Action Games (2)

A Survival Legend game thumbnail▶
A Survival LegendAction
Tank Craft Merge game thumbnail▶
Tank Craft MergeAction

About action games

Action games here lean on quick decisions: surviving waves of enemies, merging units for a battle, or reacting to threats as they appear. Most titles have short rounds, so you can try one in a few minutes and decide whether it suits you.

A good way to approach this category is to look at how each game rewards you. Some reward survival time, others reward upgrades you build up between runs. If you enjoy planning, pick the games with upgrades; if you prefer reflexes, pick the ones with endless waves.

Games in this category

Not sure what to play? Read our guide to picking a browser game.

How to choose an action game

Action games reward different skills, so it helps to know which one you want to use. Wave-survival titles test whether your upgrades keep pace with growing enemy numbers, while merge-and-defend games test planning before a battle begins. If you enjoy reflexes, pick the endless-wave games. If you prefer thinking ahead, pick the games where you build and arrange units. Neither is better; they simply fit different moods.

Where to start

Begin with a short run of the survival game to see how upgrades work, then try the merge game for a calmer pace. Warm up your response speed with our reaction time test, and read the survival and endless games strategy guide for a method that works across the category.

Frequently asked questions

How is an action game different from an arcade game?

Action games usually give you a character, enemies and upgrades, and a run can last several minutes. Arcade games tend to be simpler loops with instant restarts. Both are fine for a break; action games suit you better if you like building strength over time.

Do I need fast reflexes for the action games here?

Less than you might think. Both games in this category reward planning, such as spending upgrades well or arranging units before a battle, at least as much as quick reactions.

Are action games suitable for children?

They are casual and stylised, but they do involve combat and publishers control what appears inside a game. We suggest parents check a game first and read our safety guide.