Best Action Games That Don’t Prioritize Speed

Summary

Not all action games prioritize speed; some focus on methodical gameplay and strategic planning.
Games like Sekiro, For Honor, and Sifu require skillful execution and thoughtful combat over quick reactions.
Patience, precision, and strategy are key in games like God of War, Shadow of the Colossus, and Dark Souls.

Action games are frequently associated with quick reactions, instant choices, and rapid button pressing. However, not all action games revolve around high speeds.

As a passionate gamer, I’ve found that some of the exceptional titles in the action genre prioritize a strategic and calculated approach, placing importance on thoughtful planning, tactical decision-making, and the art of patience rather than sheer speed. These games demonstrate that you don’t necessarily need lightning-fast reflexes to emerge victorious. Instead, they offer an engaging experience that appreciates skillful execution without making players feel like they need a personal reflex coach to excel.

6. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sometimes Slow Is More Deadly Than Fast

In Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, there’s no need for speed. Instead, it encourages players to take their time and master their sword skills. The game emphasizes timing, accuracy, and recognizing enemy patterns over instant reactions. Battle feels more like a lethal dance than a wild fight, with blocking, deflecting, and anticipating the opponent’s moves being crucial rather than just reacting quickly. There’s no room for button-mashing here—charging headlong will lead to getting wounded.

As a devoted admirer, I’d say the allure of Sekiro lies in its rhythmic flow. It’s not just about mindless button-pressing, but rather mastering a graceful and strategic combat system. Each encounter feels like a personal test, particularly when squaring off against seemingly invincible bosses at first glance. The taste of triumph isn’t about speed; it’s about comprehending the battle itself. The game’s focus on posture and balance gives each skirmish a sense of weightiness, where one misstep can lead to disaster, which happens more often than not.

5. For Honor

Honor Isn’t About Speed; It’s About Precision

One of Ubisoft’s standout games, “For Honor,” immerses players in a strategic medieval combat setting. Instead of relying on sheer speed, victory depends on strategy and skill. The game offers a diverse roster of characters, including knights, samurai, Vikings, and more, each with their unique fighting styles. The combat system, known as the “Art of Battle,” is intricate yet gratifying, encouraging tactical duels where understanding your opponent’s position and predicting their moves are crucial. It’s less about being the quickest and more about staying one move ahead.

Multiplayer battles tend to be more strategic and nerve-wracking than fast-paced and disorderly. Players must carefully read their opponents’ actions and react accordingly – charge impulsively, and they will likely be outmaneuvered and overpowered. The importance of defense and counterstrikes gives each encounter a feeling of a meticulously planned chess game, where patience can sway the outcome between triumph and a disgraceful downfall.

4. Sifu

When Slow Motion Feels Like A Power Move

In the game called Sifu, being patient isn’t merely an admirable trait; it’s a crucial element for staying alive. Immersed in a fashionable martial arts environment, players must adapt to fighting more deliberately in order to excel. Haphazardly pressing buttons won’t do the trick when opponents swiftly retaliate against impulsive combinations. Instead, players must discern the right moments to attack, dodge, and deploy powerful finishers.

In Sifu, what sets it apart is its distinct leveling system. As players die, they grow older but become more proficient, aligning with the game’s core theme of patience and mastery. While a younger character may be quicker, an older, wiser fighter delivers harder blows and possesses more finesse in techniques. The game subtly conveys that age, along with the wisdom it brings, can be equally lethal as speed.

3. God Of War

When Raw Power Trumps Lightning Speed

2018 saw the return of the iconic God of War series, transforming Kratos from a rage-fueled whirlwind to a thoughtful, strategic warrior. Instead of rapid attacks, the Leviathan Axe emphasizes deliberate, powerful strikes. The battles against adversaries and mythical beasts are weighty and measured, favoring precision over speed. Mastering axe throws, parries, and combos requires careful planning instead of instant reflexes.

In the latest gameplay, Kratos exhibits a more earthbound fighting approach, highlighting the importance of measured power. The battle system encourages timing, recognizing when to restrain and when to launch an aggressive series of attacks. Moreover, the connection between Kratos and Atreus adds a strategic element, as players must consider when to instruct Atreus to shoot arrows or join in combat. It’s all about mastering tactics rather than pure speed.

2. Shadow Of The Colossus

The Colossal Weight Of Every Step

In essence, Shadow of the Colossus isn’t known for its speed. Instead, it encourages thoughtful exploration and calculated actions. Each colossus presents a towering enigma that players must dissect meticulously to find a way up and inflict damage. Hasty approaches without a strategy are not only unwise but nearly impossible due to the immense size of these creatures, making even reaching them an obstacle.

Before every confrontation with the titan, there’s a peaceful anticipation that sets in, as players must observe the titan’s actions and time their ascent meticulously. Once upon its back, it becomes a struggle to hang on tight while biding one’s time for the perfect opportunity to attack. The game’s ambiance heightens the tension, making each battle feel isolating yet majestic, rather than fast-paced and flashy.

1. Dark Souls Remastered

The Slow, Steady March Toward Victory

Dark Souls Remastered might appear as if it requires swift reflexes, but swiftness is seldom the key determinant. The game’s combat primarily focuses on strategic positioning and precise timing rather than rushing into battles. Hastily engaging in a fight often results in taking damage from skillfully timed enemy attacks. Instead, players are encouraged to learn defensive techniques such as blocking, parrying, and attacking only when it’s safe to do so.

One of the distinctive features of this game lies in its penchant for penalizing hasty moves. Players who invest time in understanding each enemy’s attack rhythms and vulnerabilities tend to reap rewards, while those who rush headlong often meet a swift demise. The tactical nature of combat implies that every strike and parry carries a price, encouraging players to weigh their actions carefully before making a move. This delicate equilibrium between caution and boldness is what sets Dark Souls apart as an experience where strategy trumps speed.

2025-05-30 05:55