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% ★, Swordplay 16.8%, 2D Fighter 16.8%, Fighting 13.6%, 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 28% ★, Swordplay 21.5%, Historical 11.2%, PvP 9.3%, Character Customization 8.8%

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 33.8%, 2D Fighter 28.7%, Gore 18.3%, Local Multiplayer 9.9%, Action 6%

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 37.2%, 2D Fighter 34.5%, Gore 20.3%, Action 8%

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

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: Swordplay 25.5%, Gore 24.4%, Fighting 18.3%, Historical 12.2%, Hack and Slash 10.4%

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 42.1% ★, Fighting 29.2%, Swordplay 23.2%, 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.

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: Martial Arts 18.9% ★, Swordplay 18.6%, Fighting 16.2%, Gore 12.7%, Local Multiplayer 8.2%

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

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 25.7%, 2D Fighter 24.1%, Historical 12.5%, PvP 11%, Local Multiplayer 7.6%

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

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 34.6% ★, 2D Fighter 22.5%, Fighting 14%, PvP 11.1%, Local Multiplayer 7.9%

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

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: Gore 36.8%, Hack and Slash 28.5%, Pixel Graphics 13.2%, Arcade 11.2%, Action 6.1%

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

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

Why similar: Swordplay 28.1%, Fighting 21.4%, Gore 14.9%, Hack and Slash 14.1%, Historical 13.3%

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

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 20.8%, Swordplay 17.2%, Local Multiplayer 10.4%, 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 25.6%, Fighting 23.8%, 2D Fighter 17.4%, Local Multiplayer 17.2%, PvP 6.4%

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 41.7%, Fighting 22%, Gore 15.7%, PvP 11.6%, Action 4.8%

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

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 14.9%, Historical 12%

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

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 35.3%, Gore 25.7%, Pixel Graphics 22.3%, Action 8.2%, 2D 6.5%

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 48.3%, Swordplay 31.5%, Hack and Slash 10.6%, Action 5.4%, PvP 4.2%

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

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 22.3%, Fighting 17.3%, 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.

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 60.4%, Pixel Graphics 16.4%, Combat 12.3%, Action 5.1%, 2D 3.9%

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

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 20.9%, Side Scroller 13.9%, Hack and Slash 11.5%, PvE 6.3%

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

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 30%, 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.

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 38.9% ★, 2D Fighter 36.7%, Pixel Graphics 7.3%, Combat 6%, 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 70.2%, Atmospheric 15.8%, Action 9.5%, Singleplayer 4.4%

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

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 23.6%, Character Customization 16.5%, 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 41.6%, Fighting 35.2%, Co-op 10.8%, Pixel Graphics 6.3%, 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 25.5%, Hack and Slash 22.1%, Arcade 9.3%, Pixel Graphics 5.3%

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%, Fighting 18.8%, Swordplay 18.7%, Hack and Slash 14.3%, Side Scroller 14.1%

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 25%, Historical 12.7%, Hack and Slash 12.2%, PvP 10.5%

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 48.1% ★, Fighting 13.5%, Swordplay 12.6%, Gore 11.3%, Hack and Slash 5.9%

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 23.8%, Gore 20.7%, Fighting 14.9%, Hack and Slash 9.6%, PvP 9.5%

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 23.4%, Fighting 22.4%, Swordplay 20%, Local Multiplayer 12.8%, PvP 8.7%

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 27.3%, Local Multiplayer 18.3%, Swordplay 18.1%, 2D Fighter 13.4%, Gore 10.2%

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 35.1% ★, Fighting 29.9%, PvP 9%, Swordplay 8.7%, PvE 5.5%

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: Swordplay 31.4%, Hack and Slash 26.9%, Gore 16.3%, PvE 13.9%, Combat 7.1%

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

Chivalry 2 is a multiplayer first person slasher inspired by epic medieval movie battles. Players are thrust into the action of every iconic moment of the era - from clashing swords, to storms of flaming arrows, to sprawling castle sieges and more.

Why similar: Swordplay 31.3%, Hack and Slash 17.9%, Gore 17.6%, Historical 13.7%, PvP 9.7%

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 38.3%, Fighting 21.9%, Historical 15.3%, Local Multiplayer 12.2%, Combat 7.8%

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 53.6%, Gore 19.1%, Swordplay 18%, Action 6.6%, Singleplayer 2.6%

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 23.9%, 2D Fighter 19.4%, Hack and Slash 13.2%, Historical 13.2%, Gore 10.4%

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 26.2% ★, Swordplay 24%, Fighting 22.1%, Historical 13%, PvP 10.5%

Swordsman is a realistic sword-fighting game. Customize your warrior, battle different factions in epic arenas, and defeat powerful enemies to unlock their special boss weapons on your journey to save the world from evil.

Why similar: Swordplay 29.2%, Fighting 20.6%, Gore 16.5%, Hack and Slash 15.4%, Character Customization 9.3%

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 72.7%, Action 12.2%, 2D 12.1%, Singleplayer 2.9%

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

Why similar: Gore 24.2%, Side Scroller 20.2%, Hack and Slash 19.4%, Pixel Graphics 11.3%, Arcade 7.6%

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 31.8%, Hack and Slash 16.2%, PvE 8.5%, Combat 6.3%

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 41.1% ★, Hack and Slash 24.4%, PvE 12.4%, Arcade 9.1%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%

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 21%, Historical 15.6%, Pixel Graphics 7.7%

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: Gore 61.4%, Arcade 11.8%, Pixel Graphics 10.2%, Action 9.9%, 2D 5%

Boreal Blade is a team-based melee fighting game with a focus on player vs player combat, combining reactive and tactical gameplay with extraordinary freedom to variate your attacks and develop your unique fighting style.

Why similar: Swordplay 39.1%, Gore 17.8%, Character Customization 14.9%, PvP 13.5%, Combat 8.3%

Slice meat statues in half as quickly as possible. An easy to learn but hard to master game with satisfying parkour movement and combat.

Why similar: Gore 47.4%, Combat 33.2%, Action 13.3%, Singleplayer 6.1%

BUTCHER is a fast-paced, blood-soaked 2D shooter where carnage is the only way forward. Become a ruthless cyborg tasked with eradicating humanity, leaving nothing but blood, guts, and destruction in your wake. There's no such thing as too much violence in this grim, retro-styled gorefest.

Why similar: Gore 61.1%, Pixel Graphics 14.8%, Action 9.4%, 2D 8.3%, Arcade 5%

Get ready to compete in the most brutal sport of the moment. In the Dog Eat Dog tournament, you should avail yourself of your ruthless fighting skills and crush your enemies if you want to make your way to victory. Fight alone or with friends, compete in multiple stages and game modes, and improve your favorite fighter.

Why similar: Fighting 25%, 2D Fighter 21.4%, Gore 16.7%, Hack and Slash 13.2%, Martial Arts 10.8% ★

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 34.4%, Martial Arts 24.1% ★, Historical 12.4%, Arcade 9.5%, Pixel Graphics 5.7%

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: Gore 44.1%, Fighting 37.5%, Co-op 6.8%, Arcade 6.2%, Action 4.2%

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 36.2%, Hack and Slash 27%, Arcade 12.6%, Action 8.5%, Co-op 7.4%

Stylish, action-adventure game featuring counter-based, non-lethal combat centered around ronin Tomoe's signature dash-counter mechanic, fighting with nothing but her bare fists to disarm her former allies, the samurai army of Shogun Akechi.

Why similar: Martial Arts 40.4% ★, Fighting 30.6%, Combat 9%, Pixel Graphics 7.6%, Atmospheric 5%

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

Why similar: 2D Fighter 28.1%, Fighting 27.8%, PvP 10.9%, Local Multiplayer 10.7%, Arcade 8.2%

Story of a Gladiator is an arena beat 'em up where you take the role of a man in search of his destiny. Fight against waves of enemies in the arena to earn coin and fame until you are strong enough to enter the colosseum and become champion.

Why similar: 2D Fighter 21.4%, Gore 18.2%, Fighting 17.8%, Historical 11.5%, Hack and Slash 7.4%

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

Why similar: Swordplay 50.8%, Side Scroller 12.3%, Gore 11.9%, Action 8.1%, Atmospheric 8%

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: Gore 60.5%, Hack and Slash 26%, Action 10.1%, Singleplayer 3.4%

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 30.2%, Hack and Slash 22.2%, Martial Arts 21.5% ★, Arcade 9.8%, Pixel Graphics 4.7%