10 PS5 Games That Nail Their Melee Combat

If you’re someone who enjoys immersing yourself directly into intense game battles against enemies, there are numerous exciting games out there that allow you to engage in combat according to your preferred style. The adrenaline rush of charging headfirst into the heat of battle, armed only with your abilities and weapons, is truly exhilarating.

We’ve compiled a collection of games featuring exceptional close-combat mechanics designed to challenge both your quick reactions and strategic thinking. These games pit you against waves of adversaries or high-skilled opponents, keeping you on your toes!

It’s time to dive in! 

1. Lies of P

The way Neowiz has crafted their version of Pinocchio’s tale is truly remarkable, especially in terms of how they manage to infuse a feeling of imminent peril within the combat systems, yet simultaneously empower players with a sense of control and ability to overcome these challenges.

While the game isn’t as fast-moving as some others on this list, it requires a thoughtful strategy amidst its chaos. However, don’t be fooled; there are bosses who intensify the action with relentless, fierce combos that might test your gaming abilities to their max.

Alternatively, an extensive array of weapons, talents, and the freedom to customize your arsenal offers a competitive edge. Discovering a weapon and skill set that suits you is a distinctive experience seldom matched in other games. Moreover, unique Legion Arms introduce fresh gameplay elements to enhance your strategy.

Give this one a try for its story and intense gameplay.

2. The First Berserker Khazan

Neople’s interpretation of the “Dungeon and Fighter” series combines a distinctive artistic flair with an engaging combat system that proves surprisingly addictive, although its steep learning curve may deter some dedicated gamers.

In this game, although the selection of weapons is somewhat limited, the focus on raw aggression means that every fight becomes an exhilarating dance of dodging, blocking, parrying, and attacking. This fast-paced action enables you to accumulate Spirit Points rapidly, thereby enabling you to deploy your most destructive abilities. Furthermore, The Blade Phantom introduces a strategic element by allowing Khazan to utilize the power of fallen adversaries, resulting in intriguing side effects.

This game challenges your patience, engages you with its intriguing revenge plot, and offers exciting encounters, all while providing numerous playthrough possibilities due to its multiple endings.

3. Thymesia

In discussing Thymesia, the one aspect that might be criticized is its relatively brief playtime. Similar to Khazan, it’s a game that thrives on aggression, with Corvus consistently applying pressure to his opponents. The unique mechanic of seizing and employing your foes’ weapons, combined with the use of your inherent abilities to execute impressive moves, creates a combat experience that while challenging to perfect, is incredibly gratifying when executed successfully.

As a gaming enthusiast, diving into Thymesia feels like stepping into a battleground of epic proportions! It’s a thrilling adventure where I get to unleash my inner warrior, tackling ever-more formidable foes with an exhilarating blend of raw power and stylish finesse.

4. Sifu

The action game developed by Sloclap, known as Sifu, is widely considered one of the top martial arts titles released recently. Not only does it incorporate exceptional kung fu moves into every attack animation and enemies that encourage their use, but it also offers a distinctive take on resurrection after you’re defeated in combat.

As a seasoned gamer, let me share an intriguing game mechanic I’ve come across: Each time my character gets respawned, they age a bit, which boosts their attack power but weakens their defenses. This twist transforms death into a tactical element, empowering me to engage with tougher opponents, albeit with a shrinking health bar as the stakes get higher.

This game offers an excellent opportunity for players to consistently enhance their abilities by smartly leveraging the game’s features for advantage when situations become challenging. Although its narrative might not captivate as deeply as “Lies of P”, it still presents an engaging experience that’s certainly worth checking out.

5. Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty

In simpler terms, “Wo Long” represents an enhanced version of the impressive fighting mechanics initially developed by the studio within their “Nioh” series. While it features a mysterious storyline and a relatively structured world, the engaging combat soon takes center stage in this game.

Engaging in rapid counter-attacks against adversaries as you gradually boost your Power Meter to unleash massive blows, every confrontation becomes a tense struggle for dominance, where even minor opponents can knock you down with just a handful of strikes.

In Wo Long’s game, each level features a Morale System where defeating enemies is essential to face mini-bosses and bosses later. The combat in this game can be likened to a constant struggle, with your enemies having the power to instantly send you back to the closest save point as easily as you can dispatch them to their next life.

6. Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut

The immersive journey offered by Ghost of Tsushima encompasses a heartfelt and thrilling narrative, an exquisitely designed open world, and an intricate combat system with rich mechanics. As Jin Sakai, a samurai compelled to innovate against an invading Mongol force, you’ll execute impressive maneuvers in each battle, relying on your accuracy and timing.

By paraphrasing, the essence of the original statement remains intact while using more natural and easy-to-read language.

The excitement of jumping on your horse to confront Mongol scouts in a standoff remains just as exhilarating five years later, whereas the smooth transition between stances while using the Sakai clan’s katana and tanto against fierce adversaries is an unforgettable experience for players who enjoy stylish and flamboyant combat.

Just be ready to have your heartstrings tugged on as you go further into this epic adventure.

7. Ghostrunner 2

For enthusiasts of immersive first-person action games, Ghostrunner 2 is definitely worth considering due to its unique challenge that requires players to strategically utilize Jack’s abilities within various situations, keeping a keen eye on his surroundings at all times. Although Jack’s trusty sword serves as an effective weapon, combining it with the other exciting weapons he uncovers throughout the game significantly increases chances of success.

His parkour abilities are just as crucial to the game’s battle rhythm as the electric Shurikens, which eventually proved indispensable in our strategy for dealing with any encounter within the game. The cyber ninjas of Dharma Tower can be lethal adversaries, but those who utilize all their resources can swiftly disintegrate them under a relentless assault.

8. Hi-Fi RUSH

In “Hi-Fi Rush”, we follow Chai, a young individual, who joins Vandelay Technologies’ Project Armstrong in search of a prosthetic limb. However, things take an unexpected turn as he becomes embroiled in chaos, now wanted by security forces, armed with a robotic arm and marked as a target. The game captivates players primarily due to its rhythmic melee combat system. Every attack and player action is synchronized to the beat, offering bonus damage and intricate combos for those who perfectly time their moves.

9. Shadow Labyrinth

Bandai Namco has given Pac-Man a dramatic makeover, transforming him from a friendly maze-roaming character into a combat-focused figure. Unlike earlier versions of Swordsman #8, this new iteration boasts a limited skill set and no means for self-healing during battle. However, these constraints actually foster a more tactical gameplay style as players must carefully plan their strategies when facing off against adversaries.

This game boasts intricately crafted challenges and stages brimming with peril, offering a thrilling blend of intellect and physical prowess. It’s an engaging experience that will captivate you for extended periods.

10. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

If you prefer playing as a formidable ninja taking down foes, the Unreal Engine 5 remake of Ninja Gaiden 2 promises an exciting experience for you. However, be prepared that these enemies might retaliate fiercely before their demise, resulting in a thrilling combat where both you and your adversaries could find yourselves on the brink of defeat.

In this game, it’s crucial to finish battles with minimal harm and maximize your power. You should always stay alert during fights, as they can make you stronger. By skillfully employing Ryu’s Ultimate Moves and various strategic advantages at your disposal, you can emerge victorious while taking the least amount of damage possible, even when charging through enemy forces.

Bonus: Bloodborne

Leaving out Bloodborne, the groundbreaking FromSoftware game that revolutionized their combat mechanics in 2015, seems like an oversight when discussing lists of immersive melee combat experiences. Initially released on PS4, it can now be played on PS5 through backward compatibility at a frame rate of 30fps.

Nevertheless, if you’re willing to disregard one specific aspect, its intense battles and an array of extraordinarily impressive weapons may captivate you, leading to repeated engagements with formidable bosses and adversaries that test both your endurance and mastery.

This game maintains an original and separate twist on the FromSoftware blueprint, demanding swift reactions and an assertive strategy to overcome numerous dangers. Tread carefully here, and you’ll undoubtedly discover plenty of motives to invest another hour exploring Yharnam’s streets.

Here’s another way to put it: That concludes our list of top melee games for your PlayStation 5. We hope you have as much fun playing these games as we did!

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2025-08-07 18:23