Top Fighting Games for PC: Fighting games have long been a staple of the gaming. Industry, offering intense one-on-one combat and thrilling competitive experiences. As we enter 2024, the landscape of top fighting games for PC continues to evolve. With new releases pushing the boundaries of graphics, gameplay mechanics, and online functionality. These games provide players with a chance to test their skills, master complex combos, and face. Against opponents from around the world.
This article explores the latest and greatest fighting games available for PC gamers. From beloved franchises making their triumphant returns to innovative newcomers shaking up the genre. We’ll cover a range of titles that cater to both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for free fighting games, the best PC fighting games, or simply want to know. What is the best fighting game out there, this guide will help you find your next virtual battleground.
Street Fighter 6
Street-Fighter 6 Overview
Street Fighter 6 has made a triumphant return, offering a robust package that caters to players of all skill levels. The game has set a high bar for the next generation of fighting games, combining intense one-on-one combat with thrilling competitive experiences. Its colorful and bombastic presentation, coupled with easy accessibility. Makes it an ideal entry point for newcomers to the fighting game genre. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
Street Fighter 6 New Features
The game introduces several innovative features that enhance the overall experience. The Drive system, a core mechanic, has been a significant focus since the game’s launch. Recent updates have refined this system, addressing concerns from the tournament scene regarding the strength of Drive-Rush and Drive-Parry mechanics.
One notable addition is the ability to use custom music. Players can now assign their own music collection to individual characters or the entire roster, addressing previous criticisms of the game’s soundtrack. This personalization feature adds a new layer of enjoyment to the gameplay experience. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
Street Fighter 6 also offers comprehensive practice modes, including character guides and combo trials. These tools are designed to help players of all levels improve their skills and understand the intricacies of each fighter. The online mode has been praised for its smooth performance, providing one of the best online experiences in recent fighting games.
Street Fighter 6 Character Roster
The game launched with a diverse roster of 18 characters, including both returning favorites and exciting newcomers. Familiar faces like Blanka, Cammy, Chun-Li, and Ryu have aged due to the game’s position in the Street Fighter timeline. New characters such as Jamie, JP, Kimberley, and Marisa bring fresh fighting styles and personalities to the mix.
Capcom has continued to expand the roster through downloadable content (DLC). The Year 2 character pack introduces M. Bison, the classic villain, who is now available with a new look. Terry Bogard from Fatal Fury is scheduled to join in Autumn 2024, marking his first appearance in the Street Fighter series. Mai Shiranui, another Fatal Fury favorite, will arrive in Winter 2024, bringing her ninjutsu skills to the game. Elena, returning from Street Fighter III: New Generation, is set to round out the Year 2 additions in Spring 2025. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
A unique feature of Street Fighter 6 is the player-created avatar system. This extensive character creator allows players to design their own fighters. A wide range of customization options, including body types, facial features, and voices. This system has inspired the community to create a variety of characters, from cool and angelic to outright bizarre.
Tekken 8
Tekken-8 Overview
Tekken 8 continues the epic saga of the Mishima and Kazama clans, recognized by Guinness World Records as the longest-running narrative in video game history. The story picks up after Heihachi’s defeat, with Kazuya Mishima’s power growing and his G Corporation wreaking worldwide havoc. Jin Kazama, Kazuya’s son, stands as the only hope to stop him, but he must reignite the unspeakable power of the Devil Gene that runs through his veins. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
The game boasts stunning visual detail and introduces an all-new “Aggressive” battle system that keeps the action at a high level. Players can experience the Tekken saga like never before with completely remodeled characters and destructible environments. The game offers a solid base roster of 32 fighters, with more DLC additions planned, providing players with a wide array of character options.
Tekken 8 Heat System
Tekken 8 introduces a brand-new mechanic called the Heat System, designed to enhance the combat experience and make each character more entertaining to play. The Heat System is represented by a blue bar located underneath the player’s health, which is full at the beginning of each round. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
Players can activate the Heat State in two ways:
- Heat Burst: Performed by pressing 2+3 (or a shortcut button like R1 on PlayStation), this acts as a smashing attack that can give an advantage over the opponent and be used mid-combo.
- Heat Engager: A more technical maneuver, each character has different sets of moves that can act as a Heat Engager. For example, Jin Kazama’s “Median Line Destruction” is triggered by inputting 1+2.
When in Heat State, players can utilize additional moves:
- Heat Dash: Allows players to rush toward the opponent, essentially functioning as a combo extension tool.
- Heat Smash: A powerful attack that deals massive damage and consumes all remaining Heat.
The Heat System aims to make fights more aggressive and exciting, giving players the opportunity to dictate the rhythm of the match. However, some players, even professionals, find it a bit complicated. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
Tekken 8 Character Roster
Tekken 8’s diverse roster includes both returning favorites and exciting newcomers. Some notable characters include:
- Jin Kazama: The series’ protagonist since Tekken 3, he takes the spotlight in this installment.
- Kazuya Mishima: The main antagonist and Jin’s father, wielding the power of the Devil Gene.
- Azucena Milagros Ortiz Castillo: A new addition, this coffee-craving fighter hails from Peru.
- Victor Chevalier: Another newcomer, this stylish French fighter brings unique elements to the game with his teleporting device, gun, and cyberpunk-esque sword.
- Reina: The third new fighter, who plays a key role in the game’s story despite not being the central focus.
The roster also includes returning fan-favorites like Paul Phoenix, Marshall Law, King, and Nina Williams, each bringing their signature fighting styles to the game. Additionally, DLC characters are planned, with Eddy Gordo already available and Lidia Sobieska announced as the second DLC fighter. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
Tekken 8 promises to deliver an intense fighting game experience with its expanded roster, new mechanics, and continuation of the series’ legendary storyline. Whether players are drawn to the narrative, the diverse character options, or the enhanced combat system, Tekken 8 offers something for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.
Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal-Kombat 1 Overview
Mortal Kombat 1 ushers in a new era for the iconic franchise, introducing a reborn Mortal Kombat Universe created by the Fire God Liu Kang. This latest installment brings a fresh fighting system, new game modes, and updated fatalities to the table. The game maintains its signature brutal gameplay while introducing innovative elements to keep players engaged. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
One of the most exciting additions to Mortal Kombat 1 is the Kombat Pack, which includes a roster of new fighters. Players can look forward to battling with characters such as Takeda, Quan Chi, Ermac, Peacemaker, Homelander, and Omni-Man. This diverse lineup ensures a mix of familiar faces and intriguing newcomers, adding depth to the game’s character selection.
Mortal Kombat 1 Kameo System
The Kameo system is a groundbreaking feature in Mortal Kombat 1, allowing players to select an additional character alongside their main fighter. This assist system brings a new layer of strategy to matches, as Kameo fighters can be called upon to perform specific moves during battle. Players can use Kameos to break an enemy’s momentum, extend combos, or adapt to various playstyles. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
Kameo fighters replace the interactables used in previous games and can even perform their own Fatalities and Brutalities. Each Kameo has two Brutalities, with some exceptions like Darrius and Shujinko. The system also integrates with Breakers and Fatal Blows, with Kameos performing the first part of these special attacks.
The versatility of the Kameo system is evident in its various applications:
- Offensive support: Kameos like Kung Lao can initiate or supplement combos.
- Defensive maneuvers: Characters such as Scorpion can pull players away from danger.
- Tactical advantages: Sub-Zero can provide temporary ice armor to block projectiles.
Mortal Kombat 1 Story Mode
Mortal Kombat 1’s story mode takes place in a reimagined universe, following the events of the previous game’s finale. Liu Kang, now a god, has reshaped the Mortal Kombat universe, leading to intriguing character role reversals and new alliances. The narrative explores themes of timeline manipulation and multiverse concepts, drawing parallels to popular cinematic universes. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
The story mode incorporates the Kameo system, allowing players to choose both their main fighter and an assisting character during certain scenes. This integration adds depth to the storytelling, as characters can now logically participate in fights together rather than remaining on the sidelines.
One of the highlights of the story mode is a sequence featuring hybrid foes with mixed abilities, such as Nitara with Sub-Zero’s freezing powers or a Tarkatan Johnny Cage. These unique encounters provide exciting and unpredictable battles that showcase the game’s creative potential. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
Mortal Kombat 1 also introduces a new single-player mode called Invasions, which serves as a significant content pillar for solo players after completing the main story. This mode aims to provide extended gameplay value and keep players engaged beyond the initial narrative experience.
The King of Fighters XV
The-King of Fighters XV Overview
The King of Fighters XV, developed by SNK, was released on February 17, 2022, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. This installment continues the series’ tradition of team-based fighting, featuring three-fighter teams. The game brings back familiar elements while introducing new mechanics to enhance the gameplay experience.
One of the most notable aspects of The King of Fighters XV is its vibrant special moves, which make each battle an exhilarating experience. The game offers a variety of powerful techniques, including EX Special Moves, Super Special Moves, Max Super Special Moves, and Climax Super Special Moves. Each of these moves requires different amounts of the power gage, allowing players to strategize their use during matches. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
The King of Fighters XV New Mechanics
The King of Fighters XV introduces several new mechanics and refines existing ones to create a more dynamic fighting experience. The parry system returns under the name Shatter Strike, designed primarily as a defensive system but with offensive capabilities when utilizing guard points. Destructoid compared Shatter Strike to a fully charged Focus Attack from Street Fighter IV. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
The MAX Mode system has been updated, allowing fighters to use stronger techniques once energy bars are filled. Unlike in previous games, characters can now use MAX/EX versions of special moves with or without entering MAX Mode. To balance this, the gage consumption for MAX Mode activation has been increased from 1 to 2 bars to prevent players from being overwhelmed.
The game also features the “Rush” system, which helps newcomers perform combos and special/super moves more easily. This single-button mechanic has been updated from The King of Fighters XIV to make the game more accessible to new players.
The King of Fighters XV Online Features
The King of Fighters XV boasts a wide variety of online modes, catering to both casual and competitive players. These include Ranked Match, Casual Match, Room Match, and Online Training. The game also introduces a new DRAFT VS mode, where players compete to select their favorite characters before their opponents can. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
One of the most significant improvements in the online experience is the implementation of rollback netcode. This technology helps to reduce lag and create a smoother online playing experience, which is crucial for a fast-paced fighting game.
The game’s online features extend beyond just matches. The Gallery mode not only showcases character voices and in-game cinematics but also includes a special animated short directed by renowned animator Masami Obari. Additionally, the new DJ STATION feature allows players to customize their fights with over 300 popular songs from the KOF series and beyond.
The King of Fighters XV continues to evolve with the addition of DLC characters. SNK recently unveiled two new DLC characters, Mature and Vice, set to be released in December. These additions hint at a possible third character joining them, stirring speculation about new dynamics in the KOF XV roster. The inclusion of these characters is expected to impact the KOF XV esports scene, adding new layers of strategy and excitement to competitive play.
Guilty Gear Strive
Guilty-Gear Strive Overview
Guilty Gear Strive, developed by Arc System Works, has made a significant impact on the fighting game scene since its release. The game offers a diverse roster of characters, each with unique playstyles and battle types. These battle types range from Balance, which features easy-to-use moves suitable for newcomers. To more specialized types like Zoning, Rushdown, Shooting, One Shot, Power, and Unique. This variety ensures that players can find a character that suits their preferred playstyle. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
The game’s visual presentation is particularly noteworthy, with vibrant special moves that make each battle an exhilarating experience. Players have access to a range of powerful techniques, including EX Special Moves, Super Special Moves. Max Super Special Moves, and Climax Super Special Moves, each requiring different amounts of the power gage.
Guilty Gear Strive Rollback Netcode
One of the most significant features of Guilty Gear Strive is its implementation of rollback netcode. Which has revolutionized the online gameplay experience. Unlike traditional delay-based netcode, rollback netcode predicts player actions and corrects discrepancies, resulting in smoother and more responsive online matches. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
The benefits of rollback netcode are substantial:
- Reduced input delay, allowing for gameplay that feels closer to offline play.
- Ability to play against opponents from different regions with minimal issues, even with ping up to 100ms.
- Consistent game speed, which is crucial for competitive play.
While rollback can cause visual or audio artifacts in sub-par connections (noticeable at around 150ms ping and/or 5 Rollback Frames), the trade-off for low input delay and consistent game speed is generally considered worthwhile.
The implementation of rollback netcode in Guilty Gear Strive has been praised by fans and has contributed significantly to the game’s positive reception. This success has sparked discussions about implementing similar netcode solutions in other fighting game titles, potentially shaping the future of online play in the genre. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
Guilty Gear Strive Character DLC
Guilty Gear Strive has continued to evolve since its initial release, with regular additions of new characters through downloadable content (DLC). These character DLCs have played a crucial role in keeping the game fresh and exciting for players.
Recent DLC additions include:
- Slayer: A returning character now available for use in-game.
- A.B.A: Another returning fighter added to the roster.
- Elphelt Valentine: A fan-favorite character making her Strive debut.
- Johnny: The latest addition to the game’s expanding roster.
Each new character brings unique playstyles and mechanics, adding depth to the game’s competitive scene and giving players more options to explore. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
In addition to character DLC, Guilty Gear Strive has also introduced new stages, such as the “Amber Fest with Kind Neighbors”. These new stages provide fresh environments for players to battle in, further enhancing the game’s visual appeal and variety.
The continuous support through DLC has helped Guilty Gear Strive maintain its popularity and relevance in the fighting game community, encouraging both new and returning players to engage with the game.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon-Ball Fighter Z Overview
Dragon Ball FighterZ, developed by Arc System Works, has made a significant impact on the fighting game scene since its release on January 26, 2018. The game is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It offers players endless spectacular fights with all-powerful fighters from the beloved Dragon Ball series. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
Despite being created by a studio known for hardcore fighting games, Dragon Ball FighterZ is surprisingly accessible to newcomers while still offering depth for experienced players. The game features streamlined controls with universal move inputs across characters, making it easier for players to switch between fighters. Special and super moves can be executed with simple fireball motions and button presses, eliminating the need for complex input combinations.
Dragon Ball FighterZ Accessibility
Dragon Ball FighterZ has implemented several features to enhance accessibility for players of various skill levels. The game includes a comprehensive tutorial and practice mode, allowing newcomers to learn the basics and more advanced techniques. Easy combos can be performed by repeatedly tapping a single button, with light attacks resulting in impressive 7+ hit combinations. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
For players with visual impairments, the game offers brightness filters and adjustable UI elements. While there are no specific color blindness settings, the character outlines are distinct and do not blend with the background. The game also provides subtitles for intro dialogs and win quotes, although mid-battle dialog is not subtitled.
The game’s online component is particularly noteworthy for its accessibility. The matchmaking system allows players to seek opponents of similar skill levels, making online play more enjoyable for newcomers. The forgiving command input timing and easy recovery mechanics enable players to hold their own even in challenging situations.
Dragon Ball FighterZ DLC Characters
Since its launch, Dragon Ball FighterZ has continuously expanded its roster through downloadable content (DLC). The game has seen multiple seasons of DLC characters, each bringing new fighters and gameplay mechanics to the mix. Notable DLC additions include fan-favorite characters like Bardock, Broly, Zamasu (Fused), Vegito (SSGSS), and Goku (Ultra Instinct). “Top Fighting Games for PC”
The most recent DLC season, Season 3, has been particularly well-received by players. It introduced characters such as Kefla, Master Roshi, and Super Baby 2, each bringing unique playstyles and abilities to the game . The upcoming addition of Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta has generated significant excitement within the community.
These DLC characters have not only expanded the roster but also added new layers of strategy and excitement to the game. The developers have consistently delivered high-quality content, with each new fighter offering distinct gameplay elements that keep the experience fresh for players.
Conclusion
The fighting game scene in 2024 is thriving with a diverse array of titles that cater to both newcomers and seasoned players. From Street Fighter 6’s innovative Drive system to Tekken 8’s Heat mechanics, each game brings something unique to the table. The implementation of rollback netcode in titles like Guilty Gear Strive and Dragon Ball FighterZ has a significant impact on the online experience, making competitive play more accessible and enjoyable for players worldwide. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
As the genre continues to evolve, we see a trend towards more accessible gameplay mechanics while still maintaining depth for competitive players. The ongoing support through DLC characters and new features keeps these games fresh and exciting long after their initial release. Whether you’re drawn to the intense one-on-one combat of Street Fighter, the team-based battles of The King of Fighters. The anime-inspired action of Dragon Ball FighterZ, there’s never been a better time to jump into the world of fighting games on PC.
FAQs
What is the recommended fighting game to play in 2024?
Tekken 8 is highly recommended, featuring an in-depth story mode and a tutorial mode that helps new players quickly learn the basics. The game excels with its robust online support, offering thrilling matches against players of varying skill levels. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
Which new sword fighting game is releasing in 2024?
Die by the Blade is set to release on PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store on May 16, 2024. It will also be available on consoles in October 2024. The game will support cross-play between Steam and the Epic Games Store, and will be compatible with current generation console controllers.
What are the upcoming fighting games for PlayStation in 2024?
The 2024 lineup for PlayStation includes several exciting titles: Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Mortal Kombat 1, The King Of Fighters XV, Guilty Gear -Strive-, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, and Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes.
Which fighting game is currently considered the best?
As of the last week, Street Fighter 6 has been the most popular fighting game, with 3,680,229 viewer hours across 165,858 streams by 79,031 streamers. The top streamer, fps_shaka, alone generated 846,178 viewer hours playing Street Fighter 6. “Top Fighting Games for PC”
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