Top Upcoming Fighting Video Games of 2018

Note: Article was updated in August of 2018.

2018 is quickly approaching and with it will come a slew of new video game titles to look forward to playing. With that said, now’s a good time to start marking down what video games to keep an eye on when they officially launch next year. Let us lend a hand, in this list, in particular, we’re going over the top upcoming fighting video games launching in 2018.

Find More Upcoming 2018 Video Game Lists on Gameranx:

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle

Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Arc System Works
Platforms: Switch, PS4, PC
Release: May 31, 2018

The BlazBlue franchise has been a strong fighting series over the years with the latest upcoming release being BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle by development studio, Arc System Works. This time around the video game will feature 2v2 battles with a tag-in system.

There are several fighting video game titles that feature a tag-team system where players are able to go into a fight with multiple characters. During the match players will be able to switch between characters on-the-go or automatically switch to their secondary character once their starter is knocked out.

You can expect a series of characters to return from BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth, along with RWBY. Unfortunately, there’s no specific release date attached to the video game quite yet other than developers stating the game will launch at some point in 2018.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release: January 26, 2018, September 28, 2018 (NS)
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO, NS

Dragon Ball FighterZ was developed by Arc System Works, who may be best known for their Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series.

The video game will have players choose three characters to fight and switch through during matches. However, for the story narrative, the game will follow a newly revived Android 16 and his army of androids that are designed to look like various characters.

While the video game is only stated to be available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC platforms, Bandai Namco has expressed the possibility of bringing out a Nintendo Switch. Due to the success of the game a port has been officially put into the works with the title expected to release within September of this year.

Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition

Developer: Capcom, Dimps
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: PC, PS4, Arcade
Release: January 16, 2018

Street Fighter V is already out right now for both the PlayStation 4 and PC platforms. However, if you’re looking to enjoy the video game at the arcade then you’re still currently waiting for the cabinets to arrive. Luckily, the arcade edition of the video game is slated to launch in 2018 with January 16, 2018 being the official release date in Japan.

While most of the game will remain intact, Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition will see an Arcade Mode, Extra Battle MODE, along with new V-Trigger moves.

Soulcalibur VI

Developer: Project Soul
Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Platforms: PC, PS4, XBO
Release: October 19, 2018

A sixth main installment to the Soulcalibur franchise is int he works and slated to launch within October of this year for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One platforms.

Developers Project Soul along with publishers Bandai Namco Entertainment has stated that this upcoming Soulcalibur VI release will be set as a celebration of the franchise’s 20th anniversary. As for the story narrative, so far we know that the game will take place during the 16th century and revisit events that occurred in the first Soulcalibur video game, where secrets will finally be unveiled.

EA Sports UFC 3

Developer: EA Canada
Publisher: EA Sports
Platforms: PS4, XBO
Release: February 2, 2018

If you enjoy MMA then you may have already picked up a copy of EA Sports UFC 3. The game offers players a roster of professional MMA fighters within the UFC such as Conor McGregor. While the game does offer multiplayer and matches to fight within, there is a new mode called G.O.A.T. which follows your career path depending on the choices made along the way.

For instance, within the career mode, players will have a set amount of time to use before a match. Depending on the choices made could allow your fighter to gain popularity, build up the hype surrounding a match or it could be used to train for the upcoming fight.

There’s a ton of different fighters included within the game as well. With over two hundred fighters and ten weight classes, EA Sports UFC 3 marks as the biggest character roster out of the UFC games lineup. As expected, players can even create their own unique fighters to use within the game or career mode if desired.

Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNbM5OiyDZA

Developer: Digital Eclipse
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: NS, PS4, PC, XBO
Release: May 29, 2018

If you enjoy the Street Fighter franchise then you will want to pick up the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. The game released this year for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One platforms which include over ten arcade versions of Street Fighter titles.

Within the mix is the original Street Fighter, a variety of Street Fighter II, a Street Fighter Alpha collection, along with three installments made for Street Fighter III.

Also included into the game is the ability to have a save state and slew of bonus features such as concept art, pitch documents, an interactive timeline, background information for characters, and a music player to enjoy tracks made within the included video game installments.

Fighting EX Layer

Developer: Arika
Publisher: Arika
Platforms: PS4
Release: June 28, 2018

Developed to be a spiritual successor to the Street Fighter EX series, Fighting EX Layer released exclusively on the PlayStation 4. The video game was developed under Arika and features thirteen playable characters that were previously featured within the Street Fighter EX series.

Since its release, there have been downloadable characters added into the roster with more potentially coming soon. You’ll find that there will even be guest fighters from SNK’s Fatal Fury and The King of Fighters series.

While the game didn’t initially have a single player arcade mode, developers eventually added in the feature post-release. Currently, the focus seems to be adding even more guest characters from outside franchises.

Blade Strangers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7eXafJtzuk

Developer: Studio Saizensen
Publisher: Nicalis
Platforms: NS, PS4, PC
Release: August 28, 2018

Blade Strangers is an upcoming 2D crossover fighting game that will feature a number of characters from popular indie developed video games. The game features a storyline in which a character known as Lina has started to gather data from the interdimensional network of servers.

In order to keep the servers from being breached further, sentient computers have summoned heroes across different dimensions to fight in a tournament with hopes that the winner will become the Blade Stranger, a legendary hero.

It’s through the Blade Stranger that Lina can be stopped while also saving the network. As mentioned, the fighter roster will include a mix of characters from different IPs. You will find fighters from Code of Princess, Cave Story, Shovel Knight, The Binding of Isaac, Umihara Kawase, and lastly Azure Striker Gunvolt.

SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy

Developer: SNK
Publisher: NIS America
Platforms: NS, PS4, Arcade
Release: September 7, 2018

If you’re a fan of SNK fighting games then you may want to take note of the upcoming SNK Heroines: Tag Team Frenzy. This is a 2v2 style fighting game where players will have to select two fighters prior to a match. Unlike some of the more common 2v2 fighting games SNK Heroine: Tag Team Frenzy breaks the characters up into two different categories, which includes a fighter character along with a character aimed to be used for support.

This story narrative also takes place after the events of The King of Fighter XIV where select female martial artists have mysteriously awaken in a mansion. In order to make it back to their homes, they will have to confront a foe that looks oddly enough like Kukri.

Currently, the cast of characters will only include about fourteen different fighters so far though we imagine even more will be unveiled as we approach the game’s release or potentially updates that will add into the roster.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Developer: Bandai Namco Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: NS
Release: December 7, 2018

The latest upcoming installment to Super Smash Bros. is titled Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and it seems that the game will feature a massive roster of fighters. We’ve been seeing teases and Nintendo Directors for this upcoming game set to release within the holiday season of this year though the hype may be based around the number of fighters you’ll be able to select from.

Nintendo is bringing every character ever featured within a Super Smash Bros. video game back into this upcoming installment. Likewise, Nintendo is adding even more characters into the collection such as Metroid’s Ridley, Splatoon Inklings, Castlevania’s Simon Belmont and Donkey Kong’s rival, King K. Rool.

But wait there’s more! Turns out that Nintendo is still planning on new character announcements as we closer to the titles launch date. This is undoubtedly a system seller for the Nintendo Switch and we imagine bundles will be bought up rather quickly.