Best Games That Masterfully Blend Ranged & Melee Combat

Key Takeaways

New World: Aeternum provides a flexible archetypal system for players to enjoy seamless mixed combat.
Ghost of Tsushima offers historical Japanese combat and archery like no other samurai or ninja game.
Devil May Cry 5 delivers flashy ranged and melee combos with a variety of weapons and characters.

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen the evolution of fantasy RPGs over the past few decades, I must say these games have certainly come a long way! Each one offers a unique blend of combat, exploration, and storytelling that keeps us hooked for hours on end.

Each game boasts unique features that set it apart from others, with a select group excelling in both long-range and close-quarter battles. These exceptional titles master the art of blending melee and ranged fighting techniques, creating an extraordinary level of versatility for players to engage enemies up close or from afar.

This list covers games ranging from an MMORPG that recently re-launched for all platforms and allows players to mix muskets with throwing axes and rapiers, to a classic RPG that mixes magic, crossbows, and Viking axes in a seamless and natural first-person view. If fans are looking for games that masterfully blend ranged and melee combat, they can take a look at this list to pick a title that can satisfy their cravings for mixed combat.

8 New World: Aeternum

A Great MMORPG That Recently Re-Invented Itself

The game titled “New World: Aeternum” has recently made its debut on consoles, providing numerous gamers with the opportunity to connect to shared servers and enjoy gameplay according to their preferences. The incorporation of an Archetype system simplifies the experience by allowing players to select a pair of weapons from the outset of the game.

Because the game skillfully blends ancient medieval weaponry alongside magic, firearms, and archery, it stands out as an exemplary title that flawlessly integrates both distant and close-quarter battles.

7 Ghost Of Tsushima

The Ultimate Ninja/Samurai Game

In simpler terms, “Ghost of Tsushima” vividly portrays the distressing tale of the Mongol conquest of the Tsushima Island, based on actual events from history. This game uniquely blends authentic Japanese martial arts and archery techniques, a combination that no other Samurai or Ninja game has successfully emulated.

The experience is truly captivating, offering stunning landscapes and intricately designed settings, even as it portrays intense warfare, destruction, and the strategic maneuvers of the protagonist to intimidate the invaders.

6 Devil May Cry 5

Incredible Melee And Ranged Combos

The Devil May Cry series is known for its unique blend of close-quarter combat (CQC) and impressive gunplay, which has expanded significantly in terms of weapon variety and quality since the initial game launch. In Devil May Cry 5, this mix between agile hand-to-hand fighting and stunning firearm displays reaches new heights, becoming even more flamboyant and potent.

In Devil May Cry 5, gamers can try out the abilities of four unique characters: Nero, V, Dante, and the iconic (and super-cool) Vergil. This game is a dream come true for those who enjoy performing exhilarating combos that seamlessly blend ranged and close-quarter attacks.

5 Nier: Automata

Bullet Hell-Like Melee And Ranged Combos

In the grand scheme of things, Nier: Automata belongs to the universe of Drakengard and represents the fifth installment of the series (arranged chronologically). The franchise has always been known for its action-packed combat, but it’s in Nier: Automata where this blend of close-quarters and long-range attacks really shines – a feature that many fans appreciate.

In this game, you can switch between various close-quarter weapons that offer both light and heavy attacks. Additionally, it leverages the Power of Destruction’s ability for distant combat, and includes special moves such as Lasers and Shockwaves. This creates a fantastic equilibrium between hand-to-hand strategies and mechanics resembling a bullet storm.

4 Dark Messiah Of Might And Magic

The Precursor Of Modern Fantasy RPGs

The game known as “Dark Messiah of Might And Magic” is considered the forerunner of many contemporary first-person fantasy games, enabling players to inflict damage at a distance or up close using an assortment of spells and weapons. Regrettably, this title hasn’t held up particularly well over time, while other games such as “Morrowind” and “Oblivion” have benefited from ongoing support by the contemporary gaming community.

Without a doubt, the combat in Dark Messiah skillfully combines melee and ranged attacks, and it’s clear that Skyrim drew a significant amount of influence from this design for its own combat system.

3 Dishonored

Stealth, Dark Powers, Gunpowder, And Blade

Dishonored is an engaging game that weaves a captivating tale revolving around themes of love, deception, and family’s worth. Set in a dimly lit, steam-powered fantasy realm where the powers of an enigmatic force seep into existence, tearing apart the barriers between our world and the Void, the game carries a powerful message that is hard to ignore.

Perhaps what makes this game truly remarkable is its blend of close-quarter battles, long-range weaponry, and abilities, allowing players to annihilate all obstacles or opt for a covert strategy without causing destruction. Each player decides the method of their vengeance implementation; however, its combat system serves a purpose and is exceptionally well-designed, to say the least.

2 Dying Light 2: Stay Human

Combines Fast Paced Melee And Ranged Combat To Slay Zombies

In a more relaxed and conversational style: Dying Light 2 offers an exhilarating blend of Parkour movements, hand-to-hand fights, dropkicks, and firearm attacks, making it the ultimate zombie-slaying experience. The game features an expansive open-world environment teeming with mutated beasts, and the goal is to stay human amidst the hordes of the undead.

As an enthusiast, I’d say to conquer this challenge, you’ll be wandering through the cobblestone streets of Old Villedor, forging bonds with the dominant factions that govern here, and chasing after a ruthless madman who appears to possess the cure for the plague. It’s an engaging game that keeps me hooked, especially when the power goes out.

1 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

The Current King Of Sword And Sorcery

For more than a decade, “The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim” has dominated the single-player open-world fantasy gaming niche. To this day, even 13 years after its debut, it continues to maintain an active player base and boasts over 90% positive reviews. Many attribute its enduring popularity to its rich lore, captivating storyline, and countless quests and side missions to explore. It’s challenging to complete the game from start to finish without getting lost in its expansive map.

To put it simply, this game stands out for having some of the finest melee and ranged combat systems ever created. Players have the unique ability to carry spells in one hand while brandishing a sword in the other. They can also switch between weapons like staves, swords, bows, crossbows, and more, all conveniently located on their Favorite menu. Plus, an active modding community allows for the game to be updated with several Gigabytes of modifications, bringing it up to today’s standards.

2024-11-01 05:04