Best free "hack and slash" games

Hack and slash games are a genre focused on fast-paced combat, where players fight large numbers of enemies using melee weapons like swords, axes, or other close-range tools. Emphasizing reflexes, combos, and character progression, these games often mix action with light RPG elements such as leveling, loot collection, and skill upgrades. Popularized by titles like Diablo, God of War, and Bayonetta, hack and slash gameplay rewards quick decision-making, timing, and strategic positioning in crowded battle scenarios. With both single-player and multiplayer appeal, the genre blends visceral combat with satisfying feedback, making it a staple of action-oriented gaming.