Best Open-World Samurai Games, Ranked

During feudal Japan, the samurai were a powerful class of highly trained warriors. Famous for their skill with swords – particularly the katana – and their unique armor, they followed a strict code of conduct called Bushido, which valued courage, honor, and moral strength. Even today, the samurai continue to inspire people, making them compelling characters for video games.

Many games feature samurai, but they often focus on a single story or simple combat. With open-world games becoming more popular, players are eager for a chance to explore feudal Japan and truly live the life of a samurai. Though there aren’t a lot of open-world samurai games available, the ones that do exist are typically very well-made.

I was a little surprised Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice didn’t make the list. It’s an amazing game, for sure, but it’s not really an open-world game – it’s more about exploring interconnected areas than a truly open environment. Still, I highly recommend it!

6. Fate/Samurai Remnant

Feudal Japan In The Fate Universe

The Fate series features a huge, interconnected universe with many stories, and usually, understanding characters and the world requires playing previous games. However, Fate/Samurai Remnant is designed to be enjoyed even if you’re new to the series – you don’t need prior knowledge to jump in.

I’m really excited about Fate/Samurai Remnant because it’s a bit different from the other Fate games. Instead of a modern setting, this one’s set in historical Edo-era Japan! You play as Miyamoto Iori, who’s related to the legendary Miyamoto Musashi. The story revolves around a deadly tournament where everyone’s fighting for this incredible artifact called the Waxing Moon – it’s basically their version of the Holy Grail, which is so cool!

This action RPG features Iori, who fights with two katanas – swords traditionally used by samurai. Players can change fighting styles and command a powerful ally named Yamato Takeru to unleash special moves and combos. Like other games in the series, the combat is fast-paced and exciting. What really sets this game apart from other Fate titles is its open world, which is based on a real historical setting and deeply connected to the story.

5. Way of the Samurai 4

Player Actions Decide The Fate Of The Town

While several games feature samurai and open worlds, none truly capture the spirit of the samurai quite like Way of the Samurai 4. The game puts you in the role of a wandering samurai in Amihama, a fictional town caught in a conflict between a strict government, prejudiced nationalists, and invading British troops trying to take over Japan.

In Rōnin, you take on missions that shape both your destiny and the fate of the town. While a single playthrough takes just a few hours, discovering all the possible endings requires multiple attempts.

The combat in this game is surprisingly complex, and players will likely enjoy mastering it. As you explore the town, you’ll discover a playful and unique sense of humor. Despite its lighthearted nature, the game lets you experience being a samurai in a fun and quirky way.

4. Like a Dragon: Ishin!

Familiar Faces In The Edo Period

Like a Dragon: Ishin! reimagines the Yakuza series, moving the action from modern Tokyo to Japan’s Edo Period. Players take on the role of Sakamoto Ryoma, a wandering samurai who seeks revenge for the death of his mentor. The game combines the familiar Yakuza gameplay with sword fighting, replacing the series’ usual brawls with katana combat.

While the game involves revenge, it’s really a story about the complex world of politics and crime. Like a Dragon: Ishin! has some clunky shooting, but makes up for it with exciting sword fights, over-the-top action, and a surprisingly engaging dramatic storyline. Exploring feudal Japan is made fun by a variety of side quests and interesting characters. The game’s open world isn’t huge – it’s mostly one medium-sized city – but Like a Dragon games are known for creating small areas packed with detail and things to do. Ishin might not be one of the best games in the series, but it’s still a really good experience, even if you’re not familiar with the character Kiryu.

3. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

A Long Overdue Open-World Game That Is Part-Samurai, Part-Ninja

Ubisoft may have released Assassin’s Creed Shadows too late. Ghost of Tsushima had already captured players’ interest with its open-world take on historical Japan, and its sequel, Ghost of Yotei, was coming out soon after. By the time Shadows arrived, many players had already gotten their fill of this type of game, as they all share similar gameplay elements.

Despite some shortcomings in the campaign’s length, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is still a solid open-world game set in feudal Japan. Players can choose to play as either Yasuke, a samurai, or Naoe, a shinobi, for most of the story, with only a few sections locked to a specific character. Many players seem to prefer Naoe, making the game feel more like a ninja experience than a samurai one, but Yasuke is a perfectly viable option with a good combat system and interesting background. The game world is consistently stunning, and visually stands out even among Ubisoft’s best titles. While the story isn’t groundbreaking, it’s generally effective.

2. Rise of the Rōnin

Using A Sword Is Not That Easy

Team Ninja, the studio behind the popular Nioh games known for their samurai and ninja themes, is trying something new with Rise of the Rōnin. This action RPG is set in an open-world version of Japan’s past, specifically during a time when the country was opening up to foreign influence. The game tells a story that tackles complex issues like colonialism, fear of outsiders, and national pride, and players will encounter real historical figures as they navigate the conflicts between different groups.

The game truly shines during sword fights with enemies. These battles require players to carefully watch their Ki, which controls both attacking and defending. Enemies are quick and relentless, and even weaker ones can be dangerous. The combat system is complex and takes time to master, but offers a lot of strategic depth.

I’m really enjoying Rise of the Rōnin! What I especially love is how the game lets you build relationships with the NPCs – it feels rewarding to spend time getting to know them. And the combat is fantastic, super fast-paced and combined with a really compelling story, it makes for a truly great samurai experience. It took a little while to master the combat system, but honestly, putting in the effort was totally worth it.

1. Ghost of Tsushima

An Epic Samurai Tale

While other open-world samurai games existed before, Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima truly felt like the definitive experience. Released in 2020, the game is a tribute to classic Japanese samurai films and tells a fictional story inspired by the historical Mongolian invasion of Japan, beginning on Tsushima Island. The protagonist, Jin, wrestles with a difficult choice: abandon his principles to protect Tsushima, or remain true to his beliefs and face defeat.

Combat is a key part of most samurai games, and Ghost of Tsushima delivers a fantastic experience. It borrows ideas from games like Sekiro and Assassin’s Creed, creating a unique and engaging system that excels in both one-on-one fights and larger battles. The combat is easy to pick up, but offers plenty of complexity for skilled players, especially on harder difficulties.

What truly sets Ghost of Tsushima apart is its stunning world. The game features beautiful visuals, a clean interface, and impressive cinematography. The music is also exceptional, seamlessly blending peaceful moments with the excitement of battle. From its gorgeous landscapes to its engaging combat and compelling story, Ghost of Tsushima excels in nearly every way.

Sucker Punch has surpassed even its own high standards with Ghost of Yotei. While it doesn’t drastically change the formula, the sequel refines almost everything that made the first game great. Combat is more diverse thanks to the addition of new weapons, and the mountain setting is arguably even more beautiful than Tsushima. The story follows a familiar revenge plot common in samurai tales, but Yotei truly shines with its improved and more captivating open-world side quests.

2025-12-14 16:07