Countless games fit into the fighting games category, but many have something missing. Some may feature excellent characters but lack in the skill-based gameplay department, while others may tick all the boxes without the gameplay feeling as smooth as it should.
The PS5 has a plethora of fighting games, each with its share of fans who love and play them. However, the top fighting games on PS5 push the limits and provide fans with an unforgettable experience.
WWE 2K25
Some may believe that the WWE games shouldn’t qualify as fighting games, but that technically isn’t the case. After all, players are constantly fighting in these games, which ensures it qualifies as a fighting game. WWE 2K25 is one of the best wrestling games available on the PS5, expanding on what made WWE 2K24 so good and polishing the gameplay for a smoother experience.
One of the new additions this game brings is the new Super Finishers mechanic, which gives players a new, powerful move to use in clutch situations. The game features a roster of more than 250 superstars and is visually impressive on the PS5. The icing on top might be the offline and online modes that allow players to immerse themselves even more in the game however they want. WWE 2K25 also lets fans relive memorable and iconic WrestleMania matches with the Showcase mode, making it the ideal wrestling game.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball FighterZ is a worthy fighting game that caters to both fans of anime and fighting buffs. The game creates an immersive combination of 2.5D graphics and a 3v3 tag-team fighting system. Fans of Dragon Ball can use their favorite characters to take on foes and strategize to come out on top, from Goku to Vegeta. Developed by the Japanese studio Arc System Works and produced by Bandai Namco, many fans may find similarities with the developer’s other works, including the Guilty Gear games.
The memorable roster also lets players unleash the signature-style moves of Dragon Ball characters, including the Kamehameha and Spirit Bomb. In usual fighting game fashion, FighterZ’s story takes a backseat in the game in exchange for the online mode. However, it’s nice to see that it has a completely original story that features the fan-favorite Android 21. Dragon Ball FighterZ is easy to get into, but it’s also challenging to master, even if you’re a fighting game veteran.
Mortal Kombat 1
The Mortal Kombat series has gone through a lot over the years, but Mortal Kombat 1 is the best game in the series, at least when it comes to gameplay. Featuring fan-favorite characters like Scorpion and Sub-Zero, MK1 polishes everything fans loved from Mortal Kombat 11 to deliver a complete and brutal package.
The game has it all. Strong storytelling, stunning visuals, and the unique Kameo Fighter that adds a nice twist to the original formula. Players can devise unique strategies thanks to the in-depth combos and move sets that Mortal Kombat games are known for. The game builds on the Mortal Kombat legacy, but keeps things fresh with new additions, making many fans excited for what’s next.
Tekken 8
Tekken 8 is a more realistic fighting game that leverages the Unreal Engine 5 to deliver a visually stunning experience to players. The game’s engaging story mode makes the single-player mode a must-play, and the online experience is improved with new features like the Special Style control scheme.
Tekken 8 also introduces a Heat System that allows players to use special moves and abilities once per round. The game also makes full use of the PS5’s hardware by ensuring each hit is felt in the DualSense controller. Of course, no Tekken game is complete without the awesome soundtrack and characters that the series is known for.
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 is easily one of the best PS5 fighting games thanks to its immersive gameplay, efficient online play, bright visuals, and accessibility for both new and veteran players. The game’s success motivates Capcom to give the game post-launch support, which gives players new and better things to look forward to through awesome character DLCs.
Street Fighter 6’s introduction mode allows players to tour the world and learn from some iconic Street Fighter characters posing as masters, which is a fun way to get the hang of the game’s controls. The game also features a training mode that allows players to train and devise new strategies to take on opponents. It helps that the game also has crossplay, letting players play with their friends across platforms.
