The 18 best fighting games like Mortal Kombat to play on PC in 2025

Games like Mortal Kombat 1 are highly popular, especially during parties and family gatherings. They can be fun for everyone, from casual players and total beginners to frame data analyzing pros. Throughout the years, brawling games have been most popular on arcade machines and consoles.

However, you can get the best fighting games on PC just as easily nowadays. Finding people to play them with might be a tougher task. Regardless, most of the titles on this list have decent online PvP, which can solve this problem. Whether you use a controller, an arcade fighting stick, or your keyboard, you can choose from various titles.

What are the best fighting games on PC in 2025?

With such a rich selection on the market, picking the perfect title is a challenging task. We’ve compiled a top list to save you from the hassle of looking for games like MK 1 that suit your taste. Take a look and see if there’s anything that sparks your interest.

Tekken 8

The king is back! Tekken 8 certainly didn’t pull any punches, as it was greeted with great reviews – and even more tremendous popularity among gamers. It comes with 32 fighters available at launch (and more coming in future DLCs), amazing stages, and absolutely stunning visuals. What about the combat system, though?

Let’s not beat around the bush; it’s fantastic. With the newly introduced Heat System, this entry definitely places a strong emphasis on an aggressive playstyle, which results in some of the most dynamic fights in the history of the series. On top of that, Tekken 8 is rich with content (both offline and online) and has a comprehensive practice mode for beginners and veterans alike. Without a doubt, it’s among the very best fighting games available on the market. Get ready for the next battle!

Street Fighter 6

Featuring three different control styles to choose from, Street Fighter 6 is one of the most beginner-friendly entries in the whole franchise. In addition to its accessibility, it offers a diverse roster of characters, a compelling single-player story mode, and a Battle Hub that serves as a meeting place for players. The title deserves its spot on the list of the best PC fighting games just for these features alone.

Interestingly, it also supports cross-play, allowing PC gamers to compete with PlayStation users. This may be a huge selling point if you’re looking for kungfu fighting games to play online.

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.

We’ve already covered the latest entries in two heavyweight fighting game franchises, but don’t count out the old challenger—a game that’s still fast, fierce, and can throw a surprising punch. Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is a new edition of the classic, brought back by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, that finally landed on PC in early 2025.

Based on the Ultimate Showdown known from the consoles, R.E.V.O. introduces key upgrades, including improved rollback netcode, gameplay balance adjustments, and higher-quality textures. The rest? It’s a pure classic… just as hardcore fighters have been loving it since 2006.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

The Budokai Tenkaichi-style Dragon Ball game is finally back, once again winning over fans of Akira Toriyama’s series. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero had an incredibly successful debut, earning reviews with ratings that hit over 9000 (okay, okay, the PC average is 83). It’s a treat for those who love 3D fighting games and secretly practice their Kamehamehas when no one’s watching.

The game sticks to the classic combat system familiar from previous Budokai titles, making for truly epic battles featuring fan-favorite characters. And what a roster it is! At launch, it featured over 180 fighters from across various series and films, with more added via DLC.

Guilty Gear Strive

While the Guilty Gear series has always been an excellent fighting game franchise, it unfortunately never reached the glory of games like Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat. However, with the release of Guilty Gear Strive, the publisher Arc System Works managed to strike gold.

Aside from the easy-to-learn, hard-to-master combat, what makes the game truly special are the online PvP option and the rollback netcode, enabling players from opposite sides of the world to have a very stable connection during a match. And for a fighter game with such technical gameplay as Guilty Gear Strive, that is extremely important.

DNF Duel

One of the newest entries on our list, DNF Duel, was released by Arc System Works in June 2022. Based on a beat ’em up role-play action game Dungeon Fighter Online. Even though it’s not considered mainstream among Western audiences, the relatively new 2.5D fighter is a well-received addition to the fighting game genre.

With its simplified inputs, it can be quickly picked up by noobies, but as with every great brawling game, the real fun begins once you dive deeper into the complex mechanics. With 15 base characters available from the start and 1 additional fighter to unlock, you are bound to have a great time. 

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV

Just like the previous entries in the series, The King of Fighters XV is based around a combat system in which players take control of teams consisting of 3 warriors. Taking cues from the best fighting games on the market, the developers tried making it easier for new players to enter the world of KoF. That’s why the Shatter Strike move was introduced, which can counter any attack.

Fans of the King of Fighters series will be glad to hear that they can still use a lot of the skills they learned playing previous entries. With a robust online training mode, enabling players to learn from one another, getting to know how to perform the more advanced moves should be more fun than ever.

Injustice 2 (included with Game Pass)

It should come as no surprise that Injustice 2 is one of the greatest games similar to Mortal Kombat. After all, it was developed by NetherRealm, the creators of the recent titles starring Scropion & co. The studio took characters known from the DC Comics universe and threw them inside a world run by an evil version of Superman.

Apart from excellent combat, you can expect a cinematic story mode, lots of challenges to complete, and a gear system that will let you customize the fighters’ stats and appearance. Injustice 2 is so good that it transcends the genre and is widely considered one of the best superhero games.

If you’d like to play Injustice 2, remember that it’s included in Xbox Game Pass, which means that subscribers can kick Superman’s butt at no extra cost. To start your membership, check out the offers below.

Dead or Alive 5: Last Round

With the Core Fighters version of Dead or Alive 5: Last Round being free, this title might just be the best place to start your journey into the world of fighting titles. While not as fast and frenetic as some other productions on this list, this 3D fighter can be the ideal way to dip your toes into this extensive genre.

If you wish, you can always upgrade it to the full version, which will unlock access to all the characters, music, and story modes. Why not give it a shot and see if this more accessible kungfu fighting game is up your alley?

BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Extend

One way to distinguish itself from other brawling titles on the market is to provide an intriguing roster of characters. And the 2D fighter BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Extend does just that! Among the characters, you can find hulking behemoths, androids with the ability to shapeshift, vampire girls, and more.

What’s more, each warrior has a special Drive skill that players need to master if they want to be successful. It’s worth taking a closer look at what each character has to offer to be able to choose the one that suits your playstyle the most. Being another game from Arc System Works, BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Extend does not disappoint.

Killer Instinct: Anniversary Edition (included with Game Pass)

Killer Instinct might be the best choice on this list for gamers wanting to sharpen their brawling skills properly. Here, you can find a robust Dojo mode that will teach you not only about the ins and outs of the game but also about the intricacies of the entire genre.

With lots of great content for gamers who prefer to play offline and a genuinely great netcode that makes online play extremely smooth, Killer Instinct is a fantastic way of spending hours upon hours of combo-chaining fun. It’s not a bad way to jump into the world of combats!

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 has quite a lot going for it. The list of beloved characters like Spider-Man, Wolverine, Chun-Li, Jill Valentine, and others could be enough to make this title a huge hit. But besides that, it’s the combat mechanics that make it one of the best fighting games on PC.

At the core of the experience are 3v3 battles, which may look chaotic. In reality, combos, special attacks, tags, and assist moves look precise. This exciting, action-packed gameplay makes you feel as if you’re playing an old-school arcade. Mix and match your team, and prepare for some crossover fun!

Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection

If you’re down for a trip down memory lane or just want to have a taste of classic and arguably the best 2D fighting games, look no further than the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection. The beefy package includes 12 classic games from Capcom’s legendary franchise.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of titles in this collection, so we have a little tip for all of you. The best places to start getting familiar with this bundle and the history of the SF franchise would surely be Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo and Street Fighter 3: Third Strike. You can’t go wrong with these iconic installments!

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

Arc System Works knows how to make awesome brawling titles. Among the ones previously mentioned, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is yet another solid pick from the list of good fighting games on PC. If you’re obsessed with the Persona RPG series, this might just be the biggest selling point for you.

Apart from a complex combat system, the game offers a gripping story mode that is split into two campaigns and told in the form of a visual novel. A real treat for the fans of this legendary franchise!

Skullgirls 2nd Encore

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned brawler, Skullgirls 2nd Encore will be a good fit for you. With its vibrant cast of characters, stunning comic-like graphics, and fast-paced gameplay, it’s sure to captivate anyone who decides to try it.

It offers a variety of modes, from an engaging single-player campaign to thrilling one-on-one matches. The upbeat soundtrack only enhances the experience, making you sway to its rhythm. Whatever your skill level, it guarantees a satisfying, combat-packed adventure. It’s certainly among the best 2D fighting games.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4

As one of the previously mentioned games like Mortal Kombat, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4 will also immerse you into the universe of the long-running anime and manga series. This entry concludes the story of Naruto and his comrades as they participate in the conflict that will determine the fate of their world.

Besides the protagonist, you have the opportunity to play other fan-favorite characters, such as Sasuke, Sai, Hinata, and Gaara. Moreover, the game boasts impressive anime-style graphics and realistic cloth destruction during intense battles.

MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics

Capcom often reaches into the depths of its classic catalog, which is why, despite the lack of new installments in this crossover fighting series, fans were treated to a sizable collection of arcade games in 2024. It’s time to see the X-Men face off against the Street Fighter characters.

The MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics packs seven games, originally released in the last decade of the 20th century. All feature co-op and online play, along with options to help newcomers master the nuances of their systems. Plus, the collection runs great on Steam Deck.

Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising

Arc System Works is well-known for their top-class fighters, and here’s yet another one, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. It’s based on a popular Japanese franchise that started with a mobile RPG title. Is it fun as a standalone title? Absolutely! Versus: Rising offers a great combat system with a fun roster of playable characters.

What’s more, this 2.5D fighter with anime aesthetics has a really enjoyable, RPG-inspired story mode with rich lore. Fans of online duels should also be happy, as the netcode is pretty impressive. Overall, it’s a step up from the previous installment in the series and one of the best games like Mortal Kombat, though it could use more fresh content.

If you want to test this title without charge, rejoice, as you can simply download Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Free Edition! It offers less content than the standard version of the game, but it’s a neat way to check out whether it’s worth paying for the full release.

Upcoming fighting games

Now that you’ve seen the best PC fighting games, it’s time to take a look at what the future holds for the genre. Without further ado, here are some of the most promising upcoming releases!

Half Sword

This won’t be your typical Mortal Kombat-style fighter. Half Sword, arriving sometime in 2025, will focus on physics-based combat between medieval knights. The developers promise a diverse arsenal of historically accurate weapons and armor, with bloody battles where limbs flying off aren’t exactly uncommon.

Falling Limbs

This platform fighter might get your attention with its distinct visual style, but chances are, you’ll stick around for the brutal combat. That is, once it finally launches, because Falling Limbs is still “coming soon.” Fans of samurai showdowns will be able to wield just about anything, from katanas to bows, all in intense twin-stick life-or-death duels.

That concludes our list of the top fighting games on PC. Do you enjoy this genre? What’s your all-time favorite? Don’t forget to let us know in the comments section below.