Like many writers, I work best when I have music to help me focus. I’m a pantser (or a gardener if you prefer), and music often guides my stories to new places I didn’t expect. Or, when I find a song that fits the mood of the scene, I’ll play that song on repeat until I’m done. I find music particularly helps for writing action scenes. Here are some of my favourite tracks for writing action scenes – all lyric free and suitable for fantasy (I am, after all, a fantasy writer).
Caelestinum Finale Termini – Yu-Peng Chen – Genshin Impact
If your character’s running out of time, this song with be fantastic for writing your action scene. With notes of hopelessness and grandeur. The Genshin Impact soundtrack in general is amazing for writing fantasy!
You Say Run – Yuki Hayashi – My Hero Academia
This fast-paced track has me picturing a small group of heroes rushing in to save the day. No surprise when it’s from My Hero Academia! It would suit a scene portraying good defeating evil in an epic way. Swords clashing, characters dodging whizzing arrows while pulling off an amazing combo of attacks. This is a versatile track due to its hopeful theme.
Enterprising Young Men – Michael Giacchino – Star Trek
This would suit an action scene where a revelation leads the characters to become sure of their victory, including a last push of effort. Although it’s from a scifi movie, it certainly suits writing fantasy too.
Valse di Fantastica – Yoko Shimomura – FINAL FANTASY XV
Perfect if your action scene is more light-hearted, such as a fun training sequence or a first adventure.
Main Theme (Extinction) – Gareth Coker – Ark: Expansion Packs
Great for a grittier action scene where the characters are losing until hope arrives. It starts off slow and builds up tension throughout the song.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Overture – Bear McCreary – Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Another very heroic piece that would suit a fast-moving action scene, especially if it has a lull or touching moment in the middle. Maybe two characters decide to kiss because it might be their last chance. This feels like characters pushing forwards.
BT-7274 – Stephen Barton – Titanfall 2
This track would be perfect for an action scene with creepy or horror vibes and those filled with dread. It builds up to a fast rhythm after some sorrowful moments.
No Man’s Land – Rupert Gregson-Williams – Wonder Woman
The music here builds up slowly with a theme of rising hope. There is tension and a sense of facing impossible odds, yet the hero isn’t giving up. Then, 1/3 through, the hero finds what they need, a power inside themselves that could overcome anything. Towards the midpoint, the action truly begins, and the hero dives into battle against uncertain odds, yet they’re determined to win.
