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The best fighting games for PC

While everyone has their preferred platform for fighting games — usually whatever is most comfortable for their fingers — playing on PC is a particularly versatile experience. PCs have the broadest compatibility with control options, from mice and keyboards to Bluetooth controls to retro gamepads and joysticks. Also, depending on your internet setup, your PC may have the most reliable internet connection for playing online, too.

PCs have also been helped by the growing number of desktop-friendly releases. Where it was once hit-or-miss if a fighting game would show up on PC, it’s been quite reliable for the past several years, so there’s an excellent collection built up. Let’s take a look at the top contenders!

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Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat 1
77%
3.5/5
M
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Fighting, Adventure
Developer
NetherRealm Studios
Publisher
WB Games
Release
September 19, 2023
Mortal Kombat 1 does so much right that it may be easier to list what it does wrong, which comes down to monetization really. You have excellent, high-res graphics and fully detailed environments that make every fight fun to watch, a surprisingly good story involving a messy multiverse clash, and an incredible roster of returning characters and guest characters to experiment with. Combat has found an excellent balance, allowing it to be both technical and easier to pick up. We especially like the ability to call in Kameo support characters to add new depth and customization to each fight.
Mortal Kombat 1 - Official Announcement Trailer

Killer Instinct

Killer Instinct
81%
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One
Genre
Fighting
Developer
Iron Galaxy Studios, Double Helix Games
Publisher
Microsoft Studios
Release
November 22, 2013
The latest version of Killer Instinct was built with Xbox and PC gameplay in mind, so it’s more than ready for your PC — and frankly, we prefer it with PC’s broader control options, since the Xbox controller mapping feels a little odd. It’s both a beautiful game that retains its ability to build up huge combos with terrifying characters (yes, even the Battletoad) and an incredibly smooth online experience thanks to some stellar netcode. If you are looking for a new fighting experience and haven’t tried Killer Instinct before, make sure it’s on your list. The definitive edition with all available characters is a must-have.
Killer Instinct Season 3 Launch Trailer

The King of Fighters XV

The King of Fighters XV
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Fighting
Developer
SNK Corporation
Publisher
Koch Media, SNK Corporation
Release
February 17, 2022
This edition combines many of the best parts of King of Fighters that came before, creating an excellent experience that any fighting fan should try at least once. The roster is packed, the 3v3 team-based fighting is tight, and the stages are wild. We also like the creative mode options, from spectator modes and Party Mode to visiting the DJ station to pick out your favorite songs from a large catalog. With ray tracing, it can also look incredible on a dedicated gaming PC.
KOF XV|TERRY BOGARD|Trailer #10【TEAM FATAL FURY】

SoulCalibur VI

SoulCalibur VI
82%
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre
Fighting
Developer
Project Soul
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release
October 18, 2018
The sixth SoulCalibur was a revival of the series, both in terms of popularity and how it rebooted the entire Soul story, bringing back everyone’s favorite characters at the start of their journeys with a sprawling retelling. But it’s not just returning fans who will find a lot to love. SoulCalibur has always been about clashing increasingly crazy weapons in 3D environments with huge moveset options, and that’s true here, too. With so many weapons and styles available, it’s a blast for newbies just as much as a challenge for experienced players deep in the competitive mode. The game received multiple seasons that expanded the roster and added more storylines, so it’s well worth picking up the complete game.
SOULCALIBUR VI PSX Gameplay Trailer

Guilty Gear: Strive

Guilty Gear: Strive
92%
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Arcade, PlayStation 5
Genre
Fighting
Developer
Arc System Works
Publisher
Bandai Namco Studios, Arc System Works America, Arc System Works
Release
June 11, 2021
If you’ve played or watched Dragon Ball FighterZ or other Arc System Works games, you already have an idea about their style. But Guilty Gear has always been a more unique — and in some ways, more meaningful — experience for fighting fans. This version acted as a minor reboot to the series, reinventing mechanics and adding in-demand features like area transitions. However, the innate 2D/3D combat looks far better than ever and continues to be one of the best things about this flashy, innovative game (paired with the pounding soundtrack, of course).
GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Trailer#1 - ARCREVO America 2019

Tekken 7

Tekken 7
78%
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Arcade
Genre
Fighting
Developer
Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release
February 18, 2015
If you love stringing complex combos together, Tekken has always been a series that caters to those players. Tekken 7 elevates the combat to the best it’s ever been, combining the highly technical gameplay with new options like Rage Arts and Power Crushes. It also looks better than ever, with visuals that consistently making fighting an intense, vivid experience.
Tekken 7 - Announcement Trailer (Official)

Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6
RP
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Fighting, Arcade
Developer
Capcom
Publisher
Capcom
Release
December 31, 2023
If you’ve love Street Fighter or are looking for a new fighting game to have fun with and a competitive pool that’s certain to be huge, make sure Street Fighter 6 is on your calendar. The game has an incredible, updated visual style, complete with paint flourishes and fluid animation, plus lots of updated mechanics including Drive moves and two control schemes to make it easier than ever for beginners to learn the ropes.
Street Fighter 6 - Announce Trailer

Divekick

Divekick
66%
T
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Genre
Fighting, Indie
Developer
Iron Galaxy Studios, One True Game Studios
Publisher
Iron Galaxy Studios
Release
August 20, 2013
Divekick is an indie fighting game for people who hate fighting games and would rather make fun of them instead. It’s also surprisingly addictive, considering you only have two primary options — jumping or kicking. The game is laced with mocking references to other fighting franchises and delights in reminding you that your fighting skills don’t mean much when you walk away from your PC. That being said, it’s an excellent game to play with friends who’ve never picked up a fighter before (and similar social scenarios). Just keep in mind that it’s not really supposed to be competitive.
Divekick Gameplay Trailer

Them's Fightin' Herds

Them's Fightin' Herds
80%
E10
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Fighting, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Mane6, Mane6
Publisher
Humble Games, Modus Games
Release
February 22, 2018
Wait, don’t leave! OK, yes, this game’s visual style and character design are … questionable at first glance, but stick with us. This My Little Pony knockoff-looking fighter is actually incredible. Not only does it have rollback netcode, but the devs really know how to make a fair and fun fighter. Each character has unique combos, supers, and is very well-balanced. Despite the game already getting its last content update, there’s never been a better time to put your hoofs up and join the herd!
Them's Fightin' Herds Crowdfund Video
Jesse Lennox
Jesse Lennox has been a writer at Digital Trends for over four years and has no plans of stopping. He covers all things…
The best multiplayer maps in video game history
Counter-Strike player aiming with an AWP.

For how much time we sink into the best multiplayer games, certain maps were destined to become iconic. After all, whether it be the best FPS game or best racing game, no multiplayer game can survive if the maps aren't fun to play. Maps come in all different shapes, sizes, and designs based on the specific game they are based on, and all aim to strike that perfect balance of providing tactical options without being too complex. Throughout gaming history, a few maps have left such an impact that they continue to be the gold standard to this day. Most are so beloved that they are remade for nearly every new entry in the series. Let's look back at the best multiplayer maps we've ever battled on in video game history.
De_Dust 2 - Counter-Strike

Whether or not you've played any version of Counter-Strike, you know Dust 2. This sandy little box is the perfect example of simple yet elegant map design. There are long sightlines, corners, elevation, flanks, and everything you could want without becoming a sprawling mess. There are multiple ways to attack and defend each bomb site and tons of ways to rotate through the major areas. What is most impressive is that Dust 2 is almost perfectly balanced for both attackers and defenders, which is much harder than it seems to pull off. CS players have been rushing B on Dust 2 for over two decades now and we don't see that stopping any time soon.
Rainbow Road - Mario Kart

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The best Pokémon spinoff games of all time
Pikachu with detective cap and boy with brown hair and red jacket eating breakfast

We all fell in love with the Pokémon franchise through its RPGs. These games let us explore the world, meet new friends, and build teams of powerful monsters to battle with. Even though each new generation introduces new Pokémon to catch and a new region to conquer, the gameplay doesn't evolve all that much. Besides some great Pokémon fan games, there are a ton of amazing spinoff games set in the Pokémon world that test out all sorts of genres. In fact, there are way more spinoff games than mainline at this point, with more upcoming video games to add to that pile in the near future. If you need a break from catching them all but still want to spend time with your favorite pocket monsters, here are the best Pokémon spinoff games of all time.

Pokémon isn't the only franchise with amazing spinoffs. The best Mario spinoffs and the best Zelda spinoffs are also worth your time.

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The best Yasuke gear in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Yasuke stares down an enemy in Assassin's Creed Shadows.

After a fairly lengthy intro in Assassin's Creed Shadows, you will have access to both Naoe and Yasuke and can swap between the two as you please for the rest of the game. Your XP is shared between the two characters, but each one has their own skills to master and gear to equip. Naoe is more suited to sneaking and assassinating enemies without being detected, while Yasuke takes a more direct approach and is built for open combat. This means each one should be using the appropriate gear to support that playstyle. Weapons, armor, and trinkets are dumped on you for doing almost everything, which makes sorting through it all and finding the best gear a bit annoying. For Yasuke, these are the pieces of armor and weapons you should focus on getting.
Best Yasuke gear

Just like Naoe, Yasuke can hold two weapons, wear armor and headgear, plus equip a trinket.
Weapons
Yasuke's long katana is his old reliable primary weapon, with the best of the best being Venom Pillar. This weapon allows you to instantly charge a posture attack without holding the button by swapping between light and heavy attacks. You should be doing this naturally for better combos, buit this makes his basic attacks even more lethal. If you add the engraving that prevents your attacks from being interrupted, you become unstoppable.

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