Welcome back, and today we’re counting down our picks for the 25 best action-adventure games that you should play before you die.
In this list, we’ll be looking at some of the best titles that you can enjoy.
With so many action-adventure games to play, which ones stand out to you? Be sure to let us know in the comments.
And without further ado, let’s dive right in.
#25. Ghost of Tsushima
- Release Date: 2020
- Platform: PS5, PS4
This incredible title offers a vast samurai adventure, impressing with its visuals and combat. The new abilities keep the swordplay engaging over its 40 to 50-hour campaign.
However, some areas lack polish, notably enemy AI and stealth mechanics.
Nonetheless, it’s an exceptional action-adventure, tackling genre issues while providing a thrilling samurai experience.
#24. Hitman 3
- Release Date: 2021
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XBSX/S, XB1, SWITCH
Hitman 3, rich and rewarding, continues the beloved stealth series with familiar mechanics but exceptional maps.
Each of the six large maps offers countless assassination opportunities, ensuring replayability.
And despite the series’ long history, this installment stands out as one of the best, offering a refined and robust experience for stealth gaming enthusiasts.
#23. Rise of the Tomb Raider
- Release Date: 2015
- Platform: PC, PS4, XB1
In Rise of the Tomb Raider, Lara Croft surpasses her previous adventure, offering a captivating story, formidable foes, stunning landscapes, and clever puzzles.
While mandatory combat lacks challenging adversaries at lower difficulty levels, increasing the intensity adds excitement.
And despite some criticisms, Lara remains the star, revealing multifaceted ambitions and unwavering determination, solidifying her status as one of today’s most intriguing video game heroes.
#22. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
- Release Date: 2020
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4
While not as content-rich as its predecessor, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales shines as a crucial addition to Insomniac’s Spidey Universe.
It delivers a captivating Miles-centric narrative and enhances the first game’s mechanics with unique moves and foes.
Plus, on PlayStation 5, it dazzles with stunning visuals, quick load times, and innovative DualSense controller features.
Simply put, across generations, it remains a standout superhero sequel.
#21. Horizon Forbidden West
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4
Horizon Forbidden West excels with captivating combat, stunning design, and an immersive open world, serving as a showcase for modern platform capabilities.
While some series elements return and climbing lacks freedom, it falls short of true innovation.
Nevertheless, it marks significant progress and offers countless hours of enjoyment with Aloy, cementing her as a standout character.
In the end, Guerrilla delivers yet another triumph, leaving anticipation high for future endeavors.
#20. Horizon Zero Dawn
- Release Date: 2017
- Platform: PC, PS4
Horizon Zero Dawn excels in managing its myriad elements seamlessly.
Combat, which is the core activity, offers immense satisfaction, owing to the diverse behaviors of its mechanical fauna.
And while side quests lack some creativity, they remain engaging due to an intriguing central mystery.
Moreover, this narrative thread leads us through a captivating journey, culminating in a surprisingly emotional conclusion.
#19. Devil May Cry 5
- Release Date: 2019
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XBSX/S, XB1
Determining the best Devil May Cry game has become simpler with Devil May Cry 5.
The combat surpasses any previous installment, while the story adeptly juggles its three main characters, gradually unraveling its enticing mystery.
Moreover, the plethora of unlockable difficulties and techniques, alongside the Bloody Palace DLC, ensure ample replay value.
So, welcome back, Dante and Nero; your return is greatly appreciated.
#18. The Last of Us Part I
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: PC, PS5
This title receives a stunning and finely crafted remake, solidifying its status as one of PlayStation’s standout classics.
The overhaul extends to a completely reconstructed world, complemented by subtle character performance refinements. And while not incorporating all the sequel’s enhancements, the changes to movement and AI enhance an already outstanding game.
While the remake might not be deemed crucial, it faces strong competition from the 2014 remaster, which still outshines many story-driven action-adventure titles to this day.
#17. Dead Space
- Release Date: 2023
- Platform: PC, PS5, XBSX/S
Motive Studio’s remake of Dead Space brilliantly revitalizes the iconic sci-fi horror universe.
The spaceship’s redesigned aesthetics, subtly enhanced narrative, and reimagined action scenes breathe new life into the classic.
Despite the original holding up well, this remake consistently surprises and immerses players in Isaac’s journey, delivering heightened emotional impact.
In the end, the dev’s labor of love shines through, making it a must-play for both newcomers and fans revisiting the unsettling corridors of the USG Ishimura.
#16. Yakuza 0
- Release Date: 2017
- Platform: PC, PS4, XB1
Yakuza 0 offers a vast open-world experience, teeming with activities and anchored by a captivating crime narrative.
And being a prequel, it sheds the weight of the series’ complex backstory, making it remarkably accessible to newcomers.
Though its melee combat may not match contemporary standards, the game excels overall, delivering a riveting journey through Japan’s criminal underworld, brimming with boldness and intensity.
#15. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Release Date: 2023
- Platform: PS5
This title, a sequel in an illustrious series, presents both blessings and challenges.
Its narrative featuring two Spider-Men is a delight for fans, seamlessly blending light-hearted humor with deeper themes from comic book pages.
However, the expanded New York City lacks innovation, burdened by repetitive side activities.
Nonetheless, it remains a thrilling superhero journey, offering Insomniac’s finest storytelling yet, and undeniably capturing the essence of being Spider-Man.
#14. Alan Wake II
- Release Date: 2023
- Platform: PC, PS5, XBSX/S
This game emerges as a bold and mind-bending survival horror experience, reminiscent of Silent Hill 2.
The game showcases impeccable art direction and audio design, breathing new life into the series’ light-based shooting mechanics.
And despite some perceived superfluous elements in skill-upgrade systems and occasional clichés in Saga’s story, both sides of this twisted tale prove endlessly fascinating, fear-inducing, and consistently surprising.
In conclusion, this sequel elevates the cult-classic original, making it appear as a mere rough first draft in comparison.
#13. Shadow of the Colossus
- Release Date: 2018
- Platform: PS4
A timeless classic, Shadow of the Colossus maintains its exceptional gameplay and emotional storytelling, just as impactful today as in 2005.
This superb remake further enhances its qualities with refined controls, enhanced performance, and stunning graphical upgrades.
Regarded as one of the finest PlayStation games, its revival by Sony ensures a new generation can appreciate its brilliance without being deterred by its dated appearance.
#12. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- Release Date: 2019
- Platform: PC, PS4, XB1
Sekiro redefines From Software’s formula, transitioning into a sleek stealth-action adventure.
Its combat demands precision and skill, seamlessly blending deliberate stealth with intense melee encounters against various foes.
And with inventive tools and a streamlined approach, it maintains the series’ enigmatic charm while offering a more accessible experience.
Overall, Sekiro stands out as a remarkable evolution of familiar concepts, capable of holding its own among its predecessors.
#11. Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- Release Date: 2016
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4
This game stands as a remarkable feat in blockbuster storytelling and visual splendor.
While hindered by a lack of innovation and occasional self-indulgence, notably in a protracted third act, the game maintains the series’ tradition of unparalleled polish and style. Its multiplayer component adds to the overall experience.
Crucially, it provides a heartfelt farewell to the beloved characters we’ve accompanied for many years.
Indeed, it’s a fitting conclusion to a captivating thief’s journey.
#10. Resident Evil 2
- Release Date: 2019
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XBSX/S, XB1, SWITCH
Capcom successfully resurrected the best elements of the classic Resident Evil 2, transforming them into a 2019 gaming experience.
This rendition marks a return to form for those who felt the series had strayed. And while the two characters’ stories lack significant divergence, slightly diminishing the second playthrough, the overall experience sets a new standard for remaking classic games.
All in all, the revamped Resident Evil 2 establishes a compelling and modernized take on a gaming classic.
#9. The Last of Us Part II
- Release Date: 2020
- Platform: PS5, PS4
This title stands as a masterpiece, living up to its predecessor’s legacy.
Ellie takes center stage, embodying the culmination of Naughty Dog’s storytelling prowess since the original Uncharted.
Moreover, the improved mechanics, integrating Uncharted‘s mobility and action elements, enhance the gameplay.
And amid the thrilling adventure, the game skillfully delves into the strength and fragility of the human spirit, making it one of the generation’s best games and a standout exclusive for PlayStation.
#8. Resident Evil 4
- Release Date: 2023
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XBSX/S
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a fresh face craving top-notch action horror, Resident Evil 4 is a no-brainer, much like a parasite-riddled Spaniard.
The story swiftly navigates diverse yet consistently intense action scenes, and the world is detailed, full of fun, and teeming with surprises.
The improvements, ranging from quality of life tweaks to overhauled boss fight mechanics, showcase Capcom’s excellence.
Overall, this remake stands as the most exhilarating Resident Evil adventure, fully realizing its enormous potential.
#7. God of War
- Release Date: 2018
- Platform: PC, PS4
This game exceeds expectations, delivering not just thrilling action but a truly captivating journey where every element harmonizes to create a masterpiece.
Kratos transforms from a one-dimensional character into a multifaceted figure, grappling with fatherhood, warfare, and inner turmoil.
Furthermore, the dynamic world offers both gameplay rewards and deep lore, enriching every accomplishment.
In short, meticulous craftsmanship in world-building, character development, and gameplay culminates in this epic and unforgettable installment.
#6. God of War: Ragnarok
- Release Date: 2022
- Platform: PS5, PS4
This title seamlessly blends action and adventure, crafting an enthralling Norse saga.
With flawless writing, stellar performances, and exhilarating action sequences, it stands as a masterpiece.
And while honoring its legendary lineage, it fearlessly ventures into new territory, reflecting its core themes.
In short, God of War Ragnarok is a monumental achievement, elevating the franchise to new heights of excellence.
#5. Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
- Release Date: 2015
- Platform: PC, PS4, XB1
While its reduced focus on narrative may divide fans, it empowers players to craft their own compelling stories of Espionage Action, making it a standout in the series.
And unlike other sandbox games, it prioritizes strategic planning, adaptability, and improvisation over sheer scale or map icons.
In short, by respecting and challenging players’ intelligence, it stands out among its peers in a league of its own.
#4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Release Date: 2023
- Platform: SWITCH
Tears of the Kingdom surpasses its predecessor in some aspects, offering quality-of-life enhancements, an engaging story, and innovative building mechanics.
It both revisits familiar territory and introduces expansive new areas that dwarf the scale of Breath of the Wild.
And with a plethora of tasks, mysteries, and distractions, it continually surprise players.
Basically, Nintendo once again delivers a triumph, elevating an already vast world to new heights of excellence.
#3. Grand Theft Auto V
- Release Date: 2014
- Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, XBSX/S, XB1
This title isn’t just an incredibly enjoyable video game; it’s a sharp-tongued satire of contemporary America, showcasing Rockstar’s refinement of the successful elements introduced by GTA IV.
Technically superior and immensely ambitious, it boasts an unparalleled world in size and scope. Moreover, the game’s humor and mayhem are intelligently crafted, and it tells a compelling, unpredictable, and provocative story without hindering players’ self-directed adventures through San Andreas.
Undoubtedly, it stands among the very best video games ever created.
#2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Release Date: 2017
- Platform: SWITCH
This game revolutionizes the franchise with its unparalleled open-world design. It offers a captivating sandbox filled with endless mysteries and exploration opportunities.
Every adventure in Hyrule unveils unique stories, creating layers of narrative depth.
And despite spending over 50 hours in the game, players continue to encounter new discoveries, ensuring countless hours of gameplay.
In short, its enchanting moments guarantee extended playtime, with players eager to uncover every hidden gem.
#1. Red Dead Redemption 2
- Release Date: 2018
- Platform: PC, PS4, XB1
This title stands alongside Grand Theft Auto V as one of the greatest games in the modern era.
It presents a stunning portrayal of a challenging historical period, showcasing patience, polish, and immense enjoyment.
Coupled with Rockstar’s finest storytelling, it compels players to return even after completing the lengthy narrative. In short, this game exemplifies rare quality—a meticulously crafted open-world ode to the outlaw era.
If you’re seeking one of this generation’s finest single-player action experiences, look no further.
So, do you agree with our picks?
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