Let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a good fighting game. Whether you’re climbing online leaderboards or just mashing buttons with friends on the couch, the PlayStation 5 has delivered some seriously hype-worthy titles. But with so many options, it can be hard to know which ones actually pack a punch. That’s where we come in. From flashy anime fighters to brutal, cinematic brawls, here’s a breakdown of the best fighting games you can play on the PS5 right now. Let’s jump in.
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1. Street Fighter 6
Capcom seriously brought the heat with Street Fighter 6. This game feels like a love letter to old-school fans while still opening the doors wide for newcomers. The visuals? Stunning. Every punch, kick, and special move hits with style and weight. What really stands out is the Drive system, giving matches a layer of depth that rewards creativity without being overwhelming. And let’s talk about that character roster—classic legends like Ryu and Chun-Li mix it up with fresh faces like Jamie and Kimberly. The World Tour mode is a surprisingly fun addition, letting you explore a semi-open world and build your own fighter. Online play is buttery smooth thanks to rollback netcode, making ranked matches way less rage-inducing. Plus, with customizable controls and deep tutorials, it’s one of the most accessible entries in the series. Whether you’re a lab rat or just looking for a good time, SF6 delivers in every way. It’s easily one of the best modern fighters out there.
2. Tekken 8
If you’re craving raw, hard-hitting 3D combat, Tekken 8 is where it’s at. Bandai Namco took everything great about Tekken 7 and cranked it up a notch. The graphics are jaw-dropping, making each fight feel cinematic without losing the fast-paced feel fans love. The new Heat system encourages aggressive play, rewarding bold moves instead of turtling. And man, the character animations are just beautiful—each fighter has so much personality in every punch and kick. The roster is stacked with fan favorites like Jin, Kazuya, and King, plus some stylish newcomers that bring fresh mechanics. Story-wise, it dives deep into the Mishima family drama, and yes, it’s still gloriously over the top. Online is rock solid with crossplay and rollback, finally uniting the global Tekken community. If you’re into depth, Tekken 8 has layers upon layers to explore. And the best part? It’s just plain fun, whether you’re a combo god or a button masher.
3. Mortal Kombat 1 (2023)
Mortal Kombat 1 is more than just a new entry—it’s a reimagining. This reboot dives into a fresh timeline, bringing familiar faces back with new twists. The graphics are gory in the best way, with Fatalities that will make you wince and laugh at the same time. The new Kameo fighter system is a total game-changer, letting you call in allies mid-fight for strategic plays or just pure chaos. Every character feels unique, and there’s a real sense of weight and impact in the combat. The story mode? Classic MK—cinematic, ridiculous, and way more fun than it has any right to be. Netcode’s solid, and matchmaking is quick, which means less waiting and more skull-cracking. It’s got that signature blend of campy and cool that only Mortal Kombat pulls off. And if you love customization, the gear system lets you fine-tune your fighters’ look and feel. Basically, if you want violence with flair, this is your game.
4. Guilty Gear Strive
Let’s get one thing straight—Guilty Gear Strive is gorgeous. Like, “pause mid-fight to admire the backgrounds” gorgeous. But it’s not just a pretty face. Arc System Works knocked it out of the park with smooth mechanics and a deep combat system that manages to be approachable without losing its complexity. The Roman Cancel system adds a ton of strategic options, allowing for flashy combos or defensive getaways. The cast is wild—from the heavy-hitting Potemkin to the zoner Happy Chaos, there’s someone for every playstyle. And yes, the soundtrack is an absolute banger—seriously, “Smell of the Game” is iconic. The online lobbies can be a bit quirky, but the actual matches run like butter thanks to top-tier rollback netcode. Whether you’re grinding out ranked sets or just vibing in training mode, Strive makes every moment feel epic. It’s an anime fighter, but one that welcomes new players with open arms. If you want speed, style, and soul, you need this in your library.
5. Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising
This one’s a hidden gem for many, but don’t sleep on Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising. Based on the popular mobile RPG, it takes the rich world of Granblue and turns it into a slick, accessible fighting game. The controls are streamlined, making it easier for newcomers to pull off special moves without needing a PhD in quarter circles. But that doesn’t mean it’s shallow—there’s a ton of strategic depth once you get under the hood. The cast is packed with beautifully designed characters, each with their own distinct playstyle and flair. The visuals are clean and colorful, perfectly capturing that anime RPG vibe. Rising adds tons of quality-of-life improvements over the original, including better online matchmaking and more single-player content. There’s even a full RPG mode if you’re looking for something a little different. The game strikes a nice balance between casual fun and serious competition. If you want a fighter with heart, polish, and charm, this is it.
6. The King of Fighters XV
KOF XV is like coming home for longtime fighting fans. SNK brought back the 3v3 team battles that made the series iconic, and it’s better than ever. The pace is fast, the combos are tight, and the roster is huge—39 characters at launch, with more added through DLC. Each fighter feels carefully crafted, whether you’re zoning with Athena or going full offense with Iori. It takes some time to get the rhythm, but once it clicks, it’s incredibly satisfying. The visual style blends modern 3D models with that classic 2D feel, and it works surprisingly well. Netplay has improved a lot too, with rollback netcode making online play much more reliable. Training mode is decent, but this is a game that rewards labbing and grinding. There’s a steep learning curve, but the payoff is real. KOF XV might not hold your hand, but if you’re ready to dive deep, it’s one of the most rewarding fighters on PS5.
7. Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes
If you’ve never heard of Under Night, now’s the time to pay attention. Sys:Celes is the latest in this cult favorite series, and it’s sleek, snappy, and satisfying. The combat is incredibly responsive, with a unique GRD system that constantly shifts the momentum between players. Every character brings something unique to the table, from the stylish Hyde to the tricky Phonon. The animation is super crisp, blending anime aesthetics with sharp, fluid movement. It’s not as flashy as Guilty Gear, but it makes up for it with pure gameplay tightness. The tutorials are solid, and the barrier to entry is way lower than you’d think. Plus, the community is super welcoming, especially to new players. Online play runs well thanks to rollback netcode, making it easy to find good matches. If you like fighters that reward timing, spacing, and strategy, Under Night In-Birth II is a hidden treasure.
8. MultiVersus
MultiVersus is like a Saturday morning cartoon that lets you punch Batman with Bugs Bunny. It’s wild, it’s wacky, and it’s way more fun than it has any right to be. This platform fighter throws together a mix of Warner Bros. characters in 2v2 brawls that are surprisingly tactical. Unlike Smash Bros., teamwork actually matters a lot here—each character has unique support mechanics that shine in team play. The controls are responsive, and movement feels smooth, making the action feel fluid despite the chaos. The roster is totally bonkers, including characters like Arya Stark, Tom & Jerry, and even Shaggy with ultra-instinct powers. Frequent updates and character tweaks keep things fresh, and the devs are clearly listening to the community. It’s free-to-play, but fair in its monetization, letting you earn most content by playing. Whether you’re a competitive player or just looking to mess around with friends, MultiVersus hits that sweet spot of silly and skillful.
9. DNF Duel
Based on the Dungeon Fighter Online franchise, DNF Duel brings flashy, over-the-top action to the PS5 in a big way. Each character is pulled straight from an RPG class and turned into a larger-than-life fighter, complete with screen-filling specials and wild combos. The game looks and sounds amazing—it’s got that signature Arc System Works polish. What makes DNF Duel unique is its simplified inputs paired with deep meter management, giving it a fresh feel even if you’ve played tons of other fighters. The neutral game is fast and explosive, making each round feel high-stakes. Characters like Striker and Grappler bring radically different approaches, which keeps matches interesting. While it launched with balance issues, updates have really helped refine the experience. It’s not the most technical fighter, but it’s ridiculously fun and satisfying to play. If you like power fantasy, this one brings it hard.
10. Samurai Shodown (2019)
Last but not least, Samurai Shodown takes a different approach. This isn’t about flashy combos or nonstop rushdown—it’s about calm, calculated strikes. Every move feels like it matters, which makes every match tense and thrilling. The visuals are stylized and beautiful, capturing a feudal Japan aesthetic with flair. The pace is slower, but that just means every decision counts. The weapon-based combat rewards spacing, footsies, and timing over mashing. One mistake can cost you half your health, so it teaches you to think before you swing. The roster is full of distinct characters, each with their own rhythm and strategy. Netplay is serviceable, and the AI isn’t a pushover either. If you’re tired of fast-paced chaos and want something a bit more cerebral, Samurai Shodown is an excellent change of pace.
Final Round
So, what’ll it be? Are you all about flashy anime combos, gritty cinematic knockouts, or maybe chaotic cartoon brawls? Whatever your style, there’s a PS5 fighting game out there that fits your vibe perfectly. And hey, why pick just one? These games all bring something unique to the table. Time to plug in, pick your main, and throw down.
