Most video games fall into the action genre, because they almost always include some kind of fighting or combat. This has been consistently true for years.
I’m not the biggest fan of this, but I have to say that nothing beats a really good action game. Video games are unique because they let you feel truly powerful in a way other forms of entertainment just can’t.
Over the past two decades, I’ve spent a lot of time playing games where you get to experience the power of nature firsthand – it’s a type of game I really enjoy, and I’ve played many excellent examples of it. In fact, more than half of the games I’ve played in the last 20 years fit this description.
So, to celebrate the greatest games where you can create powerful characters and enjoy a huge, open world, here’s a list of the ten best action games with the most in-depth character customization.
10. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
A Playing Field for Porters
Okay, so I’ve been playing Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and honestly, it’s way better than the first game. One of the biggest changes? You can customize Sam Porter Bridges like crazy now, which is awesome! It feels like a huge step up from what we had before.
Beyond a large number of new weapons, tools, and customization options that let you build truly unique gameplay experiences, the biggest new feature is the APAS Enhancements. These enhancements let you unlock abilities gradually as you develop the chiral network.
Throughout the campaign, you’ll customize your character’s skills to match how you like to play. This means you can focus on things like staying hidden, surviving tough situations, fighting effectively, moving around quickly, and mastering other abilities important for completing your missions. While your character will be fully developed by the end, a lot of time will be spent perfecting these skills.
Initially, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach might not seem incredibly complex. However, replaying the game with different strategies reveals a surprising amount of depth and variety, which is particularly noteworthy considering the game’s overall scale.
9. Redfall
More than You Would Expect
I seem to have a knack for enjoying games others dislike, and this time I want to highlight how Redfall manages to keep things interesting through its diverse gameplay options.
Even with its less successful games, Arkane Studios consistently delivers gameplay that offers players lots of choices. This new game is no different, letting you play as one of four characters, each with special abilities, and customize your approach with a variety of weapons and playstyles.
This game doesn’t reinvent the wheel – you can still play as a sneaky assassin, a tough tank, or a well-rounded character – but it does exactly what it needs to, and does it well.
It might seem odd to want to replay Redfall right after finishing it. But if, like me, you’re strangely drawn to its mix of good and bad qualities, you’ll really notice and value how much effort the developers put into making each playthrough feel different.
8. Darksiders 2
Create Your Own Death
I’m a big fan of hack-and-slash games, so I feel like I should love the Darksiders series. But if I’m honest, I especially enjoy Darksiders 2.
The game focuses on RPG elements, letting players customize Death’s powers. You can do this by collecting a wide range of weapons and tools, and by unlocking improvements through a detailed skill tree.
While the basic way you play remains consistent, your gear and strategy drastically change how the game feels. This lets you handle the many different challenges and environments you’ll find as you explore.
While the scythe is famously associated with this iconic apocalyptic rider, it’s not your only option in Darksiders 2. The game lets you tailor your playstyle – whether you prefer quick, nimble combat or dark magic – with a surprisingly deep level of customization, which is a great addition to the action genre.
7. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning
A Classic Fantasy
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning isn’t necessarily the best game of its kind, but it’s incredibly charming and unique. It does everything it aims to do so well that you’ll find yourself constantly wanting to recommend it to others.
The game features a classic open-world RPG experience, packed with charming towns, plenty of side quests, and a huge number of enemies to fight. You’ll level up and grow stronger until you’ve truly mastered the challenges.
The game offers familiar character classes like mages, warriors, and rogues, but each one feels surprisingly unique thanks to specialized skills and different equipment options.
The game features lots of interconnected systems that influence your character’s abilities, and when combined with its engaging exploration and exciting combat, it creates a consistently fun experience that will keep you hooked for many hours.
6. Dying Light
Surviving However Possible
I don’t typically enjoy zombie games, but Dying Light really surprised me. It’s become one of my favorites, mainly because it features a truly outstanding open world – one of the best of its time.
I was really surprised by how detailed and expansive the skill tree was. I’d anticipated a simpler, more straightforward action game, but this system lets you completely change how your character plays.
Despite everything, I discovered something amazing: a seamless blend of parkour, hand-to-hand fighting, stealth, and shooting. This creates countless exciting moments, making each fight with the undead feel fresh and memorable.
You can play Dying Light in many different ways, and that’s a good thing. It’s not the easiest game to pick up, but I like how much freedom it gives you to create your own unique survivor and play style in its post-apocalyptic world.
5. Borderlands 3
No Two Vault Hunters Are Alike
This series has always been known for its engaging gameplay and enjoyable experience, but I think Borderlands 3 really represents the best it has to offer.
While not the strongest game in the series, it excels at combining interesting characters with distinct powers and a solid, shared shooting mechanic. I can’t think of another game that does this quite as well.
The game features a wide variety of weapons, which adds a lot of depth to how you can play. Plus, each character can explore every planet, making each playthrough feel unique.
Even without considering the cooperative gameplay, which significantly extends the experience, Borderlands 3 offers hundreds of hours of unique and engaging content. You won’t feel like you’re doing the same thing over and over again.
4. Diablo 4
More Builds Than You Can Try
I get that Diablo 4 isn’t for everyone, and I totally respect that. But honestly, for me, it’s the most fun I’ve had with a Diablo game when it comes to building and customizing my character. It just clicks with me in a way the others haven’t.
Even with all the changes and new things added, coming back to the game always feels fresh – like there’s a ton to discover, even though I usually just play as my Sorcerer.
With so many different classes to choose from, and each one offering a really detailed skill system, it’s honestly overwhelming trying to figure out the best way to build your character. There are just a ton of options, and you could spend ages perfecting your build.
After spending many hours with the game, I’ve finally come to appreciate how deep and well-made Diablo 4 is. What really stands out is the impressive scale and visual quality of the combat you experience after finishing the main story.
Despite my frustrations with Blizzard – things like their business practices, the always-online requirement, and frequent weakening of my preferred playstyles – I still believe this game is among the very best.
3. Avowed
Less Talk, More Action
Although Avowed isn’t typical of Obsidian’s usual games, I think it’s their most fun and exciting one yet.
Okay, so as a gamer, I’d describe this game like a smaller, tighter version of Skyrim, but honestly, the fighting is way better. It’s super fast, you’re jumping around a lot, and there are tons of cool ways to approach each battle, especially depending on what kind of character you build.
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Mixing magic and gunplay is one of the most exciting things I’ve experienced in recent games. Add in the game’s dynamic elements – like freezing water to create pathways – and its richly detailed world, and you get a compelling open world that begs to be explored.
If you’re hoping for a game where your choices drastically alter the world, like in games such as Obsidian’s titles and traditional RPGs, Avowed might not be for you. But if you’re simply looking for beautiful scenery and plenty of combat, you’ll find a lot to love.
2. Ghost of Tsushima
A Samurai to Your Liking
Ghost of Tsushima is a standout title in the open-world action genre, consistently ranking among the very best.
It’s truly a standout title in its genre. What makes it special is its ability to offer a huge variety of ways to play and experience the story, all without becoming overly focused on traditional role-playing game mechanics.
I generally prefer a sneaky, long-range approach, as it allows for quick movement and easy access to areas. However, I’ve also really enjoyed getting up close and personal in melee combat – it’s incredibly exciting!
Everything you can do in Ghost of Tsushima is solid and well-made, thanks to the developers at Sucker Punch who were incredibly meticulous and focused on even the smallest details.
Plus, switching up your armor and talismans opens up even more possibilities, letting you explore different variations of the same playstyle and giving you plenty of reasons to keep experimenting with everything the game has to offer.
1. Monster Hunter Wilds
Weapons for Everyone!
It took me around 30 hours to become comfortable with all the controls and techniques of my favorite weapon in Monster Hunter Wilds—and that’s just one of over a dozen weapons the game offers!
I don’t often get super invested in a single-player game that’s this hard to master, but Capcom really did something special here. Every weapon actually feels useful, and it took me practically the whole game to feel like I really knew how to use just one of them!
What makes this game special is the joy of figuring out which weapons work best against different creatures, and learning about both the monsters and your own playstyle through exploration.
Whether you play with friends or not, Monster Hunter Wilds offers incredible replayability. There’s so much to learn, practice, and try out that you’ll likely become an expert hunter before the next game in the series is released.
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2026-04-15 22:42