Action Games
Free action games in your browser: a maze tank battle with a level editor, two side-scrolling shooters, a brick breaker and an ocean rampage.
Why these games
Every action game here offers something the others do not. Tank Wars is the only game on the site with a built-in level editor. Viking Escape has one of the widest enemy rosters, with eight named enemy types. Ranger vs Zombies is the only platform shooter with magic skills. Brick Out is our 20-level brick breaker, and Mad Shark is the quick, explosive pick for short sessions.
Our ranking
Ranked by our overall score, which combines depth, accessibility, replay value and family-friendliness. How we rate games.
- Brick Out — 9.5/10. A polished brick breaker with a generous list of power-ups.
- Tank Wars — 8.5/10. A rich take on the classic maze tank battle.
- Viking Escape — 7.0/10. A lively fantasy shooter with a great premise — a Viking on a dragon — and the widest enemy roster on the site.
- Mad Shark — 7.0/10. An over-the-top ocean rampage that knows exactly what it is.
- Ranger vs Zombies — 6.5/10. An energetic platform shooter that rewards timing your three magic skills.
Side-by-side comparison
| Game | Score | Structure | Difficulty | Session | Screen | Saves |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick Out | 9.5 | 20 levels + power-ups | Easy | 5–20 minutes | Landscape | Yes |
| Tank Wars | 8.5 | Level-based + level editor | Medium | 10–20 minutes | Landscape | Yes |
| Viking Escape | 7.0 | Endless, distance-based | Medium | 5–15 minutes | Landscape | Yes |
| Mad Shark | 7.0 | Endless, distance-based | Easy | 3–10 minutes | Landscape | Yes |
| Ranger vs Zombies | 6.5 | Endless, wave-based | Medium | 5–15 minutes | Landscape | Yes |
Screen and save data are read from each game’s build files; scores and difficulty are our editorial assessment.
All Action games (5)
Defend your base in a classic maze tank battle — then build your own levels.
Viking EscapeRide a dragon through a goblin-infested forest, throwing weapons and breathing fire.
Brick OutBounce the ball, smash the bricks and grab power-ups across 20 levels.
Ranger vs ZombiesA side-scrolling platform shooter with a shotgun and three kinds of magic.
Mad SharkRampage through the ocean as a rocket-firing shark.
Where to start
Brick Out and Mad Shark are the easiest to pick up. Tank Wars rewards tactical thinking and has the most long-term value thanks to its level constructor. Viking Escape and Ranger vs Zombies are busier games for players who want a challenge.
How the action games differ
Tank Wars is a tactical maze battle where protecting your base matters as much as destroying enemies. Viking Escape and Ranger vs Zombies are side-scrolling shooters with many enemy types, special attacks and pickups to manage. Brick Out is a precision arcade game about controlling a bouncing ball across 20 layouts, and Mad Shark is a loud, silly rampage measured in metres.
Playing on phone, tablet or desktop
Brick Out and Mad Shark are easy to control by dragging on a touch screen. Tank Wars, Viking Escape and Ranger vs Zombies offer on-screen controls on phones and tablets, and their keyboard support makes precise movement easier on desktop. All five are landscape games, so turn your phone sideways.
Game-by-game overview
Brick Out
Brick Out is a classic brick-breaking arcade game. You control a paddle at the bottom of the screen and bounce a ball upward into a wall of bricks. Each brick the ball hits breaks apart, and clearing every brick completes the level. There are 20 levels, each with its own brick layout.
Best thing about it: 20 brick layouts. Watch out for: Some power-ups, like the smaller paddle, can feel punishing.
Tank Wars
Tank Wars is a top-down tank battle in the tradition of the classic arcade maze shooters. Each level is a grid of brick walls, steel blocks, water, trees and bridges, with your base sitting at the bottom of the map. Enemy tanks pour in from spawn points at the top, and you must destroy them all while making sure none of them destroys your base.
Best thing about it: Built-in level editor to make and save your own maps. Watch out for: Precise four-way movement is easier with a keyboard than with on-screen controls.
Viking Escape
Viking Escape is a side-scrolling action shooter. In the game's own words, you control a Viking flying on a dragon, and the Viking must find his way out of a dark forest filled with goblins and other mutants. The Viking throws different types of weapons while the dragon breathes fiery flames.
Best thing about it: Large, varied cast of enemies. Watch out for: Lots of enemies and projectiles at once — a larger screen helps.
Mad Shark
Mad Shark is a side-scrolling ocean action game. You control a powerful shark that swims through the sea, eating fish, collecting stars and firing at obstacles. Distance is measured in metres, and the further you swim the higher your score.
Best thing about it: Playful, explosive premise. Watch out for: Light on depth over long sessions.
Ranger vs Zombies
Ranger vs Zombies is a side-scrolling platform shooter. You play a brave ranger fighting zombies on the ground and in the air with a shotgun and three special skills: firestorm, lightning and freezing ice. Along the way you collect items, upgrades and coins.
Best thing about it: Three magic skills add real strategy. Watch out for: Blood effects — not for young children.
Frequently asked questions
Can I build my own levels?
Yes, in Tank Wars. Its level constructor lets you place blocks on a grid and save your own maps to play.
Which action game is easiest to start with?
Brick Out and Mad Shark. Both can be understood in seconds.
Are any action games unsuitable for children?
Ranger vs Zombies includes blood effects, and Viking Escape has cartoon fantasy combat. Tank Wars, Brick Out and Mad Shark are non-graphic.