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!
Mortal Kombat 1
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.
Read our full Mortal Kombat 1 review
Killer Instinct
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.
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.
SoulCalibur VI
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.
Guilty Gear: Strive
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).
Tekken 7
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.
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.
Divekick
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.
Them's Fightin' Herds
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!
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