Hey there fellow pugilists! For a site that has been around a decent amount of time, XboxEra has one glaring omission: Lack of a dedicated Fighting Game thread. So, whether you’re part of the FGC or a Filthy Casual™, this is the spot for you.
Since this is the land of Xbox, let’s start with the FGs available in the ecosystem:
Now this game (probably) doesn’t need an introduction. The only Xbox Exclusive FG, KI is a free to play title (meaning you don’t even need Gold to play online) with a single free character to use that rotates every week. If you want everything, though, you can purchase the complete edition or play it on Game Pass. One of the best FGs from the previous gen.
The King is back! After a 7 year hiatus, Street Fighter is back on Xbox . Sporting an eclectic cast, 2 control schemes, a fully open world adventure mode, and complete cross-play between Xbox, PS, & PC, SF is looking to take its crown back.
Mortal Kombat has a large presence on Xbox. Mortal Kombat (2011) & MKvsDC Universe are both playable via Backwards Compatibility on the One & Series consoles. Although, you need the disk to play both. The 8th gen offerings, MKX & MK11 are also both on Xbox - With MK11 on Game Pass. MK11 also has cross play with PS systems through Kasual Matches.
Ready for a reboot… Or the reboot… of a reboot? Mortal Kombat 1 (not a remake of the original) is here! The next kontinuation of the franchise introduces the new “Kameo” system where you choose a second fighter as an assist. Armed with faster paced kombat and the return of Air Kombat, MK1 certainly intends to make its mark. But, be warned, it is not available for the One and only for the Series systems.
The best Netherrealm Fighter, IJ2 is available on Game Pass (like MK11). But it is the standard edition. If you want all of the DLC characters, I suggest you purchase the Legendary Edition.
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid is a 3 vs 3 fighting game with it’s roots in the Capcom Versus series. Utilizing simple inputs for special moves, it is the perfect FG for those prefer to fight their opponent and not their controller.
The latest entry in the longtime 3D FG franchise, Tekken 8 is the current go to game for those with an itch for side stepping. With new gameplay editions like the Heat System along with new story mode, this is the series in top form.
Both Dead or Alive 5 & 6 have FtP versions playable on Xbox. But, you are going to have to buy the games (and their ludicrously large pools of DLC) if you want everything.
If want an actual good 3D FG to play (
) Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown is available through Backwards Compatibility on Xbox. Give this gem of a game a try if you haven’t already.
DBFZ is a 3v3 FG heavily inspired by MvC. Like (almost) every game on the list, it is available on Game Pass.
The perennial tag-team franchise has returned to Xbox. After skipping the platform with XIV, SNK’s 3v3 fighter is back with the same high-octane gameplay the series is infamous for. This is an entry you don’t want to miss!
Last but certainly not least - Making big waves in the FGC, Guilty Gear Strive is probably the best ‘anime’ FG around. This rockin’ Fighter is available on Gamepass and has cross-play to boot.
Coming April 24, 2025, City of the Wolves will mark the first entry in the Fatal Fury franchise in 26 years. With a mixture of returning alumni and new faces, and the new Rev System, it hopes to make a big splash next year.
Wipes Brow Ok, those are the most major FGs on Xbox. Time to talk about…
. Available only on the Switch, Ultimate is the culmination of years of work on the Smash Bros. franchise.
. Time to talk games!
. I’m just waiting on a discount, sadly wasn’t in the Holiday sale. I hear the game is more or less dead on all platforms (cross-play is needed…) but I think I’m fine with that, would like to fight the CPU rather than get my ass whooped online 
.
) but I am glad KoF is back on Xbox.