It is not an understatement to say that 2XKO is one of the most anticipated fighting games of 2025, as it brings the world of Runeterra and many of its champions to a modern genre in a way that even the most sanguine fans didn’t expect.
But as many may have noticed during our testing, the game, while enticing, has a fairly steep learning curve, especially for those modern to fighting games. To support you prepare for its official debut, here are 10 of the best fighting games you can play while you wait for 2XKO.
Street Fighter 6
- Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series S/X and PC
- Does it have a netcode rollback feature? Yes
- Does it have crossplay? Yes
To start with, we have the obvious choices Street Fighter 6a game that breathed modern life into the most successful fighting game series in history with a fresh approach to visuals and the introduction of much more lively mechanics, such as the Drive system.
This mix makes the game both one of the best titles on the market for those who want to fight to their heart’s content, and a top choice for those who want to learn the basics of fighting games. After all, if you’re going to learn, who better to teach you than the franchise responsible for igniting the genre?
Guilty Gear Strive
- Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series S/X and PC
- Does it have a netcode rollback feature? Yes
- Does it have crossplay? Yes
The newest title in Wine equipment franchise and its most successful release in decades, Guilty Gear Strive brings a modern take on the series’ signature fast-paced combat style to the table while keeping its hardcore DNA intact. That means that while it’s a lot easier to approach than previous GG titles, thanks to uncomplicated, universal mechanics and a wide range of straightforward to perform but great combinations, Try will still require a lot of precision and quick thinking if you truly want to dominate the battlefield.
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle
- Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series S/X, Nintendo Switch and PC
- Does it have a netcode rollback feature? Yes
- Does it have crossplay? NO
A 2v2 tag title that combines characters from BlazBlue, Sand person, As part of the night laborand even RWBY IP addresses BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle moves away from the series’ signature execution-oriented combat style in favor of a more casual and cordial approach.
But don’t worry, because even though it’s not as demanding as many would like at first, Cross Tag Battle continues to shine as a technical beast, where executing optimal combinations will require just as much discipline and mastery as fans rightly expect.
King of Warriors XV
- Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series S/X and PC
- Does it have a netcode rollback feature? Yes
- Does it have crossplay? Yes
The latest iteration of KOF’s signature gameplay approach sees players choose an order at the start and only be able to switch characters after defeating the one currently on the field. King of Warriors XV is both a great fighting game overall and one of the best for those looking to master multiple main characters at once. The game is also much more flexible in its execution compared to the old-school KOF titles, making it an ideal starting point for those just starting out with the franchise.
Granblue Fantasy vs. Rising
- Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series S/X and PC
- Does it have a netcode rollback feature? Yes
- Does it have crossplay? Yes
Spin-off of the acclaimed Granblue Fantasy concession, Granblue Fantasy vs. Rising brings the unparalleled mix of presentation and technical salesmanship that Arc System Works is known for. You’ll also find the game’s uncomplicated input feature—which lets players perform skills with a combination of one or two inputs—to be one of the best tools for both newcomers to the scene and intermediate fighters. Honestly, the way the game lets you combine uncomplicated and standard technical inputs makes the feature a godsend for those still learning the timing of their combos.
GFVR is also the only game to have a free-to-play version. Currently available on all platforms, the version offers newcomers the chance to get a feel for the game and take Gran and a few other characters into battle in a selection of online and offline modes.
- Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series S/X and PC
- Does it have a netcode rollback feature? Yes
- Does it have crossplay? Yes
Released in 2017, Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite brought fans back to the 2v2 style that was present before Marvel vs. Capcom 2: A New Era of Heroes in 2000, a feat that was unfortunately overshadowed by the game’s lackluster presentation and unfinished state at launch. But if you can get past that, Infinite brings the quality you would expect from Capcom tag-fighter, as seen in its carefully implemented modern mechanics, overall gameplay improvements, and now well-balanced roster.
Now can also be considered the best time to start playing because Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite and beyond The mod project, which was initiated by content creator Maximilian Dood and is set to introduce both visual improvements and some gameplay changes, is currently in production.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
- Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series S/X, Nintendo Switch and PC
- Does it have a netcode rollback feature? Yes
- Does it have crossplay? Yes
A game in which players take on the role of many of Akira Toriyama’s most powerful series warriors, Dragon Ball FighterZ made a splash by combining unprecedented fidelity to the source material with an action-packed twist on the tag-fighter genre.
A 3v3 fighter that is similar to Marvel vs Capcom franchise, acts as a trial by fire for anyone who wants to learn how to effectively block and constantly open opponents to damage, Dragon Ball FighterZ will force you to study or watch your entire team get wiped out.
- Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series S/X and PC
- Does it have a netcode rollback feature? NO
- Does it have crossplay? NO
A midway point between a more established approach MVCI and flashy style Dragon Ball FighterZ, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 provides players with a more refined version of the fast-paced combat system seen in MvC2all paired with a list of over 50 members.
According to this and considering the high requirements for execution, the game can also be considered an ideal choice for those who want to learn to actively apply assists and perform long combinations. Believe me, learning to perform combinations in MvC3 will allow you to play any character, regardless of the fighting game you choose.
Skullgirls 2nd encore
- Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series S/X, Nintendo Switch and PC
- Does it have a netcode rollback feature? Yes
- Does it have crossplay? NO
One of the most stylish fighting games to ever hit the market. Skullgirls 2nd encore is a sure bet for anyone looking for a pairs fight, as the title delivers a unique atmosphere with its obscure style and exaggerated animations that make the combos just as engaging as the standard ones.
The game’s approach to team building is also a huge plus, because even though players may — as in most tag fighter games — enter the battlefield with fewer characters than their opponents in 1v3 battles, they do so in Skull girls will offer stat boosts. This will make learning your core skills less overwhelming, as you can constantly augment the size of your team while remaining competitive.
Power Rangers: Battle for the Web
- Available on: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series S/X, Nintendo Switch and PC
- Does it have a netcode rollback feature? Yes
- Does it have crossplay? Yes
Released in 2019 after the success of Boom Studios Destroyed mesh event, Power Rangers: Battle for the Web can be considered the best title on our list for those who want to get used to 2XKOas the game takes a uncomplicated approach to special abilities while still focusing on ground combat and revolving around similar combo structures. The only downside is the current player base, which is decidedly low, even compared to more dated titles.
Now that you know what to play while you wait 2XKOAlso, don’t forget to check out all the confirmed game champions.
