As the spooky season approaches, PlayStation 5 owners will want to sharpen their sword skills in the console's most terrifying titles.

Between battling demons, surviving hordes of zombies, and facing ghosts, there's no shortage of blade-wielding video games to be found this Halloween.

But to conquer the nightmares within these games, one must first master the art of the sword. Check out our collection of gaming swords to get the real feeling of being in the virtual world!

Surviving Boletaria's Demons in Demon's Souls

From Software's punishing RPG classic set the standard for brutal souls-like gameplay when it first launched in 2009. Bluepoint's phenomenal remake brought the cult hit to stunning new graphical heights on PS5, but the challenge remains just as unforgiving as ever.

As an unnamed soul summoned to the cursed land of Boletaria, players rely solely on their skill with a blade to survive encounters with demons, dragons, and nightmarish bosses.

Key sword skills like the Backstab allow brave heroes a chance at critical damage when striking an unaware foe from behind.

Perfectly timed Parries reward shield blocks with ripostes that can stagger opponents. More advanced Weapon Arts unleash unique abilities when wielded with certain blades.

It takes extensive practice of these soul-crushing techniques to have any hope of besting the likes of Dragon God or the corrupt King Allant.

But with enough deaths, one can eventually learn to dance between attacks and conquer even Boletaria's most terrifying horrors.

Surviving Hordes of Freakers in Days Gone

In Bend Studio's open world survival game, the blade serves as former biker Deacon St. John's most reliable weapon for survival.

While firearms play their role, melee combat is essential against the many Freakers and human enemies roaming the scenic but deadly roads of a post-apocalyptic Oregon.

Basic light and heavy strikes form the foundation, but fully upgrading the melee skill tree unlocks brutal finishing moves, stealth takedowns, and tactics for larger threats.

Being able to fluidly switch between left and right-handed stances adds another layer of strategy in close quarters combat.

Nothing is quite as satisfying as a perfectly timed dodge-and-counter maneuver that severs a Freaker's head from its shoulders.

With enough practice carving up zombie limbs and torsos, Deacon can survive even the thickest of infected hordes. His trusty blade serves as more than just a tool - it's what allows him to stay alive in Days Gone's post-pandemic wilderness.

Vanquishing Ghosts as a Shadow Warrior in Ghost of Tsushima

As a samurai, Jin Sakai lives by the blade. But when Mongol invaders overrun his homeland, he forgoes tradition to become a shadowy "ghost" and use dishonorable tactics in the fight.

Sucker Punch imbued their best game of all time with realistic and fluid sword techniques that reward player skill.

Basic light and heavy strikes are joined by techniques like Wind Stance for fluidly switching between fast attacks and powerful sweeps.

More advanced skills like Shadow Strike enable stealthy assassinations.

Perfect parries of enemy attacks open windows for heavy counter damage. Nothing feels quite as satisfying as a well-timed parry followed by a deadly finishing blow on a tough enemy.

Mastering Jin's deadly blade skills is essential for dueling even the strongest foes and warlords plaguing Tsushima. With enough practice, one can survive even without honor as a lethal ghost warrior.

Between these three titles, PS5 owners have no shortage of opportunities to hone their sword skills against Halloween horrors.

Toppling Foes as a Tarnished in Elden Ring

From Software's latest epic presents a vast open world game filled with horrors to overcome. As an unnamed Tarnished summoned to the Lands Between, players rely on skill with a variety of weapons to survive - and swords feature heavily.

Basic light and strong attacks lay the groundwork, but truly conquering Elden Ring's dangers requires mastering techniques like guard counters, jumping attacks, and charged heavy strikes.

Ash of War skills add elemental abilities or special moves when equipped to swords. More advanced skills like the Mimic Tear summon and Rivers of Blood weapon art allow creative strategies against even the mightiest foes.

Nothing is quite as satisfying as a perfectly-timed parry into a critical counterattack on a Night's Cavalry or other nightmarish boss. With enough deaths and lessons learned, any Tarnished can eventually emerge victorious from Elden Ring's harrowing battles.

Between these four titles, PS5 owners have no shortage of opportunities to hone their blade against Halloween's most terrifying threats. So get practicing today with our gaming swords and stay sharp!