20 Games With the BEST Magic Combat

20 Games With the Best Magic Combat

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 20 games that feature the best magic-based combat.

“Wizard of Legend” (2018)

“Wizard of Legend” is a top-down action roguelike with a heavy emphasis on elemental magic-based combat, specifically using spells known as Arcana. Sort of playing like a magic-centric twin stick action game, this frenetic roguelike excels in its bombast and elemental chaos. Each of the various Arcana feel great to use and are all vastly different and unique, especially when you mix up the elementals. Toss in some uber-powerful signature spells, loads of relics, and the ability to chain Arcana together, and you have yourself a solid magic-combat centered indie adventure with heaps of replayability.

“Lichdom: Battlemage” (2014)

“Lichdom: Battlemage” is a janky game if we’re honest. It has loads of rough edges. But, it truly does shine with its version of pummeling magic-based combat. This is a game that emphasizes strategic spellcasting first and foremost, and you always feel incredibly powerful. The battlemage moniker in the game’s title is really the key to survival here as you must constantly engage, often in close range, with baddies in order to come out as the victor. Lichdom status can be greatly impacted as you do well in spellcasting, making mana regeneration quicker, spells less taxing to conjure, and essentially making you more powerful all around. Plus, the ability to summon various minions and constructs adds an extra dimension to a beefy magic-focused combat game.

“Two Worlds II” (2010)

The original “Two Worlds” aimed to be an “Elder Scrolls Oblivion” killer back in the 2000s; however, it definitely failed in toppling Bethesda’s behemoth. With persistence in mind, 2010’s “Two Worlds II” came along, somewhat flying under the radar, to offer a different approach to fantasy role-playing. “Two Worlds II” is a pretty darn bog-standard average fantasy RPG; but, it definitely excels when it comes to magical combat, especially when you build out a character with magic in mind. You see, you actually utilize various cards to cast spells in this game instead of just learning them. And, you need a specific amulet in order to actually craft your own spells. The magic card system combined with mana prioritization and real-time fighting means that this game trusts you, as the player, to build a magic character that suits your playstyle, while always prioritizing strategy and tactics.

“Ghostwire: Tokyo” (2022)

“Ghostwire: Tokyo” is a bit of an odd choice for this list since it’s not a game that typically comes to mind when you think of magic and fantasy. However, dig a bit deeper and you realize that all of the frenetic and punishing first-person combat in this game comes in the form of supernatural magic conjuration known in-game as Ethereal Weaving. Weaving together various supernatural energies equates to casting magical spells. And, my goodness, they are both flashy and brutal in this game when you face off against the maniacal threats that seek to send you to the afterlife. The game’s premise of ‘martial arts meets magic’ shines through as you weave elemental abilities with supernatural energies, enemy cores, and additional combat tools in your arsenal as you navigate the otherworldly Tokyo open world.

“Arx Fatalis” (2002)

I’ll be the first to admit that I never really hear anybody discuss 2002’s “Arx Fatalis.” It’s a shame because this fantasy game was actually crafted by Arkane Studios…yes, the folks behind the excellent “Dishonored” games, amongst many other fan favorites. “Arx Fatalis” magic-based combat might be less discussed; however, it’s by no means a slouch in this realm. The tactile spellcasting system in this game focuses on precision and knowledge of various runes that need to be drawn in real-time in order to pull off magical attacks. The runes, which equate to gestures, are varied and specific, and can even be used for environmental interaction. Knowing which runes to draw in combat encounters is of the utmost importance if you hope to come out on top during the hectic encounters. You will need oodles of runic memory, precision, and magical skill.

“Mages of Mystralia” (2017)

“Mages of Mystralia,” at first glance, almost looks like an indie version of “The Legend of Zelda.” This highly overlooked 2017 indie darling is a charming fantasy adventure that happens to feature some truly top-notch magic combat. Combat isn’t necessarily the focus of this game (exploration, narrative, and puzzle-solving often are), but make no mistake about it, it’s a game that puts a ton of effort into ensuring you can pull off awesome spells when taking on the fantasy goons the game throws your way. The spellcrafting mechanic in this game is second-to-none, revolving around four basic spell types that can be altered, augmented, and enhanced via various runes. Experimentation with spells and runes is the key here as you navigate this colorful fantasy world. The custom spellcasting is constantly rewarding and enticing in equal measure.

“Dragon’s Dogma 2” (2024)

We easily could have put the original “Dragon’s Dogma” on this list instead of the 2024 follow-up; however, for our money, “Dragon’s Dogma 2” steps up the magical combat all around. Much like the entirety of this beefy fantasy RPG, your hand is never held, and you are never really given much guidance. This, of course, also pertains to the game’s excellent magical combat as you press into magic-based builds. The game features various vocations that you can lean into, with some of the magic ones being Sorcerer, Mage, and Magick Archer. Each vocation mixes up the spellcasting depending on the build you want to create. It’s an utterly flexible system that allows for offensive attacks, defensive (party-focused) buffs, AoE crowd control, healing, and much more. Plus, you can even have a sort of hybridized magic build that allows for your character to excel in multiple magical parameters. Many conjurations and incantations take time to fully power up which means strategy and positioning are key aspects to party survival.

“Forspoken” (2023)

I think it’s pretty safe to assume that many gamers remember “Forspoken,” not for its excellent magic combat and stellar free-flowing parkour traversal but for its super cringey writing, dialogue, and overall narrative tone. If you can look past those weak areas of “Forspoken” you are treated to one of the very best magical combat systems around; one that encourages you to experiment with Frey’s magic as you see fit. Frey’s attacks are split across various powerful schools of magic, denoted by different colors which then equate to different elemental types. These spells allow for completely different tactics in the magic-based combat across the game’s open world. Toss in some truly exceptional parkour and traversal that is linked to Frey’s magic as well as some secondary abilities from Cuff, and it’s clear “Forspoken” is a gem of a game when it comes to magic combat. Perhaps give this game a second chance.

“Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning” (2012)

So many of us fantasy RPG fans fondly remember 2012’s “Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning;” and for good reason. It’s a super solid RPG with oodles upon oodles of depth, especially if you opt to focus on a magic build. On paper, it’s a fairly bog-standard magic system encompassing spells, mana, a sorcery ability tree, and various magic-casting weapons like staves, scepters, and chakrams. But, unlike many other fantasy RPGs of the time, “Kingdoms of Amalur” is highly flexible, allowing your protagonist to utilize multiple combat approaches and weapons at once, keeping combat kinetic and flashy. Plus, as you succeed with your spellcasting and magic weapon damage dealing, you build up a Fate meter that can lead to an uber-powerful Reckoning mode which makes you even more punishing with time slowing down for your foes. Oh, and don’t forget to cast your Fateshift for the final ‘coup de grace.’

“Magicka 2” (2015)

One of the ‘creme de la creme’ games when it comes to a true focus on magic combat. “Magicka 2,” along with its predecessor, is a real juggernaut when it comes to pure magic in battle. This is, after all, an indie game all about magic and custom spellcrafting. “Magicka 2’s” has three overarching pillars of magic combat: elemental-mixing, spell creation, and various casting options. These three pillars work in magical harmony with one another as you progress through the game. As you can likely imagine, experimentation is highly important here as you figure out which elements work well together for both offensive and defensive capabilities. Side note: you also need to be super careful since friendly fire is on by default. So maybe don’t cast that fireball at your pal…just sayin. Learning to craft unique spells and cast them while moving around the fantasy battlegrounds is such a sublime time in this game.

“Avowed” (2025)

Obsidian’s Avowed has some truly stellar magic combat. It’s punchy, weighty, and immersive as heck. What makes Avowed’s magic combat stand out is its flexibility. Players can opt to just use one spell at a time, along with a melee weapon, for example. Or, you can opt to dual-wield spells for even more devastation and versatility. Swapping out various spells on the fly is a cake walk here, especially since you can utilize powerful grimoires that enhance some magical abilities. Plus, the diversity of magical spells and skill trees means you can create the magic-based character that you desire.

“Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” (2024)

The active turn-based battle system in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is deep and rewarding. Many party members can lay waste to enemies with various, powerful spells. Materia is a core component in Rebirth’s magical combat, in addition to other aspects such as stat boosts, new abilities, and character functions. Regarding spells though, Rebirth gives players the tools to devastate foes with ice, fire, lightning, and more. Striking the right balance between traditional attacks and magical attacks is key to success in the fun-as-heck active turn-based battles.

“Path of Exile” (2013)

If you want to discuss magical diversity in gaming then look no further than 2013’s Path of Exile. This free-to-play ARPG is brimming spells to utilize, depending on your choice of character/class, of course. Should you opt for elemental spells then you have a plethora of options. Should you opt for non-elemental spells then you have tons of choices there as well. Or, a combination of both. Then, add in summoning creatures, buffing or debuffing, crowd control, and synergies, and you have a game that lets you solely focus on magical combat should you desire. Chaos, control, healing; the choice really is in your hands when it comes to magic in this game.

“Immortals of Aveum” (2023)

This highly overlooked first-person magic combat game from 2023 really does deserve a solid chance, especially since it’s flexible and tangible magic combat is quite outstanding. Protagonist Jak holds innumerous ways to punish his foes with various magical abilities. You see, Jak is a Triarch Magnus, which means he can wield multiple forms of magic: force, chaos, and life. As he takes part in the Everwar, Jak can don magical gauntlets that allow him to use these forms of magic depending on the situation at hand. In addition, you can even gain sigils that enhance your favorite spells. Watching the magic blast out of your gauntlet and pummel foes never gets old in this game. Just make sure to have ample life spells to keep you health in tip-top shape.

“Dragon Age: Origins” (2009)

For a more tactical, thoughtful way of handling magic combat then look no further than 2009’s Dragon Age: Origins. This BioWare classic is overflowing with depth and nuance. Dragon Age: Origins has a unique blend of real-time and paused-time combat. This point is especially evident when it comes to choosing a magical class such as Arcane Warrior. Choosing the right spell for the scenario is crucial for your party’s survival. You need to know when to brutalize baddies with elemental devastation magic, control the crowd with area of effect attacks, or heal you and your allies to stay in the fight. It’s a deeply nuanced magic system that demands patience and precision but is always rewarding.

“Hogwarts Legacy” (2023)

While exploring every nook and cranny of this beautifully crafted world is certainly a star of the show; the game’s magical combat is also a major highlight. Hogwarts Legacy is brimming with powerful magic to use, and no, I don’t just mean the endlessly entertaining Ancient Magic. While things start out simple enough with a basic damage spell, your created fifth-year witch or wizard eventually opens up an entire suite of useful magic spells. The magic combat in Hogwarts Legacy is like an elegant dance where finding a thoughtful rhythm is key to success. For example, baddies with a colored shield but first have that shield destroyed by using a spell of that same color from your magical arsenal. It’s endlessly enjoyable to take part in fights in this game since every aspect of the magic combat makes it feel like you are playing out your very own wand-to-wand battle scene from the Harry Potter series.

“The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” (2011)

It’s pretty crazy to think that Skyrim released way back in 2011, yet it’s still often discussed in the modern gaming discourse. While the combat may feel a tad bit floaty and unresponsive in comparison to other newer games on this list, there’s no denying that dual-wielding magical spells in this game is some of the most fun you can have…well…apart from being a stealthy archer of course. But, hey…why not just be a magic archer…right? Skyrim makes it easy for you to swap out magic on the fly to deal with the situation at hand. Laying waste to Skyrim’s baddies with fire and lightning in one hand while healing yourself with the other is so much fun. Or, you can just conjure various creatures to do your bidding while you watch from the sidelines. Either way, Skyrim gives you the magical tools to fight how you want to.

“Elden Ring” (2022)

Magic is a finely tuned, meticulous system in Elden Ring. Players spend hours upon hours concocting all manner of ways to create magical character builds in order to deal with the punishing threats in The Lands Between. Despite Elden Ring’s challenge level, the game gives players plenty of flexibility in how they handle fights. When it comes to magic, finding the balance between powerful offensive magic and strong defensive spells is optimal. You can’t just put all your eggs into one magical basket and hope to come out on top. Magic can be used from range, to heal, for crowd control, to enhance weapons, to buff/debuff, and so much more. Nothing quite feels as good as sending a barrage of fire balls at an enemy to then just run in and smack it around with your sword until it's defeated. Good times had by all…well, expect for that enemy, of course.

“Clair Obscur: Expedition 33” (2025)

Where do we even begin here? Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’s turn-based combat is some of the very best in the entirety of the RPG genre. Fusing traditional turn-based elements with a strong suite of real-time elements, each and every battle feels intense and rewarding. Utilizing magic combat in this game ups the ante tenfold. Lune can punish foes with a wide swathe of elemental abilities. Sciel has the ability to harness darkness and light for her magical abilities, Maelle can brutalize baddies with her sword and fire in equal measure. Gustave and Verso have myriad lightning-based abilities in tandem with light power attacks. And, Monoco can use spell-adjacent abilities via his transformations into various Nevrons. And, these are just a sampling of what’s on offer here. The point is, each and every playable party member in this game has powerful magic at their disposal with many abilities synergizing with each other for extra destruction.

“Baldur’s Gate 3” (2023)

Ah yes, Baldur’s Gate 3: the pinnacle of role-playing flexibility. It’s hard to put into one short entry just how immersive and thoughtful this game is. Larian Studios crafted a title that can appeal to every single type of gamer out there. For those with a penchant for magic and spellcrafting, your options often feel innumerable. The highly strategic turn-based battles in this game give you ample opportunity to deal with foes with your magical abilities. There are myriad spells at your disposal, with some requiring spell slots and others that don’t. Having a well-rounded magical arsenal is pretty easy to do in this game, which means you are always prepared. If you are keen enough to also use the terrain to your advantage, then the magical combat will be even more immersive and enjoyable.

So, do you agree with our magical picks for this list? Which games do you think have the best magic-based combat. Let us know in the comments.