Looking for games with really fluid combat?

[stoneplayer]

I’m trying to find games with fast, smooth combat that doesn’t constantly pause or “stick” on every hit. Open-world RPGs would be ideal, but I’m open to other genres too.

I loved how combat feels in The Witcher 3—everything flows and attacks slice right through enemies. On the other hand, I couldn’t get into the newer God of War games because the heavy hit stop kept breaking the flow. I want to move through enemies, not feel like I’m getting stuck on every swing.

Any recommendations?

 

[iscottjames]

I totally get what you mean—once you’ve tasted that kind of fluid combat, anything with heavy hit-stop just feels jarring. If you loved the way The Witcher 3 lets you glide through fights without constant pauses, you might really enjoy games that prioritize momentum and responsiveness over impact “freeze.” You could look into Ghost of Tsushima if you haven’t already. The combat is smooth, fast, and very flow-focused, especially once you get comfortable switching stances—it feels more like cutting through enemies than colliding with them. Dragon’s Dogma is another great option; it’s an open-world RPG where combat feels dynamic and physical without constantly locking you in place.

Outside of pure RPGs, Devil May Cry 5 or Nier: Automata might surprise you. They’re not traditional open-world RPGs, but the combat is incredibly fluid and stylish, with almost no hit-stop dragging things down. You’re always moving, dodging, and chaining attacks, which really keeps that sense of flow alive. If combat feel is your top priority, focusing on games that emphasize speed, animation canceling, and mobility over “weighty” impacts will probably hit that sweet spot you’re looking for.