The PlayStation 5's game library is exploding, and picking your next fighting game can quickly become overwhelming. Between iconic sequels, new gems, and radically different playstyles, it's easy to get lost. Our mission? To guide you with clear, direct advice to find THE game that's right for you, without all the marketing fluff.
This guide is dedicated entirely to the PS5 fighting game, a genre as rich as it is technical. We'll review the essential criteria before unveiling our selection of must-play titles for 2026.
Before diving into our picks, let's go over a few key points to ensure you make the right choice and don't regret your purchase.
The "fighting game" is a broad category. Are you looking for an ultra-realistic and technical experience? A PS5 sports game like an MMA simulation, where precision is king, might be perfect for you. If, on the other hand, you want instant action and spectacular pyrotechnics, a PS5 action game with superpowers and eye-popping combos will be a better fit. It's all a matter of pace and complexity.
This is the crucial question. Some games shine with their single-player campaigns, featuring a rock-solid story for total immersion. Others, conversely, are built for competition and go all-in on a fast-paced online multiplayer PS5 game experience, complete with leaderboards, tournaments, and a hyper-active community. If you plan on facing players from around the world, make sure the online modes are up to snuff.
Keeping an eye on the release calendar is always a good habit. A new PS5 game that has just launched will undoubtedly benefit from the latest console optimisations. For the most anticipated blockbusters, a PS5 game pre-order remains the best way to ensure you can play on day one.
Now that we've covered the basics, here are three titles that perfectly embody the richness of the genre on PlayStation 5.
Why it stands out EA Sports UFC 6 is already shaping up to be the next benchmark for MMA fans. The game promises stunning realism, with a completely overhauled combat system for greater fluidity and responsiveness. The animations and impact physics have been designed to convey all the intensity and tension of a real fight in the Octagon, where the slightest mistake is costly.
Highlights
Who is it for? For purists looking for a demanding and authentic PS5 sports game. If you're a fan of the UFC and aren't intimidated by technical simulations that require patience and precision, UFC 6 is for you.
Why it stands out On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, Captain Tsubasa 2 offers a 100% arcade-fueled, high-octane take on football, staying completely true to the spirit of the cult manga. The game is a cocktail of action and strategy where every pass, shot, or tackle can trigger devastating special techniques. With over 110 playable characters and 22 national teams, the content promises to be gargantuan and incredibly faithful to the source material.
Highlights
Who is it for? For long-time fans of Captain Tsubasa and all players who prioritise instant fun over hardcore simulations. If you love unbridled action and out-of-this-world comebacks, this game is a sure bet for a good time.
Why it stands out Scheduled for August 2026, this Marvel PS5 game shakes up the formula with its 4v4 team-based combat. Developed by genre experts, it promises battles that are as strategic as they are fast-paced. Its art style, heavily inspired by Japanese animation, offers a bold and successful redesign of the iconic heroes and villains from the Marvel universe.
Highlights
Who is it for? An essential PS5 pre-order for Marvel fans and lovers of team-based fighting games. If cooperation, tactics, and massive online brawls are your thing, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls has everything it takes to become your next favourite.
The world of PlayStation 5 games is immense and certainly doesn't stop with our selection. If these three titles didn't catch your eye or if you want to explore other genres (adventure, racing, strategy...), hundreds of other gems await you.
To broaden your horizons, feel free to browse our full category of console video games.
2026 is shaping up to be a big year for fighting game fans! On our radar, we of course have EA Sports UFC 6, which aims to revolutionise the MMA sim, and Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls with its original 4v4 combat concept. But the best advice is to keep an eye on publisher announcements, as a surprise can always be just around the corner!
To ensure you can always find opponents, bet on the big franchises: their player communities are often very active. Another crucial point is the presence of dedicated servers, which guarantees stability. Finally, ranked modes, integrated tournaments, and effective matchmaking are all signs of a well-designed online multiplayer PS5 game experience.
Yes, absolutely. Almost all PS4 games, including fighting games, run on the PlayStation 5 thanks to backward compatibility. You'll often even benefit from much faster loading times. However, for the optimal experience (haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the DualSense, improved graphics), always opt for the native PS5 version of the game if one exists.