With memorable characters, over-the-top designs, and great animations, it’s no wonder that Street Fighter is the most recognizable fighting game franchise ou there.
However, there are many other games of the genre that are pretty awesome and have widely different teams.
If you are looking for something that has similar gameplay but a widely different presentation, look no further. Here, we are going to introduce you to 15 awesome 2D fighting games like Street Fighter.
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
Available on Windows, Google Stadia, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
| Genre: | 2D Fighter |
| Developers: | nWay Inc., Animoca Brands |
| Release Date: | March 25, 2019 |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store, My Nintendo Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Rollback |
When Power Rangers Battle for the Grid first arrived, the fighting games community seemed a bit skeptical. It didn’t take long for everybody to realize this is a very good fighting game.
In many ways, this game is reminiscent of Marvel vs Capcom. Players choose teams of three characters for 2D tag team battles.
While a character is fighting, the other two can appear and use a special attack from time to time. If you learn this system well, you can start a combo with one character and finish it with another.
On top of that, your team also chooses a Megazord. When activated, it performs a massive attack against the enemy team that can be used for damage. Megazords are often used as a combo extender by fighting game experts, which only proves that this game has a lot of depth.
The franchise might be a bit silly and you might feel like you’ve outgrown Power Rangers, but Battle for the Grid is an amazingly complex game with easy controls. It’s easy to learn, hard to master, and flashy enough for everyone to have fun when mashing buttons.
Them’s Fightin Herds
Available on Windows, MAC, Linux, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox series X, and Nintendo Switch.
| Genre: | 2D Fighter |
| Developers: | Mane6, Inc. |
| Release Date: | February 22, 2018 |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store, My Nintendo Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Rollback |
Have you ever wondered what My Little Pony would be like as a fighting game? You should probably check, Them’s Fightin’ Herds. This cute 2D fighting game comes from one of the original artists on the My Little Pony team, and it’s a surprisingly in-depth title.
This game has a fast-paced and complex combat system. Many people might see this game and think it’s just meant to be funny, but TFH is so much more than that.
The way these cute animals fight is tactical, brutal, and the skill ceiling is very high. The more effort you put in getting good at this game, the you will learn and the more you will understand its depth.
The game also provides one of the best lobby systems in fighting games and the netplay is awesomely done, which means the developers understand the fighting game community.
If you enjoy games with a Street Fighter vibe but want something more funny and lighthearted, this is the game for you. It’s not the most challenging SF alternative by any means, by it is a spectacle to watch when the combos get going.
Besides, the animations are super entertaining to watch themselves. It’s okay not to take this game seriously. Play TFH for fun and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Virtua Fighter Ultimate Showdown
Available on PS4 and PS5.
| Genre: | 3D Fighter |
| Developers: | Sega AM2, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio |
| Release Date: | June 1, 2021 |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Delay-based |
Virtua Fighter 5:Â Ultimate Showdown is the follow-up to the main Virtua Fighter series. This 3D fighting game has beautiful graphics and intricate gameplay.
When it comes to 3D fighters, I can’t think of any other that gets close to Virtua Fighter’s complexity. This game is surprisingly easy to enjoy when you don’t know how to play, but I can’t remember any fighting game that takes longer to master than Virtua Fighter 5.
Street Fighter is known for its complexity. High level gameplay is based on spacing, whiff punishing, and learning your opponents patterns on top of understanding the match up.
This game keeps the majority of the combat mechanics that the Virtua Fighter series is famous for. There is a button for punching, a button for kicking, and a block button which you can use to guard without having to move.
Although it might sound oversimplified, things get surprisingly difficult as soon as you start learning more about it. This is one of those games that seem easy to play until you start learning it.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore
Available on Windows, MAC, Linux, PS Vita, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox series X, and Nintendo Switch.
| Genre: | 2D Fighter, Anime Fighter, 3v3, Tag Team |
| Developers: | Lab Zero Games, Reverge Labs, Hidden Variable Studios, Hidden Variable Studios, LLC |
| Release Date: | April 10, 2012 |
| Find at: | Playstation Store, My Nintendo Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Rollback |
Skullgirls 2nd Encore is a rework of the initial Skullgirls title. This beloved 2D fighting game has hordes of dedicated fans and it’s easy to see why. The comic-style design, playful soundtrack, and addictive gameplay make it a delight to play.
There are over 17 characters to play as in this game and they all have their own unique design. Each character plays differently and has an individual personality.
You can use up to 3 characters to call for a tag or an assist, which makes performing combos and taking down enemies much easier. Combos are essential in this game and can make all the difference when you’re in a tough fight.
There are also hyper-moves in this game, which you can chain by tagging an ally.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore is a game that’s suitable for both first-time fighting fans or brawler enthusiasts alike. It stands out from other fighting games on the Xbox series X by a mile, and feels right at home on other platforms too.
Pokken Tournament DX
Available on Nintendo Switch and Wii U.
| Genre: | 3D Fighter |
| Developers: | BANDAI NAMCO Studios, BNE Entertainment |
| Release Date: | July 16, 2015 |
| Find at: | My Nintendo Store and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Delay-based |
Pokken Tournament DX is an interesting addition to the Pokemon world, placing you inside an arena fighting experience that makes you feel as if you’re in a real Pokemon battle.
There are 20 playable characters in this game, with a unique set of moves and fighting style to master for each one.
In a battle, you can use up to 2 assist Pokemon alongside your current Pokemon. There is also a rock-paper-scissors mechanic to be aware of, where a grab interrupts a counter, an attack disrupts a grab, and a counter can stop an attack.
Fighting is simple and easy to get to grips with in this game, with an accessible button layout and visual display. It’s decently simple to chain together powerful combos here, too, which can make all the difference in a battle.
If you’re a fan of both Pokemon and Street Fighter, this is a game you simply can’t miss out on. It’s a delight to play and it’s full of iconic characters. What’s not to love?
Samurai Shodown
Available on Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Stadia, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S.
| Genre: | 2D Fighter |
| Developers: | SNK |
| Release Date: | |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store, My Nintendo Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Delay-based |
Samurai Shodown is a fighting game that is known for its methodical gameplay, with a focus on positioning and predicting your opponent’s movements.
Not many fighting games provide a slower gameplay that is heavily based on positioning and whiff punishing your opponent.
Although Street Fighter is based on that, SNK has taken that concept and brought it to a while new level. If you are looking for a slow and methodical game, Samurai Shodown is the game for you.
Instead of focusing on quick movement and fast-paced action, the game is centered around reading your opponent, finding an opening and executing a devastating attack that could almost end the match.
Samurai Shodown is one of the most successful franchises by SNK, and was well received when it was released on PS4 and PS5, becoming one of the company’s most successful titles.
Guilty Gear Strive
Available on Windows, PS4, PS5, and Arcade.
| Genre: | 2D Fighter, Anime Fighter |
| Developers: | Arc System Works |
| Release Date: | June 11, 2021 |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Rollback |
Anime fighters are not typically well-received by traditional fighting game fans. These games are often known for their over-the-top, technical, and combo-heavy gameplay. There’s always a lot of insanity happening on the screen at once, which is not everyone’s cup of tea.
However, this is where the Guilty Gear franchise, developed by Arc System Works, has made a change. With the release of Guilty Gear Strive, the series has taken a small step away from its roots and evolved into something new.
GGS didn’t stop being an anime fighter, but it did change the way it was played to something that feels a bit closer to other fighting games while still being a Guilty Gear game.
As you’d expect from an Arc System Works’ game, Guilty Gear Strive is also a visual masterpiece. It features an evolved version of the cell-shaded graphics and animations seen in Guilty Gear Xrd, and chances are these graphics will never look dated.
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Available on Windows, MAC, Linux, PS Vita, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, IOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch.
| Genre: | 2D Fighter, Classic, Arcade |
| Developers: | SNK |
| Release Date: | November 26, 1999 |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store, Steam |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Rollback |
This wouldn’t be a worthy list of Street Fighter alternatives without including Garou: Mark of the Wolves. This SNK classic is a beautiful 2D fighting game with awesome sprite work and some iconic characters.
It is said that Garou: Mark of the Wolves is SNK’s response to Street Fighter 3. When you look at the game with that in mind, it seems to make a lot of sense.
Much like Street Fighter 3: New Generation did, Garou ditches most characters of the Fatal Fury franchise and brings a new generation of fighters. You have Andy Bogard’s disciple, Geese’s son, Kim’s sons, Ryo’s disciple, and some memorable characters that have no ties with Fatal Fury characters.
On top of that, there is a special effort put in the sprite work of Garou, which is clearly a way to compete with the surprisingly detailed animations seen in Street Fighter 3.
Garou: Mark of the Wolves is a must-play for seasoned fighting game fans and new gamers alike. This title brought the Fatal Fury franchise to a whole new level that SNK can only dream to reach again.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows.
| Genre: | 2D Fighter, Anime Fighter, 3v3, Tag Team |
| Developers: | Arc System Works |
| Release Date: | January 26, 2018 |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store, My Nintendo Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Delay-based |
ArcSystem Works is famous for making excellent anime fighting games, and Dragon Ball FighterZ is a great example. This jaw-dropping 2D fighting game lets you trade blows with your favorite Dragonball characters in an over-the-top way that only ArcSys developers would be able to provide.
This game shines for many reasons, from the clear dedication from the studio to making things look perfect to the game’s fast-paced combat.
Every single move that characters perform in this game is an homage to Dragon Ball and has been taken from the anime or the manga. On top of that, Dragon Ball FighterZ has cinematic super abilities, and there are character-specific finishers for particular duos in the game.
Building your team is an important aspect of this game. You’ll need to think about which characters work well together, and how you can chain their combos together.
Figuring out how to make your favorite characters effective when fighting together is one of the most fun parts of the game. However, it might take you a while to get there. Although it might seem easy to play at first, Dragon Ball FighterZ hasa really high skill ceiling.
This game has a thriving competitive scene and clearly stands out from the other anime games thanks to the high quality cellshaded graphics that only Arc System works can deliver.
They have really mastered this technique and the netcode to a degree that allows their games to please newcomers and veterns of the genre. Even if you’re not an anime fan, this game is certainly worth checking out.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Available on Windows, PS4, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita, PS3, and Xbox 360.
| Genre: | 2D Fighter, Tag Team, 3v3 |
| Developers: | Eighting |
| Release Date: | November 15, 2011 |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Delay-based |
The Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is the final iteration of the beloved Marvel vs. Capcom franchise. For those who love the series but were disappointed by Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, this game is the perfect solution.
Just like Dragon Ball FighterZ, which inherited the legacy of the franchise, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is a chaotic 3 versus 3 tag battle with assists and non-stop action. It is considered one of the most chaotic fighting games on the market.
One of the most important elements of UMVC3 is team composition. You’ll need to create a team that complements one another, especially with regards to super abilities. It’s possible to pull off some incredible combo chains in this game if you time it correctly and build a team that has great synergy.
The game has a truly impressive roster of characters from both Marvel and Capcom universes. It includes fan-favorite characters like Ryu, Dante, Zero, Amaterasu, Morrigan, Strider, Iron Fist, Rocket Raccoon, Dr. Strange, Ghost Rider, Deadpool, and many, many others.
Being a game developed by Eighting, expect oppressive and chaotic gameplay. Despite its infamous Black Phoenix and X-Factor mechanics, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is still regarded as one of the most influential fighting games of all time.
This title is one of the most well-known fighting games of the modern era and an excellent choice for those who enjoy tag fighting games. Whether you’re a fan of the Marvel or Capcom universes or just looking for a fun and intense fighting game, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is the game for you.
Tekken 7
Available on Windows, PS4, Xbox One, and Arcade.
| Genre: | 3D Fighter |
| Developers: | BANDAI NAMCO |
| Release Date: | February 18, 2015 |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store, Steam, Microsoft Store, and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Delay-based |
Tekken 7 is one of the best games like Street Fighter, hands down. It’s the pinnacle of 3D fighting games and gives Street Fighter a run for its money.
There are lots of characters to choose from in this game, including DLC characters from other games like Akuma, Noctis, and Megan. There’s heaps of replay value here.
Tekken 7 introduced some new mechanics to the Tekken franchise, including Rage Art and Rage Drive. There are also new moves, like the screw, which can send your enemies spinning to the ground and give you time to continue a combo.
This is one of the best alternatives to Street Fighter for both new players and dedicated fighting game fans. It looks and sounds incredible, the character selection is immense, and the combat feels impactful.
The King of Fighters XV
Available on Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
| Genre: | 2D Fighting Game, 3v3 |
| Developers: | SNK |
| Release Date: | February 14, 2022 |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Local and Online PvP |
| Netcode: | Rollback |
The King of Fighters series is a renowned fighting game franchise that has stood the test of time. It could be said that it was created as a tribute to the legacy of SNK’s fighting games. This game brought together popular titles like Art of Fighting and Garou Densetsu, as well as incorporating games like Ikari Warriors and Psycho Soldiers.
This unique combination of franchises resulted in a legendary fighting game that is still remembered today as one of the greatest of all time. The King of Fighters has a total of 15 official games, with the latest being The King of Fighters XV. This title is widely regarded as a significant improvement over its predecessor, both in terms of graphics and gameplay.
Unlike other 3v3 fighting games in this list, KOFXV is a gauntlet style fighting game. It means that characters do not use assist and can’t tag in and out of the fight. When a character is defeated, another one takes its place and so one until one of the players loses all characters.
As a team-based fighting game, The King of Fighters has always offered a large roster of characters, making it a great choice for players who prefer to use multiple characters in a fight. If you’re tired of playing as a single character in fighting games, then The King of Fighters is definitely worth checking out.
Soul Calibur 6
Available on Windows, PS4, and Xbox One.
| Genre: | 3D Fighter |
| Developers: | Bandai Namco |
| Release Date: | October 18, 2018 |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Local and Online PvP |
| Netcode: | Delay-based |
Although it shares some similarities with Samurai Shodown, Soul Calibur is a very different game. You can forget about the methodical and slow gameplay of Samsho and say hello to a quicker gameplay that feels a little bit like Tekken, but more fluid.
Soul Calibur takes characters from the 16th century, albeit with some creative liberties, and mixes in some anime flair for good measure. It’s like what would happen if Tekken and Samurai Shodown had a love child.
The result is what you’d expect. The game offers unique twists on classic warrior classes, with staff wielders, ninjas, samurai, pirates, and other characters that defy easy categorization.
The graphics are stunning and the single-player content is top-notch. The roster of characters is truly unforgettable. The game even has a Bruce Lee and Elvis Presley hybrid fighting with nunchucks. You can call him weird, but you can’t say he isn’t memorable.
On top of all that, the game features single-player modes and an impressive amount of cosmetics. The customization is so impressive that many players manage to recreate characters from other franchises.
Soul Calibur has been a staple of the 3D fighting game genre for years and continues to be a standout in the crowded field. Fans of over-the-top weapon fighting and 3D fighting games will not be disappointed.
DNF Duel
Available on Windows, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch
| Genre: | 2D Fighter, Anime Fighter |
| Developers: | Eighting, Arc System Works |
| Release Date: | June 28, 2022 |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store, My Nintendo Store, Steam, and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Rollback |
DNF Duel is a game that has taken the fighting games community by storm. Despite its obscure origins, the Dungeon Fighter Online MMO RPG, it has managed to win over players with its engaging gameplay and impressive visuals.
The game’s impressive graphics are a result of its development by the highly acclaimed Arc System Works studio, who have perfected their cell shading techniques to create games that look as close to 2D animations as possible while being 3D.
DNF Duel is chaotic and entertaining, featuring full-screen moves and specials that are both intimidating and and stylish. Due to its grounded game and the fact you can whiff punish your opoonents fairly well, the game sometimes feels like a version of Street Fighter, but with longer combos and overpowered special attacks.
Finally, one of the best features of this title is its impressive rollback netcode, which rivals that of Guilty Gear Strive. This, along with the developers’ effort, puts the game side by side with some of the most known fighting games out there. However, players should be aware that opponents will have similar oppressive power, making DNF Duel not suited for the faint of heart.
Mortal Kombat 11
Available on Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbos One, Google Stadia, and Nintendo Switch
| Genre: | 2D Fighter |
| Developers: | NetherRealm Studios, Shiver Entertainment, QLOC |
| Release Date: | April 23, 2019 |
| Find at: | PlayStation Store, My Nintendo Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, and Amazon |
| Multiplayer: | Online and Local PvP |
| Netcode: | Rollback |
Mortal Kombat was probably the first fighting game franchise to developed what we now call Triple-A Games. Casuals buy Mortal Kombat to play with friends for fun, fight online on towers, or just to experience the single-player mode’s story.
All those aspects of Mortal Kombat are very unusual, but welcome. These aspects and the success of the franchise might have pushed Capcom into making Street Fighter 6 a Triple-A game as well.
When it comes to gameplay, Mortal Kombat 11 is the closes to Street Fighter that the franchise has ever been. The craziness and mix-up gameplay was slightly reduced as the game tries to focus a bit more in whiff punishing, ground game, positioning, and footsies.
As for the roster, this is why of my favorites. You have classic characters, such as Scorpion and Subzero, new generation characters such as Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs, and entirely new characters like Kollector and Geras.
It also has great guest characters such as the Terminator and my all time favorite, Spawn.
Mortal Kombat 11 is the whole package. You get an amazing Fighting Game, an incredbly fun-to-watch story mode, an online cooperative mode, and ranked online play with a surprisingly good netcode.
