Do you crave the thrill of intense battles and epic showdowns right from your living room? The PlayStation 4 library is packed with amazing combat games, but finding the perfect one can feel like a boss fight itself! You want action, but sifting through endless reviews and trailers takes time you’d rather spend playing.
Choosing the right fighting, action, or adventure game can be tough. Do you need fast reflexes, deep strategy, or just a great story? We understand the struggle of picking a game that truly delivers that adrenaline rush you are looking for. Don’t waste your money on a dud!
This guide cuts through the noise. We will highlight the absolute best combat experiences the PS4 has to offer, breaking down what makes each game a must-play. Get ready to discover your next obsession!
Top Combat Games For Ps4 Recommendations
- Innovation in the Sky: Breathtaking clouds coupled with highly detailed aircraft and photorealistic scenery makes this the most engaging Ace Combat to date.
- Return to Strangereal: The alternative Ace Combat universe composed of real-world current and near-future weapons, but with a history steeped in Ace Combat lore.
- All new arsenal of ultra-modern super weapons and formidable enemies.
- English (Subtitle)
- Unreal Engine 4 technologies: Breath-taking clouds coupled with highly detailed aircraft and photorealistic scenery makes this the most engaging Ace Combat to date.
- Dynamic Weather: Witness the sudden changes during your flight and strive to fight the environmental conditions to take advantage over your enemy.
- Virtual Combat: VR missions made exclusively for the PlayStation VR that provide unprecedented flight immersion.
- Return to Strangereal World: The alternative Ace Combat universe composed of real-world current and near-future weapons, but with a history steeped in Ace Combat lore.
![PS4 ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN (US) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/510WZEHzcJL.jpg)
- All downloadable content characters: Includes 10 additional characters and 5 Premiere Skins - including Hellboy and TMNT.
- Every battle defines you: With every match you'll earn gear to equip, customize and evolve your roster.
- A new threat rises: Picking up where injustice left off, batman struggles against superman's regime, as a new threat appears that will put earth's very existence at risk.
- The best of DC: Choose from the biggest DC universe roster ever and battle across iconic locations in epic scale battles.
- Includes main game, and new playable characters Alien, Leatherface, Triborg, and Bo'Rai Cho
- Previously released playable characters
- Also included in Mortal Kombat XL are previously released downloadable content from the original Kombat Pack
- The original Kombat Pack includes playable characters Predator, Jason Voorhees, Tremor and Tanya, with each accompanied by three themed skins as well as the Samurai Skin Pack
- This includes brand new character packs, skin packs and a completely unseen previously environment – the Pit!
- NEXT-GEN FATALITIES: Mortal Kombat XL offers you the chance to crush your opponent with the most intense and gruesome finishing moves ever.
- EVERY CHARACTER & VARIATION: For the first time, play from the entire MKX roster – completely unlocked! You can play as the most iconic movie characters and brand-new fan favourites. Customise your fights like never before!
- CINEMATIC STORY MODE: Step into a brand-new story mode that pushes Mortal Kombat 25 years into the future.
- Sniper: Ghost Warrior 3 is a story of brotherhood, faith and betrayal in a land soaked in the blood of civil war. You are an American sniper dropped behind enemy lines in Georgia, near the Russian border.
- Ruthless warlords have taken over part of the area and it falls on you to prevent the entire country from collapsing into chaos. Explore large open maps with dynamic weather and a day/night cycle that actually impacts your play and decisions.
- Be a Sniper: Engage your targets from the long range. Factor in scope elevation, wind speed and direction, breath control and stance, along with weapon and bullet choice.
- Be a Ghost: Stalk your enemies and eliminate them silently with a broad variety of takedowns. The advanced stealth gameplay includes drone recon and vertical navigation.
- The all new custom character variations give you unprecedented control to customize the fighters and make them your own
- The new graphics engine showcasing every skull shattering, eye popping moment, brings you so close to the fight you can feel it
- And featuring a roster of new and returning Klassic Fighters, Mortal Kombat's best in class cinematic story mode continues the epic saga over 25 years in the making
- 1 - 2 players; Network players 2 - 8 full game requires PlayStation plus membership to access online multiplayer; Dualshock 4 vibration function; HD video output 720p, 1080i, 1080p
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Combat Games on PS4
Ready to jump into intense battles on your PlayStation 4? Choosing the right combat game can be tough with so many options available. This guide helps you pick the best fighting, shooting, or action game for your style. We focus on what matters most so you have an awesome gaming experience.
Key Features to Look For
Great combat games share important features. Look closely at these elements before you buy.
1. Gameplay Mechanics and Control
- Responsiveness: Do the controls feel snappy? Good games react instantly when you press a button. Lag ruins a fight!
- Depth: Does the game offer simple moves for beginners but complex combos for experts? Depth keeps you playing longer.
- Variety: Look for different weapons, characters, or fighting styles. More options mean more fun.
2. Graphics and Performance
- Frame Rate: Aim for 60 frames per second (FPS). Smooth movement is crucial in fast combat. Low FPS makes the action look choppy.
- Visual Detail: High-definition graphics make explosions and character models look realistic.
3. Game Modes
- Single-Player Campaign: Does it have a strong story mode? This is great for solo play.
- Multiplayer Options: Check for online ranked matches or local split-screen if you play with friends in the same room.
Important Materials: What Makes a Good Game
When we talk about “materials” in video games, we mean the core components that build the experience. These aren’t physical things, but design elements.
Story and World Building
A compelling story pulls you into the fight. If you are playing an action RPG, the world needs to feel alive. Good lore makes defeating enemies more meaningful.
Sound Design
Sound is often overlooked, but it is vital. Powerful weapon sounds, clear voice acting, and exciting background music boost the adrenaline rush of combat.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all combat games are created equal. Some design choices seriously boost the fun, while others drag the experience down.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Balanced Difficulty: The game should be challenging but fair. You should feel like you earned your victory.
- Regular Updates: Developers who patch bugs and add new content show they care about the game’s long-term health.
- Customization: Allowing players to tailor their characters or loadouts makes the game feel personal.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Excessive Grinding: If you must repeat the same boring task hundreds of times just to get stronger, the quality drops.
- Pay-to-Win Elements: If players who spend extra money gain huge advantages over others, the competition feels unfair.
- Server Issues: If the online connection constantly drops, the entire multiplayer experience is ruined.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about *how* you plan to play. Different games suit different moods and situations.
The Quick Fix Player (Arcade/Fighting Games)
If you only have 30 minutes, look for tight, fast-paced fighting games (like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat). These games offer immediate action without long setups.
The Deep Dive Player (Action RPGs/Shooters)
If you want to sink 100 hours into leveling up, exploring maps, and mastering complex skill trees (like in a large open-world shooter), choose games with massive campaigns.
The Social Gamer
For playing with friends, prioritize games with excellent co-op modes or robust competitive multiplayer lobbies. A game is best when shared.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About PS4 Combat Games
Q: Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play combat games online?
A: Yes, almost all PS4 combat games require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer matches.
Q: Are newer PS5 combat games playable on the PS4?
A: Some PS5 games offer backward compatibility, but many top-tier, graphically intense combat titles are exclusive to the PS5 console.
Q: What is the difference between a “Fighting Game” and an “Action Game”?
A: Fighting games focus on 1v1 close combat with strict move sets (like Tekken). Action games cover broader combat, including shooting, exploration, and large-scale battles (like God of War).
Q: Should I worry about the game’s file size?
A: Yes. Modern combat games often take up 50GB or more of hard drive space. Make sure you have enough room on your PS4.
Q: How important is the controller for combat games?
A: Very important! A responsive DualShock 4 controller ensures your precise inputs register correctly during intense moments.
Q: Are there good free-to-play combat games available?
A: Absolutely. Many excellent shooters and arena combat games are free to download, though they often have optional cosmetic purchases.
Q: What does “frame rate” mean for my fighting experience?
A: Frame rate is how smoothly the game moves. Higher frame rates (60 FPS) mean faster reactions feel smoother and more accurate.
Q: How can I tell if a game has a good single-player story?
A: Read reviews that focus specifically on the campaign length and narrative quality, not just the multiplayer performance.
Q: Will my older PS4 handle the newest combat titles well?
A: Older base PS4 models might struggle with newer releases, sometimes forcing lower graphic settings or frame rates compared to the PS4 Pro.
Q: What makes a game’s replay value high?
A: High replay value comes from strong multiplayer modes, many unlockable items, or randomized elements that make each playthrough feel different.
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