Highlights

  • Fast reflexes are highly valued in popular games like Call of Duty, League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Tekken because they allow players to react quickly to sudden enemy movements or make crucial maneuvers.
  • Games like Beat Saber and DOOM Eternal can also test reflexes, with Beat Saber offering insane challenge levels and DOOM requiring players to move quickly and shoot demons even quicker.
  • Apex Legends and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate reward players with great reflexes, as quick reactions can be life-saving in both games, allowing players to adapt to different situations and outperform opponents.

One of the most popular streaming websites is called “Twitch” for a reason. Much like in certain sports, many gamers are constantly trying to improve their reaction time to better perform at whatever their preferred genre is. From fighting games to FPS to MOBAs, there is no shortage of arenas to test one’s skills and reflexes.

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These games by no means gatekeep slower players, allowing for different playstyles and tactics to compensate for speed. Still, in most cases, players will hugely benefit from faster reflexes, being able to react in time to a sudden enemy movement, make a crucial overtake, or dodge just in the nick of time.

9 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Metascore: 75

Call of Duty Modern Warfare II
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022)

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
October 28, 2022
Genre(s)
FPS
Developer(s)
Infinity Ward

While the newest entry into the series is not having the best of launches, players are still enjoying its predecessor, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to a great extent. It might be somewhat challenging to track the exact number of players, as both games use the same launcher, yet by many accounts, the numbers seem to tip in the older game’s favor.

In any case, the series has always heavily favored quick reflexes and a fast-paced playstyle. Perhaps the clearest example of this is how even snipers in the games are often required to “quickscope” to be as effective as other weapons on the battlefield.

8 League of Legends

Metascore: 78

Herald, Baron, Ezreal
League of Legends

Platform(s)
PC , macOS
Released
October 27, 2009
Genre(s)
MOBA
Developer(s)
Riot Games

League of Legends has confidently stood as the most-played MOBA game for quite a while now, and there are plenty of reasons why. The entry into the game itself is quite smooth, yet players have plenty of room to grow.

Faster players will have a much easier time, especially during duels and skirmishes. No matter how much one prepares, it can be incredibly useful to be capable of Flashing away from an enemy’s ultimate. The world’s best player: Faker, is popular for, among other things, his insane reactive plays, being able to outplay his opponents with sheer speed.

7 Counter-Strike 2

Metascore: 82

Counter-Strike 2
Counter-Strike 2

Platform(s)
PC
Released
September 27, 2023
Genre(s)
FPS
Developer(s)
Valve

The Counter-Strike series has always been considered one of the most challenging shooters on the market, and it can seem especially brutal when compared to other, more casual titles. The gunplay can be incredibly unforgiving, punishing players for incorrect movement and positioning.

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Strategy and game knowledge are crucial to being successful in matches. However, speed and accuracy are often favored far more in the moment-to-moment gameplay. Given how many professional snipers look through pixel-wide slits, waiting for that millisecond where they can shoot, it's not hard to see just how demanding the game can be on a player's reflexes.

6 Tekken 7

Metascore: 82

Akuma, Jin-1
Tekken 7

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC
Genre(s)
Fighting
Released
March 18, 2015
Developer(s)
Bandai Namco Studios

The Tekken series has always been among the best fighting games, captivating players with interesting characters, complicated mechanics and combos, and an absolutely bizarre storyline. Fighting games in general require a great deal of focus and fast reflexes, making players look for that one split-second opening to strike.

Pulling off a well-timed block, dodge, or a parry can be immensely satisfying, and appeal for many. While timing is absolutely key, faster reflexes can indeed be the deciding factor in a brutal fight.

5 Beat Saber

Metascore: 86

Beat Saber
Beat Saber

Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS5
Released
May 21, 2019
Genre(s)
Rhythm
Developer(s)
Beat Games

Beat Saber took some of the best elements from various Rhythm games and added its own unique spin and feel to the formula, on top of making the best of new VR technology, to bring players a truly fresh experience.

While players don’t necessarily need quick reflexes, given the game’s range of difficulty modes, speed options, and many safety-net options, the game can absolutely be pushed to insane speed levels, and therefore, insane challenge levels. By the time the glowing blocks start blurring past a player, quick reflexes might be the only thing that can save them from the onslaught.

4 DOOM Eternal

Metascore: 88

DOOM Eternal aiming large blaster at undead and electrified portal
DOOM Eternal

Genre(s)
FPS , Action
Released
March 20, 2020
Developer(s)
id Software

DOOM has always been quite the revolutionary series, pushing the FPS genre to new heights with every released title. Speed and fast reflexes have always been crucial, and perhaps even fundamental to these games. Compared to many other titles, players cannot simply camp and wait it out, shooting at a safe distance from behind a barricade.

Players are required to move quickly and shoot demons even quicker. For a single-player game, it really is fascinating to see just how much the game pushes its players to new achievements.

3 Apex Legends

Metascore: 89

Apex Legends
Apex Legends

Genre(s)
Battle Royale , First-Person Shooter
Released
February 4, 2019
Developer(s)
Respawn Entertainment

Apex Legends came out at a fairly challenging time. By then the market was flooded with many Battle Royale variations, and it would take a lot to even survive, much less thrive. Yet the game’s interesting formula, including unique characters with special powers, the highly agile playstyle, and many other details have allowed the title to flourish.

Given how quickly everything happens, great reflexes can be truly life-saving, allowing players to react and adapt to different situations, and outgun their opponents on the fly.

2 Forza Horizon 5

Metascore: 92

Race
Forza Horizon 5

Genre(s)
Racing
Released
November 9, 2021
Developer(s)
Playground Games

It's no surprise that racing games in general require great reaction time from their players. Whether they are on a new track, or another player has initiated a tricky overtake, players need to quickly adapt to their ever-changing surroundings.

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Forza Horizon 5 is considered a great middle-ground between casual arcade racing games and almost too realistic simulators, allowing players to enjoy high-octane driving experiences without requiring them to read an entiredriving manual. The game feels and plays fantastically, getting both critics and players to absolutely fall in love with it.

1 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Metascore: 93

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Platform(s)
Switch
Genre(s)
Fighting
Released
December 7, 2018

There are many things that set this series apart from other fighting games. The large and varied stages, over-the-top powers, beloved characters, and the unique “health” system, to name a few. On top of all that, even going back as far as Melee, the series has always been incredibly fast.

Many characters could zip around the stage, pulling off incredible combos, and players would need to react to them just as quickly in order to survive. The game’s deep and intricate powers and shield system provide for fantastic combat moments that are as fun to play as they are to watch.

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