by Fighting games are some of the most exciting, rewarding, and complex games out there. The genres vary enough for anyone to become a master brawler – from Street Fighter to Tekken, there’s a fighting game for every type of player. Thanks to the PlayStation Plus Games Catalog and Classics Catalog*, it’s easier than ever to find a title you resonate with. Whether you want to try classic 2D, 3D, anime, arena, or an offshoot of the genre, it’s all there.
With PlayStation Plus, not only do you get access to dozens of fighting games, but you can also take them online to test your skills against players from around the world. Here are some of the best fighting games you can play right now on PlayStation Plus.
ultra street fighter IV
No fighting game series is as iconic as Capcom’s Street Fighter series. While Street Fighter II ushered in the genre’s golden age, Street Fighter IV was instrumental in its resurgence in the late 2000s. It brings back mainstream and niche characters from the past, giving players more options than ever when it comes to of battles.
With Ultra Street Fighter IV in particular, there are additional mechanics like the Red Focus Attack, the ability to select a dual Ultra combo, and more costumes than ever before. It’s a great place for newcomers to get used to the moderate pace of the series, especially for those interested in playing the upcoming Street Fighter 6.
Available with PlayStation Plus Premium
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Bandai Namco’s Dragon Ball FighterZ gave the series one of its most elaborate fighting game spin-offs to date. Dominate the multiverse and assemble a team of three Dragon Ball characters of your choice. Each fighter has three unique assist attacks to help the character you’re currently controlling to further damage your opponents.
Dragon Ball FighterZ also has an extensive story mode in which Goku and the Z-Fighters face off against some of their greatest enemies yet again. With great character interactions, like the uneasy alliance between Cell and Gohan, and tons of animations faithful to the anime, Dragon Ball FighterZ is a fighter worthy of any Dragon Ball fan.
Available with PlayStation Plus Extra, PlayStation Plus Premium
Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition
Injustice: Gods Among Us takes the best of DC Comics’ brave and courageous and pits them against each other. Developer NetherRealm Studios takes the bones of Mortal Kombat and adds new features – like interactive objects, transitioning environments and more dynamic movement options – to make you feel like a real superhero or villain.
Each character has a special ability to amplify their unique superpowers that you can use in battle at the touch of a button. There is also a health gamble mechanic where characters bump and toy with each other. Throw Batarangs, launch enemies into a giant Captain Atom or face your enemies in the Fortress of Solitude in one of the most definitive brawler experiences. Just watch out for the flying pigs.
Available with PlayStation Plus Premium
EX fighting layer
If you’re a fan of classic fighting games from the original PlayStation era, Arika’s Fighting EX Layer is a must-play. This spiritual successor to the cult Street Fighter EX series feels like a blast from the past. Like games from that retro era, it starts out simple, but after a while of play, the depth reveals itself.
Fighting EX Layer’s signature feature is the Gougi System, which adds passive abilities to characters when battle requirements are met. With 13 layers available to attach to each character, there are many different ways to play with everyone. Do you want to add an extra layer to your mixes? Then use Shinobi Gougi to unlock invisible traits. Or maybe you’re a fan of Infinity Gougi, which lets you cancel blockstun with supers and passively builds a super meter, giving you more chances for big damage. This fighter is all about choice and giving you the freedom to strategize according to the battle.
Available with PlayStation Plus Extra, PlayStation Plus Premium
Touhou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you mix fighting game battles with the fast-paced shooting action of bullet hell games? Touhou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet by NIS answers this question spectacularly. Imagine taking your favorite shoot-’em-up and making it a confined versus arena experience and you get the gist of things.
You and another player control bullet hell bosses, unleashing devastating attacks on each other while trying to dodge hundreds of projectiles. And if you’re a Touhou fan, there’s a story mode where you can learn more about the series’ most popular characters, including Reimu and Marisa.
Available with PlayStation Plus Extra, PlayStation Plus Premium
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid by nWay is a Super Sentai fan’s dream fighting game. Not only can you choose from a multitude of different Power Rangers heroes and villains, but you can also select up to three and play as a team, complete with assist attacks and active maneuvers. Unleash chaos against your opponents by summoning a giant robot Megazord as a last-ditch tactic. If you venture into this one, be prepared to practice long combos and hone your skills.
Available with PlayStation Plus Extra, PlayStation Plus Premium
Mortal Kombat 11
NetherRealm Studio’s Mortal Kombat franchise makes yet another big comeback with Mortal Kombat 11. This entry acts as a direct sequel to Mortal Kombat X and changes the formula yet again. Fighting shifts to a slower, more grounded style, focused on neutral combat and equal advantage over speed. Defense has been updated to add more options like awakening attacks and an armored combo escape.
Along with the major fight changes comes another exciting story mode and more character customization similar to Injustice 2. There’s even an updated Krypt mode that resembles an open-world bonus room that players traverse as they learn about the world. of Mortal Kombat and its development behind the scenes.
Available with PlayStation Plus Extra, PlayStation Plus Premium
Dead or Alive 5: Last Round
The Dead or Alive series is one of the most over-the-top 3D fighting games on the market. Flashy extended combos and stage interactions – where characters are launched into explosions, electrical barriers and buildings – are a big part of this. But that’s not all Dead or Alive has to offer. While simple to understand, the title’s depth starts to open up when the mind games of its Triangle counter system become apparent in battle, but it never overshadows the fun factor. If you’re looking for spectacle and simple yet complex fighting, this game by Koei Tecmo is for you.
Available with PlayStation Plus Extra, PlayStation Plus Premium
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Venture into the past of famed fighting game developer SNK – known for the King of Fighters and Metal Slug series – with Garou: Mark of the Wolves. This highly skilled fighter is one of the best out there and well worth the effort it takes to master him. The beautiful 2D sprites on display are also a treat for the eyes, featuring incredibly detailed animations for their colorful roster, which includes the iconic Terry Bogard, Rock Howard, Puss, B. Jenet, and more. With so many characters of varying styles and difficulties, Garou is a must for any fan of retro fighting games or classic SNK titles.
Available with PlayStation Plus Premium
The Last Blade 2
Yet another classic from SNK’s extensive archive of 90s fighting games. The Last Blade 2 is a gun-based brawler that blends slow, methodical gameplay with high-octane combat. While the game is slower at first glance, the intensity, quick reflexes, and combo skills required become evident when locked in the heat of battle.
Available with PlayStation Plus Premium
Tekken 7
Tekken 7 builds on Bandai Namco’s iconic 3D fighter with beautiful graphics and even more complex mechanics. Each character can now perform Rage Art and Rage Drive attacks, making offensive play more exciting (and allowing for comebacks if you’re taking a beating). And with the return of transition stages, there’s more of a need to hone your combos than ever before. There’s also a story mode to explore and tons of guest characters from other franchises to play as, like Geese Howard from The King of Fighters and Noctis from Final Fantasy XV. Be ready to jump out of your chair when you witness your first slow-motion submission.
Available with PlayStation Plus Extra, PlayStation Plus Premium
What are your favorite fighting games available on PlayStation Plus?
*Game Catalog titles available with PlayStation Plus Extra and PlayStation Premium subscriptions. PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog titles available with PlayStation Plus Premium subscriptions. Titles and availability subject to change without notice.
