10 Best Fighting Games on Xbox Series X/S (2025)

Fighting games aren’t as easy as you might think. Simply button-mashing may get you past a few matches. But to truly become champion over local and online friends alike, you want to master quick timing and precision combos of a varied roster of characters. These are at least what define the best fighting games on Xbox Series X/S, highlighted in our listicle today.

What is a Fighting Game?

A fighting game pulls in the battle between two characters, going head-to-head with the backdrop of different stages. The characters each have unique strengths and weaknesses that the player seeks to exploit against the enemy AI or human local or online player.

Best Fighting Games on Xbox Series X/S

With an Xbox Series X/S, you’re all set to enjoy the best fighting games the console has to offer.

10. Guilty Gear -Strive-

Guilty Gear -Strive- uses a unique visual style that really brings out the color and spark of attacks and special effects. The game calls it the hybrid 2D/3D cell-shaded style that definitely makes the game stand out in the sea of fighting games today. 

Your characters are from the larger Guilty Gear universe, serving veterans with deep gameplay systems, but also newcomers enjoy an easy tutorial introducing them to the fundamentals. New and innovative systems like the wall-breaking mechanic also set the game apart from the rest.

9. Injustice 2

I personally am a sucker for superheroes: DC, Marvel, whatever. So Injustice 2 is definitely up my alley. And you might be surprised how faithful the developers have been to the characters themselves and their unique abilities, their rivalries in the universes they are based in, and the worlds they come from. And I like the story, too, of heroes uniting under Batman’s leadership, but also, Supergirl stepping up her game after Superman’s imprisonment. 

8. Dragon Ball FighterZ

All of the cinematic flair and drama anime battles tend to have is possibly the biggest brag by its most loyal fanbase. With Dragon Ball among the best anime out there, it’s no surprise that it has a counterpart fighting game called FighterZ. 

Many of the spectacular battles of the anime have been captured in the fighting game, alongside the addition of supporting features like 3v3 tag-team and online modes like ranked and six-player party matches. 

7. The King of Fighters XV

The King of Fighters XV is no stranger to the fighting game scene, ever-growing in roster and prowess over the years. After a six-year hiatus, the current roster is at an optimum 39 playable fighters. And the soundtrack is ever electric, with 300+ songs. 

It’s not just 3v3 matches here, as there’s a story mode, too, promising an explosive climax. And the rollback netcode ensures that joining online matches is without any lag.

6. Killer Instinct

Killer Instinct also celebrates a decade in the making, with an impressive 29 characters and a variety of game modes, from single-player to multiplayer with cross-play. Every character has unique fighting skills, combos, and finishers, which shouldn’t be a hassle to learn and master, with the pleasant 4K 60 FPS graphics on current-gen consoles. 

5. Soulcalibur VI

Your weapons take center stage above all else in Soulcalibur VI, showcased in the most stunning graphics the series has seen. And the fighting mechanics continue to grow more in-depth, with reversal edge, soul charge, and more lethal hits added to the mix. 

Admittedly, veterans will be a step ahead on the learning curve. But the satisfaction of landing devastating combos is enough to want to polish up your game. 

4. Brawlhalla

Imagine up to eight players duking it out on a platforming stage. That’s Brawlhalla, pushing the boundaries of the best fighting games on Xbox Series X/S. It can be stupid fun controlling such adorable characters on streamlined stages. 

And every time you use the platforming against the opponent, like knocking opponents off the stage, it always feels so smart. And more interestingly? The more damage you inflict on enemies, the easier it’ll be to push them farther and off the ledge. 

3. Mortal Kombat 1

The king of fighting games has been diligent in releasing new entries, including the up-to-date Mortal Kombat 1. Don’t let the name fool you. Sure, it’s a revival of the Mortal Kombat universe, following the Fire God Liu Kang. But the mechanics are most definitely the fastest and most powerful they’ve ever been. 

Most importantly, plenty of new stuff has been added, from new attacks to gear and fatalities. Through the new Kameo system, you can bring in a helper mid-fight, further extending your combos and attacks. Kameo characters may even perform special finishers like fatalities when executed at the perfect time. 

2. Tekken 8

Right up there with the best of the best is Tekken 8, which every fighting game lover must try. At the series’ 30th anniversary, it’s amazing to see how far the franchise has come, now with 32 characters looking their best selves. New mechanics have been added to the latest entry as well, from heat to rage arts.

And a new control system as well, called special style, dumbing down some complex combos into the simple press of a button. It’s also nice that among the various game modes is the freedom to practice against yourself or other players’ ghosts. There’s always room to get better and fully maximize your experience.

1. Street Fighter 6

And finally, we have Street Fighter 6. Veterans may notice revamps on the characters and stage designs. Meanwhile, the fighting system also makes room for different games, with its classic, modern, and dynamic control systems. Another nice touch is the commentaries in real-time, which, as much as you might deny it, does incentivize a competitive spirit. 

As always, you’re exploring the cities, meeting with Masters who train you. And you’re seeking out rivals, too, in the Battle Hub, where you can communicate with other players and practice together or compete. Plus, the Game Center offers classic arcade games you might have been missing all these years.