Essential Buyers' Guide

Punching up: the best fighting games on PS4 and PS5

Whether you’re searching for casual multiplayer clashes, or training up to be an EVO-worthy contender, there’s something on this list that will sate your inner warrior.

Long-running legends

Get acquainted with the true titans of the genre who've been a mainstay of the fighting game scene for decades. 

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate

This is the definitive edition of Mortal Kombat 11. Experience two cinematic story campaigns, unleash iconic Fatalities and master 37 diverse fighters, from series stalwarts like Raiden to cinematic icons including RoboCop.

Street Fighter V: Champion Edition

The latest instalment of the legendary fighting franchise that started it all receives its most comprehensive update yet. Battle as 40 characters, travel to 34 stages and showcase your style with over 200 costumes.

SOULCALIBUR VI

The soul still burns - and it burns brighter and stronger than ever. The series’ trademark weapon-based combat returns to its roots while innovating with stunning new Critical Edge attacks that can instantly turn the tide of battle.

TEKKEN 7

After 20 years of familiar warfare, the Mishima feud finally reaches its explosive conclusion. Series favorites clash with all-new fighters to settle old scores and wrestle for control of a global empire.

Anime style

Japan's passion for arcade competition, hand-drawn animation and larger-than-life characters comes together. 

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle

An anime fighting experience that welcomes veterans and newcomers alike. Solo players can enjoy narrative-driven Episode Mode, while old hands can get to grips with the series largest ever roster, featuring characters from Persona, Under Night In-Birth, RWBY and more!

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-

This fresh new chapter in the long-running series elevates fighting game visuals, with incredible 3D anime-inspired character design, animation and dynamic camera effects. An overhauled combat system makes for the most accessible instalment yet.

DRAGON BALL FighterZ

Arc System Works brings their fighting game expertise and visual flair to one of the most popular anime series of all-time. Frenetic three-on-three dream battles between the universe’s mightiest warriors unfold in spectacular detail.

Superhero showdowns

Experience the ultimate fantasy face-off as iconic comic book and cinema superheroes go toe-to-toe.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite

Universes collide in this crossover clash for the ages. Select your duo from a diverse selection of iconic characters and clash in dynamic 2v2 team combat. Influence the outcome of battle with your choice of six game-changing Infinity Stones.

Injustice 2: Legendary Edition

This super-powered brawler imagines a parallel DC universe where Superman is a crazed villain. Extensive customisation features allow you to put your own stamp on its huge roster of classic characters.

Retro revivals

Classic series that helped to shape the fighting game genre make the leap to the modern age with masses of new features.

The King of Fighters 2002: Unlimited Match

The second ‘UM’ entry in the legendary franchise brings together 66 characters from every version of the game--the largest roster in KOF history. This update improves and rebalances every aspect of combat, and introduces robust online play.

Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown

11 years after it first hit arcades, Virtua Fighter 5 returns in its ultimate form. While the timeless and technical fighting mechanics remain unchanged, the Yakuza series’ Dragon Engine gives the action an impressive graphical makeover.

Samurai Shodown

The much-loved arcade blade battler gets the reboot it deserves. Series favourites like Haohmaru and Nakoruru receive faithful, vivid 3D makeovers, while battles remain as tense and tactical as they ever were.

Wild-card warriors

Outside the core fighting genre there are other games that share the same DNA with a slightly different take. 

Nidhogg 2

Who will earn the honour of being devoured by the Wurm? This deliberately garish and gruesome sequel retains the original’s pacy, fencing-inspired 1-vs-1 duels while increasing variety with new weapons and stages.

Brawlhalla

Up to eight players can brawl in this free-to-play platform fighter where history’s greatest warriors scrap for supremacy. A vast cast of original characters is frequently bolstered by famous faces in Epic Crossover events.

EA SPORTS UFC 4

The official game of the Ultimate Fighting Championship is the most accurate recreation of MMA combat yet. Proprietary Real Player Motion Technology brings unprecedented realism to clinches, takedowns and submissions.

Discover more great games

Explore expertly curated guides to the genres you love.

Indie games
Couch multiplayer
Free-to-play
Kids and families
Platformers
Roguelikes
Superheroes
Wellbeing
Sports
Racing
Strategy
Survival
Team shooters
Horror
Creative