With these top samurai games, you can immerse yourself in the culture of Shogunate Japan.
We feel that people’s fascination with the Japanese culture will never end, seeing how many productions have been inspired by it. It applies not only to movies or books but also to our favorite interactive medium, as more and more samurai games are produced. It’s not surprising because this theme has been explored for many years. That’s why we decided to share our take on the topic.
This page was updated on April 10, 2024. We have added 3 more titles in which you can swing your sword as an honorable warrior!
Why Rise of the Ronin is so expensive?
Sony’s freshly released exclusive once again brought gamers’ attention to samurais and epic katana fights. If you think that Rise of the Ronin‘s price is a bit too steep at the moment, you’ll find plenty of action-packed alternatives in this article. Before diving into the lineup, let’s take a closer look at this new PlayStation 5 exclusive.
Despite being created by Team Ninja, Rise of the Ronin is a, well, rising star among samurai games. By setting the story during the period of the Boshin War, developers brought 19th-century Japan to life with modern visuals. It may not be the most stunning title on PlayStation 5, but it’s certainly among the most exciting ones when it comes to combat.
With a diverse set of weapons and moves at his disposal, the titular Ronin rises to glory in a series of frenetic battles. Luckily (or not, depending on one’s preferences), the game is much easier than the Nioh series made by the same team. Still, swinging the katanas (spears, sabers, and so on) around while managing the warrior’s Ki, parrying, and counterattacking can be immensely satisfying. And so is wiping the blood from your sword—now that’s a cool feature.
Top samurai games like Rise of the Ronin
There is no need to build a time machine to wield a katana and wear suit armor. We’ve compiled a list of the best samurai games on PC, covering as many different genres as possible. Your dream of joining the ranks of these respected warriors will soon come true!
Trek to Yomi
Our first pick undoubtedly stands out thanks to its aesthetics. The developers have drawn inspiration from the cult productions of Japanese cinematography, namely Akira Kurosawa movies. Everything from the black-and-white color scheme to the camera angles makes for an outstanding cinematic experience.
The plot of Trek to Yomi follows a young swordsman who vows to his master that he will protect their town from danger. Despite initially falling against the forces of evil, he rises again to fulfill the promise. Although the story might seem a bit cliché, it’s still a great take on the classic conventions of Japanese cinema. It’s probably one of the unique games set in feudal Japan.
Nioh and Nioh 2
Team Ninja’s acclaimed game and its sequel definitely deserve their place on our roundup. Nioh plunges you into the Japan of the Sengoku period, which is not only torn by war but also infested with the ferocious Yokai. You follow William and his companions as they try to save the world. Interestingly, Nioh 2 is set before the events of the original. In contrast to the first entry, you can create your own character, choosing any gender and appearance you want.
The battles can be pretty challenging as the locations are full of powerful opponents. Overall, these are some of the most atmospheric games set in feudal Japan, and fans of demanding gameplay will feel right at home.
Hungry for more challenges? Check out our list of the best soulslikes that will surely make you rage quit more often than you care to admit.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
The lineup of the best samurai video games wouldn’t be complete without Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Similarly to Nioh, it’s a soulslike set during the Sengoku period. It was developed by From Software, creators of the Dark Souls series, but its formula slightly differs. For example, the plot is more accessible, and there is no co-op mode.
Besides that, you still must prepare for countless fights with rising adversaries that will test your reflexes and strategic thinking. And thanks to the arsenal of weapons and powerful abilities, combat is as challenging as it is satisfying.
Katana Zero
Katana Zero is a unique neo-noir platformer with distinctive pixel art graphics. The gameplay focuses on traversing linear locations and battling encountered opponents. The stakes in the clashes are high, as both the protagonist and his enemies die from one shot. Fortunately, you have extraordinary power at your disposal—you can slow down time.
Moreover, each stage can be completed in many different ways, giving you much room for experimentation. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best samurai games on PC.
Total War: Shogun 2
The Total War series explores many different settings. With Shogun 2, it returns to its roots in 16th-century Japan, troubled by internal conflict. During the gameplay, you’re cast as a clan leader with one goal: reuniting the country and becoming the true ruler.
Use all the available resources to build a strong kingdom. Scheme against your enemies and get involved in ferocious battles. Like other installments, the game features turn-based and real-time systems, creating an exciting mix you won’t get bored of quickly. All in all, anyone who is fond of games set in feudal Japan should give it a go.
For Honor (Included with Game Pass)
Admittedly, For Honor is not one of our list’s purest examples of samurai games. However, it still features our favorite honorable warriors from Japan, so we figured it was worth including anyway. This Ubisoft title is set in an alternative quasi-medieval world with five clashing factions.
The game offers a single-player campaign and PvP modes so that everybody will find something suitable for themselves. Even though developers took historical accuracy with a grain of salt, they managed to create a very complex combat system that reflects the character of the fighting style of each faction. Overall, those who like battles requiring strategic thinking will surely enjoy the game.
It’s worth mentioning that For Honor is also in the lineup of the best Viking games, as it also allows you to play as the fierce people of the North.
Game Pass subscribers can access For Honor at no additional cost, as it is part of Microsoft’s catalog. If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly way to join their ranks, check out the selection of deals for a one-month membership below.
Elden Ring
Elden Ring‘s situation is similar to For Honor’s, meaning both are not exclusively samurai video games, as they additionally explore other themes. Nonetheless, the Japanese warrior is one of the classes that players can select for their characters. Hence, the From Software production is included.
The plot is unclear, like in other Soulsborne games, and you are left with snippets of information to interpret. As for the gameplay, it centers on traversing the open world and fighting bloodthirsty bosses. It will be an excellent choice for anyone who isn’t afraid of brutal battles and loves mysterious, magical worlds. After all, we also consider Elden Ring one of the best fantasy RPGs.
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
Next entry on our list of the best games set in feudal Japan will be a treat for all real-time strategy enthusiasts. In Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, players command a team tasked with defeating the foes of a new Shogun.
Your group consists of five characters, each with a different skill set. During the missions, you’re usually outnumbered by adversaries, so efficiently utilizing the heroes’ unique abilities is crucial to your success. Additionally, the maps are made so that there are multiple ways to accomplish each objective.
Samurai Warriors 5
When writing about samurai games on PC, we couldn’t omit Samurai Warriors 5. It’s another entry in the hack-and-slash game series with strategy elements. Its gameplay focuses on dynamic battles from the third-person perspective. As you progress in your playthrough, your hero’s combat potential develops.
However, it’s worth mentioning that your enemies also grow stronger, so you must always be prepared to switch your strategy. Moreover, the visuals are note-worthy as well. Thanks to the cell-shading technique, the graphics take on a unique character.
Onimusha: Warlords
Initially released for PlayStation 2 in 2001, Onimusha: Warlords is a remaster of a classic action game with survival horror elements. Compared to the previous version, it features numerous improvements, including updated graphics and support for 16:9 resolution.
It tells the story of samurai Samanosuke Akechi and ninja Kaede as they attempt to rescue a kidnapped princess from the clutches of an evil warlord. The gameplay involves exploring linear locations, fighting dangerous enemies, and solving puzzles. Although the visuals are a bit outdated by modern standards, it’s still one of the best samurai games on the market.
Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time
Based on the popular animated series, Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time will be right up your alley if you consider yourself a fan. Nonetheless, it will also be a treat for platformer lovers. It lets you take on the role of the iconic protagonist as he sets out on his final quest to defeat his nemesis, the evil Aku, and restore peace to the world.
As you play, you’ll traverse locations and face formidable foes. With a variety of weapons and skills at your fingertips, you can customize your fighting style to your preferences. It may not be one of the most realistic samurai PC games, but it’s one of the finest nonetheless.
Samurai Shodown
This reboot of SNK’s beloved series is a must-play for anyone craving spectacular battles. The game features a roster of warriors, each with its own distinct combat styles and weaponry, ensuring every encounter is a unique experience.
Victory in duels hinges on skillfully launching precise attacks, evading enemy strikes, and executing well-timed counters. Additionally, characters possess a devastating Super Special Move, which, when properly utilized, can turn the tide of battle. Samurai Shodown unquestionably earns its place among the best samurai games on PC.
Way of the Samurai 4
We conclude our list of games like Rise of the Ronin with Way of the Samurai 4. Definitely, it’s not among the visually striking titles, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the attention. This cult classic JRPG takes you to chaos-driven Japan, where you’re cast as a legendary Japanese warrior.
During the playthrough, you must choose which faction you want to support in the struggle for power, and your decision will dramatically impact the country’s fate. With branching storylines, a customizable character, and dynamic combat, the title brings a lot of joy.
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Like a Dragon Ishin! (Included with Game Pass)
Like A Dragon: Ishin is a highly acclaimed game that revolves around fierce Japanese warriors. In short, it’s a remake of the 2014 Yakuza spin-off that follows Sakamoto Ryoma as he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind his father’s murder.
Don’t expect to speedrun Ishin, as it invites its players to an expansive world full of humorous quests and side activities like singing, gambling, fishing, farming, cooking… It’d take us too long to list everything you can occupy yourself with while taking a break from the main story. Thus, we encourage exploring all streets of the 19th-century city. The combination of rich gameplay and the carefully-recreated atmosphere of Shogunat-controlled Japan charmed fans of the franchise as well as the casual players and those who’re interested in Asian culture.
Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR’S CUT
Right after RoR comes the other—and, according to many, superior—samurai game for Sony’s consoles. Actually, it’ll soon be (or already is, depending on when you’re reading this article) available outside the PlayStation ecosystem. PC players can start sharpening their blades, as Ghost of Tsushima DIRECTOR’S CUT is among the best samurai games ever made.
Originally released in 2020 for PS4, Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world action game that tells a story about Jin Sakai, who is, of course, a samurai. The narrative revolves around the Mongol invasion of Japan, focusing on the defense of the titular island. It’s an all-around well-balanced, immensely engaging game, with beautiful visuals, crips combat mechanics, and plenty of upgrades that’ll make Jin the most powerful entity in entire Japan once unlocked.
What do you think about our lineup of games like Rise of the Ronin? Have you played any of them? Let us know in the comment section below!
