In this article, I will discuss the best fighting games to play, highlighting top titles that deliver thrilling combat experiences and captivating gameplay. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive fighter
There’s a diverse range of options available, featuring unique characters, mechanics, and engaging storylines. Let’s dive into the best choices for both newcomers and veterans alike!
Key Points & Best Fighting Games To Play List
| Game Title | Platform | Unique Features | Gameplay Style | Release Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M.U.G.E.N | PC | Customizable characters and stages | 2D Fighting | 1999 |
| War of the Monsters | PS2 | Monster battles, destructible environments | 3D Fighting | 2004 |
| DNF Duel | PC, PS4, PS5 | Unique character classes, 2D graphics | 2D Fighting | 2022 |
| Arms | Nintendo Switch | Unique weapon mechanics, motion controls | 3D Fighting | 2017 |
| Pokken Tournament DX | Nintendo Switch | Pokémon characters, 3D battles | 3D Fighting | 2018 |
| EA Sports UFC 5 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X | Realistic MMA experience, career mode | 3D Fighting | 2023 |
| Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite | PC, PS4, Xbox One | Tag-team mechanics, comic book characters | 2D Fighting | 2017 |
| Dead or Alive 6 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | Interactive environments, counter system | 3D Fighting | 2019 |
| BlazBlue: Central Fiction | PC, PS3, PS4 | Unique story mode, detailed character lore | 2D Fighting | 2016 |
| Persona 4 Arena Ultimax | PC, PS3, PS4 | RPG elements, story-driven gameplay | 2D Fighting | 2014 |
| The King of Fighters 15 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One | Classic team-based mechanics | 2D Fighting | 2022 |
| Killer Instinct (2013) | PC, Xbox One | Combo-heavy gameplay, diverse characters | 3D Fighting | 2013 |
| Guilty Gear Strive | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One | Stylish graphics, deep mechanics | 2D Fighting | 2021 |
| Skullgirls 2nd Encore | PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One | Hand-drawn art, unique character abilities | 2D Fighting | 2015 |
| Soul Calibur 6 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | Weapon-based combat, character creation | 3D Fighting | 2018 |
| Injustice 2 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | DC Comics universe, gear system | 2D Fighting | 2017 |
| Mortal Kombat 1 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X | Iconic fatalities, immersive story mode | 2D Fighting | 2023 |
| Dragon Ball FighterZ | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch | Team-based mechanics, anime graphics | 2D Fighting | 2018 |
| Tekken 8 | PC, PS5, Xbox Series X | Evolving combat system, character customization | 3D Fighting | 2023 |
| Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Nintendo Switch | Crossover of various franchises, multiplayer focus | 2.5D Fighting | 2018 |
20 Best Fighting Games To Play
1.M.U.G.E.N
M.U.G.E.N is a flexible and easy-to-use fighting game engine that allows players to create and edit their characters, stages and modes. With such a vast roster coming from different franchises
It provides extraordinary combinations of matchups and games. As a stylish and engaging fighting experience, M.U.G.E.N is a fun game for fans of the genre, easily making it one of the best fighting games available.
- Developer: Elecbyte
Platform(s): PC
2.War of the Monsters
War of the Monsters is a 3D fighting game that allows players to take control of survivable monsters in fighting arenas. The game is set in an amusing universe that is filled with interesting monsters, abilities and strategies.
The variety of action features, destructible environment and multiple multiplayer mode makes the War of the Monsters an unforgettable experience.
There are a range of games in fighting genre but for fans of monster brawls the War of the Monsters is probably the best game out there.
- Developer: Incognito Entertainment
Platform(s): PS4
3.DNF Duel
Based on the universe presented in the Dungeon Fighter Online, the 2D DNF Duel fighting game stands out due to its multiple characters, each with distinct fighting abilities.
Playing in a matches while utilizing its strategic core gameplay, fast-paced fights, cool combos, as well as numerous special moves. Overall, thanks to its visual appeal and game mechanics, DNF Duel is ranked among the best fighting games to play.
- Developer: Arc System Works, Eighting, Neople
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch
4.Arms
The game Arms is unique to the Nintendo Switch. It can be described as a fighting game with boxing mechanics. The players control characters who have stretchable arms which allows for long range compositions within the game.
Players are free to choose the entire kit of their character based on assortment of gloves. The game’s graphics and aesthetics are bright and cheerful
And its animated controls make engaging in combat a natural pleasure. For a more entertaining approach to the fighting game genre, Arms is a must play.
- Developer: Nintendo
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
5.Pokken Tournament DX
According to the makers, Pokken Tournament DX is a combination of features from the Pokémon franchise with casual fighting game mechanics.
In order to engage in combat, players can select their favorite Pokémon characters and fight in beautifully rendered 3D environments.
Addictive strategic gameplay, special moves of the characters, multiple game modes – PPC DX has something to offer to both fans of the animated series and competitive fighters as well.
- Developer: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
6.EA Sports UFC 5
EA Sports UFC 5 is a well rounded mixed martial arts video game which includes a collection of features that make it fun and somewhat realistic. Players are given a wide range of characters, each with their distinctive styles making it perfect for intense battles.
The game carries an in depth career mode rule set, the ability for online multiplayer, and improved gameplay characteristics for striking and grappling. For those who are fans of MMA, EA Sports UFC 5 is a must have title for all hardcore fighting game fans.
- Developer: EA Vancouver
Platform(s): PS5, Xbox Series X/S
7.Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite
Join stunning characters from the two worlds of comic books and video games! Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite is a two on two fast paced tag team style fighting game featuring characters from both worlds with gorgeous graphics, intense gameplay
Infinity Stones as power-ups and dynamic gaming combos. Whether offline or online, the game provides something for every fan due to the roster of superheroes and video game icons.
- Developer: Capcom
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
8.Dead or Alive 6
The game Dead or Alive 6 offers fast, dynamic as well as deep counters based, tactical, 3D fights with immersive animation. Offering combat in its unique interactive arenas, the game puts players into the fight, where the surrounding is the weapon.
With a varied cast of characters, an intriguing storyline, and working multiplayer capabilities, Dead or Alive 6 becomes the perfect title for gamers who want to combine strategic thinking with action within fighting games.
- Developer: Team Ninja
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
9.BlazBlue: Central Fiction
BlazBlue: Central Fiction is an intense fighting game with well-integrated story elements, complex characters, and unique game mechanics.
Players will have opportunities to learn different sophisticated combos and strategies apart from the game’s signature high-tempo fighting and the attractive anime style graphics.
With fun and interesting single player and competitive multiplayer, it’s easy to understand why it’s one of the better games suited to fans of plot based, technical fighting games.
- Developer: Arc System Works
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS3, Nintendo Switch
10.Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
At the center of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax’s gameplay is the relationship between story, roleplay, and fighting which fuses into a captivating package.
Players who are familiar with the Persona characters know what is likely to happen as each character is tied to their own unique Persona and granted their own specific skills.
Various game modes, story possibilities and all-out multiplayer combat makes this title suitable for both fighting and anime games fans who cannot get enough of the Persona series.
- Developer: Arc System Works
Platform(s): PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PC
11.The King of Fighters 15
The King of Fighters 15 is the most recent game to the acclaimed series which harbors the 3v3 team matches, a wide pool and improved mechanics.
The deep combo system and the smooth feel edges the game suited for casuals and competitors alike. With an attractive art style, engaging lore and various online modes, it’s hard to say that KOF 15 isn’t worth playing for people who love both a new and retro styles of fighting games.
- Developer: SNK
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S
12.Killer Instinct (2013)
Killer Instinct (2013) is a game that revives the franchise with its swift-paced with rich combos and many characters. It has a most innovative feature-combo breaker. Timing and movement are agile and comming fluidly.
With great graphics and brilliant sounds along with effective online features Killer Instinct is great for brand new players and hardcore fighting game players as well.
- Developer: Iron Galaxy
- Platform(s): PC, Xbox One
13.Guilty Gear Strive
Guilty Gear Strive gives a fully 2D street-fighting experience with fascinating anime art and practical movement patterns. With its renowned extensive combo system and simple mechanics
It plates heart-grabbing fighting for both fresh and experienced players. Strong character line up, interesting campaign and active online matches make Guilty Gear Strive one of the most outstanding fighting games on the market.
- Developer: Arc System Works
Platform(s): PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
14.Skullgirls 2nd Encore
Skullgirls 2nd Encore is a 2D anime fighter gorgeously animated in this hand-drawn art style and features quite a huge number of characters. One of a kind in notable for its team play mechanics and innovative combos
The game requires strategic nuance and precision to bloom. With it’s story and character based modes, interesting tutorial levels and multiplayer, Skullgirls 2nd Encore is a great fighting game for players looking for some style and depth at the same time.
- Developer: Reverge Labs
- Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
15.Soul Calibur 6
Soul Calibur 6 brings you 3D weapon-based combat that mixes uncomplicated gameplay with intricate strategies. Diverse roster of characters, the ability to destroy, and the beloved character creation mode all provide diversity and tangential value.
Thanks to entertaining single-player story modes along with competitive PvP, Soul Calibur 6 is one of the finest titles among melee fighting game lovers.
- Developer: Bandai Namco
- Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
16.Injustice 2
If you are looking for a clotted gameplay with graphic storytelling backed up with 2D battles then look no further as Injustice 2 paints the whole picture. The players can take on both the hero and the villain roles with the help of a unique gear custom system.
It is the 2D arch enemies’ battles that feature prominently in the game along with changes in scenes and purposeful surroundings, so the gamers won’t get bored playing offline or competitive multiplayer which is good for fans of fighters and comics in general.
- Developer: NetherRealm Studios
- Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
17.Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1 is the much-awaited comeback of the highly praised radical game series as the fans are provided with jaw-dropping visuals and intense combat scenes. Thanks to the presence of many popular characters, this game focuses on violent kills and great narratives.
All updates in the mechanics of the game allow striking a balance between accessibility and difficulty and are perfectly suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Thanks to interesting multiplayer modes, Mortal Kombat 1 emerges as the winner among other fighting games.
- Developer: NetherRealm Studios
- Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
18.Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball FighterZ is an anime IP transformation that is executed perfectly with the combination of fast fighter gameplay in a 2D stylized art form with 3-on-3 multiplayer online.
Featuring characters that are well known throughout Dragon Ball series, the game has easy to learn controls with extended depth, enabling the player to execute exciting combos along with smart gameplay.
Dragon Ball FighterZ introducing an unprecedented story mode and competitive multiplayer with online, it is enevitably for fighting games and anime enthusiasts to give it a try.
- Developer: Arc System Works
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One
19.Tekken 8
With upgraded visuals as well as enhanced storylines, Tekken 8 integrates its traditional gameplay features with entirely new ones that enhance the overall experience while making two-dimensional combat more immersive.
Tekken 8 capitalizes on its systematic 3D-fighting with top-quality graphics, a superior roster of well-known characters, refined mechanics while placing a greater emphasis on strategy and complex combos.
Being one of the best in its business, Tekken 8 boasts impressive multiplayer features designed for fighting game fans that prefer substance and thrill.
- Developer: Bandai Namco
- Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
20.Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the best crossover fighting game that comprises a great roster of characters from various popular franchises.
The game uniquely combines platforming with fighting elements, resulting in frantic and speedy battles in several moving environments.
The experience is enriched further with single-player modes as well as online competitive play making it suitable for casual gamers and hardcore fighters. It’s an obligatory for all the fighting game enthusiasts.
- Developer: Nintendo
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Some Essential Features To Explore When Selecting The Best Fighting Games To Play Include The Following:
Gameplay Mechanics: Should be fun, easy to handle, have a good combo system and should not be too difficult to learn and use.
Character Roster: There’s nothing worse than running out of characters after you’ve been playing a game for some time. Besides, it gives you more options on how you want to play.
Graphics and Visual Style: But, graphics shouldn’t be neglected since good art increases the quality of the enjoyment more.
Story Mode: For those who appreciate playing games with a storyline, try to find an adequate single-player storyline.
Multiplayer Options: Find a good number of online and local multiplayer features that enable competitive gaming with either friends or online players.
Community and Support: Active players are important since they add to the life of the game and also give a lot of people tips on how to get better at it.
Game Modes: A plethora of different game modes (arcade, survival, training, tournaments) helps keep the game interesting.
Accessibility: A more useful categorization would be to classify it as either casual or competitive depending on the kind of audience you’re targeting.
Conclusion
To determine the best fighting games to play, one should consider the fighting system, the characters present and the graphics. A classic franchise or a new franchise, there is something for everyone.
Multiplayer and story modes are entertaining which level out other competitive aspects of gamers and makes these games fun for casual gamers as well. What are you waiting for? Jump in and look for your best fighting game.
