Highlights

  • Fighting games have a rich history since the 80s, attracting gamers worldwide with iconic franchises.
  • Don’t underestimate PC-exclusive fighting games – there are unique, fun, and innovative titles out there.
  • From classic 2D fighters to unique turn-based PvP games, PC offers a diverse range of options for fighting game enthusiasts.

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Fighting games have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for as long as people can remember. Ever since the legendary Street Fighter series hit the scene in the late 80s, the genre has seen a continuous rise in popularity, attracting gamers from all backgrounds and age groups. It has spawned some of the most iconic franchises in gaming history, like Super Smash Bros., Mortal Kombat, and Tekken, just to name a few.

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With all these incredible franchises within the genre, players have an endless number of games to choose from, regardless of whether they’re PC enthusiasts or console lovers. But because of the arcade-style mechanics of most fighting games, many people prefer playing them on consoles, as these games are often easier to play using a controller rather than a keyboard and mouse. Due to this, gamers are often led to believe that there’s a lack of PC exclusives in the genre, but surprisingly, that’s not the case at all. There are plenty of PC-exclusive fighting games that are incredibly unique, innovative, and fun to play – fans of the genre just need to do a little bit of digging to find them.

5 Vanguard Princess

Steam User Rating: 70%

Vanguard Princess
  • Platform(s): Windows, Linux, macOS
  • Released: 2009
  • Developer(s): Tomoaki Sugeno

Fans of classic 2D fighting games will feel right at home with Vanguard Princess. It embodies all the elements of a great 2D fighting game. From captivating character designs and stunning animations to highly polished mechanics and fast-paced action, Vanguard Princess has it all – making it both a highly enjoyable and competitive game to play.

One feature of Vanguard Princess that’s particularly awesome is that it can run smoothly on virtually any machine. This means that even gamers with the lowest-end PCs can dive into this game without having to worry about encountering any sort of performance issues.

4 Undisputed

Steam User Rating: 72%

  • Platform(s): Windows
  • Released: 2023
  • Developer(s): Steel City Interactive

For boxing fans looking for an authentic boxing experience in a video game, there’s no better choice than Undisputed. This game has been crafted with genuine love for the sport, as it radiates authenticity in every aspect.

Undisputed has amazing mechanics that fully explore the intricacies of boxing, providing players with an enjoyable and immersive experience. It also comes with an extensive roster that features real-life legends from the sport like Canelo Alvarez and Tyson Fury, which is mind-blowing considering that an indie studio made the game. The game also sets itself apart from its competition by having highly realistic graphics that make its realism factor go off the charts. With its combination of intricate boxing mechanics, a fantastic roster, and stunning visuals, Undisputed is easily one of the best boxing games available right now.

3 Yomi

Steam User Rating: 78%

  • Platform(s): Windows
  • Released: 2015
  • Developer(s): Sirlin Games

Yomi may appear as just a good old strategy card game at first glance, but beneath its surface lies the heart of a true fighting game. It heavily emphasizes the strategic aspect of fighting by having players carefully plan their moves using a deck of cards. And with twenty total character decks to choose from, players will never run out of strategies to master.

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Yomi offers both online and offline play, making it enjoyable for both competitive and casual players. It also has a well-balanced character roster, which is refreshing to see in this era of fighting games. While it may not be as popular or fancy as other games in the genre, Yomi sets itself apart by offering a fresh take on the genre for players to enjoy and experiment with.

2 Your Only Movie Is HUSTLE

Steam User Rating: 96%

  • Platform(s): Windows, Linux
  • Released: 2022
  • Developer(s): Godot

When discussing innovation in the fighting game genre, it’d be a sin to not mention Your Only Move Is HUSTLE, as it’s one of the most unique fighting games to ever be released. This PvP game works in a very interesting way. To put it simply, during each turn, time freezes, giving the player the ability to plan out their entire attack on their opponent.

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While this simplified explanation may make it seem like Your Only Move is HUSTLE is just an ordinary turn-based strategy game, it’s so much more than that. There are countless complex mechanics to the game, giving it a kind of depth that no other fighting game of this type has. The game’s turn-based concept makes it a battle of wits, centered around predicting and outsmarting the enemy. To top it all off, it also allows players to save replays of their fights, meaning that the game also serves as a platform for making incredibly cool and artistic animations.

1 MUGEN

Steam User Rating: N/A

  • Platform(s): Windows, Linux, macOS
  • Released: 2011
  • Developer(s): Elecbyte

MUGEN is undoubtedly one of the best PC-only fighting games ever, but it’s technically not even a “game” in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s actually a game engine that allows players to craft their own gaming experience. In MUGEN, the player has complete control over every aspect of the game, from the characters and stages to animations and even sound effects.

This level of developmental freedom allows players to add virtually any character into the game, whether it be Goku from Dragon Ball or Cyclops from the X-Men. Thanks to this incredible feature, the game has cultivated a sizable community dedicated to its development, regularly adding new characters, stages, animations, and features to the game. For fighting game enthusiasts looking for a title where they can play with all their favorite characters, MUGEN is an absolute must-try.

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