Best Fighting Games on Xbox Series X/S (2024)

The X and S series are the greatest gifts to gaming by Xbox so far. These modern Gen Xbox consoles are two compact powerhouses that let you play new and old Xbox games. The console's velocity infrastructure gives you up to 120 FPS of gameplay and superfast loading times. Meaning you don't miss a bit of the action. And what better way to experience this power than with an action-packed fighting game? 

With that in mind, there are plenty of contenders to choose from. An infinite abyss, if you may call it. So, how do you get hold of the cream of the crop? We have compiled a list of the best fighting games on Xbox Series X/S to save you some time and dime. Let's dive in.

5. Soulcalibur VI

After nearly a decade of absence, the Soulcalibur franchise returns with its seventh mainline entry. Soulcalibur VI sticks to the foundation laid by its predecessors. The developer, Bandai Namco, keeps things competitive by retaining gameplay elements and adding a few neat mechanics. The game's plot revisits the events of the first Soulcalibur while introducing two story modes. Surprisingly, they are not worlds apart, since the narratives occur in the same timeline. 

Mechanically speaking, every new element, old and new, is spruced up to the highest caliber. Instead of button-mashing gameplay, this entry doubles things down with a simplified fighting system. Ideally, you get a button for every attack: one for kicks, one for vertical attacks, and another for horizontal attacks. 

Moreover, the game introduces Reverse Edge as a new mechanic. Your character gets to absorb incoming attacks before retaliating with a powerful strike. As a long-running 3D arcade fighting game, Soulcalibur VI's triumphant return is a testament to the tried-and-tested formula laid by devs over two decades ago. 

4. Brawhalla

Brawlhalla, despite its cartoonish appearance, is another worthwhile fighting game making it to our list. The 2D smash-style fighting game is often mistaken for a Super Smash Bros clone. But ideally, it manages to carve its niche. Its wide range of character selection is what sets it apart. You have over 40 character options with different play styles. Meaning, each can impact the gameplay in various ways. You can unlock characters weekly or use the currency to purchase one. 

Moreover, the game's Ranked Play mode keeps you hooked. You'll quickly commit to a second or third match after a win. The fast-paced gameplay keeps you on edge until you strike your final smash. You can play versus a friend or tag three others for a 2v2. Beyond this, the game's support is incredible, meaning you'll always get fresh content from the devs. 

Speaking of, the developers are launching the new Brawhalla Star Wars trailer at the time of this writing. There's certainly more in store. Don't fret if you've not played other versions before; it's precisely the same amount of fun, with different characters.

3. Mortal Kombat 1

The Mortal Kombat franchise has withstood the test of time, taking the crown from the most abdomen-mashing and spine-stripping action. The game's fatalities are ideally the main attraction, along with the cool swords and heavy combo attacks. The games are pretty welcoming to newbies, and for veterans, it's an intense, action-packed sequence of hits and misses. 

Mortal Kombat 1 takes over the reins from Mortal Kombat 11. If you're wondering why not name it '13', well, Liu Kang, the mastermind behind it all, rebooted the series. Events in the latest entry occur in a new timeline to finally end Shang Tsung's tyrannical rule. 

The game retains its fatal blows from its predecessor and adds a cameo system that shifts the gameplay dramatically. The system lets you unleash wild combos that would otherwise be illegal in Mortal Kombat's books. The new air combo system allows your character to deliver devastating blows without spending any meter. Mortal Kombat 1 introduces new features and removes others, setting it apart from Mortal Kombat 11. It's the same beloved title but with so much oomph. 

2. Tekken 7

Tekken 7 is a great fighting game on Xbox S and X that checks all the boxes. It's a game that is quite generous in terms of its features. You get a boatload of character customization options, which eventually proves to be the most rewarding bit of all. 

The game picks up the pieces for Tekken 6 as Bandai Namco's seventh entry into the series. It still packs a tight punch, which has shot the franchise to its glory. The easy-to-learn but hard-to-master button-mashing technique keeps you returning for more. Over time, you'll realize there are over 100 combos and move to unearth.

Beyond this, Tekken 7 subtly adds strategy to its gameplay. While some attacks may deliver instant gratification, they don't get the work done. In most cases, you decide between slamming your opponent against the wall. A long combo will do the trick, but a short one will deliver more damage. Additionally, the Rage system lets you unlock the beats within. Once your health meter flashes red, it activates the rage system. This means that you are the ultimate killing machine for the next few seconds, landing excruciating blows with higher damage outputs. And this is only a scratch on the surface. You must experience the game to get a feel for the intense thrill.

1. Street Fighter 6

And the undisputed champ of the ring is none other than Capcom's fighting game, Street Fighter 6. The franchise might have had a false start, but the latest entry goes above and beyond to deliver a tight punch. The game comes packed with a full roster of 18 characters and insane modes that let you battle it out with other street fighters. It draws parallels to the Yakuza series, where players are free to explore a town and level up their characters.

However, the outstanding feature of the game is the one-on-one fights. The mode is welcoming to newbies thanks to the new simplified controls. For veterans of the game, the traditional six-button system is still available. 

Beyond this, the game's online component works pretty well, which puts other online lobbies to shame. The Drive system heightens the gameplay, granting every character five special moves. Ideally, it's tradition for games in the series to feature new systems. Street Fighter 3 debuted with parries. SF 4 features focus attacks, and SF 5 has the V system. The latest iteration mechanics are simply the best, and I can't wait to see what Capcom will unveil for its next entry. 

And there you have it, the five best fighting games on Xbox Series X|S. Do you agree with our list? Are there any more fighting games we should know about? Let us know in the comments or on our socials here.