Games Like First Cut: Samurai Duel

Sclash is a plug’n play 2D samurai fighting game full of tension where one hit is enough to kill. Play as a hand-drawn samurai in beautiful painted settings and fight your opponent in epic solemn duels where each move matters. Manage well your stamina, breath and take your time to land a deadly hit.

Why similar: Martial Arts 18.2% ★, 2D Fighter 16.8%, Swordplay 16.8% ★, Fighting 13.5% ★, Side Scroller 7%

Why You'll Like It: It perfectly mirrors the one-hit-kill, high-tension dueling mechanics found in the seed game.

A physics-based, realistic 3D sword-fighting game. Immerse yourself in a cinematic adventure, utilizing real sword-fighting martial arts and a variety of historically accurate weapons to survive brutal duels in 17th century Poland. Featuring single-player modes and a LOCAL 2-player mode.

Why similar: Martial Arts 24.9% ★, Swordplay 16.3% ★, Fighting 15% ★, Historical 9.8%, PvP 8.2%

Why You'll Like It: Offers a realistic, physics-based approach to sword dueling that emphasizes stance and precise movement.

Slice Dice & Rice is an indie fighting game with no health bars. Inspired by Bushido Blade, it revolves around the idea of finding an opening in opponents defense and ending the round with a single, clean hit.

Why similar: Fighting 41.1% ★, 2D Fighter 35.3%, Local Multiplayer 12.1%, Action 7.4%, Atmospheric 2.9%

Why You'll Like It: This game removes health bars in favor of a system where every hit is potentially fatal, matching the core philosophy of the seed.

One Strike is a 2d fighting game with fast and furious gameplay, memorable characters, and a retro pixelart aesthetic! Choose between one of six unique fighters, travel to medieval Japan’s beautiful pixelated landscapes and fight to become the greatest warrior in history.

Why similar: Fighting 46.5% ★, 2D Fighter 43.5%, Action 10%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist fighter that focuses entirely on the lethal nature of a single well-placed sword strike.

Dive into the heart of ancient Japan in Two Strikes, a 2D combat extravaganza with breathtaking hand-drawn animations. As a fearless samurai, warrior monk, or daring outlaw, engage in electrifying duels where every strike can be your last.

Why similar: Fighting 24.5% ★, 2D Fighter 23.3%, Historical 13.3%, PvP 10.7%, Local Multiplayer 7.9%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced, side-scrolling fighter where the combat is brutal and matches are decided in seconds.

Vanquish your foes with a single strike in 1v1 weapon-based fighter Die by the Blade. Dive into a samuraipunk world and wield a range of traditional Japanese weapons to determine your moveset. Outwit your opponent in intense, tactical battles and master the art of the one-hit kill!

Why similar: Blood 19.2% ★, Martial Arts 17.5% ★, Swordplay 17.2% ★, Fighting 14.8% ★, Local Multiplayer 7.6%

Why You'll Like It: A one-hit-kill weapon fighter that prioritizes technical skill and reaction time over button mashing.

Half Sword is a physics-based medieval combat simulator featuring historically accurate XV-century arms and armor. We are not afraid to show the brutal nature of medieval combat with in-depth blood and gore features.

Why similar: Blood 28.9% ★, Swordplay 23.9% ★, Fighting 17% ★, Historical 11.6%, Hack and Slash 9.9%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a deeply immersive, physics-based combat simulation that captures the weight and danger of medieval swordplay.

One strike can end it all. Step into multiplayer samurai duels where precision, timing, and skill decide who survives. Hone your mastery through deadly challenges.

Why similar: Martial Arts 42.3% ★, Fighting 29% ★, Swordplay 23.1% ★, Action 4.2%, 2D 1.3%

Why You'll Like It: Focuses on the psychological and technical aspects of samurai dueling with a heavy emphasis on timing and patience.

Samurai GUNN 2 is a fighting game with Samurai and Gunns. Best your foes online or locally in this cutting edge sequel featuring Rollback Netcode and Ranked Matchmaking. Free Edition out now!

Why similar: Martial Arts 32.7% ★, 2D Fighter 21.4%, Fighting 13.1% ★, PvP 10.6%, Local Multiplayer 7.5%

Why You'll Like It: Delivers frantic, lethal 2D combat that relies on speed and mastery of movement.

Indie souls-like with innovative fight system where you practice your Katana on the path for endless improvement; again and again.

Why similar: Swordplay 25.2% ★, Blood 23.6% ★, Fighting 19.1% ★, Hack and Slash 12.7%, Historical 12%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging action game that forces players to master complex swordplay mechanics to survive against multiple foes.

2121 A.D, with no escape options, Akane prepares for her final battle in the rain-soaked neon streets of Mega-Tokyo. Akane is an arena arcade slasher. Take out as many yakuza as possible, slashing and shooting in a one-hit-one-kill fight to the death.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 44.9%, Pixel Graphics 21%, Arcade 17.8%, Action 9.6%, 2D 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: An arena-based slasher that demands extreme precision and fast reflexes to survive against overwhelming odds.

Samurai GUNN is a lightning-fast Bushido brawler for 2 to 4 players. Each samurai is armed with a sword and gunn, with only 3 bullets to a life. Strategy and quick reflexes are the key to deflecting bullets and sending your opponents’ heads rolling.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 20.9%, Fighting 20.7% ★, Swordplay 17.2% ★, Local Multiplayer 10.3%, PvP 8.3%

Why You'll Like It: The original high-speed, one-hit-kill platform fighter that set the standard for fast-paced 2D sword action.

Nidhogg is the epic award-winning game of fencing tug-of-war complete with flying giant worms.

Why similar: Swordplay 25.9% ★, Fighting 24% ★, 2D Fighter 17.7%, Local Multiplayer 17.4%, PvP 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: A classic, high-tension side-scrolling dueling game where every movement is a tactical gamble.

SAMURAI REBOOT! A brand new SAMURAI SHODOWN game takes aim for the world stage!

Why similar: 2D Fighter 49.7%, Fighting 26% ★, PvP 13.9%, Action 5.7%, Arcade 3.2%

Why You'll Like It: A classic weapon-based fighting game series that rewards players for landing heavy, impactful strikes.

Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 47.2%, Pixel Graphics 30.2%, Action 10.9%, 2D 8.8%, Singleplayer 2.8%

Why You'll Like It: Features fast-paced, one-hit-kill action with a heavy emphasis on movement and environmental awareness.

Prove you are the world's greatest swordsman! Engage in tactical 1 vs. 1 sword fighting, 2 vs. 2, or sandbox FFA, or capture Control Points in a tactical slash-em-up.

Why similar: Fighting 48.1% ★, Swordplay 31.6% ★, Hack and Slash 10.6%, Action 5.4%, PvP 4.3%

Why You'll Like It: A dedicated sword-fighting game that emphasizes technical dueling and complex combat stances.

As a vow to his dying Master, the young swordsman Hiroki is sworn to protect his town and the people he loves against all threats. Faced with tragedy and bound to duty, the lone samurai must voyage beyond life and death to confront himself and decide his path forward.

Why similar: Martial Arts 23.6% ★, Swordplay 21.8% ★, Hack and Slash 15.7%, Side Scroller 14.8%, Historical 12%

Why You'll Like It: A cinematic side-scroller that captures the aesthetic and lethal swordplay of classic samurai cinema.

Griefhelm is an award-winning party game with lethal medieval weaponry. Skewer your friends, deflect their blows, and push your advantage in local and online multiplayer. Find some friends and cut off their heads!

Why similar: Swordplay 22.2% ★, Fighting 17.2% ★, 2D Fighter 14.9%, Local Multiplayer 11%, Hack and Slash 10.7%

Why You'll Like It: A tactical side-scrolling combat game that emphasizes weapon reach and defensive positioning.

Take on the role of the martial arts master Hiro, Meilin, or Shin as they face off in a desperate fight for their lives against the Black Mantis clan. DOUBLE THE MAYHEM: Bring a friend and battle against ninjas, demons, and more in the 2-player local co-op mode of this action-adventure platformer.

Why similar: Martial Arts 27.6% ★, 2D Fighter 20.8%, Side Scroller 13.8%, Hack and Slash 11.5%, PvE 6.4%

Why You'll Like It: A martial arts-focused side-scroller that blends traditional beat-em-up mechanics with fast, lethal combat.

A journey of a lost samurai. Encounter five samurai and challenge them to a duel. Unleash your katana strike and deflect incoming attacks. Fight for honor or die with shame.

Why similar: Swordplay 60.1% ★, Pixel Graphics 16.5%, Combat 12.4%, Action 5.1%, 2D 4%

Why You'll Like It: A difficult, action-oriented game that focuses on the precision required to survive in a hostile world.

Forestrike is a martial arts roguelite where every death brings you closer to winning the fight before it begins. Use your ‘Foresight’ ability to experiment without consequences before fighting for real until earning the ultimate reward - victory without ‘Foresight’.

Why similar: Martial Arts 38.2% ★, 2D Fighter 37%, Pixel Graphics 7.4%, Combat 6.1%, Action 6%

Why You'll Like It: A roguelite 2D fighter that emphasizes quick decision-making and mastery of sword combat.

The jailer is the key, kill him and you’ll be free. Fight your way free in this ultra-responsive, fast-paced sword-fighting and dual-stick shooting game.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 70.1%, Atmospheric 15.9%, Action 9.5%, Singleplayer 4.5%

Why You'll Like It: A high-tension boss-rush game that requires perfect parrying and precise timing to survive lethal encounters.

DOJO MASTERS is a 2-button martial arts indie fighting game. Battle against your friends or head online to challenge warriors from around the world!

Why similar: 2D Fighter 29.9%, Martial Arts 25.4% ★, Arcade 8.2%, Character Customization 7%, PvP 6.5%

Why You'll Like It: An arcade-style 2D fighter that focuses on the competitive spirit of martial arts training.

Way of the Samurai 4 takes place in the humble port town of Amihama during the mid 19th Century, several years after the arrival of the “black ships” from the West ended Japan’s long history of cultural isolation.

Why similar: Swordplay 29.8% ★, Hack and Slash 26%, Historical 23.5%, Character Customization 16.6%, Action 4.1%

Why You'll Like It: Captures the atmosphere and tension of samurai life with a focus on branching paths and lethal combat encounters.

Clone Drone in the Danger Zone is a robot voxel slice-em-up where any part of your body can be sliced off. With your mind downloaded into a robot gladiator, you must survive the sinister trials of the arena.

Why similar: Swordplay 41.7% ★, Fighting 34.9% ★, Co-op 10.9%, Pixel Graphics 6.4%, Action 4.6%

Why You'll Like It: Uses physics-based dismemberment to make every sword swing feel dangerous and impactful.

Discover and destroy increasingly horrifying creatures across an oppressive lofi world, wielding fierce weaponry and powerful magic in this pocket-sized action adventure.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 29.8%, Swordplay 25.4% ★, Hack and Slash 22.1%, Arcade 9.3%, Pixel Graphics 5.4%

Why You'll Like It: A minimalist, brutal action game that distills combat down to its most essential, lethal components.

Experience the most exciting and immersive beat-em-up combat system ever – become a kickass ninja and slice some demons in style!

Why similar: 2D Fighter 19.2%, Swordplay 18.7% ★, Fighting 18.6% ★, Hack and Slash 14.3%, Side Scroller 14%

Why You'll Like It: A fast-paced hack-and-slash game that focuses on fluid combat and satisfying, visceral strikes.

Experience True HEMA Combat in VR. Step beyond button mashing. Death Duel VR uses physics-based leverage to let you authentically execute historical European martial arts techniques against live opponents. Master real guards, leverage, and tactics in heart-pounding PvP duels to the death.

Why similar: Martial Arts 29.2% ★, Swordplay 24.8% ★, Historical 12.7%, Hack and Slash 12.1%, PvP 10.6%

Why You'll Like It: Provides a first-person perspective on lethal, physics-based sword dueling that emphasizes the intensity of the fight.

Sifu is a realistic third-person brawler with tight Kung Fu combat mechanics and cinematic martial arts action embarking you on a path for revenge.

Why similar: Martial Arts 45.1% ★, Blood 17.4% ★, Fighting 12.3% ★, Swordplay 11.7% ★, Hack and Slash 5.5%

Spiders with laser swords! Duel to the death against your friends or choose to team up and hold back swarms of savage enemies. Swing, stab and shoot with style, effortlessly performing movie-worthy parkour.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 23.5%, Fighting 22.2% ★, Swordplay 20.1% ★, Local Multiplayer 12.7%, PvP 8.8%

The rules are simple. Reach the other side and kill anyone that stands in your way. Deftly parry and rend their throats, riddle their bowels with arrows, or squish their brains between your toes. The wurm cares not for chivalry.

Why similar: Fighting 30.1% ★, Local Multiplayer 20.4%, Swordplay 20.2% ★, 2D Fighter 15%, Pixel Graphics 4.7%

Absolver is an online multiplayer combat game where players are placed behind the mask of a Prospect under control of the Guides, the new rulers of the fallen Adal Empire, who will determine your worth in joining their elite corps of Absolvers.

Why similar: Martial Arts 35.2% ★, Fighting 29.6% ★, PvP 9.1%, Swordplay 8.7% ★, PvE 5.6%

MORDHAU is a multiplayer medieval slasher. Create your mercenary and fight in brutal battles where you will experience fast paced combat, castle sieges, cavalry charges, and more.

Why similar: Swordplay 29.9% ★, Fighting 18.6% ★, Hack and Slash 12.2%, PvP 12%, Historical 9.9%

Broken Edge is a 1v1 VR fantasy sword fighting game where you embody iconic warriors in deadly duels. Claim victory in the arena as a fierce Samurai, a valiant Knight, an untamed Rōnin, or one of the 5 other fighters (and more to come)!

Why similar: Martial Arts 26.3% ★, Swordplay 24% ★, Fighting 21.9% ★, Historical 13%, PvP 10.6%

Gladio is a first-person, hack n' slash, action game with parkour elements. Fight against multiple different enemy types across different levels, while managing your health along the way. Survive if you can...

Why similar: Blood 28.1% ★, Swordplay 26.9% ★, Hack and Slash 23%, PvE 12.2%, Combat 6.2%

Why You'll Like It: A challenging physics-based combat game that requires careful movement and precise timing to defeat opponents.

Gladio Mori is a physics-driven multiplayer gladiator combat game featuring dismemberment, organ-specific damage, and a fully customizable move editor. Craft your own fighting style or use community created movesets to fight your way to glory.

Why similar: Swordplay 38.4% ★, Fighting 21.7% ★, Historical 15.4%, Local Multiplayer 12.1%, Combat 7.9%

Cut robots apart in VR. Feel your sword disintegrate their metal bodies. Now you live and die in the Crashloop, a roguelike tournament to the death. Lock swords! Shoot shurikens from your wrist! This is CLONE DRONE... in the HYPERDOME!!!

Why similar: Swordplay 33.2% ★, Fighting 31.6% ★, Hack and Slash 16.2%, PvE 8.6%, Combat 6.4%

HYPERFIGHT is a fighting game where every hit is lethal, and every win counts. Lightning-fast 1-on-1 duels!

Why similar: 2D Fighter 28.2%, Fighting 27.6% ★, PvP 11%, Local Multiplayer 10.7%, Arcade 8.3%

A challenging 2D action platformer with brutal one-hit-kill combat, consequential choices, and a lore-rich story set in the dark fantasy world of Kurogawa, Japan. Inspired by Sekiro and Blasphemous, Jomaku is a free preview of One-Thousand Cuts, "raising the curtain" for the full game coming soon!

Why similar: 2D Fighter 27.1%, Hack and Slash 24.9%, Side Scroller 20.9%, Historical 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%

Sword With Sauce is a fast-paced stealth-action game where you pick weapons, gadgets, and a playstyle to eliminate enemies. Go in loud or stay unseen—it's your choice.

Why similar: Blood 64.5% ★, Hack and Slash 23.4%, Action 9.1%, Singleplayer 3.1%

In this game you will face violence and extraordinary complexity. You will have to become one of three heroes to slash enemies or to die from their hands. What will your hero do? It depends only on your skills…

Why similar: Martial Arts 41% ★, Hack and Slash 24.2%, PvE 12.6%, Arcade 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%

This is an action game in which players attempt to survive by defeating a number of enemies which appear from the left and right sides of the screen. Use a unique keyboard-banging control scheme for maximum dopamine! Go Berserk, or Die!

Why similar: Hack and Slash 72.6%, 2D 12.3%, Action 12.2%, Singleplayer 3%

A FEW QUICK MATCHES is a fast-paced, 1-4 player platform fighter that lets you bring old-school stick battles to life! play with your friends locally, or challenge players online in this flash-inspired spectacle!

Why similar: 2D Fighter 35.7%, Fighting 28.7% ★, Local Multiplayer 10.1%, PvP 8.7%, Pixel Graphics 5.5%

Flash of the Blade X is a retro-inspired first-person Ninja slasher inspired by the Western Ninja boom of the 1980's. Slice and Dice your way to revenge against your former Ninja clan across several hand-crafted levels using an assortment of period-accurate weaponry.

Why similar: Swordplay 34.3% ★, Martial Arts 24.1% ★, Historical 12.4%, Arcade 9.6%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%

Master tactical sword fighting combat, or discover ways to avoid bloodshed. A journey that trusts you from beginning to end.

Why similar: Swordplay 47.1% ★, Blood 18.1% ★, Side Scroller 11.4%, Atmospheric 7.5%, Action 7.5%

Play as the samurai Kan and fight in a dark, demon-infested Japan. Face this 100% arcade experience without any credits or saves: you can only rely on your skills with the katana.

Why similar: Arcade 30.7%, Pixel Graphics 26.6%, Action 25.3%, 2D 13.2%, Singleplayer 4.3%

Bloody stealth platformer, about the ninja in which you cut the enemies into pieces.

Why similar: Side Scroller 26.4%, Hack and Slash 25.6%, Pixel Graphics 14.9%, Arcade 10%, Action 8.1%

You are Ronin. Survive against an onslaught of enemies using a unique, mouse-based combat system. Draw your attack, felling your enemies in one swoop!

Why similar: Swordplay 30.1% ★, Hack and Slash 22.1%, Martial Arts 21.5% ★, Arcade 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 4.7%

It's judo on a minefield! Tech the grab or die, in this fast-paced 3D fighting game where every! single! throw! is lethal!

Why similar: Martial Arts 31.1% ★, 2D Fighter 26.7%, Local Multiplayer 14.1%, PvP 11.9%, Arcade 8.6%

The Japanese pirates have terrorized the Ming Dynasty for generations. You've devoted your life as a soldier to fighting them.And now you are in their turf, alone with your sword; the last soldier in pirate's land in this 3D-action game inspired by traditional Chinese ink painting landscapes.

Why similar: Martial Arts 34.7% ★, Swordplay 22.7% ★, Hack and Slash 19.3%, Historical 14.4%, Combat 5%

Musashi vs Cthulhu (or MxC) is a fast paced action game where you take control of Musashi - the most famous warrior from feudal Japan -,as he’s fighting for his life. The ronin is a victim of a terrible curse that makes him a target for unspeakable monsters.

Why similar: Swordplay 36.1% ★, Hack and Slash 26.9%, Arcade 12.7%, Action 8.4%, Co-op 7.4%

Pummel Paladins is a 1v1 brawler with a creative twist. Don't be mistaken, just because the knights lost their weapons doesn't mean they are going to stop their destined duel. Push, parry, utilize the environment and items to outplay your opponent in this retro, dungeon arena!

Why similar: Martial Arts 25.5% ★, 2D Fighter 21.2%, Fighting 19.4% ★, Local Multiplayer 11.4%, PvP 9.8%

Unforgiving boss fights. Gory pixels. Glorious fast-paced gladiatorial action-combat. Analyze your opponents weakness, adapt your strategy and colour the sands with the blood of your enemies.

Why similar: Fighting 26.4% ★, 2D Fighter 21.7%, Historical 14.9%, Hack and Slash 14.8%, Combat 6.6%

Mortal Sin is a chaotic, blood-soaked roguelike where skill is power, and overconfidence is death. Carve through procedurally generated nightmares with brutal melee and flashy, satisfying combos.

Why similar: Hack and Slash 66.6%, Swordplay 21.8% ★, Action 8.2%, Singleplayer 3.3%

Heavy Metal! Deep Combo System! Lot of Cinematics! Discover Legendary Warriors Forged in War! Destroy the dark empire! and save the world of his tiranity!!! Dark or Light?! Only one will Survive!!! Prepare your sword! And Anihilate all your enemies!

Why similar: Swordplay 49.9% ★, Hack and Slash 37.8%, Combat 9.6%, Action 2.7%

STARDUST VANGUARDS is a local four-player dueling game combining arcade-style battling with the ability to summon your own NPC army as support! But be careful: a random event system dynamically alters the flow of battle with NPC space pirates gunning for victory themselves!

Why similar: 2D Fighter 22.7%, Swordplay 20.4% ★, Hack and Slash 14.4%, Local Multiplayer 11.3%, PvP 10.1%

Terrifier: The ARTcade Game, a bloody retro fighting beat em up with frenetic action and a lot of fun and references to the Terrifier franchise.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 24.9%, Side Scroller 19.4%, Local Multiplayer 15.2%, Arcade 11.2%, Pixel Graphics 6.1%

Ironlights is a VR dueling game with skillful, fluid melee combat. Parry, block, and strike down your opponents using a variety of physics-based weapons. Test your skills in multiplayer battles, or fight to the top of the league in the huge single-player campaign!

Why similar: Martial Arts 28.3% ★, Swordplay 26.3% ★, Fighting 19.7% ★, PvP 9.7%, Character Customization 9.6%

"Listen to the Wind" is a side-scrolling hack-and-slash game with counter attacks as the game's core mechanic. It takes pace during the Ming dynasty Jiajing era where you'll be battling Japanese pirates. It features unique martial art heroes and a story branching gameplay.

Why similar: Martial Arts 39.8% ★, 2D Fighter 17.2%, Historical 15.6%, Side Scroller 14%, Combat 5.3%

Paint the Town Red is a chaotic first person melee combat game set in different locations and time periods. The voxel-based enemies can be punched, bashed, kicked, stabbed and sliced completely dynamically using almost anything that isn't nailed down.

Why similar: Blood 52.4% ★, Fighting 36.3% ★, Arcade 6.1%, Action 4.1%, Singleplayer 1.2%