Combat has always been a central element in video games, and PlayStation titles have consistently pushed the envelope in creating innovative and satisfying battle systems. Whether it’s the real-time swordplay of action RPGs or margo123 the strategic depth of turn-based encounters, many of the best games on PlayStation are known for revolutionizing how combat feels. This dedication to evolving gameplay has helped keep the platform fresh and ahead of its competitors.

One of the earliest breakthroughs in combat on PlayStation came from Final Fantasy VII, which popularized the Active Time Battle system for a mainstream Western audience. As the series continued, entries like Final Fantasy XII and XIII introduced new systems that blurred the lines between turn-based and real-time combat. PlayStation games like Devil May Cry and God of War meanwhile turned combat into an art form, requiring timing, precision, and style. These games helped define the action genre and are still referenced by developers today.

In more recent years, titles like Bloodborne, Elden Ring, and Ghost of Tsushima have redefined modern combat in PlayStation games. Bloodborne emphasized fast-paced aggression in a punishing world, while Ghost of Tsushima embraced elegance and fluidity, allowing players to switch stances and master swordplay in a historically inspired setting. These titles aren’t just examples of the best games because of their graphics or narratives—they’re praised for how it feels to fight and survive in their worlds.

PSP games also contributed to the evolution of combat, particularly with action RPGs and tactical games. Monster Hunter Freedom Unite offered a slower, more deliberate style of combat that rewarded patience and precision. Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together and Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness brought grid-based strategy to a portable format, delivering depth and replayability. These PSP games maintained the PlayStation legacy of making combat not just a mechanic, but a full-bodied experience that enhanced storytelling and immersion.