Action games are all about feel.
Tight controls, responsive combat ,and momentum that keeps you playing long after you planned to stop.
Steam has no shortage of action games, but only a handful truly deliver that moment-to-moment adrenaline that still holds up in 2026. This list focuses on action first experiences ,games where combat, movement, and intensity are the main event.
Best Action Games Picks
- Battlefield 6
Large scale chaos, destructible environments ,and cinematic firefights define Battlefield at its best. Battlefield 6 pushes scale and spectacle while keeping gunplay and teamwork at the center of the experience.
Why it leads:
No other action game delivers this level of large scale ,high intensity combat.
- DOOM Eternal
Still unmatched when it comes to pure, high speed FPS combat. DOOM Eternal forces constant movement, smart weapon usage, and aggressive play. Once it clicks, nothing else feels quite like it.
Why it belongs:
The gold standard for fast ,skill based action shooters.
- Elden Ring
At its core, Elden Ring is about combat mastery. Every fight rewards patience, timing ,and decision making, with boss encounters that remain unforgettable years later.
Why it stands out:
Deep, challenging action that never loses its edge.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Fast gunplay, cinematic pacing ,and that unmistakable Call of Duty responsiveness. Modern Warfare leans hard into action heavy design with constant movement and high energy encounters.
Why it fits:
Pure FPS action built around speed and momentum.
- Trepang2
A modern throwback to classic action shooters. Bullet time, aggressive AI ,and relentless combat encounters keep the pressure on from start to finish.
Why it shines:
Nonstop action with zero filler.
6. Sekiro :Shadows Die Twice
Precision based melee combat at its finest. Every encounter is a test of reflexes, timing ,and composure. There’s no over-leveling your way out ,skill is everything.
Why it’s essential:
One of the most refined combat systems ever created.
- Devil May Cry 5
Stylish, fast, and mechanically deep. DMC5 rewards creativity and mastery ,letting skilled players turn combat into controlled chaos.
Why it earns its spot:
Peak character action gameplay with insane replay value.
- Metro Exodus
Slower and heavier than most shooters here ,but that weight gives every firefight real tension. Ammo scarcity and grounded gunplay make combat feel dangerous and deliberate.
Why it works:
Immersive action with atmosphere baked in.
- Hades
Fast, fluid combat wrapped in a roguelike structure that never gets old. Every run feels tight, responsive ,and satisfying.
Why it belongs:
One of the smoothest action loops ever made.
- Ghostrunner
First-person action built around speed, precision, and momentum. One mistake means death mastery turns the game into a high adrenaline flow state.
Why it stands out:
High risk, high reward action at its best.
- Monster Hunter: World
Action built around preparation, positioning, and execution. Every hunt feels earned ,and the combat depth keeps players invested for hundreds of hours.
Why it still matters:
Methodical action with incredible long term depth.
- Black Myth :Wukong
A visually stunning action experience inspired by mythological themes. Fast paced melee combat, powerful abilities ,and cinematic boss fights put action front and center.
Why it closes the list:
Modern action spectacle with a strong combat focus.
Related Steam pages:
- Battlefield™ 6 Steam page.
- DOOM Eternal Steam page.
- ELDEN RING Steam page.
- Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare Steam page.
- Trepang2 Steam page.
- Sekiro™: Shadows Die Twice – GOTY Edition Steam page.
- Devil May Cry 5 page.
- Metro Exodus page.
- Hades II Steam page.
- Ghostrunner Steam page.
- Monster Hunter: World Steam page.
- Black Myth: Wukong Steam page.
You can check the Complete Guide to Action games on steam here.
Check out our steam indie games collection here:
