. No filler, just thrill.

What if an entire game was one giant boss fight? That’s basically Furi, but calling it “just a boss rush game” feels like selling it short. Every fight here is a test of skill, reflexes, and patience, blending bullet-hell chaos with tight melee combat.

The best part? Each boss feels like a unique puzzle that’s as much about strategy as it is about quick thinking. The visuals are gorgeous, drenched in neon colors, and the electro soundtrack will keep your adrenaline pumping long after you’ve put down the controller. It’s tough, but hey—nothing worth doing is ever easy, right?

5. My Friend Pedro

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
Why It’s a Must-Play: Guns, slow-mo flips, and a talking banana.

If someone described My Friend Pedro to you, you’d probably think they were lying. But nope, this game is as wild as it sounds. Imagine a side-scrolling action game where you’re flipping through the air in slow motion, dual-wielding guns, and ricocheting bullets off frying pans. Oh, and there’s a sentient banana guiding you.

It’s ridiculous in the best possible way, and there’s something deeply satisfying about chaining together stylish kills like you’re in some over-the-top action movie. Think of it as The Matrix meets Looney Tunes. Weird? Yes. Awesome? Also yes.

6. Mad Max

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Why It’s a Must-Play: Open-world wasteland mayhem.

Here’s a confession: I almost overlooked Mad Max because, let’s be real, games based on movies can be hit or miss. But man, this one surprised me. Set in the same chaotic, post-apocalyptic world as the films, the game nails its vibe with brutal car combat, gritty melee brawls, and a sprawling desert wasteland to explore.

Building up your car, the Magnum Opus, is honestly just as fun as taking down enemy convoys. The story might not win any Oscars, but who cares when you’re launching your enemies into the sand dunes at 100 mph? If you’ve got a thing for explosions and vehicular carnage, this one’s a no-brainer.

7. Ape Out

Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
Why It’s a Must-Play: Minimalist mayhem with maximum style.

Do you ever feel like games don’t let you smash enough stuff? That’s where Ape Out comes in. You play as a gorilla trying to escape captivity, and the only thing standing in your way is a bunch of heavily armed guards. Lucky for you, you’ve got fists of steel (and the ability to throw people like ragdolls).

What makes Ape Out stand out, though, is its dynamic jazz soundtrack that changes based on how you play. Every punch, throw, and splatter creates a drumbeat, making the game feel like a chaotic, interactive jazz concert. It’s pure, unfiltered fun, and sometimes that’s all a game needs to be.

8. Vanquish

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Why It’s a Must-Play: Non-stop action at breakneck speed.

From the creators of Bayonetta comes a game that’s just as over-the-top but way more underrated. Vanquish is a third-person shooter where you slide around on rocket-powered knees, dodging bullets in slow motion and chain-smoking cigars between firefights (because why not?).

The combat is absurdly fast-paced, and the set pieces are so ridiculous they make Call of Duty look tame. If Michael Bay directed a sci-fi action game, it would probably look something like this. Short? Yes. But it’s one heck of a ride.

9. Shadow Warrior 2

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Why It’s a Must-Play: First-person swordplay meets over-the-top humor.

If you’re tired of serious, self-important shooters, let me introduce you to Shadow Warrior 2. It’s an over-the-top, first-person action game where you slice, shoot, and blow up enemies while cracking jokes that range from cheesy to downright absurd. It’s like Doom if the protagonist moonlighted as a stand-up comedian.

The best part? The combat is insanely satisfying. Whether you’re dual-wielding machine guns or slicing demons in half with a katana, it all feels fantastic. Plus, it has co-op, so you can bring a buddy along for the ride. Warning: Expect to cringe at some of the jokes—but in a good way.

10. Sifu

Platform: PC, PS4, PS5
Why It’s a Must-Play: Martial arts perfection that pulls no punches.

Ever wanted to feel like you’re in a martial arts movie? Sifu is here to grant that wish. This third-person action game is all about hand-to-hand combat, featuring one of the most polished fighting systems I’ve ever seen in a game. Every punch, kick, and block feels weighty and impactful, and the animations are top-tier.

But here’s the kicker—every time you die, your character ages, getting stronger but also slower. It’s a unique gameplay loop that adds a layer of strategy to every encounter. It’s not an easy game, but hey, nobody said becoming a martial arts master was going to be a walk in the park.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—a roundup of some of the best action games you didn’t know you needed. These games might not have the same spotlight as the big AAA titles, but trust me, they’re worth your time. Whether you’re into hacking and slashing, bullet-dodging chaos, or martial arts mastery, there’s something here for everyone. So go ahead, give these hidden gems a shot—you might just find your next favorite game.