Best Fighting Games To Play With A FightStick [2024]

Are you a fan of fighting games and looking to take your gaming experience to the next level?

Then investing in a fightstick may be the perfect option for you.

However, with so many consoles and games available, it can be overwhelming to know which ones are the best to play with a fightstick.

In this article, we will explore the most popular games per console to play with a fightstick, including old consoles and the latest PS5.

PlayStation 5

The PlayStation 5 is the latest console from Sony, home to some of the best fighting games of this generation.

Here are some of the most popular games to play with a fightstick on PS5:

Guilty Gear Strive: This game is a visual spectacle. With its stunning anime-style graphics and intense, high-speed combat, Guilty Gear Strive is a must-play for any fightstick enthusiast. The game’s complex mechanics and diverse roster of characters make it a challenging and rewarding experience.

Dragon Ball FighterZ: This game is a treat for Dragon Ball fans and fighting game enthusiasts alike. It’s a 2D fighter that features characters from the Dragon Ball series, and it’s designed in a way that’s both accessible to newcomers and deep enough for veterans. The fightstick shines in this game, allowing for precise control and execution of combos.

Tekken 7: Tekken 7 is another fantastic game with a fightstick on PS5. With its 3D combat and a large roster of characters, Tekken 7 offers a deep and rewarding fighting game experience. The game’s intricate combo system and movement mechanics perfectly match a fightstick.

Street Fighter 6: The Street Fighter series needs no introduction, and the latest entry, Street Fighter 6, is no exception. The game continues the series’ tradition of deep, strategic gameplay, and playing with a fightstick is a joy. The precise controls a fightstick offers allow you to execute complex combos and outmaneuver your opponents.

DNF Duel: This new fighting game has been making waves in the fighting game community. It’s based on the popular game Dungeon Fighter Online, and it features a unique gameplay system that’s easy to learn and hard to master. The game perfectly fits fightstick play, offering precise control and a satisfying combat experience.

Xbox Series X/S

The Xbox Series X/S is the latest console from Microsoft, and although it may not have as many fighting games as the PS5, it still has some great options to play with a fightstick. Here are some of the most popular games to play with a fightstick on Xbox Series X/S:

Killer Instinct: This game is a revival of the classic 90s franchise, and it features a unique combo system that allows players to chain together a series of attacks for devastating damage.

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate: This game not only offers the complete Mortal Kombat 11 experience but also includes all DLC characters, making it the most comprehensive version of the game.

Samurai Shodown: This game is a reboot of the classic 2D fighting game series, and it features a unique “rage” system that allows players to deal massive damage when their health is low.

Tekken 7: Tekken 7 introduces new mechanics like Rage Arts and Power Crushes, which add a new layer of strategy to the game’s deep combat system.

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch may not be known for its fighting games, but it still has some great options to play with a fightstick. Here are some of the most popular games to play with a fightstick on Nintendo Switch:

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: This game is the largest Super Smash Bros. game to date, featuring over 70 characters from various video game franchises. It’s a true celebration of gaming history!

Dragon Ball FighterZ: Arc System Works, the same team behind the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series, developed this game. It’s known for its stunning visuals that perfectly capture the look and feel of the Dragon Ball anime.

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle: This game is a crossover between four franchises: BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth, and RWBY. It features a unique “Cross Gauge” system that allows players to switch between their characters and perform powerful “Cross Combo” attacks.

Under Night In-Birth: This game is known for its “GRD” system, a unique mechanic that rewards players for aggressive play. The GRD system adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must balance their offense and defense to gain the upper hand.

PlayStation 4

The PlayStation 4 is still a popular console with a vast library of fighting games. Here are some of the most popular games to play with a fightstick on PS4:

Street Fighter 5/6: Champion Edition: This edition is the most complete version of Street Fighter V, featuring all the characters, stages, and other content released since the game’s initial launch. It’s a must-have for any Street Fighter fan!

Tekken 7: Tekken 7 is the first game in the series to feature a fully realized story mode, complete with cinematic cutscenes and epic battles. It’s a great way to dive into the game’s rich lore and character backstories.

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate: This version of Mortal Kombat 11 includes all the DLC characters, including guest characters from other franchises like the Terminator, Spawn, and the Joker. It’s the ultimate Mortal Kombat experience!

Dragon Ball FighterZ: One of the standout features of Dragon Ball FighterZ is its “Dramatic Finish” system, which allows players to recreate iconic moments from the Dragon Ball series if they meet certain conditions during a match. It’s a real treat for Dragon Ball fans!

Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2: This game is known for its “Roman Cancel” system, a unique mechanic that allows players to cancel their attack animations and extend their combos. It adds a layer of depth and strategy to the game’s combat.

Xbox One

The Xbox One may not have as many fighting games as the PS4, but it still has some great options to play with a fightstick. Here are some of the most popular games to play with a fightstick on Xbox One:

Killer Instinct: This game features a “Shadow Mode,” where players can train an AI fighter to mimic their play style. You can then send your Shadow to fight other players’ Shadows online. It’s like having your own virtual sparring partner!

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate: This version of Mortal Kombat 11 includes all the DLC characters, including guest characters from other franchises like RoboCop, Rambo, and the Joker. It’s the most comprehensive Mortal Kombat experience available!

Tekken 7: Tekken 7 features a unique “Rage System,” which gives players access to powerful Rage Art and Rage Drive attacks when their health is low. It adds an extra layer of strategy to the game’s already deep combat system.

Dragon Ball FighterZ: One of the standout features of Dragon Ball FighterZ is its “Dramatic Finish” system, which allows players to recreate iconic moments from the Dragon Ball series if they meet certain conditions during a match. It’s a real treat for Dragon Ball fans!

Older Consoles

If you’re a fan of classic fighting games, then you’re in luck! Many older consoles have a fantastic fighting game library that is still worth playing with a fightstick. Here are some of the most popular games to play with a fightstick on older consoles:

Killer Instinct: This game features a “Shadow Mode,” where players can train an AI fighter to mimic their play style. You can then send your Shadow to fight other players’ Shadows online. It’s like having your own virtual sparring partner!

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate: This version of Mortal Kombat 11 includes all the DLC characters, including guest characters from other franchises like RoboCop, Rambo, and the Joker. It’s the most comprehensive Mortal Kombat experience available!

Tekken 7: Tekken 7 features a unique “Rage System,” which gives players access to powerful Rage Art and Rage Drive attacks when their health is low. It adds an extra layer of strategy to the game’s already deep combat system.

Dragon Ball FighterZ: One of the standout features of Dragon Ball FighterZ is its “Dramatic Finish” system, which allows players to recreate iconic moments from the Dragon Ball series if they meet certain conditions during a match. It’s a real treat for Dragon Ball fans!

As for older consoles, they have their own gems that are perfect for fightstick play. Games like “Street Fighter II” on the Super Nintendo, “Marvel vs.

Capcom 2” on the Sega Dreamcast, and “Tekken 3” on the PlayStation 1 all offer unique and engaging experiences that are enhanced by the precision and control of a fightstick.

Conclusion

In conclusion, many fighting games are available to play with a fightstick on various consoles, including the latest PS5 and older consoles. Whether you’re a fan of classic fighting games or the latest releases, there’s a game out there for everyone.

So, grab your fightstick and prepare to take your gaming experience to the next level.

Illustration of a man with headphones in a studio full of electronic equipment, giving a focused look.
Jake "Arcade Ace" Kim

Jake discovered his passion for fight sticks when he spent his summers mastering the arcade scene. He soon became a local legend, dominating every fighting game he laid his hands on. Jake's love for the arcade culture has led him to collect an impressive array of fight sticks, each with its own unique story. Now, he's channeling that love and expertise into guiding others to find their perfect fight stick match.