Best Fighting Games for PS5 (Our Tested)

Where Can You Find the Best Fighting Games for PS5 in 2025?

Have you ever wanted to experience the thrill of landing that perfect combo or executing a flawless victory against your friends? Fighting games on the PlayStation 5 offer exactly that rush—combining technical skill with strategic thinking in ways few other genres can match. Let’s explore the finest fighting experiences available on Sony’s powerhouse console.

The Renaissance of Fighting Games on PS5

The fighting game genre has experienced a remarkable resurgence on the PS5, with developers leveraging the console’s impressive hardware capabilities to deliver experiences that simply weren’t possible on previous generations. From reduced input lag to near-instantaneous loading times, fighting games have never felt more responsive or accessible.

The DualSense controller adds another dimension to the experience. Its haptic feedback system lets you feel every punch, kick, and special move, creating an unprecedented level of immersion. Imagine feeling the difference between blocking a light jab versus a devastating super move—that’s the level of detail modern fighting games on PS5 can deliver.

Let’s get into the titles that stand above the rest.

Street Fighter 6: The Gold Standard Returns

Street Fighter 6 represents Capcom’s triumphant return to form, building upon decades of fighting game excellence while introducing innovations that push the genre forward.

Key Features:

• Drive system that replaces the V-Trigger mechanics from Street Fighter 5
• World Tour mode featuring an open-world adventure with customizable avatars
• Modern control scheme option for newcomers alongside the classic six-button layout
• Rollback netcode providing smooth online play even across continents
• Real-time commentary feature with professional esports commentators

What makes Street Fighter 6 special is how it manages to be both accessible and deep. The game welcomes newcomers with its Modern control scheme, which simplifies special move inputs without sacrificing strategic depth. At the same time, veterans can find endless technical challenges in mastering the classic control scheme and the nuanced Drive system.

The World Tour mode is like finding an unexpected bonus round—offering a fully realized adventure where your custom character learns fighting techniques from the game’s roster of fighters. It’s essentially an extended tutorial wrapped in an engaging story mode, providing a natural progression path from casual player to competitive warrior.

Tekken 8: A Visual and Technical Marvel

Tekken 8 builds upon the success of its predecessor with a stunning visual upgrade and meaningful gameplay innovations. Running on Unreal Engine 5, the game reaches new heights in graphical fidelity while maintaining the series’ signature fast-paced 3D combat.

Key Features:

• Heat System that encourages aggressive play
• Fully destructible environments that change during battles
• Overhauled movement mechanics with more fluid transitions
• Detailed character customization options
• Comprehensive tutorial and practice modes for all skill levels

If Street Fighter represents 2D fighting at its best, Tekken 8 stands as the pinnacle of 3D fighting games. The new Heat System works like adding fuel to an already roaring engine—amplifying offensive capabilities and creating dynamic momentum shifts during matches.

The visual presentation feels like witnessing a high-budget martial arts film playing out in real-time. Characters react to hits with convincing impact, environments crumble under the force of powerful attacks, and special moves deliver spectacle worthy of the biggest blockbuster movies.

While mastering Tekken 8 requires dedication—with each character featuring dozens of moves—the reward is a fighting experience with unmatched depth and satisfaction.

Mortal Kombat 1: Rewriting Legends

NetherRealm Studios took a bold approach with Mortal Kombat 1, reimagining the series’ entire universe while retaining the brutal combat and over-the-top fatalities fans love.

Key Features:

• Kameo fighter system that brings assist characters into matches
• Revamped story mode exploring a new timeline
• Refinements to the fighting system for improved flow
• Crushing Blows and Fatal Blows that create dramatic comebacks
• The most visually detailed fatalities in the series’ history

Mortal Kombat 1 feels like trying to teach an old dog new tricks—and succeeding spectacularly. The reimagined timeline allows even longtime fans to experience surprises, while the Kameo system adds strategic depth that wasn’t present in previous entries.

The game strikes an excellent balance between technical fighting game and spectacle. While you can certainly enjoy the over-the-top gore and flashy special moves on a casual level, there’s impressive competitive depth for those willing to explore it. The game’s tutorial system ranks among the most comprehensive in the genre, breaking down complex concepts in accessible ways.

Guilty Gear Strive: Anime Fighting Perfected

Arc System Works has created what might be the most visually striking fighter on PS5 with Guilty Gear Strive. The anime-inspired visuals are so fluid and detailed that matches often look like hand-drawn animation rather than a video game.

Key Features:

• Simplified combat system that maintains depth while improving accessibility
• Roman Cancel system providing creative combo opportunities
• Industry-leading rollback netcode for online play
• Detailed soundtrack featuring heavy metal and rock influences
• Slower pace compared to previous titles, allowing for more strategic play

Playing Guilty Gear Strive feels like controlling an interactive anime fight scene. The game’s presentation is unmatched, with character animations that contain an astonishing level of detail and personality.

While previous Guilty Gear titles had a reputation for being technically demanding, Strive makes meaningful efforts to welcome newcomers without alienating veterans. The Roman Cancel system serves as the game’s Swiss Army knife—a flexible mechanic that can extend combos, create safe pressure, or escape dangerous situations.

The online experience deserves special mention. The rollback netcode implementation means that even matches against players across the world remain playable and responsive—a crucial feature in an era where online competition forms the backbone of fighting game communities.

The King of Fighters XV: Team-Based Excellence

SNK’s flagship fighting game series continues with The King of Fighters XV, bringing its unique 3-on-3 team battle format to the PS5 with impressive results.

Key Features:

• 3-on-3 team battles with strategic character ordering
• Shatter Strike defensive mechanic
• MAX Mode and MAX Supers for powerful offensive options
• Expanded roster featuring characters from throughout SNK’s history
• Multiple control options for different skill levels

The King of Fighters XV operates like a strategic team sport in fighting game form. Selecting your three-character team and determining their order requires thoughtful consideration of matchups, meter management, and potential synergies.

The game offers exceptional variety with its massive roster. From charge characters to grapplers to zoners, KOF XV encompasses nearly every fighting game archetype across its diverse cast. This variety extends to the game’s visual presentation, with stages and character designs that span multiple aesthetic styles while maintaining a cohesive feel.

DNF Duel: Accessibility Meets Depth

Based on the popular Dungeon Fighter Online MMO, DNF Duel translates that game’s classes into a fighting game roster with spectacular results.

Key Features:

• Simplified inputs making special moves accessible to everyone
• MP system offering a unique resource management layer
• Conversion mechanic that transforms white damage into recoverable health
• Distinct character archetypes with dramatically different playstyles
• Stunning visual effects for special moves and supers

DNF Duel works like training wheels for fighting game newcomers without sacrificing the depth that genre veterans crave. The simplified inputs mean that even complex special moves rarely require more than a directional input and a button press, removing one of the most common barriers to entry for fighting games.

Yet beneath this accessibility lies meaningful depth. The MP system creates resource management decisions, while the Conversion mechanic adds a risk-reward layer to defensive play. Characters play drastically differently from one another, with some focusing on rushdown, others on zoning, and some on unique mechanics entirely their own.

MultiVersus: Free-to-Play Platform Fighting

While technically a platform fighter rather than a traditional fighting game, MultiVersus deserves mention for bringing competitive team-based combat to the PS5 in a free-to-play package.

Key Features:

• 2v2 focus with character abilities designed for team synergy
• Roster featuring characters from across Warner Bros. properties
• Regular updates with new characters, stages, and balance changes
• Free-to-play model with cosmetic monetization
• Cross-platform play across all consoles

MultiVersus operates like a team sport in fighting game form. The 2v2 emphasis creates unique dynamics rarely seen in fighting games, with characters specifically designed to support allies or create powerful team combinations.

The free-to-play model means there’s virtually no barrier to entry, making this an excellent starting point for those curious about competitive fighting games. The game’s netcode performs admirably, and the cross-platform play ensures a healthy player population.

Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid – Super Edition

Don’t let the license fool you—Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid stands as one of the most technically sound tag fighting games available on PS5.

Key Features:

• 3v3 tag team fighting with assist calls
• Simplified inputs with depth coming from team synergy
• Excellent rollback netcode for online play
• Cross-play across all platforms • Comprehensive tutorial system

Battle for the Grid functions like a more accessible version of Marvel vs. Capcom, featuring tag team combat where finding powerful team compositions and assist combinations forms the core of the experience.

The game’s strongest feature might be its technical implementation. The rollback netcode ranks among the best in any fighting game, and the cross-play functionality ensures you’ll always find opponents regardless of platform.

Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown: 3D Fighting Purity

Sega’s legendary fighting series made its PS5 debut with Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown, bringing its uniquely precise 3D combat system to a new generation.

Key Features:

• Focus on realistic martial arts movements
• Deep defensive options including blocks, evades, and counters
• Visual overhaul bringing the classic gameplay to modern standards
• Comprehensive replay and spectator features
• Tournament-focused design philosophy

Virtua Fighter works like chess to other fighting games’ checkers—focusing on positioning, timing, and reading opponents rather than flashy combos or special moves.

While the game may appear simplistic at first glance, with each character having a relatively small moveset compared to games like Tekken, the depth comes from how these moves interact. The three-button control scheme (guard, punch, kick) hides a combat system where precise timing and spatial awareness matter more than memorizing long input sequences.

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Special Edition

Arc System Works’ crossover fighter brings together characters from BlazBlue, Persona, RWBY, and Under Night In-Birth in a fast-paced 2v2 tag battle system.

Key Features:

• 2v2 tag team battles with active switching
• Simplified controls compared to traditional Arc System Works titles
• Cross-title roster featuring characters from multiple franchises
• Smart Combo system for accessible combos
• Resonance Blaze comeback mechanic

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle functions like a celebration of anime fighting games, bringing together iconic characters from multiple franchises in a system designed to create spectacular team combinations.

The tag mechanics allow for creative offensive pressure and defensive options, with active switch combos forming the core of high-level play. The simplified control scheme makes this an excellent entry point for those intimidated by traditional anime fighters’ execution requirements.

What Makes Fighting Games Special on PS5?

The PlayStation 5 offers several advantages that make it an ideal platform for fighting games:

Technical Advantages:

• Reduced input lag compared to previous console generations
• Faster loading times between matches
• Stable frame rates crucial for precise execution
• Enhanced visual effects without compromising performance
• DualSense haptic feedback providing tactile information

Community Benefits:

• Large player base for finding matches
• Strong tournament scene with dedicated communities
• Regular developer support through patches and updates
• Active content creator ecosystem for learning resources
• Consistent release schedule for new titles

How to Choose the Right Fighting Game for You

With so many excellent options available, selecting the right fighting game comes down to your personal preferences:

If you value accessibility:

• Street Fighter 6 (with Modern controls)
• DNF Duel
• MultiVersus

If you prefer 3D fighting:

• Tekken 8
• Virtua Fighter 5
• Ultimate Showdown

If you enjoy tag team mechanics:

• The King of Fighters XV
• Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
• BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle

If visual spectacle is important:

• Guilty Gear Strive
• Mortal Kombat 1

Tips for Fighting Game Beginners

Breaking into fighting games can seem intimidating, but these tips can help smooth the learning curve:

1. Start with fundamentals rather than complex combos
2. Use training mode to practice basic movement and spacing
3. Learn one character thoroughly before branching out
4. Watch tutorial videos from community content creators
5. Don’t be discouraged by online losses—they’re learning opportunities
6. Find a community (online or local) to practice with regularly
7. Break complex techniques into smaller, manageable pieces
8. Focus on improvement rather than winning or losing
9. Take advantage of in-game tutorials and mission modes
10. Practice defensive techniques as much as offensive ones

CA Golden Age for Fighting Games

The PlayStation 5 is currently experiencing what might be described as a golden age for fighting games. From technical marvels like Tekken 8 to accessible newcomers like MultiVersus, there’s something for every type of player.

What makes this era special is the balance between accessibility and depth. Modern fighting games understand the importance of welcoming newcomers while providing the technical complexity that keeps veterans engaged for years.

Whether you’re looking to compete at the highest levels or simply enjoy some casual matches with friends, the PS5 fighting game library offers experiences that can satisfy both ambitions. The combination of responsive hardware, innovative gameplay systems, and strong developer support has created an environment where fighting games can truly shine.

So pick up your controller, choose your fighter, and step into the virtual ring—the world of PS5 fighting games awaits.