Action-adventure games are video games that combine elements of the adventure game genre with various action elements. Nintendo is generally cited as originating the genre with The Legend of Zelda (1985); as a result, action-adventure games are simply called "adventure games" by many console gamers.

In action-adventure games, while reflex-based actions are required (often revolving around combat or the avoidance thereof), the gameplay still follows a number of adventure game genre tropes (gathering items, exploration of and interaction with one's environment, and puzzle-solving). This type of game is often quite similar to computer role-playing games; many consider the Legend of Zelda series to be hybridized role-playing games ("adventure-RPGs" or "action-RPGs"). The term "action adventure" itself has become more generalised since its introduction, and can now be used to refer to virtually any game which combines elements of reflex-based play with some element of problem-solving. Subsequently popular action-adventure franchises include Tomb Raider, Metal Gear, Metroid, and more recent entries in the Castlevania series. Additionally, the survival horror genre, which includes popular series such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill, emerged as a sub-genre out of action-adventure games.