Fighting games are some of the most popular types of games, and this is definitely true on Xbox. The Xbox Game Pass gives you access to a whole plethora of games for a small monthly subscription.
Although there are some smashing fighting games on Xbox Game Pass, there isn’t a dedicated category that can make them difficult to find. Luckily, we have compiled of list of the best 10 fighter games on the Game Pass right now. Whether you prefer a realistic style of gameplay or something completely fantastical, there is a game for you to immerse yourself in and become an ultimate fighter (in whatever guise that may be!)
Mortal Kombat 11
- Audience: Mature
- Release date: Nov 17, 2020
One of the oldest games around, Mortal Kombat is always going to feature on any list of the best fighting games. Beginning life as an arcade game in 1992, Mortal Kombat 11 still embodies the classic brutal combat gameplay that has made the franchise so popular.
This installment carries on the battle between the Earthrealm and Outworld. This simple fight between good and evil now uses elements of time travel, which allows the developers to bring back some old favorite characters into the gameplay. This game isn’t reinventing the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It does what it has always done, and that’s to be a brutal, fast-paced fighting game.
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle
- Audience: T
- Release date: Jun 5, 2018
BlazBlue is another game that began life as an arcade game, but this time it was in Japan. Relatively new to the scene, it was only created in 2008 but has been a firm favorite ever since. In this game, you form a team of fighters and then take turns battling other teams. You are able to tag in different players, which helps keep the game thrilling and fast-paced.
Injustice 2
- Audience: T
- Release date: Mar 30, 2018
Fighter games set within a comic series are not scarce in the gaming world. However, Injustice 2 is generally considered the best on the Xbox Game Pass. The storyline follows Brainiac’s quest to take over Earth, and Batman’s efforts to defeat him and his evil plan.
If you are a fan of DC Comics and their films, this is the game for you as it features a lot of familiar villains and heroes.
UFC4
- Audience: T
- Release date: Aug 14, 2020
This game is not what you consider a ‘fighter game’ in the traditional sense, but hear us out! UFC 4 may predominantly be a sports game, but the whole gameplay is fighting. Unlike most other games on this list, UFC 4 is based entirely on the recognizable world of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Champion.)
One of the best features of this game is the ‘career mode’ which allows you to train and fight as your character in various fights in a bid to be crowned the ultimate fighter.
Guilty Gear Strive
- Audience:
- Release date:
Touted as the final chapter in the 20-year-long Guilty Gear saga, Strive is a great choice if you are looking for a visually pleasing fighting game. Another game coming from Japan, this isn’t a particularly easy game to pick up. The story is somewhat complicated, with 20 years of storylines under its belt. Each player has their own unique abilities that can be drawn upon during battle.
The play here is more technical than some of the other games on this list. However, once you have mastered it and understood what is going on, you are rewarded with a beautiful game with excellent gameplay.
Fight Night Champion
- Audience: T
- Release date: Jun 11, 2021
Fight Night Champion is another sports game that is probably more recognizable. Set within the noble world of boxing, this game has continued to retain popularity since its release over a decade ago. As the game hasn’t been updated, some of the players you are up against up pretty dated, but that doesn’t take away from the game’s enjoyment. During matches, the fighters suffer very visible damage which makes the game that much more realistic. Think swollen eyes and streaming blood, not for the faint-hearted!
A great feature of Fight Night Champion is the ‘Legacy mode.’ Here, you choose and train a boxer of your creation, then put them against boxing giants of the past, such as Muhammed Ali and Mike Tyson among others.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
- Audience: E
- Release date: June 10, 2022
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are probably nothing new to you, and this game definitely capitalizes on that familiarity associated with the franchise. This game is based on the original 1987 TV show, and the commitment to nostalgia is so strong that the original voice actors have even been used!
This game is incredibly simple, with the main aim to simply beat up the bad guys on a rolling basis to complete each level. Despite being oh-so-very simple, Shredder’s Revenge received great reviews and sales, proving that sometimes simple is better.
Sea of Stars
- Audience: T
- Release date: Aug 29, 2023
Sea of Stars is the new kid on the block, released only last year. However, when you play this game is easy to forget this is a new game and now something from a bygone era, reminiscent of the old Super Mario RPG and Super Nintendo Games.
This game follows two heroes, Valere and Zale, who use the power of the sun and moon to defeat their evil foes. This game features combat but also elements of problem-solving and exploration. There is nothing particularly sophisticated here but that’s to its credit, making it just a good, simple, and fun game.
Battletoads
- Audience: E
- Release date: Unknown
Not all games have to depict realistic fighting scenes, and Battletoads definitely refuses to do this. The original Battletoads was released in 1991 and it was a simple side-scrolling game where you had to beat up opponents and avoid obstacles. The rebooted game continues with this simple style of play, with only a few minor tweaks. The cartoons are hand-drawn, making it a nostalgic and whimsical game compared to some of the others on this list.
For Honor: Marching Fire Edition
- Audience: Mature
- Release date: Oct 16, 2018
In the world of gaming, futuristic worlds are the norm. You may come across some nostalgic imaginings of the 1980s and 1990s, but it’s rare to find many games set farther back in history. For Honor looks back, and then back again. All the way back in fact to a fantastical Medieval era. You can choose to play as a character for one of the five groups, which includes Knights, Samurai, and Vikings, or even as a pirate!
You then take part in battles with other characters and can use your character’s unique skills and weapons in a bid to emerge the victor. One great feature of this game is it lets you play with and battle against your friends in multiplayer mode.
Xbox Game Pass is superb value for money for anyone who likes to try different games and explore what is on offer. If you fancy turning your hand at some virtual combat, play any of these games today for a dose of thrilling fun.
