Mobility in general is synonymous with fun in video games, but most satisfying of all, especially when pulled off correctly, are air-dashes. Slicing through the air is often the most exhilarating way to avoid death, reach an otherwise inaccessible vantage point, or even score a goal.
For a game to unlock the full potential of air dashes, developers must create an experience around the dash too. Being thrown into the air by a monstrously strong enemy before dashing away from a bite at the last moment is a lot more satisfying than simply jumping and dashing. The best games are those that also reward players for immediately following up on their air-dashes with other complex mechanics.
7 Guilty Gear Strive
Not all fighting games have air-dashing mechanics and those that do, don't always deliver. Guilty Gear Strive on the other hand is the perfect example of how a game can turn out when this exciting feature is implemented correctly.
Air dashes in Guilty Gear Strive are tied to attack timings allowing for more skill expression which makes them more satisfying to pull off. Players can utilize their air power to close the gap between a defensive opponent, flank them or even dodge an incoming attack. In unison with other complex mechanics, there are innumerable combos to execute.
6 Valorant
Valorant is a shooter where inches and milliseconds make all the difference, so for Jett, having access to an air dash is a game-changer. With her signature ability Tailwind, Jett uses the wind to propel her in the desired direction. This ability can be used for a multitude of reasons, depending on the scenario.
Jett can use Tailwind after lifting into the air with Updraft to reach unique vantage points, inaccessible to most agents, or alternatively to surprise enemies over walls. Most satisfying of all is landing a clean headshot after air-dashing out of danger, especially when wielding her throwing knives after ulting.
5 Warframe
Warframe is an online multiplayer game with an abundance of epic movement abilities that enable players to traverse the map or enter and engage in combat in creative ways. From slides to wall running, this game has it all, and it is arguably this range of mobility that makes air-dashing in Warframe even more fun.
Whether players are air-dashing into the reach of a wall to latch onto, before setting off at break-neck speed with a double jump, or sliding into an air-dash and landing with another slide right into their enemy, Warframe has it all.
4 Sonic Forces
While Sonic Forces might not be known as the best installment in the illustrious Sonic The Hedgehog franchise, fans do acknowledge that despite its other flaws, the air-dashes and boosts in this game are second to none.
In this 3D platforming game, Sonic whips around maps at his usual high-throttle speeds, but to reach certain levels or even just collect all the coins, players can dash, roll and boost in the air, all while preserving the non-stop momentum that makes games of this nature so exhilarating.
3 Overwatch 2
While not every hero in Overwatch 2 has an air dash, one of the game's most iconic characters, Genji, has a kit built around slicing through the air. Swift Strike not only dashes but also deals damage, thus rewarding Genji players for accuracy and as the ability's cooldown resets with takedowns, the potential for a chain of air-dash multikills is on the cards.
What makes Swift Strike even more satisfying, however, is its synergy with Genji's other abilities and general playstyle. From air-dashing into position to better land headshots with his shurikens to jumping in front of vulnerable allies with his Deflect. Best of all is in combination with his ultimate, Dragonblade, where Genji switches out his shurikens and wakizashi for a katana, turning him into a melee monster. Having a midair gap closer which resets alongside his katana is a recipe for domination.
2 Sunset Overdrive
Traversing a wacky apocalypse-ridden metropolis without ever setting foot on the ground is one of the most iconic features of Sunset Overdrive, and air-dashing plays an important transitional role in this experience.
Although the main attraction may be the grinding, whether on top of rails or by dangling off on a hook, without air dashing players would quickly find their manic journeys being cut short. There is nothing more satisfying than just reaching a target with a perfectly timed air dash while at the apex of a jump, all to the sound of Sunset Overdrive's incredible soundtrack which pops as much as its art style.
1 Rocket League
Rocket League is a game that puts players behind the wheels of soccer-playing cars. While dribbling, tackling, and shooting from the ground are all fundamental skills, the true height of prowess is displayed in the air. Players can boost while midair to dash for a multitude of reasons.
Defensively air-dashing into the ball to alter its course can be game-saving, especially on the goal line, and alternatively boosting into an oncoming opponent can stop them from reaching the ball in the first place. Even more satisfying though is dashing through the air at high-octane speeds to just reach the sweet spot of the ball and send it flying into the top corner.