5 Best Fighting Games on Xbox Game Pass (2022)

Fighting games have a way of securing ground on nearly any platform they cross paths with. Even the lesser-known consoles that barely scratch the surface on booming video game libraries—even they house a generous selection of beat 'em up brawlers. The simple reason behind this is that, whether we like it or not, fighting games, are, without a doubt, the most popular.

Thankfully, Game Pass doesn't exactly turn a blind eye to fighting games, nor does it pay them a pittance, either. In fact, it's more the other way around, with the bulk of the subscription-based platform being made up of the genre. But which of them are worth playing, and which are worth sticking out for just for multiplayer experience? Well, here's how we see it.

5. Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition

After a good two decades of steering clear of the public eye, Rare finally looked to revamp its SNES-based fighting series, Killer Instinct, all for one meaty package on Xbox One. Running with an impressive 60fps, the revitalized Definitive Edition brought an array of fresh features to the modern market, including all the original source material that made the originals a total knockout back in their heyday.

Killer Instinct made quite the comeback a couple of years back, courtesy of the Esports community using it to stage a slew of competitive events. Since then, Microsoft has been able to hold it close to its chest, using Game Pass as a way to keep it within reach of the monthly subscribers. And not only does the 2013 overhaul include a series of visual upgrades, but the older, seasoned originals, all of which can be accessed directly from the Game Pass library.

4. Dragon Ball FighterZ

The kingdom that is Dragon Ball is perhaps one of the most sought after franchises in the world, thanks to its enormous selection of video games, movies, action figures, and manga. And it's because of this success, that it was only a matter of time before Xbox Game Pass snagged one of its greatest titles for keeps. Though, the downside to bagging the legendary FighterZ chapter was that, well, it would only be available for consoles. Sorry, PC.

The lightning-quick combat from the universally acclaimed series ports its way over to Dragon Ball FighterZ in an all-new, freshly-coated adventure. Complete with its signature 1v1 format, as well as a genuinely compelling storyline, the iconic chapter certainly stacks tall against its rivals. And so, if you're interested in high-octane battles and the lore behind Dragon Ball, then be sure to pick this one up.

3. Injustice 2

Excluding the abundance of microtransactions that it cheekily employs, Injustice 2 is actually a pretty great game. But then, with NetherRealm Studios at the helm, I suppose we never had any reason to cast doubt, to begin with. The only major difference between its praised Mortal Kombat series and Injustice is, well—the latter favors the DC universe, which of course works wonders for comic book fans.

Injustice 2 brings a classic story to the table, along with the standard 1v1 mode, in which Esports players all over the globe often flock to to thrash it out for the throne. Whether it's Batman versus Aquaman, Cyborg versus Braniac—Injustice 2 brings enough material to help make battles we often fantasize about spring into action. And as for the combat itself, well—NetherRealm built it. Need we say more?

2. Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid

In spite of its pre-launch technical failures, Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid did eventually manage to come up trumps, sealing its position on ex-gen consoles as a well-tailored homage to the classic series. With over 25 years of source material to work with, developer nWay had an absolute field trip with the game's creation, which, in turn, led to forming the foundations for one the greatest tag team fighting games of the last decade.

Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid features a vibrant palette of panoramic battlefields, a generous amount of playable fighters, and a treasure trove of riveting combat mechanics. All in all, it's a solid addition to an already booming franchise, as well as a real highlight on the Game Pass front. Mortal Kombat 11 it is not—but it is worth sinking into, if only to admire the modern take on a cult-classic series.

1. Mortal Kombat 11

Mortal Kombat has been passed around our field of view more times than we'd honestly like to admit. Yet, we can't help but stop to acknowledge its existence each and every time, if only for a moment while we search for anything else to keep our idle hands from yielding to its invitation to play its story all over again. 2022 may be here, but that hasn't exactly changed a great deal, and we're still here singing its praises years down the line.

Mortal Kombat 11 picks up after the events of Mortal Kombat X. Not that it matters a great deal, as the vast majority of its players use its staging ground as an excuse to compete for the apex point. And when all's said and done, that's the reason why most fall in line under NetherRealm's wing. It's all about the thrill of the battle, and your opponent's whimper as you pull off a volley of brutal attacks in a bid for the win. That's a style that will never grow old, no matter how many entries NetherRealm carve up.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

Looking for more content? You could always take a look at one of these lists:

5 Best Trading Card Games Like Pokémon (2022)

5 Things We Want in Ghost of Tsushima 2