Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is a gory yet beautiful conclusion to the story arc that began with Mortal Kombat 11 in 2011. Netherrealm Studios, best known for the Injustice series, sets a high standard for how a AAA fighting game should look and play. MK11's crowning achievement is a best-in-class story mode that not only tells a great story, especially for longtime series fans, but is also enjoyable to play. Kronika, mother of the Elder Gods and timekeeper, is central to the plot. She is taking drastic measures to correct an anomaly in the universe's destiny caused by Raiden's actions years ago. The resulting battle between beloved Earthrealm warriors and the forces of Kronika is bombastic and cheesy in all of the best ways. Time travel and alternate timeline shenanigans ensue, leading up to a final battle to control all of time itself.

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate combines the base game and its expansion, Aftermath, into a single package. This includes 37 Kombatants, including series mainstays Sub Zero, Scorpion, Johnny Cage, and Shao Kahn, as well as a slew of new characters and incredible guests like The Terminator, Rambo, and The Joker. To further personalize your Kombatants of choice, each character comes with customizable moves and interchangeable costume elements. Those who are easily offended should avoid this game, but fighting game fans in general should give MK11 a shot if they can stomach intense violence.

System requirements
Minimum system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i5-750/ AMD Phenom II X4 965
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 670/ AMD Radeon HD 7950
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 95GB

Recommended system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i5-2300/ AMD Ryzen 5 1400
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 780/ AMD Radeon R9 290
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 95GB

Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
Developer: NetherRealm Studios, Shiver Entertainment, QLOC
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive
Genre: Fighting
Release Date: April 23, 2019
Steam rating: 9/10
Website: https://mk11.mortalkombat.com/
Download links: store.steampowered.com/agecheck/app/976310/

When a new entry in an established series is released, the fighting game community tends to move on, no matter how difficult the transition may be. This was not the case with Marvel vs. Capcom. In part, this is due to the poor reception of the most recent title, Infinite, but it has more to do with the fact that Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 is so damn good.

It has a strong lineup from two of geekdom's most popular stables. Then there's the art, which perfectly portrays all of the fan favorites. Most importantly, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 features a wondrously complex tag-team fighting system that is as deep and varied as any game in the fighting game community canon.

Its 3v3 battles, which are rich in tags and assist moves, can get so wild with destructive combos that it's difficult to keep up - but that's what makes UMVC3 so appealing. That cacophony of combos and specials is a rich ballet that rewards mastery like few other games can. So much so that it's one of the main stage games at Evo 2023, having earned the distinction of being one of the games that defined fighting games and the esports scene in general during its early years. It's an honorable legacy.

System requirements

Minimum system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 260
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 4GB

Recommended system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 560
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 4GB

Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows

Developer: Capcom & Eighting

Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Fighting
Release Date: November 15, 2011
Steam rating: 9/10

Website: www.capcom.com/manuals/umvc3/

Download links: store.steampowered.com/app/357190/ULTIMATE_MARVEL_VS_CAPCOM_3/

Injustice 2 is one of the Best Fighting Games. Though there are distinct differences between MK and Injustice, they are clearly based on the same formula, which is getting closer to perfection with each iteration. As a result, this is not only one of the best PC fighting games, but also one of the best superhero games.

Injustice 2 is a dark take on the DC universe that rebalances the good and evil sides - which is just a fancy way of saying Superman and Batman will fight each other. The diverse roster includes superpowered favorites as well as some delightfully obscure selections, all of which offer authentic powers in richly strategic matches rich in combat options and spectacular destruction.

NetherRealm games excel in terms of content, and Injustice 2 is no exception. There's a cinematic story mode that's best in class, a Multiverse full of gameplay challenges and unlockables, and a whole gear system full of ways to customize your fighter's stats and appearance. Even though Mortal Kombat 11 has surpassed Injustice 2, this is still one of the most comprehensive fighting game packages available, especially if you prefer Batman over Iron Man.

System requirements

Minimum system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i5-750/ AMD Phenom II X4 965
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 670/ AMD Radeon HD 7950
• RAM: 4GBStorage: 52GB

Recommended system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i3-2100/ AMD Ryzen 5 1400
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 780/ AMD Radeon R9 290
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 60GB

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Android, iOS, xCloud, Microsoft Windows

Developer: NetherRealm Studios

Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Fighting
Release Date: May 11, 2017
Steam rating: 9/10

Website: https://www.injustice.com/

Download links: https://store.steampowered.com/app/627270/Injustice_2/

Dragon Ball FighterZ is not the first good Dragon Ball game, but it is unquestionably the first truly great one. Arc System Works has used its expertise in some of the market's most technically complex fighting games to create a lavish title that retains the depth of the best brawlers while remaining approachable. And the studio did it with one of anime's most beloved series, Dragon Ball FighterZ, lavishing love and care on every character on the roster.

This anime game is a slick tribute to the series for Dragon Ball fans, from its gorgeous anime aesthetic to the matchup-specific intro and finish cutscenes - Yamcha's signature death pose, for example, is absolutely perfect. Even if you don't know your Goku from your Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Goku, all of that attention to detail is obvious.

If the base roster isn't enough, there's a slew of DLC characters to choose from, including film villains like Cooler and Broly as well as more recent Dragon Ball Super additions. Even the much-maligned Dragon Ball GT received some love, with Super Baby and Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta being the final characters for season three. It has been part of the Evo stable since its release and will appear on the main stage at Evo 2023.

While DBFZ has the aerial combo-driven frenzy of Marvel vs. Capcom, it's much more approachable to newcomers. Simple, universal combos allow you to make effective basic attacks across the entire roster. Einstein uploaded up to get together with A recent patch makes the game more balanced, but it also makes it more enjoyable. That is what is important.

System requirements

Minimum system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i5-3470/ AMD FX-4350
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 650/ AMD Radeon HD 6870
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 6GB

Recommended system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i7-3770/ AMD Ryzen 5 1400
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 660/ AMD Radeon HD 7870
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 6GB

Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X và Series S, Microsoft Windows
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment

Genre: Fighting

Release Date:

• January 26, 2018 (PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC)
• September 28, 2018 (Switch)TBA (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S)

Steam rating: 9/10
Website: bandainamcoent.com/games/dragon-ball-fighterz
Download links: en.bandainamcoent.eu/dragon-ball/dragon-ball-fighterz

The King of Fighters XV game is one of the Best Fighting Games. Since the original game in 1994, King of Fighters has experimented with a variety of drastically different mechanics, and the same is true in the latest installment of the long-running 3v3 fighting series. The Shatter Strike defensive option in KoF XV counters any attack at the cost of a power gauge. Returning mechanics from previous games have also been tweaked to make them more accessible to newer players. For example, Max Mode now comes in two flavors: one that boosts your fighter's attack and guard crush strength, and another that immediately cancels any attack you land into a new combo that would otherwise be impossible.

Its online offerings are impressive, with numerous options for competing against other players, including an online training mode where you can connect with other players to learn from them. Fights against other online players feel as close to being in an arcade as possible, thanks to improvements to the netcode, particularly with the PC version. Because there's a lot of legacy skill involved, KoF veterans will likely stomp all over newcomers, but that's something you can always improve with practice. New fighters will be added throughout 2023, and it has been chosen as one of the main stage games for Evo 2023, so it’ll be exciting to see how they change the meta.

System requirements

Minimum system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i5
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 770/ AMD Radeon R9 280
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 65GB

Recommended system requirements

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i7
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060/ AMD Radeon RX 480
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 65GB

Platform: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X và Series S, Microsoft Windows
Developer: SNK
Publisher: SNK, Koch Media
Genre: Fighting
Release date: February 17, 2022

Steam rating: 9/10

Website: https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/kof-xv/

Download links: store.steampowered.com/app/1498570/THE_KING_OF_FIGHTERS_XV/

The cinematic flourishes of its long, and at times ridiculous, story mode seep into the actual fights in Tekken 7. Slow-motion close-ups highlight each battle's tense moments, and the series' stony-faced cast of fighters is just as determined as ever to throw each other into volcanoes.

Tekken 7 is great for more than just the explosive story mode; it's also the most competitive 3D fighter out there, with robust tactical battles that reward strong technical play with impressive combos and insane damage. Tekken 7 is one of the most exhilarating fighting games on the planet thanks to its beautiful combination of high-drama visuals and deep, complex mechanics.

It's also one of the most popular crossover games, featuring Akuma from Street Fighter, Geese from Fatal Fury, Noctis from Final Fantasy XV, and, strangely, Negan from The Walking Dead. In addition, season four introduces new characters Kunimitsu and Lidia, so there's plenty to catch up on if you've missed it. This will most likely be the last year you see Tekken 7 on the main stage at Evo 2023, as the next game in the series is due out very soon. Learn more about the sequel to Tekken 7 in Tekken 8 release date guide.

System requirements
Minimum system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i3-4160
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 660
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 60GB

Recommended system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i5-4690
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 60GB

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Developer: Bandai Namco
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Genre: Fighting
Release Date: June 2, 2017

Steam rating: 9/10

Website: tk7.tekken.com/

Download links: https://store.steampowered.com/app/389730/TEKKEN_7/

Arc Systemworks is best known for Dragonball FighterZ and other anime-style fighters, but Guilty Gear has always been the company's flagship game. The Xrd generation introduced them to stunning 3D models rendered on a 2D plane. Guilty Gear Strive's combat, presentation, and fully voiced stage music for every character are more refined - some of them are genuinely decent songs in their own right, but all work well as stage music.

It has two solid tutorial and training modes, an arcade mode that culminates in a two-on-one boss battle with a friendly AI (or a one-on-one ultra-hard boss battle if you're good enough), and a story mode that's a decent offering for series fans. Unfortunately, it's just a film with no actual gameplay. Furthermore, new characters are appearing in the game, providing players with even more fighting styles to master.

The online mode, however, is what distinguishes Guilty Gear Strive. Aside from the perplexing and convoluted lobbies, it's one of the most stable fighting games available today, thanks to its bespoke rollback netcode, which has helped online tournaments thrive throughout the pandemic and into the foreseeable future. As a result, they were able to maintain a stable connection while battling players from the UK on the west coast of America.

System requirements

Minimum system requirements

• OS: Windows 8 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i5-3450/ AMD FX-4350
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 650/ AMD Radeon HD 6870
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 20GB

Recommended system requirements

• OS: Windows 8 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i7-3770
  
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 660
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 20GB

Platform: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X & Series S, Microsoft Windows, xCloud

Developer: Arc System Works

Publisher: Arc System Works

Genre: Fighting

Release Date: 2021

Steam rating: 9/10

Website: guiltygear.com/ggst/en/

Download links: store.steampowered.com/app/1384160/GUILTY_GEAR_STRIVE/

The Soulcalibur series has always struggled to recreate the magic of the original Dreamcast home release. Soulcalibur 6 accomplishes this feat after nearly two decades. The weapon-based fighter is enjoyable to play at all skill levels, making it one of the best PC sword games. So, whether you're mashing your attacks or putting together the most intricate combos, there's plenty of content to keep you going even when you're not competing online.

This includes the Soulcalibur 6 character creator, which has produced some of the most incredible (and terrifying) home-made creations you've seen in a long time. You can either take your custom fighter into a lengthy campaign complete with RPG-style upgrade systems and an almost infinite supply of side missions, or you can take on a full story mode with bespoke dialogue and fights for each character on the roster.

System requirements

• Minimum system requirements
• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i3-4160
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 20GB

Recommended system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i5-4690
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 20GB

Platform: PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One

Developer: Bandai Namco StudiosDimps

Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment

Release Date:October 19, 2018

Steam rating: 9/10

Website: en.bandainamcoent.eu/soulcalibur/soulcalibur-vi

Download links: store.steampowered.com/app/544750/SOULCALIBUR_VI/

Take to the streets once more in the latest installment of the gold standard in 2D fighting games. Street Fighter V: Champion Edition includes 40 World Warriors (and five more with DLC) to play as in one-on-one battles in Story, Arcade, local multiplayer, and online modes. The series' innovation comes in the form of V-Trigger and V-Skills, which allow players to easily activate a character's unique and powerful abilities. Those new to the genre will find a great place to start here, and returning brawlers will feel right at home with Street Fighter V.

Street Fighter V has been around for over five years and has only gotten better with age and Capcom updates. More characters and mechanics have been added since the launch of Champion Edition in early 2020 to keep both competitive and casual players interested. Recent cast additions include returning favorites Dan and Rose, Rival Schools alumni Akira, and a glimpse into the future of Street Fighter with the arrival of Luke. All of this is in addition to the V-Shift mechanic. The game is getting a patch that will turn it into the "definitive edition," complete with character balance changes across the board. Fighting game fans will have plenty to do until Capcom announces its next foray into the genre.

Minimum system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i3-4160
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 480
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 30GB

Recommended system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i5-4690K/ AMD FX-9370
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 960/ AMD Radeon R7 370
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 30GB

Platform: PlayStation 4, Windows, Arcade
Developer: Capcom & Dimps
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Fighting
Release Date: February 16, 2016
Steam rating: 7/10
Website: us.streetfighter.com
Download links: store.steampowered.com/app/310950/Street_Fighter_V/

SNK has a long history of making fighting games, but they believe its best effort was the Samurai Shodown soft reboot. To generate excitement, many fighting games rely on flashy combos with massive hit counters. Samurai Shodown is the polar opposite.

This is due to the fact that the cult classic arcade fighting game is a weapon-based fighter in which every hit has the potential to sever large chunks of your health. It's great if you want a fighting game that focuses on 'footsies' (basically using movement and knowledge of hitboxes to sneak in hits, but it's much more complicated than that) rather than flashy moves. Its feature set is more traditional than that of most fighting games.

The main takeaway is that they believe the tense fights are worthwhile to devote time to. You could be one strike away from losing, only to make a spectacular comeback with a few well-timed strikes. In addition, new characters are being added to the roster, the most recent being Baiken from the Guilty Gear series. If you have the opportunity, play with a friend.

System requirements

Minimum system requirements

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i5
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 770/ AMD Radeon R9 280
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 35GB

Recommended system requirements

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit or above
• Processor: Intel Core i7
• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060/ AMD Radeon RX 480
• RAM: 16GB
• Storage: 35GB

Platform: Arcade, Various platforms
Developer: SNK, Yuki Enterprise
Publisher: SNK, Sega

Genre: Fighting

Release Date: June 11, 2020

Steam rating: 7/10
Website: www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/samuraishodown/
Download links: store.steampowered.com/app/1342260/SAMURAI_SHODOWN/