There is just something about the Samurai that remains incredibly appealing to many gamers. Whether it’s the unique martial arts style, the famous code of honor, or the sheer satisfaction of using a katana, players continue looking for the beloved playstyle across various titles.
While games that are focused on the Japanese warriors are great in their own regard, the archetype can still be engaging and satisfying in other RPGs. It can be especially interesting to look at Samurai in unusual settings, such as medieval Europe, futuristic cities, interplanar operas, and practically anything that the developer’s imagination can work out.
JRPGs and MMORPGs have also been considered.
6 Shadowrun: Hong Kong
Street Samurai
The setting of Shadowrun is a fantastical fit for a variation of the Samurai, with its unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi. As a shadowrunner navigating the gritty streets of this cyberpunk universe, every decision carries weight, and every ally or adversary could be a game-changer.
The Street Samurai is a perfect combination of martial arts and technology, allowing players to quickly dispose of their enemies using both the sword and their weapons. It is a fun, engaging, and particularly effective class to play as, with a unique twist and vision of the famous archetype.
5 Final Fantasy 5
Samurai
Final Fantasy 5 is truly a gem in the RPG universe, which was incredibly innovative for its time. Released in 1992, it seamlessly blends an intricate job system with a compelling narrative, allowing players to customize their characters with impressive depth.
The game series' job system for all intents and purposes acts like a class. The Samurai are more than a little useful in combat, with unique and powerful physical abilities, providing both support and significant damage on the battlefield. And given when the game was released, one must admit: they do look great.
4 Fire Emblem: Fates
Samurai
Fire Emblem Fates
- Platform(s)
- 3DS
- Genre(s)
- RPG , Tactical
- Released
- February 19, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Intelligent Systems
The Fire Emblem series always had an impossibly large array of characters, generally categorized into various classes and races. While players usually create just one character per game, they often control dozens of various fighters, mages, and everything in between.
The Samurai were first introduced in Fire Emblem: Fates, as a basic infantry class in the game, who could then be promoted either to Swordmasters or Masters of Arms. They are extremely effective in the right hands and can be absolute lifesavers in sticky situations with their glass cannon playstyle.
3 Octopath Traveler 2
Hikari Ku
The successor to the incredibly popular RPG has taken the very best from the first game and greatly improved in almost every aspect. With improved combat, more transportation methods, improved graphics and so much more, players who enjoyed the first game will absolutely love the sequel.
Among the new colorful cast is Hikari Ku, a gentle-hearted warrior prince, who sets out on a hard and complicated journey of peace, while trying to conquer his own inner demons. While players can choose a specific path for him, everything from his looks to his abilities simply screams Samurai.
2 Starfield
Ronin
Starfield
- Platform(s)
- PC , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- September 6, 2023
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda
Starfield is incredibly ambitious in terms of the amount of character customization, with unique backgrounds, classes, and abilities. Aside from the existing presets, players can mix and match their perks and attributes to create something truly unique.
The game has plenty of melee options, and the Katana is only one of many, but its implementation is nothing short of awesome. Given that one of the game’s backgrounds is literally called “Ronin”, it makes perfect sense for there to be everything a player might need when creating a proper space samurai. The only thing one might wish for is perhaps better-suited armor pieces to complete the look.
1 Elden Ring
Samurai
Elden Ring
- Platform(s)
- PS5 , Xbox One , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC
- Released
- February 25, 2022
- Developer(s)
- From Software
Bandai Namco have clearly learned from their previous titles, and turned the Samurai up to 11 in Elden Ring, going as far as to make it one of the starting class options. It is a fairly balanced class, with great melee and range damage, packed into a decent medium armor.
The game’s Katana arsenal is nothing short of impressive, definitely going with “quality over quantity” for the lineup. Some of the most powerful ones are magic-based, so players will actually need to put quite a few points into Intelligence if they want to make the most out of them.
