There hasn’t been a shortage of great fighting games this gaming generation. The amount of high rated titles released on PS4 and Xbox One is ridiculously good. This gaming generation reminds me of the PS1 days where amazing fighting games were being released every few months. I decided to create an unranked top list of the 15 best fighting games available on PS4 or Xbox One so far. I didn’t use numbered ranks in this top list, because the fighting games I liked most might not appeal to you. It’s like apples and oranges, some people prefer Street Fighter, while others prefer Mortal Kombat. In this article, I have also included an honorable mentions list, classic game ports list, and a coming soon list. When new worthy games are released, this article will be updated.
NOTE: Games labeled with *Editors Pick* in the title are my personal favorite games.
Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 (PS4 Exclusive) *Editors Pick*
– See It On Amazon
The latest and final version of Guilty Gear Xrd is labeled as REV 2. Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 is the best anime style fighter available right now. Everything about Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 is awesome. For starters the amount of content available is impressive. The 25 insane playable characters are all fun to use, unique, and feel equally balanced. The gameplay feels very technical and more reflex based compared to other fighting games. The tutorial practice missions will teach newbies how to play like a pro as long as they put in a little effort. I haven’t seen a tutorial mode this good in any other fighting game. By playing the Arcade mode you can unlock stories for your selected character. The M.O.M mode allows you to earn medals that can be used to customize or enhance your characters. I loved the beautiful 2D anime art and graphics in Guilty Gear. The awesome rock music fits right into the games overall look, making the experience feel more lively. The online play works like charm and it’s always easy to find someone to fight against. Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 is highly recommended to anyone seeking a deep technical fighting experience.
– Gameplay Video
Injustice 2 *Editors Pick*
– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One
Injustice 2 is based on DC Comics superheroes and villains. Over 28 fighters are included in the character roster. All your favorite DC superheroes and villains are here, along with other less known comic fan favorites. Besides the awesome character roster, there are 3 things Injustice 2 does very well. The first is the amazing combo system, that’s easy learn but hard to master. Linking combos with special attacks have never felt so right in a fighting game. The second is the multiverse mode, where you can complete challenges to earn stat and customizable upgrades for your characters. Upgrading and changing each piece of your superheroes/villains body armor or clothing is fun to do. The third is the overall presentation of the graphics and characters. The characters look and play like there Superhero/villain counterparts and there super moves (finish moves) are entertaining to watch. Whether you’re a DC fan or not, Injustice 2 is one the top fighting games on this list no matter what angle you view it from.
– Gameplay Video
Tekken 7 *Editors Pick*
– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One
I have played all the home console Tekken games, and Tekken 7 is by far my favorite. Besides the awkward stories for the majority of the characters, Tekken 7 has a lot to offer. The massive 36 character roster includes 26 returning characters, along with 10 brand new Tekken 7 exclusive characters. The unlockable character cosmetics and customizations is one of Tekken 7’s features that kept me playing for a long time. There are literally thousands of different cosmetic mix and match combinations available for your characters. The gameplay feels improved over past versions, especially when it comes to movement and attacks. The Rotating movement feels tighter and attacks feel a little faster. A lot older fans of the series did not like these new gameplay changes. The changes didn’t bother me though, I thought they were for the better. The online play works well most of the time, but you might experience some lag here and there. Overall Tekken 7 is the definitive Tekken experience and the only Tekken game you should be playing in 2018 (says me!) xD.
Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition (Xbox One Exclusive) *Editors Pick*
– See It On Amazon
Killer Instinct is known for its sophisticated combo system, smooth 60fps gameplay, soundtrack, and exciting announcer. The Definitive Edition of Killer Instinct includes all DLC characters (26 characters in all) and 20 stages. The Definitive Edition also includes perfect arcade ports of Killer Instinct 1 & 2 and other goodies like complete soundtracks, artwork, documentaries, and trailers. If you like to bash random buttons, you won’t get far in Killer Instinct. Learning how to effectively execute character moves, combos, and combo breakers (blocking ongoing combos) is a must if you want to succeed at this game. Characters are balanced well and the online play runs smooth, but before entering online matches I recommend you get a lot of practice first. Online opponents are tough and unforgiving. For anyone seeking fast reflex-based gameplay that revolves around combos, Killer Instinct is a must play.
– Gameplay Video
Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition (PS4 Exclusive) *Editors Pick*
– See It On Amazon
When Street Fighter V was first released the overall package felt pretty bare in content and features. The newly released Arcade Edition finally feels like a complete package, and what Street Fighter V originally should have been. The arcade edition includes all the DLC content, new modes, slight gameplay, and balancing improvements, and a new much-improved user interface. In total there are 34 characters to choose from, along with 24 different stages to fight at. The new additions to the arcade mode impressed me the most, with layouts from franchise favorites Street Fighter, Street Fighter II, Street Fighter Alpha, Street Fighter III, Street Fighter IV, and Street Fighter V games. Character appearances and endings are different for each franchise you choose, making the arcade mode feel like a labor of love dedicated to Street Fighter fans. If you are a fan of Street Fighter you know what to expect from the gameplay. With the Arcade Editions new modes, Capcom has created one of the best Street Fighter games ever.
– Gameplay Video
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection
– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One
Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection is a Street Fighter games compilation that any fan of the series would drool over. This collection includes perfect arcade ports of twelve classic Street Fighter games (Complete Games List Here). The highlights of this collection are Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo, Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike, Street Fighter Alpha 3 and the ability to play those games online against players from around the world. In my opinion, those are the best classic Street Fighter games. I honestly don’t care for the other games featured in this compilation, but I am glad that the games I do care about have online play, making the $40 price feel worth it.
– Gameplay Video
Dragon Ball FighterZ
– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One
Dragon Ball fans rejoice because Dragon Ball FighterZ is the best 2D Dragon Ball fighting game ever made. Developed by the most respected fighting games developer Arc Systems, the same development team responsible for creating the popular Guilty Gear and Blazblue fighter franchises. It’s hard to imagine Dragon Ball working correctly as a 2D fighting game because how the characters Jump, fly, perform combos and special moves in the air, it just feels like 3D would have been a better option for this game. Luckily Arc System has worked their magic into Dragon Ball FighterZ, making the 2D gameplay work and feel amazing. The gameplay features 3 vs 3 battles with only 4 attack buttons to worry about. The special moves can easily be performed by novice gamers, making this the most inviting fighting game available on PS4 or Xbox One. Dragon Ball FighterZ is most fun when played with others locally or online, and is probably the best fighting game you can introduce to novice players.
– Gameplay Video
The King Of Fighters XIV (PS4 Exclusive)
– See It On Amazon
The King Of Fighters XIV is the newest installment in The King Fighters series. With over 50 characters to choose from, this is the largest roster out of any fighting game on PS4 or Xbox One. Mastering each characters technical move sets and fighting styles would probably take months. The King Of Fighters XIV is very technical, I highly recommend practicing with one character at a time, and learning how to master combo moves. Old time fans of previous KOF games should catch on to KOF XIV gameplay mechanics quicker. The 3D graphics are not the best in KOF XIV compared to other fighting games. When KOF XIV first launched the online play was pretty much broken, recently the Netcode has been patched a few times, which has helped make online play more stable. KOF XIV is not an amazing game, but fans of the series will enjoy it.
– Gameplay Video
Mortal Kombat XL
– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One
Mortal Kombat XL is basically Mortal Kombat X with all the DLC characters and skins included. There are 33 characters to choose from, including Mortal Kombat fan favorites like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Johnny Cage, Liu Kang, and Sonya Blade. What I liked most about Mortal Kombat XL is the graphics, X-Ray Moves, and finishing moves. If you are into the ultra-violent gore filled fighting games, you can’t go wrong with Mortal Kombat XL. Performing X-Ray moves gives you a close-up view of bones being broken and vital organs being crushed. Character fatalities are even more gruesome, so gruesome that a few of them made me feel sick to my stomach. The gameplay feels solid, however, moves can be spammed, so if you are not a great player this might be a problem when facing real-life opponents. Like previous Mortal Kombat games, the story mode is fun to play through, but the actual story is cheesy. The Kyrpt allows you to spend Koins you earn on Fatalities/Brutalities lists, new outfits, concept art, and more. The netcode has been patched a few times, making the game smoother online, but it still has some latency issues usually.
– Gameplay Video
BlazBlue: Central Fiction & BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle(PS4 Exclusive)
– See It On Amazon: BlazBlue: Central Fiction | BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle
I decided to pair up both BlazBlue: Central Fiction & BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle together. BB: Central Fiction is a main game in the BlazBlue series, while BB: Cross Tag Battle is a spin-off. I have never played BB: Cross Tag Battle, but because of recent positive reviews, I squeezed it into this list. BlazBlue tag battle features fighters from BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth and RWBY. BB: Cross Tag Battle also features backgrounds from each of those games. BB: Cross Tag Battle plays like a Blazblue game but features a real-time tag battle system and assists similar to Marvel vs. Capcom fighting games. According to reviews BB: Tag Battle is fun and it’s gameplay system works great. BB: Central Fiction is the newest game in the main series, and I have played it. I don’t like the characters, music, and stories as much as Arc Systems Guilty Gear Xrd, but the gameplay is similar. Chances are if you like Guilty Gear Xrd’s gameplay you’ll also enjoy playing Blazblue games.
– Gameplay Video
DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round
– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One
DEAD OR ALIVE 5 Last Round is of one of the older fighting games released on PS4 and Xbox One. Dead Or Alive 5 features the most attractive woman out of any fighting game released so far. Seriously these women are very voluptuous and a joy to look at :D. The DOA series is known to attract perverted gamers because of its female characters, lol. You might be thinking “who cares if the woman are sexy, is this game actually any good”? The answer is yes, DOA 5 is a fantastic fighting game. The gameplay is simple to learn, and easy to master for the majority of the characters. The fighting mechanics feel a little like Tekken 7, with similar grab moves, but the core punches and kicks feel more loose and floaty. I enjoyed unlocking the different outfits available for female and male characters. Some outfits are eye-opening and over the top. While other outfits make characters look super cool. If you enjoy fighting games like Tekken or Virtua Fighter you will probably enjoy DOA 5 (especially if you’re single and a male, lol joking). Overall DOA 5 is a little slim on content. Besides the 29 character roster and unlockable outfits, the arcade mode is short, stories are brief, and modes are limited. It’s still worth playing, especially at current prices (around $20).
– Gameplay Video
Skullgirls 2nd Encore (PS4 Exclusive)
– See It On PlayStation Marketplace
Skullgirls 2nd Encore’s characters, controls, and gameplay reminded me of Capcom’s DarkStalkers fighting games. What stands out most about Skullgirls is its unique art style. While playing I enjoyed gazing at the cool character designs and background details. The fighting mechanics are solid, and the special moves give the game some extra spice. The character stories are better and more interesting than most fighting games. After going through the story mode with a few characters, I ended appreciating this game even more. Besides the story mode, every other mode is lacking in SkullGirls. The content is thin, but this game is good overall, just don’t expect a mind-blowing experience. Skullgirls often goes on sale for under $12 on Playstation Network, at this price it’s definitely worth picking up.
– Gameplay Video
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2
– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is a dream come true for Dragon Ball fans. This is not a traditional fighting game, it’s set in an MMO like 3D world, but battles take place in open areas. Your selected Dragon Ball character starts out weak, but as you win battles your character will level up and become more powerful. The battles in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 represent Dragon Ball fighting to the fullest. Launching charging power attacks against your opponent while in midair will be exciting for Dragon Ball fans. The story and popular character introductions are done well enough to keep the excitement going and the drama interesting. Besides the 40-hour single player campaign, you can find players online to go on quests with or fight against. If you are a fan of Dragon Ball Z, you have to check this game out!
– Gameplay Video
UFC 3
– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One
UFC 3 is not perfect, but it the best in the series so far. The ground fighting is still a little goofy and unbalanced. The striking, dodging, physics and career mode have been improved over previous UFC games. The right thumbstick is now used to dodge, which comes in handy when dodging attacks or faking movements before throwing a strike. In the career mode you start out as an amateur MMA fighter, earn & manage money, train, learn new skills, power up stats, and compete in MMA matches. The career mode will likely keep you playing for a while but expect a high difficulty spike once you make it to the professional UFC division. The online play works well with no latency issues. This is a must check out for UFC fans.
– Gameplay Video
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4
– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 will please fans of the anime series. NS: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 features a large roster of almost every known character from the series. The 3 vs 3 tag battle fighting mechanics work well, but more often than not the game feels unbalanced at times. Even though this game’s combat has some balancing issues, the fast-paced gameplay is fun, flashy, and easy to pick up. Gamers that love hardcore fighting games with advanced fighting mechanics probably won’t enjoy the simple gameplay Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 offers. Fans of the anime series will enjoy the characters stories, along with the casual yet addicting gameplay. Overall if you are a fan of the series this is a must play, for everyone else rent this game first.
– Gameplay Video
* Honorable Mentions *
The games that barely missed our top list. You might want to check these out also!
Brawlhalla (Free To Play) (PS4 Exclusive) – A generic Super Smash Bros type brawler available on PS4. It can be a blast if you have online friends to play with.
J-Stars Victory Vs+ – I am not the biggest fan of J-Star characters or anime’s. The gameplay is unbalanced, casual, and dull overall. This game does have a high score on Amazon, so I am sure fans of these characters and anime series will probably enjoy this game.
Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel – A more underground anime fighter, featuring a mostly female cast of characters. I have never played it, but it does have a great Amazon rating.
Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late[St] – Another underground anime fighter that I have never played. Under Night In-Birth Exe has received great reviews from Amazon customers and is developed by ARC SYSTEM WORKS.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse – Fans of the Dragon Ball Z series will love this game, but Xenoverse 2 is better in every way.
Injustice: Gods Among Us – Injustice: Gods Among Us is still a great fighting game even though its old. Injustice 2 is, of course, better in every way.
One Piece: Burning Blood – I thought the gameplay was uninspiring and boring. I can see fans of the anime series enjoying it though.
Gundam Versus – I did not enjoy this one either, but Gundam fans will probably enjoy it.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite – Great graphics, but the design choices and gameplay are extremely flawed. You are better off playing the classic Marvel vs Capcom 2 or even Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3.
* Great Classic Fighting Games On PS4 & Xbox One *
Older Games that have been ported to PS4 and Xbox One. Also Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible on Xbox One games. I highly recommend checking these classic games out!
Garou Mark of the Wolves (PS4, Xbox One) – My favorite NEO Geo Arcade fighting game. Highly Recommended!
The Last Blade 2 (PS4, Xbox One) – My second favorite NEO Geo Arcade fighting game. Highly Recommended!
The King Of Fighters ’98 (PS4, Xbox One) – Out of all the KOF classic games, ’98 is my favorite.
Samurai Shodown 2 & V Special (PS4, Xbox One) – I have a lot of memories in the arcade playing Samurai Shodown 2 back in the day. Samurai Shodown V Special is also worth playing.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (PS4, Xbox One) – Not as good as Marvel vs Capcom 2, but it’s still fun to play, especially if you have friends to play with.
SoulCalibur 1 & SoulCalibur II HD (Xbox One Backwards Compatible) – Both are fantastic fighting games, with very memorable characters.
TEKKEN 6 & Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (Xbox One Backwards Compatible) – If you like Tekken 7, you will probably enjoy these older titles also.
Virtua Fighter 5 Final Showdown (Xbox One Backwards Compatible) – One of my favorite 3D fighters for the Xbox 360.
* Most Anticipated Fighting Games Coming Soon *
– SOULCALIBUR VI
– Release Date: Q4 2018
– See It On Amazon: PS4 | Xbox One
I have been waiting for a new SoulCalibur game for a long time. So far the gameplay looks very impressive. I can’t wait.
– Dead Or Alive 6
– Release Date: TBA, (Just Announced)
Right before I was going to publish this article, DOA 6 was announced. What a nice surprise!
