One of the most buzzed-about action RPGs slated for a release in 2026 is “Phantom Blade Zero,” set to debut on October 29. Developed and published by S-Game for the PlayStation 5 and PC, the game is set in a wuxia fantasy vision of China and following an assassin known as Soul. The game’s melee combat revolves around precision and timing, like a Soulslike game, but is relatively more forgiving. At the same time, the combat is more graceful and deliberate than a standard hack-and-slash title, helping “Phantom Blade Zero” distinguish itself further.
For fans looking for something to play in the interim ahead of the “Phantom Blade Zero” launch this October, there are plenty of similar games to keep yourself occupied. These are games that also emphasize melee combat and prominently incorporate East Asian cultural elements into their design. The games that we’re citing also place a major emphasis on timing and precision in their combat, keeping players on their toes. These are the five best video games to play while waiting for “Phantom Blade Zero” and its precise swordplay action.
Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny
We’re also excited about the upcoming “Onimusha: Way of the Sword,” but the fact is, the full game isn’t out yet, so we can’t quite vouch for it. What is available is the 2025 remaster of “Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny” one of the high points of the venerable Capcom series. Originally released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2, the game has samurai Jubei Yagyu set out to avenge his clan by defeating the villainous Nobunaga Oda and his unholy army. In addition to his usual katana and soul absorption abilities, Jubei is armed with a variety of weapons while the game also adds several playable allies to the mix.
For years, fans wondered what happened to “Onimusha,” as the series hadn’t received a new mainline title since 2006. Capcom has been gradually reviving the samurai action series, starting with a remaster of “Onimusha: Warlords” in 2018. The remaster of “Onimusha 2” continues those sensibilities, giving players the option between the classic tank controls and modern gameplay while improving the technical presentation. An excellent gateway into the series at large, “Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Destiny” is the perfect showcase for what the Capcom franchise is all about.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Arguably the most difficult game on this list, “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” brings the soulsborne game genre to feudal Japan. Set in the late 16th century when Japan is divided by violently rival clans, the game centers on Wolf, a shinobi who is betrayed and left for dead. Wolf battles supernatural monsters and formidable enemies, using his katana and upgradeable prosthetic arm, as he moves to confront those who wronged him. The game places a stronger emphasis on stealth than other soulslike games, as well as timing to parry incoming attacks and strike the enemy’s subsequently vulnerable opening.
“Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” offers a dark fantasy vision of feudal Japan and is something of a departure compared to FromSoftware’s prior “Dark Souls” series. The game makes the most of its premise, richly incorporating Japanese folklore while its shinobi protagonist feels unique among the pantheon of FromSoftware main characters. Despite its heightened difficulty level, or perhaps because of it, “Sekiro” posted impressive sales figures after its debut in 2019. The FromSoftware title that most closely aligns with “Phantom Blade Zero” so far, “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” is an intense adventure that isn’t for the faint of heart.
Ghost of Tsushima
Sony Interactive Entertainment
The most grounded entry on this list, “Ghost of Tsushima” isn’t a fantasy game, at least not with its main campaign. Instead, the narrative focuses on the Mongol invasion of Japan’s Tsushima Island in the 13th century and one samurai’s effort to liberate it. This stoic protagonist is Jin Sakai, who resorts to guerilla warfare against the Mongol occupation after barely surviving a disastrous battle. Through the course of the story, Jin steadily liberates portions of the island while honing his mastery of the katana.
A truly epic adventure in scope, “Ghost of Tsushima” takes a long time to beat, especially for completionists looking to fulfill every aspect of Jin’s crusade. An immersive open-world adventure, the game provides a sharp attention to detail, especially in regard to its cultural accuracy. The game’s post-launch support expanded its scope even more, including the addition of a multiplayer mode and more story missions. Really, both “Ghost of Tsushima” and its standalone sequel “Ghost of Yōtei” could go on this list but, for the sake of variety, we’re keeping our focus on the original masterpiece.
Black Myth: Wukong
Another game like “Phantom Blade Zero” that extensively draws from Chinese folklore and mythology is the 2024 game “Black Myth: Wukong.” Developed and published by Game Science, the game is directly inspired by the 16th century epic “Journey to the West” and the adventures of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. The game follows the Destined One, a monkey with a mysterious link to Sun Wukong who remains dormant and severed from his six senses. The Destined One embarks on his own journey, battling bosses safeguarding these separated senses, with the protagonist determined to recover them and revive Sun Wukong.
When it launched in August 2024, “Black Myth: Wukong” blew everyone away with its gorgeous presentation and intuitive combat mechanics. The game is definitely difficult, though not to the same level as something like “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,” as the Destined One grows stronger. The game also features a strong emphasis on boss battles, serving up truly epic set pieces that will push players to their limits. Arguably the game that aligns with “Phantom Blade Zero” the most and certainly in shared visual aesthetics, “Black Myth: Wukong” is a knockout.
Ninja Gaiden 4
Another long-running series that boasts intense melee combat and dark fantasy elements is Koei Tecmo’s “Ninja Gaiden” series. After making the leap to 3D with the series’ 2004 revival on the Xbox, those sensibilities have only become more pronounced, while retaining the franchise’s penchant for unforgiving difficulty. The latest entry in the series is 2025’s “Ninja Gaiden 4,” introducing new protagonist Yakumo. Navigating a cyberpunk Japan under attack from supernatural monsters, Yakumo meets the longtime protagonist Ryu Hayabusa to save the world.
Even with its change in hero, “Ninja Gaiden 4” brings all the speed and intensity of prior entries in the venerable series. In addition to the usual melee weapon combat, Yakumo has the ability to manipulate blood offensively to make himself even more formidable. And for purists, Ryu does play a major role in the game’s story and is playable at certain portions of the campaign. Fully bringing Koei Tecmo’s series into the modern era, “Ninja Gaiden” marks a bold future for the shinobi-led hack-and-slash franchise.
