The 38 Best PS4 Fighting Games

Capcom's fifth entry in the fighting game franchise that pushed the genre forward may have launched in a disappointing state. But after expanding its roster, adding in new V-Skill & V-Trigger mechanics, and throwing in a batch of new single-player content to enjoy, Street Fighter V turned into one of the best fighters to dive headfirst into. The Champion Edition of the game is the one you should get if you haven't touched it yet and are looking to see what all the hype is about.

The 3v3 fighting game that looks as beautiful as it plays is undoubtedly Arc System Works' Dragon Ball FighterZ. Every corner of the Dragon Ball universe is represented here through a massive character roster - you'll get a ton of mileage out of mixing and matching your favorite superpowered warriors and even putting together a team of nothing but Goku's. The bombastic action on display here is super hype and will keep you enthralled for years to come.

Bandai Namco's marquee 3D fighter still reigns as "The King of the Iron Fist." Tekken 7 pushes the franchise forward with Rage Art & Rage Drive attacks, slow-motion events that play out during a match's climactic final moments, and a slew of new characters & guests that offer varied fighting styles. If you're in the mood for some super hype and perfectly paced 3D skirmishes, then Tekken 7 is one of the most viable options to spend some time with.

Tekken 7 lets you dish out KOs via your hands and feet, while Soulcalibur VI gives you the ability to end your opponent with your weapon of choice. This quality entry in the Soulcalibur series is a welcome return to form that features the same enjoyable combat system that debuted all the way back in 1995. The new Reversal Edge system gives players a new option to counter with and swing the tide of battle back in their favor. If you're really big on creating custom battlers, then Soulcalibur VI will certainly keep you occupied.

Arc System Works is most known as the developer of some of the greatest anime fighters ever introduced to the FGC. Guilty Gear is the one that garners so much attention thanks to its metal-heavy soundtrack, crispy 2D visuals, and an awesome lineup of badass characters. Guilty Gear Strive is the most recent entry in the series and does things a bit differently from its predecessor by simplifying its mechanics but not enough to the point where everything feels dumbed down. Strive's Roman Cancel and Wall Break mechanics provide plenty of opportunities for players to constantly style on their opponents.

The famous end-of-round callout of "FINISH HIM/HER!" is synonymous with the Mortal Kombat series. Mortal Kombat XL features an even darker take on the incredibly gory fighter and features an even faster pace when compared to previous series entries. Pulling off double-digit combos at insane speeds is one of the reasons why MK fans still play this game religiously. If you prefer your MK clashes to move at a frenetic pace, then this final edition of MK XL should keep you satiated.

Now if you're a bigger fan of slower-paced battles that move at a methodical pace, Mortal Kombat 11 should definitely be on your radar. The Ultimate edition of the latest entry in the MK franchise looks and feels like a super improved version of Mortal Kombat 2. You'll definitely get your money's worth thanks to the crazy amount of single-player and multiplayer content on offer here. Plus you're going to want to hop into some fights between The Terminator, Rambo, and RoboCop.

Injustice: Gods Among Us started this series off on a very high note. Then Injustice 2 catapulted the all-DC fighting game to new heights. If you want to take a chance on it now, then you're better off getting the Legendary Edition that comes with all the DLC. Besides all the iconic DC heroes and villains at your disposal, Injustice 2 also features guests in the form of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Hellboy, Raiden, and Sub-Zero. The battles that play out in this NetherRealm Studios fighter are beyond epic, to say the least.

"IT'S MAHVEL BAYBEE!" Greetings and salutations to the homie Michael "Yipes" Mendoza for coining that beloved catchphrase. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 keeps the crossover fighting game hype going between the worlds of Marvel and Capcom. The 3v3 wars that erupt in this fighter are a sight for the eyes and hell entertaining when you try them out for yourself. Prepare yourself for some wild struggles between the likes of Spider-Man, Strider Hiryu, Super-Skrull, and even Phoenix Wright.

Arc System Works has another team-based fighter of its own that produces just as much insanity as the ones produced by Capcom. And this one mashes up the universes of a multitude of anime-themed franchises. BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is a super complex anime fighter that definitely takes some getting used to. But once you wrap your head around all of this game's mechanics, you'll have all the fun in the world. This 2v2 fighter gives you access to your favorites from BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth, RWBY, and so many more anime gaming IPs.

The third and final update to UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH brings everything to a satisfying conclusion. This anime fighter feels like a natural evolution from other anime fighters such as Melty Blood, Guilty Gear, and BlazBlue. If those games grabbed your attention, this final update will definitely pull you in. A slew of major balance adjustments, a brand new ice-based character, and everything that made the other two updates so enjoyable are all here & accounted for.

It's pretty wild to see a mobile gaming franchise get the fighting game spinoff treatment. Granblue Fantasy Versus takes the medieval aesthetic of the smash-hit Japanese gacha RPG, adopts some of its most memorable characters, and throws them into a fighter that appeals to beginners. Pulling off special moves can be done via simpler motions, but traditional motions can be applied to land even more damage. Granblue Fantasy Versus not only gives you a unique 1v1 combat system but also provides an action RPG side game that's perfect for fans of the series.

The anime fighter that you hear tons of jokes about when it comes to its main locations at FGC tournaments came back in a major way in 2021. Melty Blood: Type Lumina offers a major visual upgrade and all the classic roster members that made the game such a cult hit in the first place. The auto-combo system (Rapid Beat) and Moon systems (Moon Skills and Moon Drive) are easy to wrap your head around. But once you start mixing all those skills in with your favorite characters, Melty Blood: Type Lumina's complexities will grab you and quickly convince you of its greatness.

Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel is one of the more slept-on anime fighters on this list. Its roster full of femme fatales is lifted from a series of visual novels, games, and associated anime from the world of Nitroplus & its creators. Its gameplay is full of hype thanks to a feature that lets you call on the assistance of two partners, which does an awesome job of creating crazy combo opportunities for players. Don't pass on this one - Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel stands right alongside the best anime fighters in the sub-genre.

SNK's long line of classic arcade fighters is littered across the PlayStation Store. And one of the gems from that collection that you have to add to your collection is this one. Garou: Mark of the Wolves is pretty much the Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike of SNK's Fatal Fury series. And by that comparison, we mean Garou features a gorgeous art style, a cool cast of characters, and a Just Defend system that lets you parry incoming attacks & become even more of a viable threat against expert players.

One of the most celebrated entries within The King of Fighters series is this one. It features a dream lineup as it's jam-packed with the largest roster in franchise history, so you'll have plenty of custom teams to construct and master. This PS4 port makes an already amazing 2D fighter even better in an online setting thanks to its usage of Rollback Netcode, which means your experience playing against players far and wide should go off without a hitch.

Virtua Fighter lied dormant for far too long before Sega chose to add an extra bit of shine to one of the series' best entries in 2021. Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown brings the hardcore 3D fighter back in a major way with enhanced visuals, some very cool nods to the blocky pixel presentation of the past, extensive character customization options, and the same fluid fighting game action fans have become accustomed to. Like Jacky Bryant always says "Less talk, more action." Ultimate Showdown offers all of that and then some.

Dead or Alive 6 is good in parts, but it just doesn't measure up to its superior predecessor. The final update to that game is the one you should seek out as it features a complete roster that features the debut of Honoka and also brings in Phase-4, Nyotengu, Raidou, and Marie Rose. And with the presence of guest fighters from the Virtua Fighter, Fatal Fury, and Samurai Warriors series, Dead or Alive 5: Last Round feels like a true celebration of fighting games. You'll have all the fun in the world as you knock your opponents off the side of buildings and discover new tag team grapple combinations with all your favorite characters.

The Ultimate Ninja Storm games from development house CyberConnect 2 reached their final entry by telling the story behind the early origins of Naruto's son Boruto. And from a single-player standpoint, that extra bit of content offers an enjoyable adventure mode that throws you headfirst into the up-and-coming ninja's initial struggle. Besides all the adventuring you'll be doing on your own, you'll be able to enjoy some team-based ninjutsu clashes with a ton of your favorite Naruto Shippuden heroes and villains. There's a ton of fun to be had with this game's deceptively deep battles that always look beautiful in motion.

SNK came back to the fighting game arena way back when with its welcome revival of The King of Fighters series. This 14th entry in the mainline series features a massive roster filled with familiar faces and likable newbies. The Ultimate Edition of the game features all of the DLC characters and a wealth of special costumes that make some of your favorite characters revert back to their classic looks. This 3v3 fighter is a nice return to form for the KOF series that's great for longtime fans and a nice entry point for series newcomers.

Old heads who've been pining for something along the lines of Sega's retro mech-battler Virtual-On will find a lot of enjoyment with this one. And to make things even better, the massive robots you'll be wielding are taken from the wide world of Gundam. Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs. Maxi Boost On is the ultimate arena fighter that moves at a frenetic pace and keeps you on your toes from start to finish. With 183 Gundam units at your disposal and super hype 2v2 battles to enjoy, you'll never tire of going ham in this game.

The final entry within the epic anime arc contained within the BlazBlue series goes out with a bang. BlazBlue: Central Fiction features the most refined version of the series' mechanics, adds in a slew of welcome adjustments to it all, and throws in eight additional characters to increase the final roster size to 36. The fast-paced battles within this fighter and the varied array of character archetypes available from this well-tuned anime fighter have kept its community thriving and will continue to do so.

The 2019 return of Samurai Shodown marked another high point for the weapons-fighter that originated in the 90s. SNK went all out to respect the franchise's ongoing tradition of slower-paced, methodical clashes with this new series installment. But SNK also made sure to throw in some fresh ideas via new characters with interesting playstyles, a Rage Explosion mechanic that acts as a last-ditch save, and the all-powerful Lightning Blade attack that finishes your foes in style.

If you've caught the Guilty Gear Strive addiction bug and want to revisit the anime fighters' glorious past, then one of the best ones you'll want to hop into is Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2. This final version of the third installment in the series is still a preferred favorite for older fans of Guilty Gear due to its wealth of battle mechanics, larger freedom of expression for players' favorite characters, and usage of the iconic Instant Kill finishing move. Who knows - you might even stick with Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2 over Strive (you wouldn't be the only one to do that, honestly!).

The first Nidhogg garnered a ton of goodwill thanks to its minimalist art style and simple yet deceptively complex gameplay style. The sequel offers a brighter and flashier visual template but makes sure to retain the amusing back & forth madness that erupts during each fight. The basic premise of this fighter is as follows - two toons go back and forth using all types of weapons to block the other from reaching the end of their stage goal. Keeping your rival from doing so means you'll be doing a whole lot of weapons throwing, sliding, and leaping. And, simply put, all of that furious activity never gets old.

Blue Mammoth Games' free-to-play platform fighter gives off the Super Smash Bros. vibes you've come to expect. This take on the popular sub-genre of fighting games features 2D stylized art, bite-sized warriors, and some fast & furious gameplay. On top of Brawlhalla's huge base roster is a nice offering of guest character skins from the WWE, Adventure Time, Kung Fu Panda, etc. If you want a more casual fighting game experience that emphasizes fun over hardcore play, then Brawlhalla should keep you entertained.

If you're old enough to remember the original character that made their debut in the Street Fighter EX series, then you'll find a lot to enjoy in Fighting EX Layer. The 3D visuals from those games have been shined up to look much prettier, plus the main combat mechanics established in those previous installments make their return with a new Gougi Deck system. The mix of 2D gameplay systems and 3D graphics makes for a great experience that old-heads from the FGC will certainly adore.

Gang Beasts is silly as hell, but it's also fun as all hell. Make sure you get the homies together in a room so you can all bask in the hilarity that ensues when everyone tries knocking each other out or sending their foes off the side of the stage. The gelatinous, floppy avatars you'll take control of in this party fighter are another part of the reason why you'll laugh uncontrollably during every play session.

Street Fighter has been hangin' and bangin' as the FGC's premier fighting game forever. The series' 30th Anniversary Collection brings together all of the mainline 2D installments as a playable history lesson of Capcom's most popular IP. You can play through the arcade mode ladders of every game within this compilation, of course. But you can also hop into some online sets via Turbo: Hyper Fighting, Super Turbo, Alpha 3, and 3rd Strike.

In honor of the 20th anniversary of ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Bunko light novel publishing imprint, Sega, Ecole Software, and French Bread got together to create this underrated anime fighter. The updated version of this hyperactive 1v1 fighter that's backed by assists was only released in Japan, but don't let that stop you from hopping into it. Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax Ignition even throws in Akira Yuki from Virtua Fighter, who plays surprisingly well on a 2D plane.

In its current state, Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid is one of the most content-rich fighting games you can get a piece of. Now, this 3v3 fighter features voice acting, a fully realized story mode filled with comic book panel sequences, and a roster packed with characters from several eras of the Power Rangers legacy. For all the Marvel vs. Capcom fans out there, this team-based fighter hits all the right notes that the series does. Plus this game has Megazord and giant monster assists! How can you say no to this one?

Once you've gotten familiar with the 2019 edition of Samurai Shodown, you'll probably want to revisit all the incredible series entries that came before it. Thankfully you can do just that by checking out the Samurai Shodown NeoGeo Collection. All the mainline games and their upgrades are here, including a version upgrade that was once lost to time (Samurai Shodown V Special). Each of those mainline entries features online play, which is definitely a godsend for Sam Sho fans everywhere.

Skullgirls originally dropped in 2012 and garnered plenty of acclaim from the FGC and critics alike. The new and improved version of this indie fighter is the one you'll want to become familiar with, especially because it's still getting support in the form of additional DLC characters. From a base level, Skullgirls 2nd Encore is an extra refined team-based fighter that features the ratio mechanics of Capcom vs. SNK and the wild battle theatrics of Marvel vs. Capcom. The unique art style and amazing OST featured in this game will stick with you long after you've put it down.

There's a severe lack of good boxing games out here nowadays (*coughFightNightcough*), but the EA Sports UFC games have tried to fill that void with quality MMA simulators. The fourth game in the series is the most recent game in the series and it makes sure to iron out all the kinks from its predecessors. The striking game is at its best, the grappling & submission work is much easier to wrap your head around, and the Backyard & Kumite side modes offer more traditional takes on fighting game mechanics.

Even though Street Fighter V is still going strong, it always feels good to go back to the Street Fighter game that brought the series and the FGC back into the limelight. Ultra Street Fighter IV is the ultimate version of the fourth mainline entry - it features a huge roster with 44 characters, clever mechanics in the form of the Red Focus Attack/Ultra Combo Double/Delayed Standing, and all of the DLC costumes that came with earlier versions of Street Fighter IV.

SNK's premier fighting game is The King of Fighters, which brings together three-person teams hailing from a wealth of SNK franchises. Now that we're at the 15th entry, the 3D visuals have gotten a welcome facelift that makes the game's all-star cast look better than ever before. Kyo, Iori, and Ash make their return to clash with newbies such as Isla and Dolores. This KOF series entry brings the hype with new mechanics, such as the "Shatter Strike" and a new take on the "MAX" mode. Your expectations will certainly be shattered with this one.

The Super Smash Bros. platform fighter formula has been replicated so many times before. But MultiVersus has come out and shockingly mastered it for the better. What makes this game stand out from Nintendo's smash-hit multiplayer fighter is MultiVersus' emphasis on 2v2 battles. Free-for-all and 1v1 clashes are also present here, so you have plenty of ways to do battle. With a roster that includes Bugs Bunny, Batman, and even Lebron James from Space Jam, this free-to-play fighter is definitely worth a shot.

Capcom's back catalog of fighting games is legendary. So much so that the FGC has been crying out for a modern way to play them on consoles with rollback netcode. Thankfully, Capcom heard those wishes and made sure to fulfill them in the best way possible via the Capcom Fighting Collection. This throwback compilation features the following classics - Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors, Night Warriors: Darkstalkers’ Revenge, Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire, Vampire Hunter 2: Darkstalkers’ Revenge, Vampire Savior 2: The Lord of Vampire, Red Earth, Hyper Street Fighter II: The Anniversary Edition, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo, Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix, and Cyberbots: Full Metal Madness.