Hidden Gems: The Best Underrated Action PC Games You Need to Play!

We know you know Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and God of War. Of course you do, they're some of the best action games of all time. But, what about the legitimately awesome titles that flew under the radar? The underrated action PC games you haven't yet played?

Some of these titles may not have received the marketing they deserved. Others may be super awesome in one regard, but slightly lacking in another. Some could be games that don't take themselves too seriously, instead focusing on delivering pure fun and entertainment. Whatever the reason for their relative lack of recognition, we are here to shine a spotlight on some of the best-underrated action PC games you need to play.

We've had a lot of fun compiling this list and we hope you enjoy what we've come up with. Is there anything more satisfying than unearthing a hidden gem?!

READ MORE: The Best PC Survival Games to Play in 2024: Upgrade Your Collection Today!

Hidden Gems: The Best Underrated Action PC Games You Need to Play!

Mad Max

If you're in the mood for a high-octane thrill that doesn’t always get the credit it deserves, Mad Max is your game. Capturing the wild, chaotic essence of the movie, the game drags you into its gritty post-apocalyptic world with jaw-dropping immersion.

While the melee combat is solid and reminiscent of the Arkham series, the real showstopper is the vehicular combat. Customizing your Magnum Opus, whether you're rigging it up to smash enemy cars or going all-in with the Fury Road filter and first-person driving, is a highlight. For those who crave a tougher challenge, ditching the HUD adds another layer of intensity. The story might stumble a bit, but overall Mad Max is a ruthless, exhilarating game and totally worth your time.

Vanquish

A wild sci-fi dream of a game, Vanquish is short (around 5 - 6 hours), but seriously fun. If you’re into jet-boosting around in an advanced reaction suit and entering slow-mo while aiming, and blowing up enemies left, right and center, this is the game for you!

Developed by PlatinumGames, Vanquish blends stylish gunplay with unique mechanics like the sliding boost. The weapon and equipment variety may not be huge, but who cares when you’re zooming around like a Gundam?! With simple characters and super cheesy dialogue, the game’s got that classic Japanese vibe. It's part of the charm. And if you’re up for it, try beating Challenge 6—I dare you!

Rollerdrome

Tony Hawk-meets-a-third-person-shooter, Rollerdome is a blast. The best part? You need to pull off tricks to reload your ammo, which means you’re constantly moving, dodging, and shooting. Plus, you heal by killing enemies. There's basically no time to sit back!

The stages are short, but they’re super intense and replayable, and the gameplay mechanics feed into each other perfectly. You do tricks to reload, then use those tricks to reach and take out enemies.

The more you play, the more you master different aspects, making every run through the arenas feel rewarding. The art style nails that 80s vibe, keeping everything clear even when the action gets crazy. Overall, Rollerdome is fast, fun, and totally underrated—perfect for anyone who loves that old-school arcade feel!

Scarlet Nexus

The combat in Scarlet Nexus is where it's at. Along with the stunning graphics. The characters, while a bit bland, are still oddly endearing, and the story, though not the strongest, does enough to keep you hooked. Adding replay value, you can play either as Kasane, or Yuito, both of which offer different perspectives on the plot. This isn't a game without its flaws, but after spending around 35 hours on it, it's one that will leave you feeling kinda sad when your're through.

Marlow Briggs and the Mask of Death

Marlow Briggs and the Mask of Death may not break new ground, but as a solid God of War clone with great hack-and-slash action, it nails what it sets out to do. Full of over-the-top action and snarky, humorous dialogue, the story is pure B-movie fun. The combat is fluid, and while the puzzles and platforming are brief, they add a nice change of pace.

Flying under the radar, (likely due to limited marketing), at just 6-8 hours long and available for under 5 Euros, it’s definitely worth picking up for some light, enjoyable action. Just avoid playing on Hard mode. It's unnecessarily difficult!

Evil West

Evil West isn't perfect, but it's got a lot going for it. We're talking old-school action with solid, satisfying combat and a setting that mixes Wild West with supernatural horror. It works. The story might not be Oscar worthy, but the gameplay is packed with over-the-top action and fun dialogue that will make you feel like a baddas, and put a smile on your face.

As a title that doesn’t take itself too seriously, a lot of people have overlooked Evil West. However, if you’re into underrated action games that don’t try to be anything more than a fun, wild ride - this one’s definitely worth checking out!

Sunset Overdrive

Putting a fresh spin on the third-person shooter genre, Sunset Overdrive is a fun and underrated action game. Set in the chaotic "Awesomepocalypse," it puts speed and mobility at the heart of your gameplay, encouraging you to grind, bounce, and zip around the city while battling enemies with a range of quirky weapons.

Full of pop-culture references, the game is polished and varied, with missions that keep you hooked without ever feeling repetitive. If you're looking for a unique game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, focusing instead on delivering a genuinely enjoyable experience, Sunset Overdrive could be just the game for you!

Chronos: Before the Ashes

If you enjoyed Ashen, you should check out Chronos: Before the Ashes. A simple, polished Soulslike that can be knocked out in 6-8 hours, the story is classic fantasy - kill a dragon, save the world. Only, there's a unique twist: every time you die, your character ages a year!

With clean animations and a classic fairy tale vibe, Chronos: Before the Ashes is the perfect prequal to Remnant. Short yet satisfying, it's a charming underrated action PC game that's perfect for a chilled afternoon gaming.

Darksiders Warmastered Edition and Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition

Following War’s redemption story, Darksiders 1 can be described as Zelda meets God of War (with some brutal combat added to the mix!). The final stretch gets a bit puzzle-heavy, but overall, it’s a solid game.

Darksiders 2, however, is the real gem of the franchise. With stunning art and impressive RPG elements, aside from a slightly tedious section on Earth, it’s practically flawless. Darksiders 3 leans a little too hard into the Dark Souls vibe, in a way that doesn't really work, but the first two underrated games are definitely worth exploring!

Anger Foot

An intense, chaotic arcade shooter developed by Free Lives, Anger Foot takes the simple concept of kicking down doors and ramps it up to 100 with its fast-paced gameplay, vibrant aesthetic, and relentless energy. The humor is absurd. The action is non-stop. And the soundtrack is as in-your-face as the gameplay itself.

Delivering a unique, adrenaline-fueled experience, the game’s mix of fast-paced combat, quirky humor, and a thumping techno soundtrack creates an atmosphere that’s as entertaining as it is intense. Flying under the radar for many gamers, if you're in the mood for a game that literally kicks the fun into high gear action, this one might just be for you.

Outcast - A New Beginning

Offering a mix of nostalgia and modern-day exploration, Outcast - A New Beginning contains elements of pure class. The storytelling isn't anything to write home about, but the freedom of exploration is fun, and the alien open-world is enchanting. Basically, if you like retro sci-fi action 90s PC games, you should give Outcast a shot.

Trepang2

Trepang2 doesn’t waste time with deep lore or intricate world-building. Instead, it puts the spotlight squarely on what matters most: exhilarating combat. A chaotic joyride of creativity and carnage, you’re given an arsenal of weapons and the power to slow down time, letting you unleash havoc in style as you square off against a sharp enemy AI.

Despite a bit of visual clutter, the game’s core is polished and fun. If you’re not too fussed about having the next big story-driven experience, and just want to dive into some well-crafted, adrenaline-pumping action, Trepang2 deserves a spot on your radar. It’s a prime example of how focusing on what you do best can make a game truly shine.

No Rest for the Wicked

A perfect blend of intense combat and intriguing dark fantasy elements, No Rest for the Wicked balances brutal, fast-paced battles with exploration of a richly detailed open world. A mix of visceral melee and strategic magic usage keeps you on your toes, while the gritty atmosphere and deep lore create a compelling backdrop for the fighting. If you're a fan of action games that offer more than just a mindless shoot-'em-up, No Rest for the Wicked deserves your attention!