Unleash Your Inner Hero: Top 10 Whip-Wielding Games You Must Play!

Summary

Whips are underrated weapons with unique gameplay opportunities and a satisfying crack sound.
Games like Darksiders 3, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, and Dead Cells feature whips as iconic weapons.
The history and legacy of the whip in games like Indiana Jones, Castlevania, and Elden Ring are influential and beloved.

Whips, typically aren’t the first thing that springs to mind in a discussion about weapons (with boomerangs being barely mentioned ahead). They seldom appear outside of certain…ahem…unconventional situations, but when they do, their impact can be quite striking.

Whips in these games provide an engaging blend of long-range and close combat styles, making them both versatile and thrilling to use. Plus, there’s no mistaking the powerful snap they make that breaks the sound barrier, adding an extra layer of excitement. And let’s not overlook the fact that Indiana Jones, a man oozing style, often preferred whips as his weapon – a choice that speaks volumes about their cool factor. Fortunately, these games have caught on to this and now offer players the chance to effectively use whips in gameplay.

10. Darksiders 3

Miracle Whip

In the third part of the “Darksiders” series, Gunfire Games integrated new mechanisms to give a fresh twist to the gameplay. Among these innovations, one that really caught players’ attention was the whip. It was such an integral aspect that it even graced the game’s cover.

Guided by Fury, one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, her whip emerged as her iconic weapon in her quest to defeat the tangible manifestations of the Seven Deadly Sins. Yet, in Darksiders 3, players were not bound exclusively to the whip; Fury’s armory encompassed swords, flails, daggers, and a hint of sorcery, but it was undeniably the whip that stood out.

9. La-Mulana

The Indie Version Of Indy

Indiana Jones serves as the J.R.R. Tolkien equivalent in the realm of whip-wielding characters. When developers incorporate a whip in their game, they either need to acknowledge him or strive to differentiate themselves. Alternatively, much like GR3 Project did with La-Mulana, they can create an affectionate replica of Indiana Jones while avoiding any modifications, save for the name change.

In spite of its challenges, La-Mulana proves to be an exhilarating experience, with tough platforming levels and a touching homage to the classic MSX games. Not only did it earn affection for itself, but it also led to the creation of a sequel and a complete remake.

8. Bloodstained: Ritual Of The Night

2.5D-Style Whipping

Ritual of the Night” is a bold continuation of the legacy left by the classic game series “Castlevania“. If a game aspires to carry on such an iconic franchise, it should definitely include a whip-like weapon. Otherwise, one might wonder why it’s trying to follow in its footsteps at all.

ArtPlay, an independent game studio, nailed this concept beautifully. Their 2019 hit game, inspired by Metroidvania, allows players to use whips, among other weapons, in combat against monsters and demons. This game is set in 18th-century England during the Industrial Revolution, where players must thwart a sinister force before it plunges the country further into darkness and despair. (Apologies for any potential offense to England.)

7. Bloodborne

Part Walking Stick, Part Serrated Whip

In Bloodborne, you might be surprised to find a whip! However, it’s quite possible that many players have overlooked it. That’s because it’s hidden under the elegant guise of the “Threaded Cane,” which is actually the weakest weapon among the three starting options. Given how challenging Bloodborne can be, it’s understandable why players might opt for the easier route.

For novice players, it’s not wise to dismiss this selection lightly. The Threaded Cane, with its expansive range, capacity to strike multiple foes, and astonishing swiftness, makes it a reliable option for those confronting the eldritch monstrosities of Yharnam.

6. Vampire Survivors

Antonio Belpaese’s Weapon Of Choice

Blend an engrossing roguelike with a thrilling shoot ’em up, and you get the unexpected sensation of playing Vampire Survivors. Newcomers to the game will find their initial weapon as nothing less than a whip.

A good initial pick, easy to handle, offering reasonable range and acceptable power. Yet, as the mob multiplies and the turmoil intensifies, gamers might consider trading it for something more destructive, like powerful spells or swift-firing armaments.

5. Dead Cells

Whipping Up A Solid Roguelike Metroidvania

It appears that games in the Metroidvania genre often favor whips, which indeed fits well with their style. One topnotch demonstration of this trend is none other than Dead Cells, a remarkable roguelike creation that combines seamless gameplay, dynamic level designs, and the nerve-wracking yet thrilling permadeath feature.

Regarding whips in the game Dead Cells, there’s an assortment of options available to you. One of the most noteworthy is Valmont’s Whip, which seems to share a resemblance with the Belmont heroes from Castlevania. But what truly sets this game apart is the Whip Sword, skillfully merging the powerful striking force of a sword with the precise, long-range capabilities of a whip.

4. Spelunky

Climbing Ropes And Whipping Tropes

In a nod to its inspirations, showcased as clearly as the patches on an old bomber jacket, Spelunky joins our list of recommended games. This time, instead of navigating vertically like Indiana Jones, you’ll be spelunking diagonally through tunnels that are generated procedurally.

In the game Spelunky, the whip isn’t merely decorative; it’s an indispensable item for battling enemies, redirecting obstacles, and opening hidden treasures. With a reliable whip at your side, saving damsels in distress and venturing into the unknown becomes as easy as playing with toys. However, it might not be wise to give real-life whips to children.

3. Indiana Jones And The Great Circle

Multi-Purpose Tool

As a dedicated gamer, when Bethesda initially revealed their take on the Indiana Jones game, some enthusiasts had reservations about its first-person standpoint. Thankfully, those doubts were swiftly alleviated. What we, the fans, received with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is indisputably one of the finest Indiana Jones games in the franchise’s 40+ year timeline.

Absolutely, an Indiana Jones escapade wouldn’t feel right without his iconic whip being part of the scene. However, in this particular instance, Indy’s trademark accessory isn’t just for cracking at Nazis. It serves multiple functions, allowing him to traverse levels like Spider-Man and tackle complex puzzles. Essentially, you could consider it a Swiss Army whip.

2. Elden Ring

Now Watch Me Whip

In Elden Ring, you’ll find an abundance of weaponry at your disposal. While we won’t bore you with the exact count (though someone has surely done it), suffice it to say there are plenty. Given this variety, it’s no surprise that the game offers a robust assortment of whips among its many choices.

In their creations, FromSoftware meticulously considered every detail, whether it be candlesticks, braids of giant hair, or teeth. These distinctive weapons are ideal for characters emphasizing Dexterity, but for those seeking a chaotic experience, wielding dual whips is exhilarating and strongly suggested. An interesting tidbit is that all three Dark Souls games allow players to use whips, however they lack the same impact as other weapons.

1. Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night

A Whip Lovingly Handed Down From Generation To Generation

The Belmont family is particularly fond of using a powerful whip, and their preferred weapon, known as the “Vampire Killer,” has been a trusted tool for vanquishing vampires across generations. With the addition of a Morning Star, this combination creates the epitome of a Castlevania weapon. It was only appropriate that when Simon Belmont joined the cast of Super Smash Bros., he would bring his signature whip to the battlefield as well.

Among all the Castlevania games, it’s undoubtedly Castlevania: Symphony of the Night that carries on the tradition of the whip. Though this game features a protagonist who doesn’t rely solely on a whip, the iconic “Vampire Killer” weapon is given its due recognition in one of the most outstanding action RPGs ever created.

2025-03-14 08:07