Video games have an incredible way of immersing you into a story and challenging your skill set. These games are for everyone, which is why both men and women play them nearly equally across all age groups. Everyone has their own personal favorite type of game, from first-person shooters to sports, simulation, and role-playing games.

In the past decade or so, we’ve noticed a rise in the popularity of action-adventure samurai games. 2025 was a major year for action-adventure samurai games, with both Ghost of Yotei and Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, dropping. That inspired us to take a look back and rank the 3 greatest samurai video games ever!

1. Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima stands out as the cream of the crop when it comes to samurai games. The 2020 action-adventure release put its studio, Sucker Punch Studios, on the gaming map. The Ghost of Tsushima base game earned 83/100 on Metacritic, while Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut earned an even more impressive 87/100.

This game tells the story of samurai Jin Sakai, the last remaining member of Clan Sakai. During the first Mongol invasion of Japan, Jin, along with his allies, strives to protect Tsushima from the Mongols. As the player, you get to choose whether you take the samurai approach and confront enemies or approach stealthily. Your choice affects the ending you get, making the game feel even more high-stakes than it does already.

2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a perfect samurai action-adventure game for those who relish a challenge. This soulslike game by developer FromSoftware won Game of the Year at the Game Awards in 2019. Although its high level of difficulty, even for a soulslike game, has been a point of contention among critics, avid gamers tout it as one of the best because of that!

Sekiro takes you back to a fictional version of the Sengoku period, where you play as Wolf, a shinobi. Wolf goes on a quest to rescue his lord, but the path there is riddled with many challenges, including 54 bosses and mini bosses. This game is as compelling as it is challenging, with its supernatural elements and unique combat style. That’s what makes it one of the 3 greatest samurai video games ever, and why it’s sold 10 million copies.

3. Trek to Yomi

Trek to Yomi stands out as the only one of our 3 greatest samurai video games ever to have a side-scrolling setup. Thanks to this camera angle and its black-and-white color grading, Trek to Yomi almost feels like a movie. This game is available across all gaming platforms, including PlayStation 4 and up, Windows, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One and up.

Trek to Yomi tells you the story of Hiroki, a young swordsman. After bandits burn down Hiroki’s village, and his master gives his life to protect Hiroki, the young swordsman embarks on a quest for vengeance. After being slain by the warlord Kaguro, his soul falls to Yumi, where he needs to fight to the bottom and earn his resurrection. It is a very emotionally charged game with solid gameplay and fantastic cinematography.

Summary: the 3 Greatest Samurai Video Games Ever

You can play third-person action-adventure stories of honor like Ghost of Tsushima, or side-scrolling B&W games like Trek to Yomi. Alternatively, you can embark on challenging soulslike quests with supernatural features like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. One thing is certain: each of these games has fantastic gameplay and a touching storyline to boot.

While we can’t tell you which game will be your favorite, these titles stand out as the 3 greatest samurai video games ever, to us. They shine with combat mechanics, difficulty levels, and the immersive nature of the in-game world designs. So, no matter which one you pick, you will have a great time playing it!