Samurai games have had a big place in my heart since forever. It’s just one of those things that piqued my interest. It started with movies, cartoons and eventually, once I got my hands on a PC, I moved onto the games. It’s been a long time since that moment and I’m happy to report that my passion for it hasn’t dwindled. If you seek to walk the path of bushido through your screen, these are the samurai games, both modern and classic that capture the essence.
Modern Samurai Games
In recent years there’s been a huge rise of samurai games, which I’m very thankful for. Here are my top choices:
Ghost of Tsushima (2020)
Ghost of Tsushima is a great example of how modern games should be. Not only does it manage to provide a unique insight into the life of a samurai but in such a way that after you’ve done with a game, you leave a changed person. Besides the captivating story, Ghost of Tsushima offers beautiful graphics paired with top notch combat. It’s one of the games that I’ve enjoyed from start to finish and it’s definitely a must-play if you want to play samurai games.
Rise of the Rōnin (2024)
Rise of the Ronin is one of the more recent samurai (kinda) games released. And let’s just say that reviews weren’t the kindest towards the devs. Which I must say I don’t agree with. The game definitely isn’t as bad as they make it out to be. I just think people had different expectations. Mainly, I think they were expecting Nioh 3.
Anyways, Rise of the Ronin is an open world samurai game set in Edo period Japan. Combat is fun, challenging and sometimes even brutal. Also parrying is an important part of the game which feels very rewarding. The graphics are by no means revolutionary but they’re still good compared to most games. I highly suggest trying it for yourself, especially on a PS5.
Nioh 2 (2020)
Nioh 2 is an amazing RPG game that has taken the hearts of so many gamers. Compared to the first part, it’s way harder. It takes that souls-like formula and layers on deep combat systems, samurai weapons, and Yokai powers that make every fight feel intense. It’s tough, no doubt, but once you start mastering its stance switching and combos, it’s one of the most satisfying samurai experiences out there. I can’t urge you enough to get it and play it. You’ll thank me later.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (2019)
Sekiro is one of those games that has tested my patience more than anything else, but also one of the most rewarding once you figure it out. The combat isn’t about spamming attacks, it’s all timing, precision, and learning enemy patterns. At first, I struggled a LOT, but when you finally start breaking an enemy’s posture and land that finishing blow, it feels incredible. It’s definitely not forgiving, but it taught me to slow down, focus, and actually get better instead of just powering through. It’s a great masterpiece of the game and if you’re willing to endure that initial torture than I highly suggest playing it.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2025)
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the latest installment in Ubisoft’s widely successful franchise. It’s a samurai/stealth RPG set in feudal Japan. And this again is one of those games that feel like it’s way better than people give it credit for. Assassin’s Creed Shadows lets you play as both a samurai and a shinobi. The game combines open-world exploration with stealth and sword combat, giving you the choice to approach missions quietly or head-on. The gameplay is really fun and there’s a lot to do. There’s no dull moment. In case you were reluctant, I definitely suggest trying it.
Samurai Warriors 5 (2021)
Samurai Warriors were a big part of my childhood. It’s a Musou type of game, which usually relates to a game created by Koei Tecmo. It’s basically an open beat em up, hack n’ slash game where you run around and fight. There’s usually a map filled with all sorts of battles where you can just run into and sometimes fight even 100 guys at the same time. Samurai Warriors 5 were no exception to this. The gameplay is simple but addictive, with each character having unique weapons and flashy moves that keep things fresh. Over the years, the series has added more depth with story modes, character development, and co-op options. By no means does the game require a high level of gaming skills but it’s just so fun and relaxing. It’s a great testament that combat doesn’t need to be challenging for the game to be good.
Katana Zero (2019)
Katana Zero is one of those indie games that proves what one human can accomplish with sheer determination and a lot of effort. Which he has my utmost respect for. As for the game, it’s a fast-paced action platformer where every strike counts. You play as a samurai assassin who clears rooms with quick sword slashes, dodges, and instant takedowns. The game stands out for its precise combat and time-slowing mechanic, which gives you just enough control to pull off stylish kills. If you already didn’t, then I highly suggest trying it for yourself.
Total War: Shogun 2 (2011)
Total War: Shogun 2 is the game that really pulled me into strategy. Managing your clan, expanding territory, and then lining up massive samurai armies on the battlefield never gets old. It’s a slower, more thoughtful experience compared to action-heavy samurai games, but that’s what makes it stand out. I remember spending hours just planning the perfect ambush or carefully managing diplomacy so my clan didn’t get crushed too early. It’s challenging, but when your strategy pays off, it’s easily one of the most satisfying samurai games you can play.
Trek to Yomi (2022)
Trek to Yomi is basically a playable samurai film. It nails the cinematic black-and-white style, with every duel feeling like it’s pulled straight out of a classic movie. If you’re a fan of Kurosawa, you’ll have a blast with this game. When it comes to combat, it’s pretty straightforward, there aren’t any complicated mechanics to learn. Anyways, you’ll be playing the games rather for the vibes than for the fights.
Classic Samurai Games
These are the games that paved the way for the samurai games that we play today. In case you played some of them, prepare yourself for the nostalgic feelings. Here are the classical samurai games that you should definitely try:
Bushido Blade & 2 (1997-1998)
Bushido Blade was unlike any other fighting game I’d played. Instead of health bars and flashy combos that we know today, every duel came down to one strike, you either landed it or you didn’t. It felt slower and more tactical, forcing me to think about distance, timing, and patience instead of just button-mashing. Bushido Blade 2 refined the formula with more characters and modes, but that same intensity was still there. Even today, they stand out as some of the most unique samurai games ever made, because winning a fight with a single, perfectly-timed cut still feels unforgettable.
Way of the Samurai 1 & 2 (2002-2003)
Way of the Samurai was one of those games that surprised me the first time I played it. Instead of giving you a straightforward story, it let you make choices that actually shaped how things played out. You could side with different factions, forge alliances, or even go completely against the grain, and every decision pushed the story in a new direction. I distinctly remember, sitting down with a friend and theory crafting each ending, those were the times. Way of the Samurai 2 built on that with more characters and branching paths, making each playthrough feel different.
Samurai Shodown II (1994)
Samurai Shodown II is a 2D fighter that still holds up today. Unlike other arcade games at the time, it wasn’t about rushing down your opponent. Matches could flip in a second with a single well-placed strike, which made every move feel important. When I first played it, I remember how tense the duels felt, almost like real standoffs. It’s simple compared to modern fighters, but man, I had so much fun with it.
Conclusion
Samurai games always hit differently. Whether it’s the classics that defined the genre or the newer titles pushing it forward, they all carry that same spirit of honor, skill, and intensity. And I can have my favorites, but at the end of the day, it’s about finding the one that clicks with you. Either way, the legacy of the samurai is alive and well in gaming, and there’s never been a better time to dive in.
What’s your favorite Samurai game? Make sure to let me know in the comments.
FAQs
That depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a cinematic open-world experience, Ghost of Tsushima is the top pick. For something more challenging, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice has earned its reputation as one of the hardest but most rewarding samurai games ever made.
Yes, Ghost of Tsushima is the standout, with its massive open world and stunning visuals. And you can also play Ghost of Yotei, which is also a samurai/shinobi game.
If you’re into retro gaming, Bushido Blade and Way of the Samurai are still great picks. They might not look as polished as modern games, but they set the foundation for many samurai titles we enjoy now.
Plenty. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Nioh 1 & 2, and Total War: Shogun 2 are all available on PC and reviewed positively by players. Even classics like Onimusha: Warlords got remastered for modern PCs.
Yes. Games like Bushido Blade and Way of the Samurai focus heavily on authentic combat and decision-making, while Sekiro and Nioh lean more toward fantasy but still capture the spirit of samurai duels.
Pavle is the founder of PlayForge and its lead writer and reviewer, covering PC, PS5, and mobile games, a with a focus on RPGs, MMOs, FPS games, and more. He’s been gaming since the PS2 days and now writes in-depth reviews and guides to help players find their next obsession and get gaming insights from real players, not just critics. His reviews are honest and transparent, but he always tries to stay positive, because in his opinion, almost any game can be fun if you look at it the right way.
In his free time, he likes to (obviously) play more games, spend time with his family, theorycraft about various media with his wife, and watch anime. So yes, he’s a complete nerd, even if he’ll never admit it.