What a time to be a fan of fighting games! The recently released Street Fighter 6 is receiving very positive reviews, Mortal Kombat 1 will come out in September, and Capcom will soon launch the Tekken 8 beta tests. While waiting for the new games, we ranked the already available titles to suggest you the best fighting games you can play in 2023.
Mortal Kombat 11
- Release date: April 23, 2019
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch
The series, created by Ed Boon and John Tobias, is definitely in a good place. Mortal Kombat has thrived after switching back from 3D to 2D gameplay with the series reboot released in 2011. Mortal Kombat 11 successfully builds on the legacy of its predecessors while introducing some new features, such as Fatal Blow and Krushing Blow. Moreover, the game’s story revolves around manipulating time, thus opening the gates for the return of some fallen characters and even the coexistence of different versions of the same warriors. The game allows players to personalize fighters’ looks and move sets. As a result, you can create a unique variation of Scorpion, Johnny Cage, Sony, and other members of the MK gang.
When it comes to gameplay, Mortal Kombat 11 is arguably the best installment in this beloved series. Its fast-paced gameplay makes every match thrilling. Satisfying combos and special moves are visually impressive and strategically significant. Of course, you can conclude every victory with spectacular finishing moves. Bloody Fatalities and Brutalities are the franchise trade mark while funny Friendships make you smile even after losing a match.
Tekken 7
- Release date: March 18, 2015 (arcade) and June 2, 2017 (consoles/PC)
- Platforms: Arcade, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Bandai Namco hasn’t announced the release date of Tekken 8 so far. Therefore, we’re sure everyone who hasn’t given Tekken 7 a shot yet, has plenty of time to enjoy it before the new installment comes out. Its gameplay revolves around the principle of “easy to learn, hard to master,” making it accessible for beginners while providing a high skill ceiling for veterans. New mechanics, like Rage Arts and Power Crushes, add a layer of depth and strategy, allowing for exciting comebacks and dynamic gameplay. Tekken 7 boasts a diverse roster of over 40 characters, each with unique fighting styles and special moves. This diversity ensures that there’s a character for every playstyle, from the speedy Hwoarang to the powerful Heihachi Mishima. The balance between characters is also commendable, with no character feeling overwhelmingly dominant.
The game modes in Tekken 7 are plentiful and varied. The single-player Story Mode provides a gripping narrative that concludes the Mishima clan saga, filled with cinematic cutscenes and epic battles. Other modes like Arcade, Treasure Battle, and Practice provide ample opportunities for players to hone their skills. The online mode is robust, offering both ranked and casual matches.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Release date: December 7, 2018
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a Switch exclusive game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo. Its gameplay diverges from traditional fighting games. Instead of depleting an opponent’s health bar, players aim to knock their opponents off the stage. This unique mechanic, coupled with the ability to use items and interact with changing levels, adds a dimension of unpredictability to each match. The game offers an outstanding roster of over 70 characters from various gaming franchises, including Mario, Link, Pikachu, and even characters from non-Nintendo games like Sonic and Solid Snake.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate delivers a variety of game modes beyond the standard versus matches. The single-player Adventure Mode, known as World of Light, provides an epic journey where players fight possessed versions of characters to free them from the control of the antagonists, Galeem and Dharkon. Other modes like Classic Mode, Tournament Mode, and training mode provide ample opportunities for practice and fun. The game’s visuals are vibrant and dynamic, with each character and stage meticulously designed. The soundtrack, featuring music from various game franchises, adds to the immersive experience.
Street Fighter 6
- Release date: June 2, 2023
- Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox Series S|X, PC, Arcade (planned)
The latest installment in Capcom’s iconic of series fighting games is praised by players and critics. The gameplay in Street Fighter 6 continues the franchise’s tradition of fast-paced, strategic combat. The game mechanics are both accessible to newcomers and deep enough for veterans. A new feature, the Drive System, adds another layer of strategy, allowing players to enhance their character’s abilities mid-battle. The roster in Street Fighter 6 features 18 characters, including five new challengers and 13 fan favorites such as Chun-Li, Blanka, Ryu, Zangief, and Ken. This list will grow with the DLCs that will be released over time.
In terms of game modes, Street Fighter 6 offers a variety. There’s a lot to do, whether you’re looking for an online or solo experience. World Tour is a fully fleshed-out role-playing mode that lets players create their own avatars, while a social and online component called Battle Hub works pretty well. Visually, Street Fighter 6 impresses with its dynamic art style and fluid animations. If you don’t want to buy Street Fighter 6 so soon after its premiere, Street Fighter V will be a great alternative. Although it had some problems upon its release, today is one of the best fighting games you can get.
Sifu
- Release date: February 8, 2022,
- Platforms: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
The gameplay of Sifu is centered around hand-to-hand combat. Players have a range of attacks at their disposal, including light and heavy strikes, throws, and trips, allowing for varied and strategic fights. A standout feature in Sifu is the aging mechanic. Every time the player character dies, the protagonist is revived but ages significantly and gains new abilities. This adds urgency to the gameplay, adding a thrilling twist to each playthrough.
In terms of characters, players control a young Kung Fu student on a path of revenge. Each enemy encountered has a unique fighting style, requiring players to adapt and learn as they progress. Sifu features several game modes, including a challenging single-player campaign, and a new addition in 2023, the Sifu Arenas. This mode offers challenging fights and more enjoyable combat, adding replayability to the game.
Soulcalibur VI
- Release date: October 19, 2018
- Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
The gameplay of Soulcalibur VI is unique for its emphasis on weapon-based battles, setting it apart from many other fighting games. Each character brandishes a signature weapon. The game’s mechanics are beginner-friendly but also offer enough complexity for experienced players. One such feature is the Reversal Edge mechanism, which allows for slow-motion exchanges and decisions that can pivot the direction of the fight. It’s worth underlining that all moves in SC VI connect so fluently that even when you’re button-mashing, the character acts like you know what you’re doing. Particularly new players who aren’t familiar with the series should appreciate it.
The character lineup in Soulcalibur VI is varied, blending familiar faces from earlier titles with new additions. Notably, Geralt of Rivia makes an appearance as a guest character, bringing his unique swordplay and magical abilities to the mix. The renowned Witcher even plays his part in the game’s story mode. As for game modes, Soul Calibur VI doesn’t disappoint. The single-player Soul Chronicle mode delves deep into each character’s history, providing an immersive narrative journey. Additionally, the game includes a comprehensive character creation mode, allowing players to design their unique fighters.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
- Release date: June 16, 2022
- Platforms: Linux, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Android, iOS
The gameplay of Shredder’s Revenge takes inspiration from retro arcade beat ’em ups, showing how to modernize a classic formula. It offers fast-paced combat that’s easy to pick up but challenging to master. The game’s mechanics are unique, with each playable character having distinctive abilities. The roster features the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and their friends. As a result, you can play as Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael, April O’Neil, Splinter, and Casey Jones.
The game offers a single-player campaign and an online cooperative mode for up to six players or up to four players if you’re playing on PlayStation. This allows friends to team up and take on Shredder and his Foot Clan together. The game’s story is a love letter to the classic TMNT series, pitting the turtles against their arch-enemy, Shredder, in a quest to save New York City. The narrative is filled with nostalgic nods to the original series. Visually, Shredder’s Revenge impresses with its charming pixel art style reminiscent of classic arcade games.
Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite
- Release date: September 19, 2017
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is characterized by fast-paced, tag-team combat, allowing players to switch between characters mid-battle. The game’s mechanics are distinctive, with the Infinity Stones system being a notable feature. Each stone grants different abilities, adding a strategic layer to matches and providing opportunities for exciting comebacks.
The roster in Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite features a mix of characters from the Marvel universe and Capcom’s vast array of video games. This includes fan favorites like Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Ryu, and Mega Man X. In the story mode, heroes from both universes team up to defeat Ultron Sigma.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
- Release date: January 26, 2018
- Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch
The gameplay of Dragon Ball FighterZ captures the high-speed action and spectacle of the Dragon Ball series. It employs a three-on-three team battle system, allowing players to switch between characters mid-fight. The mechanics are beginner-friendly but also possess depth and complexity that appeal to seasoned players. A standout feature in Dragon Ball FighterZ is the Sparking Blast mechanic. This temporary power-up can be used once per match and provides a variety of benefits, including health recovery and enhanced damage.
The game’s story mode, set in the world of Dragon Ball, features a new antagonist, Android 21. The narrative is engaging and filled with fan service, making it a hit among Dragon Ball enthusiasts. Other modes include Arcade Mode, Local Battle, and Online Battle, offering ranked and casual matches.
EA Sports UFC 4
- Release date: August 14, 2020
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One
UFC 4 builds upon its predecessor with more fluid and responsive combat. The game’s mechanics are detailed, offering players a realistic MMA experience with an emphasis on striking, grappling, clinch fighting, and ground-and-pound techniques. A unique mechanic in UFC 4 is the introduction of the High Impact Moments system, which highlights significant strikes, takedowns, and knockouts, adding drama to each fight.
The character lineup in UFC 4 is vast, including iconic fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Amanda Nunes, and Israel Adesanya. Also, in terms of game modes, UFC 4 doesn’t disappoint. The revamped Career Mode allows players to rise from an unknown amateur to a UFC superstar, making key decisions that affect their fighter’s development and reputation. Other modes include Quick Fights, Online Championships, and the new Blitz Battles, a fast-paced mode with rotating rule sets. However, if we’re talking about fighting games from EA Sports, we’re still waiting for the return of the Fight Night series.
The King of Fighters XV
- Release date: February 17, 2022
- Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox Series X|S, Arcade (planned)
The King of Fighters XV is the latest entry in the iconic series of fighting games developed by SNK. Like its predecessors, KOF XV is characterized by its three-on-three team battles. You can compose your team by choosing from an extensive roster of 39 characters.
KOF XV boasts a variety of game modes to keep players entertained. The Story Mode takes you on an epic journey where heroes face a deadly threat. Other modes, like Team Battle, Versus, and Training, provide ample opportunities to polish your skills and strategies. With vibrant and meticulously detailed character models, dynamic stages, and fluid animation, KOF XV delivers a visually stunning experience that immerses you in exhilarating combat.
Injustice 2
- Release date: May 11, 2017
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
It may be one of the oldest titles on the list, but there couldn’t be a list of the best fighting games without Injustice 2 because it still stands out even today. It’s incredible how it enhances the formula of the original Injustice game, offering a smooth and dynamic combat experience. It also introduces the innovative Gear System, a loot-dropping mechanism that rewards players with costume pieces and equipment that can be used to customize characters’ appearances and modify their abilities and stats.
The roster in Injustice 2 is vast and diverse, featuring a lineup of iconic superheroes and villains from the DC Universe, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Joker, and Harley Quinn. The game was developed by Netherrealm; hence, it features a cinematic story mode. It continues the narrative from Injustice: Gods Among Us, presenting a world where Superman has become a tyrant. This time, heroes must face Brainiac.
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