10 Best 1v1 Fighting Games on Xbox Series X|S

Fighting games hit different when it’s just two players face to face, no distractions. Xbox has got some seriously good titles where every punch, kick, and counter can turn the whole match around. If you’re into sharp duels and high-skill matchups, these are the best 1v1 fighting games on Xbox Series X|S that bring real action to the screen.

What Defines the Best 1v1 Fighting Game on Xbox?

The main things considered are gameplay depth, how smooth the fights feel, character variety, and how fair each match plays out. Creative styles and strong design add to the replay value. For this list, the focus stayed on games with strong 1v1 combat, reliable performance on Xbox Series X|S, and active player bases. Each pick offers something that pulls players back in for more.

List of 10 Best 1v1 Fighting Games on Xbox Series X|S

These are the games that deliver nonstop action and solid one-on-one battles. If you’re into PvP fights with depth and energy, this is where it gets real.

10. Killer Instinct

Killer Instinct has been available for years, yet it still brings high-energy 1v1 fights with fast combos and strong characters. Each fighter has a different style, from quick attacks to heavy hits. More importantly, Combo Breakers let anyone stop a combo in the middle if the timing is right. Because of that, every match feels like a back-and-forth fight instead of a one-sided beatdown. Fights move fast, so learning when to block, counter, or attack matters a lot. As a result, it’s one of the best 1v1 fighting games on Xbox Series X|S for players who want speed, reaction, and smart decision-making over random button smashing.

9. Them’s Fightin’ Herds

If you are looking for something different in fighting games, Them’s Fightin’ Herds brings cartoon animals into serious battles. Each character is drawn in a fun art style, but at the same time, has a full set of unique moves and fighting styles. Some use magic, while others rely on strong hits or tricky movement. Fights are one-on-one, and they focus on reading the opponent and reacting at the right time. Timing, spacing, and knowing when to attack are the most important things here. Instead of using long combos, the game puts more focus on thinking ahead and catching mistakes.

8. Soulcalibur VI

Weapons are the main focus in Soulcalibur VI, which sets it apart from most fighting games where characters use only punches and kicks. Each fighter uses a unique weapon like a sword, spear, or axe, which changes how they move and attack. Matches are one-on-one and take place in 3D arenas, so characters can move in all directions, not just side to side. Some stages have edges where a strong hit can knock opponents out of the ring, ending the round. The variety in weapons gives every fight a different rhythm and style.

7. FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves

If you’ve grown up playing arcade fighters from the ’90s, you might instantly recognize the vibe of FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves. The game brings back that same energy but with a modern twist, using a bold new art style and a system built to keep every round intense. Matches are one-on-one, and each fighter comes with a different style and set of special moves. The new REV System gives you extra tools during battle, like powerful attacks that can shift momentum. If used too much, the system can overheat, so smart timing is important. It’s designed so both beginners and longtime fans can jump in and have fun.

6. Samurai Shodown

Samurai Shodown is another weapon-based fighting game where every hit can change the match quickly. Instead of long combos, fights focus more on strong single strikes and careful defense. Even a single mistake can cost a large amount of health, so waiting for the right moment to attack becomes important. Compared to other fighting games, battles move at a slower pace, which gives more time to think during each round. Each stage has a traditional Japanese theme, and the matches often feel tense and quiet until someone finally strikes. As a result, the game becomes more about pressure and patience rather than constant action.

5. Dead or Alive 6

Continuing on our list of best 1v1 fighting games on Xbox Series X|S, Dead or Alive 6 focuses heavily on stage interaction and counter-based combat. Fights take place in arenas that react during battles, with walls that collapse or sections of the floor that explode when a fighter is knocked into them. Each stage becomes part of the fight, not just a background. The combat system rewards smart defense, where well-timed holds can stop incoming attacks and reverse the momentum. Matches are quick to pick up, but using the environment well separates skilled players from casual ones.

4. Guilty Gear -Strive-

Guilty Gear -Strive- uses a unique anime style that looks like a 2D cartoon but is actually built with 3D graphics. The game focuses on short rounds where players try to knock each other out using a mix of basic attacks, special moves, and a special resource called Tension. Tension builds up during a match and can be spent to power up moves or escape tough situations. Here, visuals move smoothly like an animated show and match the rhythm of the fight, giving each action more energy and style.

3. Tekken 8

How can we not include a game from the Tekken series when talking about top fighting games on Xbox? Tekken 8 is popular because it focuses on grounded hand-to-hand combat, where every hit looks heavy and dramatic. Characters strike, block, and counter up close, and there’s a strong focus on moving in and out during the match. Instead of flying around the screen, fighters stay on the ground, which adds more tension to every moment. As a result, each exchange feels more direct and impactful. Tekken 8 rewards smart reactions during close-up battles, where both offense and defense matter equally across every round.

2. Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 brings a new way to fight using a system called Drive. Every fighter gets a single bar that controls many actions during a match. That same bar lets them attack stronger, escape pressure, or counter hits. Choosing how to use the bar becomes the main part of the fight. Some might spend it early to gain control, while others save it for emergencies. It pushes both fighters to think ahead with each move. The match often shifts based on who manages that one bar better, not just who hits harder. It’s a simple idea that changes how every fight plays out.

1. Mortal Kombat 1

Finally, we have Mortal Kombat 1, where fights are intense and every round can shift quickly with smart use of special moves. The game uses a Kameo system, which means each fighter can bring a support character into battle. These support fighters can jump in to help with attacks or break the enemy’s combo. Fights are not just about punching or kicking but using a mix of abilities, health management, and knowing when to call your partner in. Every character has unique finishing moves called Fatalities that end the round in a violent way.