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Who doesn’t enjoy a good fighting game? Fighting titles have been popular from the early days in the arcade to current platform releases. While there are heavy-hitting franchises such as Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter that fans will flock to with each release, some other thrilling new IPs are released annually. In this list, we’re going to highlight some of the best fighting games that are slated to release this year, 2022. With that said, don’t put too much focus on the actual ranking. The ranking is always opinionated, and these games can easily shift around after being released into the marketplace. So instead, these are just a collection of fighting games that we think you might be interested in trying out when they launch later this year.
#12 JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R
- Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Developer: CyberConnect2 Co. Ltd.
- Platform: Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Release Date: September 2, 2022
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R promises pretty much you’d ever want from a title based on the popular anime. Hirohiko Araki-inspired visuals, over 50 playable characters, a variety of game modes, and a number of improvements from the previous All-Star Battle fighting system from 2012. Allowing you to play in over 100 battle scenarios in game modes such as Arcade Mode, Online Mode, Versus Mode, and Practice Mode, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle R promises to be a fun experience for those experienced with the All-Star Battle system and newcomers alike.
#11 WWE 2K22
- Publisher: 2K Games
- Developer: Visual Concepts
- Platform: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, PC
- Release Date: March 2022
Perhaps the ultimate in fighting games, WWE 2K22 is the latest instalment in the WWE games franchise. In terms of fighting games, WWE 2K22 offers a huge roster of WWE’s biggest names to jump into the ring with. These include current superstars such as Becky Lynch and Roman Reigns as well as a host of legendary wrestlers such as The Rock, Hulk Hogan and Triple H, to name a few. In terms of fighting mechanics, WWE 2K22 uses a new gameplay engine that makes use of dynamic animations that really advance the franchise’s in-game combat systems. This ensures an incredibly realistic, high-quality fighting game experience in the world’s most notorious wrestling arenas.
#10 GigaBash
- Developer: Passion Republic Games
- Publisher: Passion Republic Games
- Platform: NS, PS4, PC, XBO, PS5
- Release: 2022
GigaBash is a game inspired by classic monster films like Godzilla. Here, we’re thrown into a world where giant titans have awakened from the slumber, deep within the ground. Breaking free, these behemoth beasts begin to throw down. Players can join together in a four-player battle as they terrorize the city, craft chaos, and fight for dominance. Although, there are some additional minigames to partake in as well if you’re not after going through head-to-head battles. Right now, the developers are hoping to get the game out early this year but have yet to make an official release date.
#9 Blazing Strike
- Developer: RareBreed Makes Games
- Publisher: Arksys Games
- Platform: NS, PS4, PC, PS5
- Release: 2022
Blazing Strike is a game we’ve been waiting on for several years. While the game was initially slated to launch about five years ago, it is now coming to the marketplace sometime before 2022 wraps. This is a game that pays homage to the classic 2D fighters like Street Fighter. Here we’re getting a roster of fourteen unique characters with unique abilities and attributes. Meanwhile, the setting is based around a dystopia where players are dealing with a government regime and a group of resistance fighters.
#8 Dungeon & Fighter Duel
- Developer: Neople, Arc System Works, Eighting
- Publisher: Nexon
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5
- Release: 2022
Dungeon & Fighter Duel, or DNF Duel, is an upcoming fighting game co-developed by Neople, Arc System Works, and Eighting. This spin-off game is coming out in 2022, based on the Dungeon Fighter Online franchise. If you’re not familiar with the IP, this is an online multiplayer beat ‘em up game that first came out in 2005. You’ll find the characters will be based on the different MMO classes of Dungeon Fighter Online, but we’re not sure just how many characters are set to be on the roster at the moment. Regardless, this is a 2D 1v1 fighter where characters will duke it out using various unique abilities and move sets. We have had one beta so far, and the reception has been rather positive, from the gameplay to the backgrounds and animations. Currently, players can expect this game sometime in the summer months of this year.
#7 Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
- Developer: Arc System Works, Atlus
- Publisher: Sega
- Platform: PS3, 360, PC, PS4, NS
- Release: March 2022 PC, PS4, NS
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is not a new game by any means. This title first came out through the arcades in 2013. However, it slowly made its way to additional platforms like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. We have this game on our list because we’re finally getting the title on PC, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch platforms this year. Overall, the game is set after Persona 4, where a red fog has covered the town of Inaba. Players will be following a group of characters ranging from the Investigation Team from Persona 4 along with the SEES of Persona 3. Again, the anime fighting game 2v2 fighting game is not anything new. Still, if you haven’t played this game previously or are just looking for a new active community of players, this might be a game worth picking up when it launches for the latest platforms this March.
#6 Die by the Blade
- Developer: Triple Hill Interactive, Toko Midori Games, Grindstone
- Publisher: Kwalee
- Platform: NS, X/S, PS4, PC, XBO, PS5
- Release: NA
Die by the Blade is a game inspired by other samurai titles and brutal combat games like Dark Souls. In this game, players are battling in a 1v1 match. Here, the name of the game is counters and precise strikes. It only takes one swing to get a kill as the developers are making this game more realistic. There are no health gauges here, but instead, a single strike can take your opponent out. Fortunately, it looks like there are some varied weapons to pick from for your particular playstyle. Whether that’s fast-paced strikes with daggers, a spear, or a large sword, each match will be thrilling and intense. We’re sure there might be a bit of a learning curve to understand how to best block and counter these different weapons. But if you’re up for a challenge, this game will hopefully make its way out onto the marketplace this year.
#5 MultiVersus
- Developer: Player First Games
- Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
- Platform: PS4, XBO PS5, X/S, PC
- Release: 2022
MultiVersus is an upcoming free-to-play fighting game. With this fighting title, we’re getting a crossover across multiple franchises. This will be a platform fighter that’s a bit like Super Smash Bros. Characters will be jumping into different stages as they attempt to knock each other out of the level by depleting their health gauge. Since Warner Bros. Entertainment is publishing this, we’ll get quite a few different characters to battle as. For instance, we know the game will feature characters from Adventure Time, DC Comics, and Scooby-Doo. At the moment, we only have the reveal trailer available, but we do have some gameplay footage highlights showcased throughout it. We’re slated to receive the game this year, but at the moment, we don’t have a specific release date.
#4 Metal Revolution
- Developer: Next Studios
- Publisher: Next Studios
- Platform: PC
- Release: NA
Metal Revolution is a new IP from NEXT Studios. This fast-paced fighting game relies less on complicated button combinations for players to mess around with during the fights. As a result, this may be a great title for newcomers to fighting games, especially if the thought of remembering all the button combinations to pull off big moves has kept them away from the genre before. With a simplistic control system is placed, players will be battling against AI or other players online while using a cast of android characters. Each character comes in with their own style and moves. Still, because of the simple control system, you should not only be able to get a grasp of how to deliver devastating blows against your opponent or even perform some damage while on the defense. Likewise, it seems that each character will have their own unique ultimate that players can trigger to end their opponent, much like the Fatality system in Mortal Kombat.
#3 Fraymakers
- Developer: McLeodGamging, Team Fray
- Publisher: McLeodGaming
- Platform: NS, PC
- Release: 2022 Early Access
Fraymakers is another upcoming 2D platform fighter. In this game, players are battling it out against a slew of roster characters attached to different big hit indie titles. Since there’s a roster of iconic indie characters, you’ll find that they’ll all have their own unique move sets. That should make for some thrilling matches, as the developers have noted that each character will have over eighty different animations. However, if that wasn’t enough for you, the content creation feature also has the added benefit. Players will be able to craft up their own unique content into the title.
#2 Phantom Breaker: Omnia
- Developer: Mage-X, GameLoop Inc.
- Publisher: Rocket Panda Games, Limited Run Games
- Platform: NS, PS4, PC, XBO
- Release: March 15, 2022
Phantom Breaker: Omnia is an updated title to Phantom Breaker: Extra. In this game, players will receive the entire roster of fighters and two newcomers. This is a 2D anime fighting game where players fight in a 1v1 battle. In the game, the narrative is centered around a man called the Phantom who has appeared in Tokyo, Japan. Unleashing a power that manipulates adolescents to fight with new powerful mythical weapons. With the promise of granting the wish to whoever comes out on top, players are duking it out with all kinds of young opponents. However, as the fighters battle on, their bouts will slowly unlock the Phantom’s true destructive powers.
#1 The King of Fighters XV
- Developer: SNK
- Publisher: SNK, Koch Media, SNK Playmore USA Corp.
- Platform: PS4, PS5, X/S, PC
- Release: February 17, 2022
The King of Fighters series has a lengthy history, and in 2022 we’ll be getting a brand new installment after first getting teased in 2018. If you’re familiar with the franchise, this installment will continue to have a three-character battle system. You’ll also find a wide assortment of characters making an appearance. SNK developed this game to feature thirteen teams at the start of the game and a roster of over thirty different fighters. This will also be a decent entry for newcomers who might be new to fighting titles. There is a single-button system to allow players a bit easier to pull off different combination attacks and special moves. So whether you’ve enjoyed this series since it first came out in 1994 or if you’re brand new to the IP, this should be easy to pick up and play fighting title. Likewise, you can expect a rather active community of players online going through this game when it finally does release later this year.
Bonus Games
SIFU
- Developer: Sloclap
- Publisher: Sloclap, Microids
- Platform: PC, PS4, PS5
- Release: February 8, 2022
SIFU is not a typical 1V1 fighting game but a beat ‘em up title. Players are taking the role of a martial artist that discovers his entire family was killed. On a plot of revenge, players will take this martial artist and seek out the five suspected assassins responsible. However, there is a slight twist to this game. Players will find that the protagonist wields a special medallion that will revive him after each death. However, with each revival, the character will automatically age several years. Eventually, the character will be unable to continue forcing players to restart. It’s an exciting concept and a title worth mentioning as a bonus pick.
Party Animals
- Developer: Recreate Games
- Publisher: Recreate Games, Source Technology
- Platform: PC, PS4, X/S, XBO
- Release: NA
Party Animals is a physics-based party game. In this title, players take the role of various different animals like small puppies to ducks and dinosaurs in an epic free-for-all skirmish. This is another wacky title that was made to have players battling it out in hazardous levels like giant airplanes to moving trains. If you enjoyed Gang Beasts, this is another title worth picking up.