Top 10 PS4 Fighting Games

10. Jump Force

Jump Force is in one word, a spectacle. For those not familiar with Shōnen Jump, they’re responsible for such famous series as Naruto, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Yu-gi-oh, and many more. In short, this game has a fantastic roster of characters from many of these series. Perfect for fighting game fans that also share an interest in anime with their friends, this is definitely one you’ll be inviting people over to play.

9. Marvel vs Capcom Infinite

Among the most famous fighting game series, Marvel vs Capcom has been a staple of the genre since 1994. This latest iteration has highs and lows, but it’ll be the highs that you remember it for - the fast-paced tag team battles, the innovative new Infinity Stone mechanics, the bright and attractive background visuals, and the 30-character roster from across the worlds of Marvel and Capcom.  

8. Guilty Gear Strive

Don’t let the anime visual style fool you - Guilty Gear Strive is an incredible fighting game experience, a visual marvel and an underappreciated gem whatever your outlook on Japanese animation. It’s also the perfect place to pick up the series if you’ve overlooked it in the past, as the mechanics have been balanced to welcome beginners while maintaining the rewarding complexity and combos that long-term fans have come to love.

7. Dragon Ball FighterZ

Anyone who’s seen an episode of the Dragon Ball Z anime will know exactly why it lends itself so well to fighting games - the huge energy attacks, the over-the-top feats of strength, the transformations and the combos all make the perfect recipe for memorable fights. It also features an awesome original story, rather than rehashing the anime like other Dragon Ball games. Anime fan or not, this is without a doubt one of the best fighting games of this generation. 

6. WWE 2K Battlegrounds

After the hot mess that was WWE 2K20, the developers have decided to offer a palette cleanser in the form of 2K Battlegrounds. A much more over the top affair, with arcade-style grappling, cartoony graphics and outlandish weapons, it’s a tonne of fun seeing these larger than life characters looking even larger than life. Plus you can throw your opponent into the mouth of a waiting crocodile - what more could you want?

5. EA Sports UFC 4

UFC 4 is definitely a case of evolution, rather than revolution. It adds some welcome features and tweaks some of the weaker areas of its predecessor, but broadly speaking, it’s more of the same. That’s not a bad thing, as a thriving online scene and narrative-driven career mode make it a tempting prospect. If you enjoy mixed martial arts and the previous entries in the series, you’re certain to enjoy this.

4. Street Fighter V

The most recent addition to the legendary Street Fighter series, Street Fighter V has a roster of 16 classic characters, with 4 being brand new to the series. While initially a sparse offering, updates since release have made it into the game it was always meant to be, with substantial new game modes and awesome new mechanics, like the V-trigger moves. A game that truly lives up to the reputation of the series. 

3. Injustice 2

Injustice is a fighting game populated by all of your favourite DC comics characters, like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. What’s not to love? Coming to your PS4 from the makers of Mortal Kombat, Injustice 2 is not only a hugely technical and surprisingly deep fighting game but also has a fantastically engrossing single-player mode featuring a roster that is sure to make DC Comics fans drool. 

2. Tekken 7

Tekken is without a doubt one of the most iconic fighting series in gaming, and Tekken 7 does a fantastic job of carrying the crown. The combat system is tight, responsive and you never feel cheated. The multiplayer is just as fantastic as you’d expected, but the Treasure Battle mode is where you’ll spend most of your single-player time - additional character cutscenes, cosmetic items and watchable Tekken history are all waiting for you to unlock.

1. Mortal Kombat 11

Mortal Kombat is the fighting series with the most infamous legacy. Well known for fast-paced fights and intense gore, Mortal Kombat has been alive and kicking for nearly 30 years. Mortal Kombat 11 is the pinnacle of everything the series has learned throughout its reign. Constant updates to the game since release have only improved it further, giving it the most refined combat experience in the series to date and a thriving competitive tournament scene. Fatality!

Top 10 Xbox One Fighting Games

10. Samurai Shodown

After many years out of the spotlight, the acclaimed Samurai Shodown series returns with a vengeance. With 16 characters returning to do battle in a visually stunning cinematic art style, the tense, exhilarating battles burst off the screen in this stunningly designed and richly-detailed game. The game’s revolutionary Dojo Mode is especially exciting, learning from player patterns and styles to create the perfect adversary.  

9. Dead or Alive 6

Boasting the series’ fan-favourite Mass Destruction mode, fighters can use the environment in their attacks in this triumphant return of the celebrated Dead or Alive franchise. With a wide range of incredible locations and notable fighters, the game is a stunning and powerful beat-‘em-up. With a focus on coin and credit collecting to unlock costumes and styles for your fighters, the game is rammed with replayability! 

8. UFC 3

With revolutionised fighting movement and new animation technology, UFC 3 is almost photorealistic in its visuals. With every single punch, kick, block and counter captured and animated on cutting-edge animation tech, the game looks and feels authentic and visceral. Packed with game-types like Knockout Mode, Submission Shootout and Stand & Bang, UFC 3 is packed with content and some of the very best and most lifelike visuals seen in gaming.

7. Marvel vs Capcom Infinite

The epic clash between two universes is the order of the day in Marvel v Capcom Infinite, pitting endless iconic characters against each other in an action-packed, vibrant and fun fighter. With an interesting story mode alongside the usual multiplayer and arcade modes, this one deserves a place on this list purely for the sight of Resident Evil’s Chris Redfield going toe-to-toe with Marvel’s Thanos. Delightful.

6. Injustice 2: Legendary Edition

In this super-powered sequel to the acclaimed Gods Among Us, Injustice 2 allows players to build and power up the ultimate versions of their favourite DC characters. With endless customisation options across characters’ appearances, skills and fighting styles, Injustice 2 is packed with content. A massive selection of extra playable characters and fighting stages included in the Legendary Edition make this one a must-own.

5. Tekken 7

With all-new battle mechanics like “Rage Arts”, “Power Crushes” and “Rage Drives”, Tekken 7 is certainly the finest and most comprehensive entry in the iconic franchise so far. With a solid roster of over 30 playable characters, the game encourages training and creativity in developing your own deadly fighting techniques and styles – something that will help you power through the game’s powerful and cinematic story mode.

4. Mortal Kombat 11

Featuring more character customisation than ever before in the beloved series, Mortal Kombat 11 allows players to change their fighters’ gear and special abilities to truly make them a force to be reckoned with. Packed with a thrilling campaign and various fighting challenges to test your skills, Mortal Kombat 11 is one of the best games released in the genre to date thanks to stunning visuals and finishing animations. A brilliant game!

3. Dragon Ball: FighterZ

Dragon Ball: FighterZ builds upon what makes the series so loved – spectacular, over-the-top and visually breath-taking fights. Full to the brim with thrilling features, the game excels with its crazy 6-player online party matches that allow for all-out chaotic war! With truly gorgeous anime visuals, the game is clearly a labour of love and plays like a charm. This one deserves its place at the top end of this very competitive list! 

2. Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection

This ultimate tribute to the genre’s finest franchise is an absolute love letter to a bygone era of gaming. Rich in content, this nostalgic anthology package contains a staggering 12 titles that will take you back in time to gaming’s most formative years. The games play as well as they ever did, and the addition of online play here makes the experience all the more exciting. A truly wonderful release that reminds us of the genre’s roots.

1. Soul Calibur VI

When it comes to fighting games, one franchise just does it best. Soul Calibur’s 6th entry is absolutely the best, thanks to beautiful visuals and revamped, precise gameplay mechanics, making the game feel completely polished and made with love. Boasting a complete roster of characters including The Witcher himself Geralt of Rivia, it doesn’t get much better than this. A masterpiece of the fighting genre, and the leader of the pack.