Summary
The third-person action-adventure genre has been one of the gaming industry’s most popular styles of game for decades now. The third-person perspective sacrifices the immersion of a first-person perspective, but it allows players to get a full view of their character, giving game developers the chance to implement more complex movement and combat mechanics. Third-person games also tend to create more memorable characters, such as Link,Lara Croft, and Nathan Drake.
Among the countless AAA and indie third-person action-adventure games, there are a few standouts that have highlighted just how good the style of game can be when done right. Here are thebest third-person action-adventure gamesof all time.
Updated July 01, 2025 by Alexandra O’Leary:The action-adventure genre is continually growing and gaining new, incredible titles every year. As such a diverse and expansive category, some of the best games in history have fallen under this umbrella - and many of the most decorated video games are third-person action-adventure titles.
While there are entire franchises full of great games, there’s usually one or two standouts that go above and beyond to achieve true gaming excellence. To demonstrate and rank the best of the best, critic ratings have been taken into account as well as popular opinion, and including games from the same series has been kept to a minimum.
WhenLego Star Wars: The Video Gamewas first released in March 2005, it was clear that Traveller’s Tales had created something special. The style of the game certainly wouldn’t go underutilized, as the British studio would go on to replicate and improve upon the collect-a-thon style of action-adventure game in countless other releases, with major franchises likeHarry Potter,Indiana Jones, andLord of the Rings, all getting Traveller’s Tales' brick treatment.
Lego Star Wars: The Complete Sagais considered by many to be the standout title in the long-running series of movie tie-in Lego games, thanks to its huge amount of content and simple but rewarding gameplay and puzzles, along with simply how much fun it is to play at any age, especially with a friend.
Sunset Overdriveis an action-adventure game set in a punk dystopian world where players largely explore Sunset City via parkour and skating on rails. It’s a relatively comical game, with zany villains and creative mechanics. The exploration and world bring a sense of adventure, while the freaky energy-drinker enemies provide plenty of action to keep players engaged.
While there’s not too much in the way of plot or depth,Sunset Overdriveprioritizes fun. The vibrancy of the world matches the chaos of the narrative and the hilarity of the gameplay, making it a very exciting and entertaining game. There’s a clear sense of joy that echoes throughout all aspects ofSunset Overdrive, proving the developers had a brilliant time making it - and players will certainly have a brilliant time playing it.
Released as a launch title for the Xbox One, some predicted thatAssassin’s Creed 4: Black Flagwould have its fair share of bugs. For such an audaciously expansive game, it plays phenomenally. It’s one of the best ways to experienceAssassin’s Creedbecause of its immersive third-person gameplay.
Standing out from otherAssassin’s Creedgames, this third-person action-adventure game had a significant focus on naval combat and received acclaim from the majority of critics. Simply put,Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flagis fun, gorgeous, and it’s one of the most charming third-person adventure games of all time.
Alan Wake 2is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2010 gameAlan Wake. Released thirteen years after the original,Alan Wake 2delves even further into the horror elements of the first game and begins to work through many of the unanswered questions players were left with.
Upon release,Alan Wake 2received a lot of praise from players and critics alike. One of the biggest draws was the game’s phenomenal graphics and design, as well as fantastic live-action and voice-acting performances. Critics thought that the approach toAlan Wake 2was similar to its content and that the madness of it seemed to permeate through the entire game. While some players were underwhelmed bythe detective aspects, others were delighted that it embraced horror so fully. Although some were disappointed with the few technical flaws the game launched with, overall,Alan Wake 2was a triumph of the horror-action-adventure crossover. An intense story, terrifying combat encounters, and great characters easily make a game that’s not to be missed.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicewas developed by FromSoftware and featured many similar traits to the Japanese company’s Soulsborne releases. However,Sekiro: Shadows Die Twicehas some notable differences fromBloodborne,theSoulsgames, andElden Ring, such as the lack of a leveling system, the wonderful freedom of movement, and the combat, which is centered around blocking and deflecting.Sekirowas a huge hit with critics andwon Game of the Year at 2019’s The Game Awards.
Like many of the Soulsborne games,Sekirostands out with its clever level design, superb boss fights, and beautiful art design that makes each area a joy to play through.
Spider-Man 2is the much-anticipated sequel toSpider-Manand spin-offSpider-Man: Miles Morales. According to critics and fans alike, it did not disappoint. With an emotional and intense storyline, coupled with some brilliant motion-capture performances,Spider-Man 2has easily won the hearts of players.
Spider-Man 2has been applauded for its polish and packed gameplay, with critics pointing out how well it has built on the legacy of its previous two games. The game also features fun, fluid mechanics that - in tandem with the fantastic world-building - really make players feel like a superhero.
Shadow of the Colossusis one of the most beautiful and touching action-adventure games ever made. It’s commonly used to demonstrate how video games can be considered art, thanks to its distinct art styleand emotional narrative. Players follow a young person named Wander, who is on a journey to revive a woman named Mono. The original game was released in 2005 and received massive critical acclaim, then in 2011 a compilation ofThe ICOandShadow of the Colossuswas released for the PS3, and a remake was released in 2018 that was equally successful - a relatively rare achievement in gaming.
Even today,Shadow of the Colossusis considered to be a landmark of the gaming world. It is widely thought to be a masterpiece, and players who truly invest in the quiet, detailed nature of the game are sure to get even more out of it. In story, gameplay, character, and design,Shadow of the Colossusis a wonder of gaming that still meets expectations almost twenty years after release.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Timewas released in 2003, right amid mainstream gaming’s shift from platformers to more action-heavy games. Instead of picking a side, Ubisoft decided to combine the two styles, proving that platforming still had a place in action-adventure titles.
Despite the game’s success,Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’s take on modern platforming didn’t exactly take off. This doesn’t mean that the game has aged badly, though; in fact, it has done the opposite,with its unique blend of genres feeling fresh even today. The iconic series' most critically acclaimed game has a remake in the works, although news of the upcoming game has been few and far between.
AlthoughUncharted 4is not the highest-ratedUnchartedgame of all time, it still easily falls high on the list of brilliant action-adventure games. The game follows Nathan as he battles between his passion and his life, especially when old memories and faces start showing up. For the final time, players can travel the world as Nathan Drake and indulge in the mysteries of the past all while uncovering the truth of his childhood.
Released five years after the previous installment,Uncharted 4made colossal leaps in graphics and design. The cutscenes in this game look movie-level realistic, and it’s a great chance to see Nolan North’s fantastic acting up close.Uncharted 4holds up almost a decade after its release, proving it’s the ideal example of how to make an outstanding action-adventure game. Additionally, it’s the perfect conclusion to Nathan’s story and will leave players satisfied, if a little heartbroken.
It’s always nice to be compared to someone or something that is one of the best in its field, andOkamihas the honor of beingcompared toThe Legend of Zelda, one of the most critically acclaimed video game series of all time.
Despite the clear similarities,Okamiis far from just being aZeldaclone. The game brings many fantastic ideas to the table and stands out with its beautiful art design and wolf protagonist, something that Nintendo would emulate inThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
