The Fighting genre is one of the most brutal for newcomers, with each title demanding knowledge that only comes with getting whooped by stronger opponents. Fighting games can be sobering, as you can only blame yourself for a loss.
The games in this list aren’t going to change that fact, but they all offer attractive elements for beginners. Whether you want to hop in for some casual offline matches or take your first step into competitive fighting games, here are some fantastic titles to do it with.
I could have added a few retro fighting games to the list, but I firmly believe a thriving player base can help with learning how to play. Outside a few exceptions, you can hop onto any game on this list and fight a real opponent, even if they kick your butt.
8Footsies: Roll Back Edition
No Nonsense
Footsies: Roll Back Editionis easilythe most unique game on this list, and even Evo competitors have praised it. It’s a compact experience with simple graphics, but if it’s good enough for the pros, it’s good enough for you.
If you’ve never heard of the term, “Footsies” is a blanket name formid-range combatwhere each player is safe from threats like Special Moves.Footsies: Roll Back Editionis a mechanically simple fighting gamefocused on fundamentalslike Footsies and Whiff punishment.
There are no extensive move lists to remember. The entire game is aboutoutsmarting your opponentwith limited tools and is frighteningly addictive.
I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s a training aid for other fighting games, but itintroduces conceptsprevalent across the genre.
7GranBlue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Who Doesn’t Like A Free Game?
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
If you’re dipping your toes into fighting games for the first time, you may have never heard ofGranBlue Fantasy Versus: Rising. All I will say isyou’re missing out.
GranBlueis an anime fighter, complete with gorgeous visuals and acharismatic original cast.
One of the best parts about the title is there’s a"Free" editionwith a limited roster thatperiodically rotates. Naturally, you’ll probably want the entire selection if you want to take GranBlue Fantasy Versus more seriously, but it’s an excellent foothold for newcomers.
If you don’t want to play online, GranBlue has asurprisingly rich single-player offering. The store page calls it an RPG, which is a real stretch, in my opinion. Regardless, there’s a wealth of content to enjoy without ever stepping into PvP.
6Dragon Ball Fighter Z
Easy To Learn, Hard To Master
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball Fighter Zis agorgeous fighting gamewith visuals that wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of the iconic show. It’s also perfect if you’re looking for something to playafter Sparking! Zero.
Many games in this 2D style are ludicrously complex, and while that can be true in DBFZ, it’s farmore accessible than most titlesin the genre. Combo lines are mechanically simple, and you can achieve great results with some practice.
One trap I see many beginners fall into is forcing themselves to like a character because they are “easy” to play. With aniconic rosterlike DBZ, you can comfortably grow with your favorites.
The only real downside to picking upDBFZis its age. It’s a superb fighting game, but you’re a minnow surrounded by sharks online.
5Guilty Gear Strive
A Superb Anime Fighter
Guilty Gear -Strive-
The modernGuilty Geargames are known forfleshed-out tutorials, andStriveis no exception.
Guilty Gear Striveis a popular anime fighter with an iconic cast andretina-burning special moves. Anime fighters are known to be extraordinarily difficult for newcomers, but Strive does its best to make the adjustment period bearable.
Combos, in particular, are often easier to pull off than in games likeStreet Fighter, thanks to morestraightforward inputs and lenient timing.
Naturally, this isn’t true if you’re playing “optimally,” but beginners can still enjoy the thrill of juggling opponents into oblivion.
I can’t sugarcoat it. You will get soundly thrashed when you head online for the first time, but if you want to get stuck into an anime fighter, this is one of the best.
12 Best Anime Fighting Games
Anime fighting games have been around for ages, but not all are worth your time. Here are the best anime fighting games out there.
Hear Me Out With This One
Tekkenis known for its complexity, and anyone who tries to downplay it is dishonest. I’ve playedTekkenfor thousands of hours and still get slammed when I don’t know the matchup. It’s also one ofthe best multiplayer games of 2024, according to the team at Dualshockers.
Despite the learning curve,Tekken 8is themost accessible the series has ever been. The practice mode has extensive training tools, with each character’s “key” moves explained at the top of the command list. If you have a buddy who plays, you can evenpractice in the training mode together.
The tools are intuitive and fleshed out so much that they provide value at all levels of play. Online is a stomping ground, but the story mode is fun for newcomers, as is theArcade Quest mode.
If you’re ready to sit down and properly learn a fighting game,Tekken 8is a great place to do it.Take your losses on the chin, swat up with community resources, and your patience will be rewarded.
3Soul Calibur 6
Another Great Namco Franchise
Key Information
Project Soul
PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Release Date
October 2018
TheSoul Caliburseriesfeels a little neglectedby Namco these days, but it remains a superb 3D fighter.
Soul Calibur 6is the latest game in the franchise, offeringstylish weaponized combatand an iconic roster of fighters. I’ve already sungTekken 8’s praises, but if the learning curve sounds too steep, much ofSC6is far more palatable.
Combos are notably shorterfor most characters, and while you’ll have to learn some unique mechanics, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. There’s a fun story mode andplenty of single-player activities.
The only downside toSC6is its age and lack of player base. I’d argue it’s not the best choice if you want to throw down online, as the only players who are left know the game inside out.
2Mortal Kombat 1
Gory And Great For Newbies
Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1is often described asthe “casual” fightinggame among the big three, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Netherrealm Studios has taken great care to make the beginner experience as comfortable as possible. There areextensive training tools, and while the title is more complicated thanMK11, it’s not overwhelming.
The Kameo system will take time to get used to, as you mustbring support fighters into battle. That said, you’ll be fine if you don’t try to learn everything at once, and it’s a great mechanic for extending combos.
Beyond the online space,MK1has acinematic campaignfor offline warriors to immerse themselves in the story. It does an excellent job of introducing the characters and may even help you pick a main.
1Street Fighter 6
All Skill Levels Welcome
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6is asuperb entry in the franchisefor beginners and pros alike. Capcom put in a ton of effort to make this punishing genre more approachable and succeeded on all counts. It also boasts some of thebest accessibility featuresin the industry.
First, let’s talk about the controls.Street Fighterisknown for fiddly inputsif you want to execute combos.Street Fighter 6introduces “Modern” controls, almost entirelyremoving the execution barrier. You still need to learn how to approach situations, but if you can’t accurately mash out a double QCF, it’s not a problem.
Training options are exemplary, but the best part for a beginner has to be the World Tour mode.World Tour tells a unique storywhere you create a custom character and learn from “masters” across the globe.
It’s a phenomenal way to introduce iconic fighters and demonstrate their moves and styles.SF6takes the beginner experience to the next level, with enough meat on the bone to satisfy the most rabid hardcore players.
10 Best Fighting Games For Under $5
Once you’ve completed Tekken 8, you’ll need to take these 10 fighting games for a round or two - and they’re all available to buy for under $5.
