Top 30 Best PlayStation 4 Fighting Games

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R is the perfect title for those who are indeed major fans of the beloved anime franchise. Not the least of which is the fact that the game has over 50 characters from the franchise in it, of which you’ll find a fair amount of both good and evil characters. Including the entire Joestar family line as it stands right now. As well as the vileness that is Dio!

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R will let you play as these characters and then battle in all sorts of modes, including ones that’ll let you relive the epic moments of the series, or create matches between characters who have never met!

So get your fight on and see which of you will Stand at the end.

#24 GigaBash

Platform: PlayStation 4, PC, PlayStation 5

Release Date: August 4, 2022

Genre: Fighting

Ok, you know those old-school, and even new-school, monster movies where the monster literally goes and just wrecks an entire city without much effort? How just moving through it is enough to destroy everything?

Well, in GigaBash, you’re going to understand that feeling quite a bit. Because in the title, you’ll get to play as either a massive monster, OR, a massive mech trying to kill the monsters. You’ll participate in epic scale matches with other players to see who will be the king around here.

Both the singleplayer and the multiplayer campaigns will be full of action, so pick who you want to play as and have at it!

#23 MultiVersus

Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Release Date: July 19, 2022

Genre: Fighting

MultiVersus is a game that many people are talking about right now, and for very positive reasons at that. The game is not just free-to-play, you’ll get to be part of the group of players who try out the title and improve it before it has a full launch next year.

Not to mention you’ll have access to all sorts of Warner Bros characters from history. We’re talking Bugs Bunny, Harley Quinn, The Iron Giant, Gizmo from Gremlins, Finn & Jake and more!

You’ll mainly fight in 2v2 battles, but you’ll also have the chance to go 1v1 or duke it out in 4-player free for alls! So go see what all the hype is about in MultiVersus.

#22 Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

Platform: PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PC

Release Date: November 2013

Genre: Fighting

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is a sequel to Persona 4 Arena and sees players fighting it out as various characters from the Persona franchise. Players can make use of a range of attacking moves, combos, and special abilities. As well as being an engaging standalone fighting experience, the game has a story mode that’s presented in a visual novel style that will appeal to fans of the overall franchise. With a cool beat-em-up style and striking anime-style graphics, this one packs a punch.

#21 The King of Fighters XIV

Platform: PC, PS4, Arcade

Release Date: PS4 – August 23, 2016

PC – June 15, 2017

Genre: Fighting

After making its debut in 1994, The King of Fighters franchise dominated from the 1990s through the 2000s. After 2010, we had to endure a long gap between releases, but that changed in 2016 with the release of The King of Fighters XIV. This 3D fighting title has a robust selection of over 50 fighters, and each is a bit different. It’s best to take your time to get a deep understanding of each character to know how to assemble a team during matches.

Overall, this is a fast-paced combo-heavy game, and the only poor feedback we’ve seen about this particular installment was the visuals. The King of Fighters XV launched earlier this year, and we’d also recommend that entry–but there’s not much wrong with XIV.

#20 Samurai Shodown

Platform: Arcade, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Stadia

Release Date: PS4, Xbox One June 25, 2019

Switch – February 25, 2020

PC – June 11, 2020

Genre: Fighting

SNK is a well-known developer that’s put out quite a few iconic fighting franchises over the years. One of those was Samurai Spirits, otherwise known as Samurai Shodown, a relatively popular series since the 1990s. Samurai Shodown was released in 2019 after a long dry spell.

Oftentimes, Samurai games focus on a lot of blitzing style combat, not really showing off the finesse and styles that the Samurai warriors were actually known for. The Samurai Shodown series though was one that dared to be different. Focusing very much on the gameplay and style of things versus just being flashy. When the reboot came out, people were amazed by how technical and fun it was. You’ll need to learn various techniques to ensure you survive these intense battles.

#19 WWE 2K16

Platform: PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Android

Release Date: PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 – October 27, 2015

PC – March 11, 2016

Genre: Sports

There were plenty of improvements that developers Yuke’s could focus on with WWE 2K16 and, thankfully, this iteration was a big turnaround for the franchise. While being developed for both current and last generation consoles, WWE 2K16 was still able to deliver in a big way. The game might not feel as fluid as the latest releases from the series, but it’s nothing that would prevent players from having a fun time.

There are also some changes from WWE 2K15 such as a new submission-type mini-game. Likewise, there’s also a limited stock of reversals that you can pull off. Wrestlers are bountiful in this installment as well, and you’ll still find plenty of customization options where you can create your own wrestler, an entrance, and moves, among other attributes. If creativity isn’t your strong suit, you’ll also find over a hundred different wrestlers to pick from on the roster. There are even several versions of different wrestlers to match a particular era–for example, you can find different yearly models of The Rock. If you’re a Stone Cold fan, the 2K Showcase gives fans a detailed look at Steve Austin’s career.

#18 WWE 2K22

Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, PC

Release Date: March 2022

Genre: Sports

WWE 2K22 is the latest attempt to truly give fans what they want–a wrestling title that’s both accurate and fun. The previous attempt in WWE 2K20 was a disaster, and thus the team at 2K took their time to make this one work. And for the most part, it does, mainly because it returns to basics and gives both freshness and nuance. With a new control scheme, multiple fresh modes like Create-A-Character and the General Manager mode, and more, this is what fans were waiting for after the last dumpster fire.

#17 BlazBlue: Central Fiction

Platform: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Switch, Arcade

Release Date: PS3, PS4 – November 1, 2016

PC – April 26, 2017

Switch – February 7, 2019

Genre: Fighting

PlayStation | Nintendo

BlazBlue: Central Fiction came out in 2015 for arcades but made its console debut the following year. If you’ve been following the BlazBlue franchise, this installment concludes the Azure Saga and is the last game with Ragna as the main protagonist. This is also the latest mainline installment to the BlazBlue video game franchise and unfortunately, the first to not feature an English dub. This is a 2D anime-style fighting game and there are quite a bit of game modes to enjoy.

The game features a story mode with a recap option to catch new players up with previous narrative events, and there’s a variety of practice game modes along with competitive game modes. Players can also use the network option to take the competition online. If you’re familiar with the previous games, you can go through the title in what the game calls a Technical mode. This is a control setup that’s designed for experienced fighting players. However, there’s also the Stylish mode that offers a more simplified control setup giving newcomers some flashy action without necessarily needing to know all the specific button combinations.

#16 Street Fighter V

Platform: PC, PS4, Arcade

Release Date: Original PC, PS4 – February 16, 2016

Arcade Edition

PC, PS4 – January 16, 2018

Champion Edition

PC, PS4 – February 14, 2020

Genre: Fighting

Street Fighter V, the fifth main installment to the Street Fighter franchise, features the same style of gameplay the IP is known for with a few slight changes. This title introduced the V-Gauge which tosses in three new techniques: V-Skills, V-Reversals, and V-Triggers. When the V-Gauge is built up, players can access the three new techniques which allow their character to deliver powerful attacks or allows them to avoid these attacks from their opponent.

Just like other installments, Street Fighter V has a few different editions. The one we’d recommend is Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition, otherwise known as the Street Fighter V: Champion Edition. This not only comes with all of the previously released DLC characters but it also adds additional game modes along with some balance changes. At the time of writing this description, Street Fighter V is the latest installment released. Street Fighter VI will release in 2023.

#15 Injustice 2

Platforms: Android, iOS, PS4, XBO, PC

Release Date: May 11, 2017

Genre: Fighting

NetherRealm Studios not only gave us the Mortal Kombat franchise but they also delivered a fighting title based on DC Comics characters. Injustice: Gods Among Us follows a timeline in which Superman took the world by force and made some strict laws and regulations when the Joker tricked the hero into killing Lois Lane. Now with a broken Superman, Batman manages to bring in the Justice League from another universe to help stop his regime.

Each character has their own set of moves along with the title featuring a diverse set of level backdrops. We even got a sequel with Injustice 2 which had the same gameplay mechanics as its predecessor and a storyline that follows after this initial installment. The gameplay is similar to the Mortal Kombat series and characters even come packed with their own big cinematic attack when triggered correctly.

#14 BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle

Platform: PS4, PC, Switch, Arcade

Release Date: June 5, 2018

Genre: Fighting

PC | PlayStation | Nintendo

The BlazBlue franchise has been a strong fighting series over the years and we have another installment to add into the mix with BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle. This time around the game features 2v2 battles with a tag-in system. 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, and RWBY. Currently, this is the latest installment available for consoles so you can expect the community to be pretty active.

#13 Ultimate Marvel VS. Capcom 3

Platform: PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, PS Vita, Xbox One Xbox Series X (Backward Compatible with the Xbox One) PlayStation 5 (Backward Compatible with the PS4)

Release Date: PS3, Xbox 360 – November 15, 2011

PS Vita – February 22, 2012

PS4 – December 3, 2016

PC, Xbox One – March 7, 2017

Genre: Fighting

There doesn’t seem to be any shortage of Marvel Vs. Capcom titles. This franchise has been around since 1996 with more games released in the late 1990s and again in the early 2010s. For this list in particular, we’re going to be focusing on Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3. This game came out for the PlayStation 4 on December 3, 2016, and as the title suggests, it brings a crossover fighting event between Marvel and Capcom characters.

This is a 3v3 fighting title where players make up their teams and attempt to defeat the opposing side. Because of the wide range of characters, there’s quite a flashy animation showdown during battles. Everyone has something unique to bring to the table and best of all, the PlayStation 4 version of the game comes packed with all of the characters released including DLC characters that have since been removed online such as Jill Valentine and Shuma-Gorath.

#12 Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch

Release Date: February 4, 2016

PS4, Xbox One – February 9, 2016

PC – February 5, 2016

Switch – April 24, 2020

Genre: Fighting game, action

Naruto is a massively popular manga and anime series, and alongside the franchise is a slew of video games such as Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4. This is a 3v3 style of fighting game where players can select from a large roster of iconic characters from the Naruto Shippuden series. Battles are just as flashy and stylish as you would expect from the animated series, and players have the ability to quickly swap characters to deliver a satisfying barrage of attacks. Combat is simplified and is the same across all of the characters so there’s no need to learn every character’s move set.

#11 Brawlhalla

Platform: PC, macOS, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS

Release Date: PC, PS4, macOS – October 17, 2017

Xbox One, Switch – November 6, 2018

Android, iOS – August 6, 2020

Genre: Fighting

Brawlhalla has become the free version of Super Smash Bros. Players get a platform fighting game that offers a wide range of characters along with item drops to use as they duke it out with their opponents. There are even some notable characters from other IPs included in the mix. For instance, players can find characters from Shovel Knight, Tomb Raider, The Walking Dead, and Adventure Time, just to name a few.

While it launched in 2017, the franchise is continuing to find new players today and it’s even become an esports title. To top it off, this is a free-to-play game so if you don’t already have it installed, nothing is stopping you from enjoying it right this second.

#10 Nidhogg 2

Platform: PC, macOS, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Release Date: PC, macOS, PS4 – August 15, 2017

Xbox One – July 18, 2018

Nintendo Switch – November 22, 2018

Genre: Fighting

While the graphics may look rudimentary, both Nidhogg and Nidhogg 2 offer a gameplay experience more players wouldn’t expect. The indie title launched in 2014 from developer Messhof and pits two fencers against each other in a battle to the death. Winning isn’t the only way to get ahead–losing only alters the way in which you’ll progress to the next round. Nidhogg 2 harkens back to a time when graphics weren’t important and gameplay was everything. A little imagination doesn’t hurt, either.

#9 UFC 3

Platform: PS4, Xbox One

Release Date: February 2, 2018

Genre: Fighting, sports

Xbox | PlayStation

MMA has blown up over the years and fans worldwide love to tune in to see some of their favorite fighters compete. The franchise doesn’t have a long line of video game installments to look back on, but one of the better installments to have been released is UFC 3. This game came out in 2018 and gives players the chance to take control of their favorite fighters.

When you are not doing exhibition matches with established fighters, there is also a career mode available. This is where you’ll make an MMA fighter and attempt to make it big in the UFC. Outside of fighting, which feels incredibly fluid, there is much more that goes into your fighter. You’ll have to train in various areas and sell the fight itself. This is done through the likes of social media where you can hype up the fight or feud with another fighter.

#8 Dragon Ball FighterZ

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Release Date: PC, PS4, Xbox One – January 26, 2018

Nintendo Switch – September 28, 2018

Genre: Fighting

Dragon Ball FighterZ is one of the more recent video game installments for the Dragon Ball franchise. The title was developed by Arc System Works, which also has been mentioned in this list for the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series. Within the title, players will choose three characters to fight and switch through during matches. However, for the story, the game will follow a newly revived Android 16 and his army of androids.

There’s no shortage of Dragon Ball video game titles, but we can recommend this installment for its solid 2.5D fighting gameplay. It can be easy to pick up for newcomers but also can provide a solid challenge to those that wish to master their skills.

#7 Granblue Fantasy: Versus

Platform: PC, PS4

Release Date: PC – March 13, 2020

PS4 – March 3, 2020

Genre: Fighting, role-playing game

Granblue Fantasy: Versus is a fighting game that’s based on the turn-based mobile RPG Granblue Fantasy. Developed by Arc System Works, the game is unique and easy to understand for newcomers to the fighting genre. Overall, just like any fighting game, the goal is to eliminate the opponent, but you won’t have to rely on complex button combinations to defeat the enemy. Instead, with just a few taps of a button, you can pull off a generic combo attack.

There’s even a simplified system for special attacks that are set up for the directional pad. From there, you can execute a powerful attack that will enter a cooldown period. This title even has a beat ‘em up style story mode where players will fight against different enemy types as they progress towards boss battles. This title only came out in 2020 and there are character passes in the works to give players even more fighters to add to their roster.

#6 Sifu

Platform: PC, PS4, PS5

Release Date: February 8, 2022

Genre: Beat ‘em up

Sloclap’s action beat ’em up Sifu might be on the shorter side, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in creativity. When a player takes fatal damage in the game, they simply “reset.” Rather than a simple respawn, the protagonist returns multiple years older. As the player character ages, their strikes will be more powerful, but they will have less health. It’s a challenging and rewarding grind worthy of the highest praise.

It will take a bit of time to get the fighting rhythm down, but once you do, you would be able to put this one down.

#5 Guilty Gear XRD: Rev 2

Platform: PC, PS3, PS4, Arcade

Release Date: Sign

PS3, PS4 – December 16, 2014

PC – December 9, 2015

Revelator

PS3, PS4 – June 7, 2016

PC – December 14, 2016

Rev 2

PS3, PS4 – May 26, 2017

Genre: Fighting

Guilty Gear XRD comes from Arc System Works, a developer who we’ve mentioned a couple of times in this list. They are well known in the video game industry for their fighting games and this particular IP can be a bit confusing if you’re new to the series. After starting in 1998, the Guilty Gear franchise received mainline installments, spin-offs, and even updated versions. This installment in particular is part of the updated version category of Guilty Gear games.

In particular, this is an updated version of Guilty Gear Xrd -Revelator- which is a follow-up title to Guilty Gear Xrd -Sign-. It’s your typical kind of anime fighting game–fast-paced and filled with flashy and fluid animation. As mentioned, this is an updated version of the game, so players get some balance changes, new After Story gameplay, and even two new additional characters added to the roster: Baiken and Answer.

#4 Soulcalibur VI

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One

Release Date: October 19, 2018

Genre: Fighting

The Soulcalibur franchise has been around for years, getting its start back in 1995. The most recent release, Soulcalibur VI, is a great game to jump into this franchise with, as it’s essentially a reboot to the series that covers the first two installments. Regardless of the narrative, the game is really about flashy combat and unique characters.

This game is easy to jump into and plays like an arcade fighting game. It’s fluid and the wide range of characters to choose from will have you going through dozens of matches to see just how each player handles. There’s also the added benefit of iconic guest fighters such as 2B from Nier: Automata and The Witcher’s Geralt of Rivia.

#3 Guilty Gear Strive

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Arcade

Release Date: June 11, 2021

Genre: Fighting

The Guilty Gear franchise has been around since 1998, and for years this IP has continued to thrive. Guilty Gear Strive is the latest release and continues following the events of Guilty Gear Xrd. More importantly, the game was a means to bring the series back to its core. There was a lot of revamping to give fans of the IP a solid entry to the franchise.

As mentioned, if you’ve been following the narrative for Guilty Gear, the Strive installment will continue with the narrative from Guilty Gear Xrd, providing the conclusion to Sol Badguy’s saga. Visually, the game is stunning, and reception has been positive since the installment was launched.

#2 Tekken 7

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Arcade

Release Date: Arcade – March 18, 2015

PC, PS4, Xbox One – June 2, 2017

Genre: Fighting

Tekken is one of the more recognizable arcade fighting games of all time. The series was started in 1994 and is still receiving new mainline installments and spin-off games to this day. In terms of mainline games, Tekken 7 is the latest available and if you’ve been following the narrative, this game picks up after the events of Tekken 6 in which Heihachi Mishima and Kazuya are going through their final battle. Fortunately, you don’t have to be into the narrative to have a ton of fun here.

As mentioned, this is an arcade-style video game. It’s easy to pick up and play and has plenty of characters to choose from. Additionally, you’ll find some notable new features added to the gameplay as well such as Rage Art. This new move can only be done when a character is in Rage mode, but if pulled off successfully, you’ll enter a cinematic that ultimately causes 30% of damage.

#1 Mortal Kombat 11

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, PS5, XSX, Stadia, Switch

Release Date: PC, PS4, Xbox One – April 23, 2019

Nintendo Switch – April 23, 2019

Stadia – November 19, 2019

PS5, Xbox Series X/S – November 17, 2020

Genre: Fighting

Mortal Kombat is legendary. The franchise has been around since 1992 and has received several installments over the years along with some cinematic film adaptations. Currently, the latest installment of the franchise is Mortal Kombat 11 which throws in a good variety of fighters both old and new. The big appeal of this game is the VS mode offering plenty of brutal fatalities, easy to pull off move sets, and a long list of characters you’re likely familiar with such as Raiden, Sonya Blade, Liu Kang, Kitana, and Baraka.

Keeping things spoiler-free, the game’s narrative focuses on time and you can expect quite a bit of nostalgia throughout the storyline from past Mortal Kombat. Whether you’re a casual or competitive player, there’s a ton to love with Mortal Kombat. With that said, don’t expect a button mash style of gameplay. You’ll need to take some time and get a feel of the characters and moves to progress.

Bonus Games

Under Night In-Birth EXE:Late[st]

Platform: Arcade (RingEdge 2) PS3, PC, PS4, PS Vita, Nintendo Switch

Release Date: September 20, 2012

Genre: 2D fighting game, Visual novel

Under Night In-Birth was originally released in 2012 in Japanese arcades. This title took off with fans and its strong following allowed the indie title to get worldwide attention. Since then, there have been updates to the game bringing it to other consoles such as Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] which released for the PlayStation 4. This is an anime-style 2D fighter that will be appealing to casual fighting fans. Overall, the game was developed to allow inexperienced players for the fighting genre to deliver some powerful combo attacks.

Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown

Platforms: PS4

Release Date: June 1, 2021

Genre: Fighting

PlayStation

It’s been a while since we’d seen a new Virtua Fighter game hit consoles. Virtua Fighter 5 launched in 2006, but a remastered edition launched in 2021. Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown brought upgraded visuals, a new UI, an improved soundtrack, and unique online features. However, the downside for fans of the franchise is that this game is an exclusive release for the PlayStation 4 platform. With that said, if you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you’ll get the game for free.

Dead or Alive 5: Last Round

Platform: Arcade, PC, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360

Release Date: PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360 – February 17, 2015

PS3: February 24, 2015

PC: March 30, 2015

Genre: Fighting