Top 10 Video Games with Amazing First Person Melee Combat

Forget the peashooters; sometimes you gotta handle combat up close. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’ll be counting down the Top 10 Video Games with the Best First Person Melee Combat.

For this list, we are looking at the first-person games that excel at fighting at close quarters through the use of melee weaponry as well as physical attacks. Here, we’re looking at games that deliver the that tactile, visceral punch that properly conveys the feeling smashing people with hard objects.

While many a fan has bemoaned the floaty feeling of combat in Elder Scrolls games, Skyrim was definitely the best offering we’d seen yet. Things just felt tighter and more responsive, the sound effects made everything feel crisp, and little touches made everything feel more consequential. Of course, the physics also helped greatly in this regard, giving weight to movements which often flimsy in previous titles. It was always satisfying to send a Drauger reeling after you’ve broken their gurad, flying across the room with a swipe from your sword, or just crushing them into a heap under the weight of your hammer.

From the beginning, this survival horror game makes it clear that stabbing and bludgeoning the undead into submission is the primary way of taking them out. Most of the survivors are experts in up close beatdowns as Sam B, Xian Mei, and John are experts at blunt weapons, bladed weapons, and hand-to-hand combat respectively. But no matter which method of mayhem you choose, it’s the damage you inflicted that really made Dead Island shine…or crunch. A detailed damage modeling system made sure that you had a very real sense of the damage you were inflicting, helping each swing feel dangerous and powerful.

This first-person reboot title stars Lo Wang, a fast-talking and arrogant ninja hitman on a mission to retrieve the legendary NobitsuraKage sword. Wang's trademark weapon, his katana, is capable of dropping thugs with one swipe. While literally disarming foes by cutting off their arms can come in handy, attack variation is the key. With a deep combo system, diverse chains of attacks can be explored and can lead to obtaining more karma, used to get more awesome abilities. Basically, the game feels like a first person Ninja Gaiden, and that’s pretty awesome.

In this beat’em up inspired title, protagonist Ghat specializes in hand-to-hand combat using a selection of special moves at his disposal. With his combination attacks, charge attacks and block crushing strong punch, Ghat will stun these fiends and send them flying. There are many different skills that Ghat possesses, leading to his ability to do advanced combos and finishing moves. In addition, enemies can be grabbed for knee strikes or thrown into other enemies. While weapons can be used, it’s bare-knuckle battles that are more effective in most situations. In the case fightingagainst enemies that do have weapons, this hero from Halstedom can disarm them with a bit of tenacity and a couple good hits.

Another example of stripping down the standard elements and expectations of first-person gaming, Far Cry: Primal takes place in 10,000 BCE Europe with the game's main character, Takkar being a caveman. Since it’s the Mesolithic Era, this game lives up to its name as axes, clubs, spears, and daggers make up the bulk of Takkar’s primitive but effective arsenal out of items he collects. While much of Primal’s gameplay is similar to Far Cry 4, combat is savage, reveling in the sheer brutality of enemy kills. Certain weapons can also break through the crude armor of his Neander-foes. With Takkar’s ability to tame wild beasts, these creatures give him an animalistic advantage in battle.

A horde of anthropomorphic rat people called the Skavens siege the city of Ubersreik. Five heroes have been charged to defeat the menace at all costs. The combat system in Vermintide is straightforward yet effective with basic attacks, charged attacks, shoving and blocking. Each hero has their own unique specialties with their own way of dealing with the vile vermin. Bardin the Dwarf Ranger can use his shield to push back the fierce Skaven forces while Markus the Empire Solder can mow them down with a few swings of his Great Hammer. With these ruthless rodents attacking quickly, Vermintide is a true test of survival.

Stuck in the zombie-infested city of Harran, undercover agent, Kyle Crane must do what it takes to survive amongst the infected and some crazed human survivalists. Relying on his parkour skills and any weapon he can find, steal or craft, Crane’s combat is managed by a stamina bar. Once the stamina depletes after so many attacks, Kyle will be as effective as a kitten with a flyswatter. This along with melee weapons breaking with prolonged use will cause this free-running fighter to rely on more advanced tactics than just bashing zombie skulls in. Earning new skills and weapons as the game progresses makes fighting the flesh feeders more gritty but very satisfying.

For the glory of Agatha! In this mid-evil hack and slash, three melee-centric classes, as well as the Archer can be selected. Each class has their own unique talents and battle styles with the fast but weak Man-at-Arms, the average tier Vanguard, and the strong but slow Knight. Despite an impressive array of weaponry for each class, a deep combat system was also put into place. Attacks can produce combos if performed mid-strike and feinting can trick the opponents into leaving themselves open. Defensive actions include parrying and counter attacks with primary weapons, shields or kicks. These skills, with the right weapon and some expert timing, will ensure survival in the dark ages.


Before we unsheathe our top pick from our scabbard, here are a few honorable mentions.

"Dark Messiah of Might and Magic" (2006)

"Mirror's Edge" (2008)

"Red Steel 2" (2010)

"Dishonored" (2012)

To combat Metro City's down-and-out driven insane by a mysterious force, Detective Ethan Thomas will use any weapon that is readily available, and every item is fair game. These include mannequin arms, locker doors, and even guns for some pistol-whipping action. But how he fights is only one reason why Condemed’s melee combat shines. The other reason is whom he fights, despite simplistic fighting mechanics, each opponent tries to use dirty tactics and surprise attacks to throw Ethan off. Opponents learn from the patterns that the player is doing and adjusts their fighting accordingly. With the psychological atmosphere adding to the tension, Condemned: Criminal Origins is brutal but never boring.

Do you agree with our list? What first person game’s melee combat do you think is a direct hit? For more striking top tens published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.