From the intense action of Tekken 8 to Street Fighter 6’s joviality, PS5 boasts a vibrant collection of fighting games. There’s something for everyone, with plenty of titles to match your playstyle and preferences. If you like the simplicity of 2D fighters, there’s Guilty Gear: Strive and the King of Fighters XV for you. If you prefer the complex technicality of the 3D ones, there’s Tekken 8 and Soulcalibur 6 for you. So whether you’re a casual player or a professional, here are some of the best PS5 fighting games to raise your adrenaline levels.
8 Of The Best PS5 Fighting Games
1. Tekken 8
Tekken 8 continues the long story of the Mishima family feud, including new characters, better gameplay mechanics, and a more polished battle. This time, however, it embraces the pitch of fighting aggressively and rewarding players who like to impose their will in the heat of battles. Besides, the game features an impressive visual presentation (seriously, is there a fighting game with better graphics than Tekken 8?), with circumstantially changing stages and character models that shine in detail to show off the best the PS5 can provide. All in all, one of the best PS5 fighting games.
Release Date: January 26, 2024
2. Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 takes the beloved franchise to new heights with its latest entry. Featuring a diverse roster of characters, each with unique abilities and fighting styles, the game emphasizes balance and strategic gameplay. The introduction of new mechanics, such as the Drive System, adds depth and variety to the combat. With its crisp graphics, fluid animations, and engaging story mode, Street Fighter 6 is a perfect blend of old and new.
Release Date: June 2, 2023
3. Guilty Gear: Strive
Guilty Gear: Strive is a visual stunner in gaming, outperformed by its stunning anime visuals, paired with high-speed, combo-intensive fighting. The game features an expansive cast of unique characters with considerable differences in fighting styles and moves. All this, together with the innovative Wall Break feature, opens up the game space and urges you to go all out on offense. The massive immersive story mode that gives rich lore for the series fans is at its best.
Release Date: June 11, 2021
4. Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1 is a reboot of the series, starting it all fresh again from the origin stories of its characters and the mythos within the Mortal Kombat universe. The game features brutal combat, detailed gore effects, and the return of the Fatalities that the series is known for. With a loaded story mode, robust online features, and the chance to play as hundreds of characters, Mortal Kombat 1 is a bloody fighting experience built on the power of PS5™.
Release Date: September 14, 2023
5. The King of Fighters XV
The King of Fighters XV reunites the epic cast, featuring all the most favorite characters the series offers. It is all about team-based combat, in which players pick three fighters a piece for their side. The mechanics have been fine-tuned, and this game was created with great ways for online play as well so players can go head-to-head with each other.
Release Date: February 17, 2022
6. Samurai Shodown
Samurai Shodown brings a unique flavor to the fighting game genre with its focus on weapon-based combat set in feudal Japan. The game emphasizes precision and timing over flashy combos, making each strike count. With a roster of characters inspired by samurai and ninjas, the game delivers a distinctive and immersive experience. The art style and animations capture the traditional Japanese aesthetic, while the combat mechanics are accessible yet deep.
Release Date: June 11, 2019
7. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball FighterZ really is a dream come true for fans of the whole Dragon Ball series. High-octane, high-pacing battles with everybody’s favorite characters—that’s for sure—right from the beloved anime. A 3v3 combat system presents great depth in strategy and excitement. The visuals are breathtaking, capturing the true essence of the anime with cel-shaded graphics and explosive special moves.
Here`s hoping that DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO is just as good!
Release Date: January 13, 2018
8. Soulcalibur VI
While originally released for PS4, Soulcalibur VI is just as good if not better on the PS5. The traditional combat approach was warrior-based mixed with very rich lore and a myriad of characters. It comes with beautiful graphics and smooth mechanics in the fighting while all the characters wield their weapons and styles. All this is spiced up with storyline and character customization that makes it stand out on the PS5.
We can`t wait to see what is in store for us in Soulcalibur VII. (and here’s hoping it releases soon)
Release Date: October 19, 2018
BONUS: Best PS5 Fighting Games With Backwards Compatibility
- Tekken 7: Tekken 7 was released on June 2, 2017, and features intense battles with a diverse character roster.
- Street Fighter V: Street Fighter V was released on February 16, 2016, and features updated mechanics with a vibrant cast of characters.
- Mortal Kombat 11: Mortal Kombat 11 was released on April 23, 2019, and features brutal, cinematic combat with customizable fighters.
- Injustice 2: Injustice 2 was released on May 16, 2017, and features battles with DC superheroes and villains in a visually stunning setting.
- Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2: Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 was released on October 25, 2016, and features immersive 3D battles with character customization.
- BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle: BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle was released on May 31, 2018, and features fast-paced, crossover fighting action with characters from multiple franchises.
- Dead or Alive 6: Dead or Alive 6 was released on March 1, 2019, and features dynamic, fluid combat with a focus on counterattacks and environmental interactions.
The Bottom Line
The PS5 has already proven itself to be a fantastic console for playing fighting games, with a variety of titles to choose from. Mortal Kombat 1 offers intense and brutal combat, while Street Fighter 6 brings strategic depth to the table. On the other hand, Dragon Ball FighterZ offers fast-paced battles inspired by anime, making it a great choice for fans of the genre. These games not only showcase the capabilities of the PS5 but also provide hours of fun, competitive gameplay, and gripping storylines.
