As long as PlayStation has been around, it has been seen as one of the best consoles to have for fighting game fans. A rock-solid line-up of games, legacy franchises, and one of the best controller D-pads for multiple generations has made Sony's gaming hardware the default choice for some of the greatest fighting games of the era, and right now, not much has changed on that front.
With the PS4 being a hub for fighting games during their renaissance in the 2010s and the PS5 being backwards compatible with the vast majority of that library, we've slipped into our most comfortable Walmart-sourced karate gi and stepped into the ring to face off with the best that the PlayStation has to offer. Below, you'll find our picks for the best PlayStation fighting games to play on PS5 and PS4. Instead of ranking these fighters, we've listed our choices in alphabetical order.
For more lists, you can check out the best RPGs for PS4 and PS5, the best free PS5 games available right now, and the must-play PS5 titles for the system.
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle
You could fill this entire list with games from renowned developer Arc System Works--and trust us, they're here in force--but some of its lesser-known properties are worth looking at. BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle looks and feels like the perfect template for an Arc game, a flashy anime brawler with ultimate attacks that can melt your retinas if you stare too long. Beyond that initial snazzy impression, Cross Tag is a standout title in the 2D anime fighting game genre thanks to its dynamic tag system, fascinating mechanics, and a versatile selection of characters to choose from.
Read our BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle review.
Capcom Fighting Collection
It's a slight cheat, but we're hellbent on getting Darkstalkers on this list and can do so thanks to the release of the Capcom Fighting Collection.It's full of Darkstalkers titles that prove just how important this series is to the history of fighting games. It's not just Darkstalkers being represented with a loving approach in this collection though, as you can also go hands on with the superb Street Fighter Alpha series in a presentation that goes all in on its arcade heritage.
Read our Capcom Fighting Collection review.
Dead or Alive 6
The best entry in the long-running Dead or Alive series, DOA 6 perfects its trademark formula by making every single jab, roundhouse kick, and grapple feel like it genuinely matters. Every member of the massive cast has an X-factor that makes them deserving of dedicated Wiki fan clubs, battles erupt with explosive displays of power, and the the rock-paper-scissors strategy feels better than ever in this classic clash of icons.
Read our Dead or Alive 6 review.
DNF Duel
2022 has been a terrific year for fighting games, with titles such as DNF Duel leading the charge. Another knockout from Arc System Works, DNF Duel is set in the world of Dungeon Fighter Online and gives players an experience that's easy to pick up but rewarding to invest time and effort into as they master its systems. It's Arc System Works once again delivering a wonderfully complex fighting game, adapting an established IP into a title that's fun in online or offline play.
Read our DNF Duel review.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
One of the best fighting games of the last generation, Dragon Ball FighterZ hits every beat for what a Dragon Ball game should be. It's a mix of style and substance that looks amazing to see in action and feels even better when you go hands-on with it, has a stacked roster of fan-favorite characters, and it's loaded with special moves that can vaporize a planet when properly executed.
Read our Dragon Ball FighterZ review.