Technicisms and accessibility, fun and competition, respect for the past, and the ability to innovate. There are many elements to balance in order to create the perfect blend for a fighting game, one of the most long-lived and rewarding genres in the world of video games.

Some of the longest-running series in history continue to shine and new stars are born under the eyes of one of the most demanding yet most affectionate communities ever. Because of that, ranking the best available titles on PlayStation 5 without leaving behind some of the best-loved franchises or disappointing some genre fans is a difficult task indeed. The best of the best fighters boast refined gameplay and unique mechanics, not to mention great depth, personality, and solid balancing.

10/10 MultiVersus

Multiversus cover Batman Shaggy Cartoon Network stars and Looney Tunes

The real competitor of Super Smash Bros: Ultimate. MultiVersus is an arena brawler that offers instantly fun gameplay for all ages, but purists could turn up their noses at its relatively simple core mechanics and lack of the typical depth of the genre. The roster offers a huge range of characters from among the most famous Warner Bros. IPs.

The game includes, among many others, the DC Universe superheroes, the Looney Tunes, and the iconic Cartoon Network stars. MultiVersus allows you to create matches that are bizarre as well as exciting. The playerbase has quickly reached exorbitant numbers, and lots of new characters will be added over time. It may not be a fighter to take super seriously, but it's a silly blast.

9/10 Samurai Shodown

Samurai Shodown 2019 Haohmaru Cover

Almost thirty years after its first, original release, the historic SNK CORPORATION franchise is back in style. In a world dominated by endless combos and high-octane gameplay, Samurai Shodown pulls the handbrake, bringing slow-paced, skill-based matches.

Patience and strategy are crucial, as any blow can be lethal. Every clash feels rewarding, and conveys the spirit of a sword fight. However, a poorly optimized netcode and lacking content at launch hold this potentially great title back somewhat. The upcoming rollback net update ensures that Haohmaru and the rest of the cast have a bright future, however.

8/10 Mortal Kombat 11

Mortal Kombat 11 Scorpion Cover Art

NetherRealms Studios managed to set new standards for fighting games' single player offerings, which have never been a strong point of these titles. With Mortal Kombat 11, the cinematic nature of the plot reached its greatest heights yet.

The gameplay may be considered a little 'clunkier' by some, in comparison to other fighters, and its grim and gory nature isn't a hit with everyone. Despite that, this title is great fun and more bombastic and over the top than any other Mortal Kombat game. It has also been significantly expanded by Aftermath, a DLC that expands the story mode and sees the return of historical characters such as Sheeva and Fujin (plus the debut of extraordinary kombatants like Robocop).

7/10 King Of Fighters XV

King of Fighters XV Cover Roster Kyo Iori Ash

The latest iteration of the long-lasting SNK series released in 2022 marks a great return of the saga. The iconic team-based battle system is back and is better than ever.

King Of Fighters XV picks up and refines the Rush mechanic introduced in the previous chapter, and also enriches the combat system with some new features. The Max Mode and the Shatter Strike make every fight even more exciting and spectacular. The online multiplayer overshadows the lack of single-player content, thanks to the rollback netcode and a good number of game options and modes.

6/10 Street Fighter V

Street Fighter V Champion Edition Cover Ryu Chun Li

One of the most controversial episodes of this historic Capcom franchise, Street Fighter V has recently reached an incredible milestone: it became the best-selling title in the series (per WCCF Tech), relegating the legendary Street Fighter 2 to second place.

After a rather lukewarm launch, Street Fighter V has been able to get back on its feet, reverting what appeared to be a dangerous knockout for the entire series. The Definitive Update, six years after the game's original release, finishes Street Fighter V's path of season-by-season redemption. It helped to further refine a title that feels, at last, complete, thrilling, and fun.

5/10 Skullgirls 2nd Encore

Skullgirls 2nd Encore roster cover

Hidden Variable Studios has managed to obtain a place of honor in the upper echelons of fighting games, despite the team's humble origins. Originally launched back in 2013, Skullgirls continues to be updated even today with new content: new characters, scenarios, and palette packs keep the game fresh and fun.

The gameplay feels smooth, nostalgic and balanced, and a fully-dubbed story mode and the GGPO netcode adorn both the offline and online modes of play. Further icing on the cake is provided by the jazz soundtrack made by Michiru Yamane, as well as the sublime and varied Cuphead-esque animation.

4/10 Dragon Ball FighterZ

Dragon Ball FighterZ Goku SSJ Cover

Arc System Works managed to do justice to one of the most iconic anime ever. With its technically stunning and immersive 2.5D graphics, Dragon Ball FighterZ delivers a larger-to-life portrait of all the epic clashes and special moves that came out of Akira Toriyama’s pencil.

Moreover, the gameplay is rock-solid and features spectacular combos and a fast-paced 3v3 structure. Every match is thrilling and ready to deliver you a dramatic finish. The roster is wide and lets you play characters from every significant Dragon Ball story arc. A slightly underwhelming story mode does dull the title's shine a little bit, however.

3/10 Tekken 7

Heihachi Akuma Tekken 7 Cover Art

The latest chapter of the legendary franchise that was born on the PlayStation 1, Tekken 7 worthily concludes the Mishima saga. The titles manages that most difficult of feats, pleasing both the purists and newcomers. The gameplay does not betray its roots, and new mechanics such as Rage Art, Rage Drive, and Power Crush make fights even more technical and flashy without compromising the balance of the game.

The game boasts a remarkable roster of characters, considerable customization possibilities, and solid online modes. It is perhaps the best 3D fighting game available on current gen.

2/10 Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection

Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection Cover Ryu Chun Li Bison Sagat

The Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection package includes a great piece of the history of the franchise and embodies the childhood of so many fans. It is not only an exercise in nostalgia, but, much more importantly, a collection of some of the best 2D fighting games ever made.

The offline experience is like having an arcade accessible from the comfort of your couch. Being able to get your hands on titles like the unforgettable Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike or Street Fighter Alpha 3 is a must for both veterans and "new challengers." Sadly, a poor netcode prevents this collection from getting the gold, but there's no denying the pedigree of these titles. Fighting game fans will have a blast with this one.

1/10 Guilty Gear -Strive-

Sol Badguy Guilty Gear Strive Cover

Arc System Works's masterpiece. The studio has surpassed the tight and technical experience that was refined over the previous chapters of the series. Guilty Gear -Strive-, refined in every aspect, is simply the best fighting game of the generation.

The combat system is deep but, at the same time, streamlined and fun for newcomers. Each character is unique and well characterized in their gameplay. The game boasts remarkable depth in its mechanics, an excellent rollback netcode, and an electrifying soundtrack from by Daisuke Ishiwatari. Bursting with content, genre fans of all skill levels will find an awful lot to enjoy here.