Action RPGs are renowned for their intense power struggles, but some push the boundaries by allowing players to confront divine beings directly. Whether it stems from a desire for vengeance, a rebellion against tyranny, or simply a challenging quest for an exceptionally formidable hero, these games provide thrilling opportunities to test your prowess against godly opponents.
From malevolent mythological figures to cosmic terrors disguised as deities, players are consistently placed in the path of overwhelmingly strong foes. The motivations behind these epic confrontations may vary from deeply personal battles to over-the-top confrontations that toe the line of absurdity. However, if you’ve ever fantasized about striking a deity, vanquishing an eldritch horror, or demonstrating that mortal will can surpass divine supremacy, these titles provide ample chances to do just that.
1 Cult of the Lamb
Beat A God, Become A God
In Cult of the Lamb, you are not merely tasked with defeating a god; you have the chance to usurp their throne entirely. This unique blend of roguelike gameplay and management simulation immerses you in the role of a sacrificial lamb brought back to life by the enigmatic entity known as The One Who Waits, the God of Death, who has been imprisoned by his fellow deities due to his immense power and arrogance.
Your mission, armed with the otherworldly abilities granted by The One Who Waits and the Red Crown, is to establish a cult in his honor and liberate him from his captors. Though the terms were to return these powers and accept your sacrifice post-mission, the allure of godhood can be hard to resist. Ultimately, after conquering the deity’s siblings and cementing your cult’s dominance, you face a critical decision: be consumed by the God of Death or challenge him for his position. It’s a choice that many would find too tempting to refuse.
2 SMITE 2
Takes One To Know One
SMITE 2 elevates the god-slaying experience by allowing you to take on multiple divine entities simultaneously. This sequel to the classic MOBA pits deities from diverse mythologies against each other in an all-out melee for supremacy. As players, you can command iconic figures such as Zeus casting lightning or Anubis wielding dominion over the underworld, providing high-stake battles that leave no room for the weak.
Unlike traditional narratives wherein a lone hero battles a single supreme being, SMITE 2 embraces a bolder premise where gods become adversaries in their own right, battling each other with the same flaws and ambitions as their mortal counterparts. The game challenges the convention, showing us that divine beings are just as capable of defeat as any hero, with every match reinforcing the notion that even gods can fall.
3 Persona 5 Royal
Kill the Divine Being, “Holy Grail”
In Persona 5 Royal, dismantling corrupt authorities is the daily grind for the Phantom Thieves, culminating in a confrontation with an actual god. Amid various heists against those in power, players eventually face a formidable divine entity known as the “Holy Grail, ”a being intricately connected to the darker desires of humanity.
This god thrives on humanity’s apathy, striving for ultimate control over existence. As the Phantom Thieves confront this malevolent force, the battle transforms when the Holy Grail is seemingly defeated, revealing its true form: Yaldabaoth, the God of Control. Armed only with unwavering resolve and optimism, you must engage in a climactic battle for the freedom of humankind, reflecting the high stakes of challenging an omnipotent being.
4 Skyrim: The Elder Scrolls V
Kill an Ancient “World Eater”Dragon God
Games that allow you to slay dragons are inherently captivating, but the chance to eliminate dragon gods takes it to another level. In Skyrim, being the Dragonborn is about more than just powerful shouts; it involves fulfilling an ancient prophecy to confront Alduin, the World-Eater.
Alduin isn’t just your regular dragon; he is the first-born of Akatosh and a self-declared god of destruction, fated to end all existence. As the prophesied savior, you wield the might of the Dragonborn, gearing up to face a being even the gods dread. The journey will certainly test your skills, but achieving Alduin’s defeat will rewrite destiny itself.
5 Asura’s Wrath
Take on a God as a Lowly Demigod
Asura’s Wrath epitomizes the theme of “rebellion against the heavens.” This action-driven narrative follows Asura, a demigod who has been betrayed by his allies and sets out on a path of vengeance fueled by pure rage. Having been wrongly accused of murder, framed, killed, and sent to Naraka, he returns to rectify the wrongs committed against him and to rescue his kidnapped daughter.
What follows is a relentless quest of retribution, as Asura eliminates each of the past allies that turned against him, including their leader, Deus. Yet, his vengeance leads to an ultimate confrontation with Chakravartin, the omnipotent creator of the universe, where he defies fate itself. With sheer willpower and unyielding anger, Asura manages to accomplish the unthinkable: he defeats the corrupt god, proving that no deity can escape the repercussions of their actions.
6 Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
Kill a Corrupt and Angry God
The Final Fantasy series consistently features godlike antagonists, yet Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII stands out. As the final saga of Lightning’s journey, players find her battling a powerful god intent on apocalyptic remaking of reality to suit his whims.
Upon awakening from a deep hibernation to a world destined to end in 13 days, Lightning, as the chosen “Savior” of the resurrected god Bhunivelze, must save as many souls as possible before the cataclysm. While navigating tasks and encounters with friends and foes, she gradually unveils Bhunivelze’s heinous designs. Determined to combat his control over humanity, Lightning gears up for an epic confrontation against the god’s sinister power.
7 Ring of Fire
Become the Ultimate God Slayer
Elden Ring offers a distinctive experience as it provides players the freedom to challenge multiple gods and demigods in any order. The array of formidable bosses throughout the game sets the stage for an epic showdown, culminating in confrontations with the final bosses, Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast.
While Radagon poses a significant challenge, it is the ensuing battle with the Elden Beast—a divine entity that represents the ultimate power—where the stakes reach astronomical heights. To seize the throne, players must defy fate, vanquish a god, and redefine the world as it suits their desires. Whether the goal is to establish harmony, chaos, or a unique vision, Elden Ring allows players to carve their path to divinity.
8 Mortal Kombat X
Take Down the Elder Gods
The culmination of defeating ultimate beings is a hallmark of the Mortal Kombat franchise, exemplified in Mortal Kombat X. With the stakes elevated, fighters from Earthrealm clash against Shinnok, a fallen Elder God bent on casting the world into darkness.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that only through a classic Mortal Kombat confrontation can Shinnok’s rising tyranny be halted. The fierceness of this ultimate fight showcases one of the most formidable boss challenges in Mortal Kombat history. Witnessing the downfall of this immortal figure at your hands serves as a testament to the fallibility of even the most powerful gods, as Raiden ensures Shinnok’s definitive end.
9 God of War Ragnarok
Kill Gods, Raise Your Kid
God of War Ragnarök uniquely intertwines the themes of parenthood and divine combat. In a race against time, Kratos and his son, Atreus, embark on a quest to stave off the impending doom of Ragnarok amidst the harsh conditions of Fimbulwinter.
Throughout their journey, they confront numerous Norse deities, their strength and fortitude continually tested. As the prophecy of Ragnarok looms closer, Kratos faces the monumental task of protecting his son while combating the very gods who threaten their existence. The climactic confrontation with Odin solidifies Kratos’s resolve as he brings down the Allfather, eliminating a longstanding source of corruption and fear.
In the aftermath of Odin’s defeat and the fall of Asgard, Kratos can finally guide Atreus in a world free from the tyranny of corrupt gods, encapsulating the game’s dual themes of valor and paternal guidance.
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