Fighting games initially saw their humble beginnings in classic games such as Boxing (Atari 2600), Karate Champ, Yie Ar Kung Fu and finally the original Street Fighter in 1987. Nevertheless, this gaming genre has taken quantum leaps in terms of gameplay, graphics and realism. Fighting games today look amazing with tons of moves for each character that will make you feel like an unstoppable brawler in your own right.
If you love the thrill of humiliating your opponents in a virtual yet no holds barred combat, here’s our list of the best new fighting games you can get your hands on.
10 Best Free Fighting Games
1. Tekken 7
Although released back in 2017 for popular consoles, Tekken 7 is one of the finest iteration of the series so far. Developed by Bandai Namco, Tekken 7 is a 1-on-1 fighting game that makes several gameplay enhancements as compared to its predecessors. The new ‘Power Crush’ and ‘Screw Attack’ features allows brand new offense and defence moves, alongside a special EX/Rage Drive meter for more powered up attacks and recovery options. Tekken 7 introduces 13 new playable characters including guest fighters from Capcom (Akuma) and SNK (Geese Howard). All these features including the newest chapter in the Mishima Family storyline and a wide array of old and new characters make Tekken 7 a true hallmark when it comes to popular fighting games.
Buy Tekken 7
2. Dragon Ball Fighter Z
Surprising everyone last year (2018), Dragonball Fighter Z is already steamrolling legendary franchises with its stunning visuals, gameplay and fluid controls. Being a 2D fighting game, Dragon Ball Fighter Z borrows several elements from older 2D fighters. All battles take place in a 3 vs 3 tag match with several moves that utilize all 3 players. Several signature elements from the Dragon ball series such as the vanish attack and summoning Shenron the dragon between battles are also included. The starting roster includes 21 playable characters, with some being unlockable and 8 others as DLC. So, if you’re looking for an off-beat yet awesome fighting game title, Dragon Ball Fighter Z should certainly be among the top 10 fighting games that you should certainly play.
Buy Dragon Ball Fighter Z
3. Soul Calibur VI
Released in October 2018, Soul Calibur VI is the latest instalment in series. However, it is a re-boot of series that retells the events of the first Soul Calibur games with several new details. Being one of the most famous weapon-based fighting games, Soul Calibur VI outshines predecessors with its superb graphics and fluid controls. The returning characters include, Mitsurugi, Seigfried, Taki, Voldo, Ivy, Inferno, Cervantes De Leon, Raphael, Seong Mi-Na, Kilik, Maxi, Talim, Yoshimitsu, Nightmatre and Sophitia etc. The Geralt of Rivia (Witcher) and 2B (Nier Automata) also feature as guest fighting characters. The players can also create their own character, and use it in the Libra of Soul mode, a story mode that is actually canon to the game’s story.
Buy Soul Calibur VI
4. Mortal Kombat X
Although the latest Mortal Kombat 11 has only been teased by Netherrealm Studios, gamers might have to wait for another 3 months before it is released. But you can still enjoy brutal and bloody one-on-one fighting with their previous game Mortal Kombat X. It is the second game in the rebooted MK series where earthrealm warriors take on a resurrected Shinnok, with a new generation of fighters taking the centre stage. MK X is known for its extremely violent gameplay and graphical realism that has made the series one of the best fighting games to have ever surfaced. So ‘Test Your Might’ and grab MK X to have hours of fun beating and humiliating your opponents in one of the most violent new fighting game in existence.
Buy Mortal Kombat X
5. Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3
Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3 isn’t the latest fighting game in the series and is an update for Marvel Vs Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. Nevertheless, it is still considered superior to the latest Marvel Vs Capcom Infinite. Not only UMVC 3 has a larger character roster but is far more visually stunning and over the top. Its new changes to the gameplay include new game modes, smoother online play, and 12 new characters added to original 36. The roster includes fan favourites from both Capcom and Marvel franchises such as Ryu, Captain America, Akuma, Dante, Sentinel, Deadpool, Doctor Doom, Chris Redfield, Chun Li, Virgil, Wolverine, Ghost Rider, Spider Man, Dormammu, Viewtiful Joe and several others. Moreover, with Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3, you can also play as boss character Galactus. So, if you’re looking for a slightly cheesy and fun title, UMVC 3 is amongst the best fighting games you can lay your hands on.
Buy Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3
6. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Speaking of cheesy and fun, you certainly cannot have a list of the best fighting games without mentioning Super Smash Bros. This game is certainly not for fans of more technical fighting game titles such as Tekken and Virtua Fighter, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun. With a roster of 74 characters from a plethora of Nintendo, Sega, Bandai Namco, Konami, Capcom, Atlus and Square Enix titles. Super Smash Bros is great if you want to take things more light-heartedly and yet enjoy tons of hours fighting it out with your friends. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate also contains a campaign mode and is one of the most popular fighting games for Nintendo Switch.
7. King of Fighters XIV
First making its appearance on the NEO GEO platform in 94, King of Fighters surely needs no introductions to long time fighting game fans. Its latest entry King of Fighters XIV is yet another gem that you’ll surely enjoy. Those not familiar with SNK fighting games might find it a little odd. But with its core gameplay centred around high-powered supermoves and hypercombos, it surely feels satisfying. King of Fighters XIV features several characters from various SNK fighting game titles such as Art of Fighting, Fatal Fury, Samurai Shodown, Ikari Warriors and several others. While the game’s recurring boss Rugal Bernstein is absent from this title, it actually might be a good thing for newcomers, as he is brutally difficult to beat. Instead, game features a new boss named ‘Verse’ who is equally challenging and punishing if you’re not well versed.
8. Killer Instinct
If you love the violence of Mortal Kombat games, then you’re sure to love Killer Instinct. Released in 2013, this title is yet another bloody yet enjoyable fighting game since the 16-bit era. The story revolves around a pair of siblings named Jago and Orchid, who’re on their mission to destroy the evil corporation Ultratech, that also hosts the titular ‘Killer Instinct’ brand of fighting tournaments. Although, plot might not seem very new, but the gameplay and various unique fighting mechanics are surely refreshing. Not to mention its extremely violent finisher moves in vein with Fatality from the MK franchise.
9. Street Fighter V
Released in 2016, Street Fighter V is perhaps one of the most iconic online fighting games in the list. Street Fighter series is famous for maintaining a perfect balance between technical and projectile based gameplay. The story in Street Fighter V is set between the events of SF3 and SF4, with M Bison returning as the Boss character. Other popular characters such as Ryu, Ken, Guile, Chun-Li, Vega, Zangief, Akuma, Sagat, Sakura, Blanka and Ibuki etc. also make return alongside several brand-new characters. The latest instalment also introduces the ‘V-Gauge’ that allows players to unleash new techniques and enhance their offense or defence.
10. Injustice 2
Another game by the makers of Mortal Kombat, Injustice 2 is a fighting game involving characters and story arcs from the DC Universe (Detective Comics). The story takes place in an alternate universe where Superman has turned evil (following the accidental death of Lois Lane) and aims to rule the world in a totalitarian fashion. Opposing him is of course Batman a.k.a Bruce Wayne who doesn’t like Superman’s ways and aims to put an end to his tyrannical schemes. The game features all your favourite superheroes and villains from the DC Universe including, Superman, Batman, Aquaman, Atom, Black Canary, Green Arrow, Blue Beetle, Shazam, Black Adam, Captain Cold, Gorilla Grodd, Flash, Dr. Fate, Deadshot, Hellboy and Green Lantern etc. The gameplay is similar to the new Mortal Kombat series, minus the explicit violence and bloodletting.
While this list isn’t all inclusive, we’ve tried our best to include the latest and the best online fighting games you can play. If you think we’ve missed any ‘must play’ entry, please mention it in comments and we’ll add it to the list. We hope you enjoy this article, and happy gaming.
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ajmal
mortal kombat & Injustice 2 are 1 of the best graphic games il ever playStanton Volz
Extremely great explanation. continue the good work. online games