Beyond Button Mashing: A Deep Dive into the Most Complex Combat Systems in Gaming

The hallmark of a truly great action game is a combat system that is easy to learn but nearly impossible to master. While many games allow you to defeat enemies with a few simple button presses, a select few rise above the rest by offering a level of depth and complexity that turns every encounter into a stylish and strategic dance. These are the games where the true challenge isn’t just surviving, but doing so with flair, creativity, and a mastery of the game’s intricate mechanics. This list ranks the five best action games with the deepest combo systems, focusing on titles that reward players for their skill, creativity, and dedication. These are the games that make you feel like a true combat virtuoso, and in them, every battle is a chance to show off your skills.

The term “combo” in action games can mean many things. For the purpose of this list, we are looking at games that go beyond simple attack chains. We are talking about combat systems that feature an extensive array of moves, seamless weapon-switching, a focus on air-juggling, and a stylish ranking system that encourages players to constantly experiment and improve. The games on this list are not for the faint of heart; they require precision, timing, and a deep understanding of their core mechanics. But for those who are willing to put in the time, the rewards are immeasurable, as you’ll be able to create dazzling and destructive attack sequences that are unique to your playstyle.

5. Bayonetta 3

Developed by PlatinumGames, a studio renowned for its fast-paced and flashy combat, Bayonetta 3 is a culmination of years of stylish action design. The game’s combat system is a fluid, balletic masterpiece, with players seamlessly chaining together a variety of melee attacks, ranged gunfire, and devastating “Witch Time” dodges. What sets Bayonetta 3 apart is its new “Demon Masquerade” mechanic, which allows the titular heroine to fuse with her demon summons, granting her a whole new set of moves and abilities. This adds an incredible layer of complexity, as players must not only master Bayonetta’s base moveset but also learn how to transition between her various demon forms to create unique, high-damage combos. The game’s style-based ranking system, which rewards you for variety and flair, actively encourages players to avoid repetitive moves and to push their creativity to the limit. The result is a combat system that feels as good to watch as it is to play.

4. Nioh 2

From Team Ninja, the developers of the legendary Ninja Gaiden series, Nioh 2 is a brutal and complex action RPG that demands a high level of skill. The game’s combat system is a beautiful blend of the unforgiving difficulty of a Souls-like game with the intricate combo depth of a character action title. The “Stance” system is the heart of the gameplay, with each of the game’s many weapons having three unique stances—High, Mid, and Low—that drastically change your moveset. By fluidly switching between these stances with the “Ki Pulse” mechanic, players can chain together endless attack sequences. The “Yokai Abilities,” which allow you to temporarily transform into a demon and use powerful attacks, add another layer of complexity. The game’s steep learning curve is a feature, not a bug, and for those who are willing to invest the time, the combat becomes a deeply satisfying and rewarding experience. There are an endless number of combos to discover, and mastering a single weapon feels like a massive accomplishment.

3. Monster Hunter Rise/World

The Monster Hunter series, particularly its latest entries Rise and World, has one of the most deceptively deep combat systems in all of gaming. While it may appear simple on the surface, each of the game’s 14 weapon types is a deep and intricate system in its own right. From the methodical power of the Greatsword to the acrobatic speed of the Dual Blades, every weapon has a massive moveset and a unique “flow” to its combos. The game’s combat is not just about memorizing a list of inputs; it’s about understanding a monster’s behavior and exploiting their openings with the right attacks at the right time. The addition of “Silkbind Attacks” in Rise and the “Clutch Claw” in Iceborne added even more depth, allowing players to perform new, creative combos and manipulate the monster’s movements. The sheer variety of playstyles and the endless room for improvement make the combat in Monster Hunter a truly unparalleled experience.

2. Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2

While the latest Ninja Gaiden games have been somewhat polarizing, Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 stands as a testament to the series’ legacy of brutal, fast, and incredibly deep combat. The game’s core philosophy is to overwhelm the player with a constant barrage of enemies and force them to use every tool at their disposal to survive. The combat system is a beautiful symphony of precise dodging, lightning-fast attacks, and spectacular Ultimate Techniques. The game’s “Karma” system rewards players for their speed and efficiency, and the “Izuna Drop” a famous move from the series, is a prime example of the game’s deep combat. By mastering the game’s extensive list of combos and weapon-specific moves, you can turn a chaotic battle into a graceful and deadly ballet. The game’s unforgiving difficulty is what pushes players to truly master its systems, and the satisfaction of clearing a room full of enemies without taking a single hit is a feeling that very few other games can replicate.

1. Devil May Cry 5

Devil May Cry 5 is, without a doubt, the king of stylish action and the game with the deepest and most rewarding combo system ever created. The game features not one, but three incredibly unique and fully fleshed-out combat systems for its main characters. Dante, the legendary Devil Hunter, has access to four different fighting styles and a massive arsenal of weapons, allowing for a near-infinite number of attack combinations. Nero, the young demon hunter, has the “Devil Breaker” mechanic, which adds a layer of strategic depth with its interchangeable arms. And V, the mysterious new character, commands three demons to do his bidding. The combat in DMC5 is not just about defeating enemies; it’s about doing so with a level of flair and creativity that earns you a “Stylish” ranking. The game’s combat is a pure, unadulterated power fantasy that rewards players for every bit of effort they put into it. The ability to seamlessly switch between characters and weapons on the fly, and to create combos that are a true work of art, makes Devil May Cry 5 the undisputed champion of deep and stylish combat systems.