Upcoming Games Featuring Dynamic Combat Systems

16 August 2025

If you're anything like me, you crave the thrill of a good fight in your games. We're not talking clunky button-mashing or repetitive attack cycles here. No, what we want are fast, fluid, intelligent combat mechanics that make you feel like you're really in the fray—dodging, parrying, countering, and unleashing stylish moves like a battle-hardened warrior. As gaming technology and design evolve, we've started seeing developers push combat systems to exciting new heights.

So, what should you be keeping on your radar? Let’s dive into the upcoming games featuring dynamic combat systems that promise to shake up how we fight our digital battles.

What Makes Combat “Dynamic”?

Before we jump into the juicy games list, it’s good to define what we mean by “dynamic combat.” In simple terms, dynamic combat systems emphasize:

- Responsive controls – Your character reacts instantly to your inputs.
- Adaptability – The system allows multiple approaches: stealth, brute force, ranged attacks, or a mix.
- Fluid animations – Attacks and movements flow smoothly from one to another.
- AI that fights back smartly – Enemies adapt, dodge, parry, and even counter your moves.
- Environmental interaction – Use objects and terrain as part of your combat strategy.

Basically, it's about giving the player a sense of control, creativity, and impact. Now that we’re speaking the same language, let’s talk about the big hitters coming your way.

1. 🗡️ Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (Expansion)

Release Date: Expected late 2024
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation, Xbox

FromSoftware’s Elden Ring already redefined the Souls-like genre with its open-world approach and challenging combat. Now, with the upcoming Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, things are leveling up—again.

This new content is rumored to introduce refined weapon arts, new magic systems, and even more boss mechanics that force players to think on their toes. If you're someone who gets a kick out of parrying a 10-foot troll with pinpoint timing, this one's still got your name written all over it.

Why It Stands Out

- Expands on an already brilliant and dynamic combat system
- New areas and enemies add layers of tactical decision-making
- You can combine melee, magic, and stealth mid-fight—seamlessly

2. ⚔️ Black Myth: Wukong

Release Date: August 20, 2024
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

Finally, a game that lets you fight like the Monkey King himself. Black Myth: Wukong is based on the Chinese legend Journey to the West, and oh boy, the combat looks slick.

With abilities that let you shapeshift, become invisible, or summon clones of yourself, every fight feels like a kung-fu movie on steroids. The game uses Unreal Engine 5, so expect insane visuals that blend seamlessly with the intense, Souls-like combat.

Why You Should Be Hyped

- Borrowed elements from Dark Souls and Sekiro but with a unique Eastern flair
- Boss battles that require pattern recognition and reactive dodging
- You can transform mid-fight to adapt your strategy—talk about dynamic!

3. 🦾 Stellar Blade

Release Date: 2024
Platform(s): PlayStation 5

Previously called Project Eve, Stellar Blade is serving up Bayonetta-meets-NieR: Automata vibes with a combat system full of zip, slash, and style.

It’s all about combo chaining, parry windows, and acrobatic takedowns. The environment also plays a role in navigating and battling enemies, and the music-driven rhythm of combat keeps each encounter fresh.

Why Combat Here Pops

- Stylish action tied to reaction timing
- Boss fights that change their moves depending on how you attack
- A learning curve that rewards skill over stat grinding

4. 🧙‍♂️ Dragon’s Dogma 2

Release Date: March 22, 2024
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

The original Dragon’s Dogma was a cult classic, and its long-awaited sequel is finally here. The combat system stands out because it doesn’t just stick to the script.

You can climb giant monsters Shadow of the Colossus-style while hacking away, launch enemies in the air, and direct your AI-controlled Pawns to fight strategically. Add to that the ability to adapt combat based on the day-night cycle, and you’ve got a recipe for unpredictability.

What Makes It So Dynamic

- Fluid combination of melee, ranged, and magical attacks
- AI teammates that learn from your playstyle
- Climbing and grappling mid-fight adds physicality

5. 🦸 Marvel’s Wolverine (Rumored Features)

Release Date: TBD, likely 2025
Platform(s): PlayStation 5

Insomniac’s take on Wolverine doesn’t have a ton of confirmed gameplay footage just yet, but if it follows in Spider-Man’s footsteps, expect fast-paced, reactive, and visceral combat.

The developers have teased that we’ll see bone-crunching melee that lives up to Logan’s brutal, berserker reputation. Think quick dashes, claw slashes, and claws-on-metal parries.

Potential Combat Highlights

- Focus on close-quarters, brutal, combo-heavy brawling
- Adapts to enemy type and environment (e.g., stealth kills vs. full-sprint charges)
- Rage mechanics that alter combat flow

6. 🧠 Hellblade II: Senua’s Saga

Release Date: May 21, 2024
Platform(s): Xbox Series X/S, PC

Ninja Theory doesn’t just make games—they craft experiences. While Hellblade was more story-driven, the sequel promises expanded combat mechanics that reflect Senua’s psychological journey.

Expect 1-on-1 duels that feel weighty and impactful. The devs are aiming for cinematic realism, but still giving the player control. The combat also ties into the narrative, almost like a dance between fear, madness, and resilience.

Why It’s Worth Watching

- Cinematic combat with a personal, grounded feel
- No HUD—combat is all about reading animations and body language
- Emotions and mental health impact how fights play out—now that’s unique

7. 🪖 Rise of the Ronin

Release Date: March 2024
Platform(s): PlayStation 5

Team Ninja is at it again, and this time they're blending historical Japan with fiction in Rise of the Ronin. If you loved Nioh or Sekiro, this one’s going to be your jam.

Sword duels are the name of the game here—highly tactical, quick, and unforgiving. The game also features firearms and period-authentic weapons, allowing for a hybrid style of play. It's like dancing with death, katana in hand.

Combat Features That Shine

- Diverse weapon types allow playstyle customization
- Realistic sword physics means positioning matters
- Open-world exploration that feeds into encounter variety

8. 🤖 Phantom Blade Zero

Release Date: TBA
Platform(s): PlayStation 5, PC

This one came outta nowhere but instantly turned heads when it dropped a jaw-dropping trailer at a PlayStation showcase. Phantom Blade Zero is like a fusion of fast-paced martial arts and Soulsborne mechanics.

It’s all about high-speed combat with style. The devs are promising a surprisingly deep system with light vs. heavy attacks, parries, dodges, and even chi-based powers. And it’s all happening at breakneck speed.

What to Expect

- Visually stylish, lightning-fast combat
- Enemies that adapt and punish predictability
- Seamless transition between exploration and combat

Bonus: Honorable Mentions

Here are a few other games rumored or confirmed to feature unique combat systems:

- Avowed – A first-person RPG from Obsidian with spell-sword combat.
- The Plucky Squire – Switches from 2D to 3D with creative fighting mechanics.
- Fable (New Reboot) – Still under wraps, but promises action-focused systems.

Why Dynamic Combat Matters More Than Ever

Let’s be real—gamers today aren’t satisfied with mindless hacking and slashing. We want to outthink and outplay, not just outgun. With streaming, competitive gaming, and more sophisticated narratives, dynamic combat systems don't just enhance gameplay—they define it.

A well-crafted combat system is the difference between “meh” and “more, please.” It adds replay value, keeps the blood pumping, and ultimately makes every encounter memorable.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—some of the most exciting upcoming games featuring dynamic combat systems. Whether you’re into brutal sword fights, strategic spell casting, or martial arts madness, there’s something around the corner that'll challenge your reflexes and creativity.

Keep your eyes peeled and your fingers warmed up—it’s going to be a wild ride.