10 unmissable fighting games available in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics – PlayStation.Blog

Fighting games are some of the most thrilling, fulfilling, and complex games out there. The genres varied enough for anyone to become a brawling master – from Street Fighter to Tekken, there’s a flavor of fighting game for every type of player. Thanks to PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog*, it’s easier than ever to find a title you vibe with. Whether you want to try classic 2D, 3D, anime, arena, or a genre offshoot, it’s all there.

With PlayStation Plus you not only get access to dozens of fighting games, but you can also take them online to test your skills against players across the globe. 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 birthed the genre’s golden age, Street Fighter IV was critical to its resurgence in the late 2000s. It brings back both mainstay and niche characters from the past, giving players more options than ever before when it comes to 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. It’s a great place for newcomers to get acclimated to the measured 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 fleshed-out fighting game spin-offs to date. Take the multiverse by storm 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 damage their opponents further.

Dragon Ball FighterZ also has an extensive story mode in which Goku and the Z-Fighters take on some of their greatest foes once more. With great character interactions, like the uneasy alliance between Cell and Gohan, and tons of anime-faithful animations, Dragon Ball FighterZ is a fighter worthy of any Dragon Ball fan’s time.

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 the bold and pits them against one another. Developer NetherRealm Studios takes the bones of Mortal Kombat and adds new features–such as interactable objects, transitioning environments, and more dynamic movement options–to make you feel like a true 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 wager mechanic where characters clash with one another and quip at each other. Throw Batarangs, launch enemies into a giant Captain Atom, or clash with your foes in the Fortress of Solitude in one of the most definitive fighting game experiences. Just watch out for the flying pigs.

Available with PlayStation Plus Premium

Fighting EX Layer

If you’re a fan of classic fighting games from the original PlayStation era, Fighting EX Layer from Arika is a must-play. This spiritual successor to the cult-favorite Street Fighter EX series feels like a blast from the past. Like games from that retro era, it starts simple, but after some playtime, the depth reveals itself.

Fighting EX Layer’s signature feature is the Gougi System, which adds passive abilities to characters when in-battle requirements are met. With 13 layers available to attach to each character, there are many different ways to play everyone. Do you want to add an extra layer to your mix-ups? Then use the Shinobi Gougi to unlock invisible dashes. Or maybe you’re a fan of the Infinity Gougi, which allows you to cancel out of blockstun with supers and passively build super meter, giving you more chances at big damage. This fighter is all about choice and giving you the freedom to strategize accordingly in battle.

Available with PlayStation Plus Extra, PlayStation Plus Premium

Touhou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you mixed fighting game battles with the fast-paced shooting action of bullet hell games? Touhou Genso Rondo: Bullet Ballet from NIS answers that question in spectacular fashion. Imagine taking your favorite shoot-’em-up and making it an arena-confined versus experience and you’ve got the gist of things.

You and another player control bullet hell boss characters, unleashing devastating attacks toward one another 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 from nWay is the fighting game of Super Sentai fans’ dreams. Not only can you pick from a multitude of different Power Rangers heroes and villains, but you can select up to three and play as a team, complete with assist attacks and active tag 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 push your skills.

Available with PlayStation Plus Extra, PlayStation Plus Premium

Mortal Kombat 11

NetherRealm Studio’s Mortal Kombat franchise makes yet another grand return with Mortal Kombat 11. This entry acts as a direct continuation to Mortal Kombat X and changes the formula once more. The fighting shifts into a slower, more grounded style, focused on neutral and equal-advantage combat over speed. The defense has been upgraded to add more options, such as wakeup attacks and an armored combo breakaway.

Along core fighting changes comes another exciting story mode and more character customization similar to Injustice 2. There’s even an upgraded Krypt mode resembling an open-world bonus room players traverse while learning about the Mortal Kombat world and its behind-the-scenes development.

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 out there. Flashy extended combos and stage interactions – where characters are tossed into explosions, electric barriers, and off buildings – are a major part of that. But that’s not all Dead or Alive has to offer. While simple to understand, the title’s depth begins to open up when the mind games of its Triangle countering system become apparent in battle, but it never overshadows the fun factor. If you’re looking for spectacle and simple yet complex fighting, this Koei Tecmo game 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 high-skill fighter is one of the best there is and well worth the effort it takes to master. The beautiful 2D sprites on display are also a treat to the eyes, featuring remarkably detailed animations for its colorful roster, which includes the iconic Terry Bogard, Rock Howard, Gato, B. Jenet, and more. With so many characters of varying styles and difficulties, Garou is essential for any fan of retro fighting games or SNK’s classic titles.

Available with PlayStation Plus Premium

The Last Blade 2

Yet another classic from SNK’s extensive archive of fighting games from the ‘90s. The Last Blade 2 is a weapon-based fighter mixing slow, methodical play with high-octane combat. While the game is slower-paced at a glance, the intensity, quick reflexes, and requisite combo skills become evident when locked in the heat of battle.

Available with PlayStation Plus Premium

Tekken 7

Tekken 7 builds upon Bandai Namco’s iconic 3D fighter with beautiful graphics and even more complex mechanics. Each character now can now execute Rage Art and Rage Drive attacks, making offensive play more exhilarating (and allowing for nail-biter comebacks if you’re getting pummeled). And with the return of transitioning stages, there’s more of a need to hone your combos than before. There’s also a story mode to delve into 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. Just be ready to jump out of your seat when you witness your first slow-motion finish.

Available with PlayStation Plus Extra, PlayStation Plus Premium

What are your favorite fighting games available with PlayStation Plus?

*Game Catalog titles available with PlayStation Plus Extra and PlayStation Premium memberships. PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog titles available with PlayStation Plus Premium memberships. Titles and availability subject to change without notice.