For fighting game fans, the search for games like Mortal Kombat usually comes down to a craving for that specific blend of brutal, visceral combat, deep competitive mechanics, and a roster of memorable characters. While the franchise's latest entry, Mortal Kombat 1, continues to define the modern standard for gore and cinematic presentation, many other titles offer their own unique spin on the genre, whether through aggressive systems, anime-style spectacle, or weapon-based strategy.
The Mortal Kombat legacy and Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat's impact on the fighting game genre is undeniable, having been one of the first titles to push the boundaries of on-screen violence, which directly contributed to the creation of the ESRB rating system. The franchise has evolved from its 2D pixel-art roots into a cinematic powerhouse, with Mortal Kombat 1 (released September 19, 2023) serving as the latest main installment. This new chapter reimagines the universe under a timeline created by Fire God Liu Kang, featuring a fresh take on iconic characters while retaining the series' signature Fatalities and brutal combat. For those who want to experience the origins of this legacy, Mortal Kombat 9 is where the modern revival truly began.
Tekken 8
If you're looking for a modern 3D fighter that matches Mortal Kombat's intensity, Tekken 8 (2024) is a top-tier choice. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, this installment features a 32-character roster and introduces the aggressive 'Heat' system, which encourages relentless offense and creates explosive momentum swings. The game continues the long-running Mishima saga with a cinematic story mode, and its focus on sidestepping and 3D movement offers a different kind of tactical depth compared to Mortal Kombat's 2D plane, making it a perfect alternative for players who want to trade projectiles for powerful, close-quarters combat.
Street Fighter 6
For those seeking a polished, competitive 2D experience, Street Fighter 6 (2023) is the gold standard. It offers three distinct modes: Fighting Ground for traditional matches, World Tour for a deep single-player story, and Battle Hub for a social online lobby. The game supports cross-play and rollback netcode, ensuring smooth online battles. With its Modern and Classic control schemes, it welcomes newcomers while retaining the depth veterans crave. Its art style and roster are more grounded than Mortal Kombat's, but the strategic footsies and high-level play make it a worthy addition to any fighting game fan's library.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
For fans of fast-paced, flashy combat, Dragon Ball FighterZ delivers an authentic anime experience. This 2.5D tag-team fighter features 3v3 battles that perfectly capture the frantic energy of the series. The February 2024 current-gen update added rollback netcode for improved online play. While it lacks Mortal Kombat's gore, its explosive special moves, dramatic finishes, and high-speed combos provide a similar adrenaline rush, appealing to players who want a visually spectacular and mechanically demanding fighter.
Soulcalibur VI
Switching to a weapon-based 3D fighter, Soulcalibur VI (2018) offers a distinct flavor of strategic combat. Its unique Reversal Edge mechanic adds a rock-paper-scissors layer to engagements, while the game's two story modes provide substantial single-player content. The character creation suite is incredibly deep, allowing for immense customization. With guest characters, it delivers a varied experience that emphasizes spacing and positioning over simple button-mashing, making it a great choice for players who enjoy a more calculated approach to fighting.
Guilty Gear -Strive-
Arc System Works' Guilty Gear -Strive- (2021) is a visual and audio masterpiece. Its distinctive "2.5D" visuals, cinematic camera work, and electrifying rock soundtrack create an unmatched sense of style. The gameplay focuses on heavy, grounded attacks that pack a real punch, making it accessible for newcomers while still offering a deep combo system for advanced players. The game's netcode is excellent, and its roster of eccentric characters ensures that every match feels unique, offering a different kind of spectacle than Mortal Kombat's blood and guts.
The King of Fighters XV
For a team-based 2D fighter with a rich legacy, The King of Fighters XV (2022) is a strong contender. It launched with a 39-character roster, featuring fan favorites like Terry Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Kyo Kusanagi. The game's 3v3 battles require strategic team building and character synergy. With GGPO rollback netcode, online play is smooth and responsive. Its faster pace and emphasis on quick, precise combos offer a different challenge from Mortal Kombat, appealing to players who enjoy a more traditional yet highly technical fighting game.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite
If you want chaotic, combo-heavy action, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (2017) delivers with its 2v2 tag team battles. The game brings together iconic characters from both Marvel and Capcom universes, resulting in wild team combinations and over-the-top special moves. While it was criticized for its visual presentation, the core gameplay is fast, frantic, and deeply rewarding for players who love to string together long, devastating combos. It's a great pick for those who want a faster, more explosive alternative to Mortal Kombat's methodical pacing.
Killer Instinct (2013)
For a game that matches Mortal Kombat's brutality, Killer Instinct (2013) is a perfect fit. Its combo-heavy combat system is built around breaking and counter-breaking opponent's combos, creating a unique mind game. The soundtrack, composed by Mick Gordon, is a heavy metal masterpiece that adds to the game's aggressive tone. The roster includes unique guest characters, and its focus on aggressive, high-damage combos makes it one of the most satisfying fighters for players who enjoy a relentless offensive style.
Injustice 2
Developed by NetherRealm Studios, the same team behind Mortal Kombat, Injustice 2 is the closest relative to Mortal Kombat's gameplay feel. This DC Comics fighter features a gear system that allows you to customize your characters' appearance and stats, adding an RPG-like progression layer. The roster includes iconic heroes and villains, with DLC characters like Sub-Zero and Raiden from Mortal Kombat. Its combat is slower and more methodical than MK, with a greater emphasis on projectiles, but the familiar controls and cinematic Fatalities (called Super Moves) make it an easy transition for MK fans.
Samurai Shodown
For a completely different pace, Samurai Shodown offers a slower, more tense fighting experience. The game emphasizes footsies, positioning, and punishing mistakes over long combos. Each hit feels weighty and impactful, and a single well-placed slash can turn the tide of a match. The art style is beautiful, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with a gritty, violent tone. This is a great choice for players who appreciate the high-stakes, duel-like nature of combat and want a more deliberate and strategic fighting game.
Melty Blood: Type Lumina
For fans of fast-paced, technical anime fighters, Melty Blood: Type Lumina is a hidden gem. This 2D fighter focuses on air combos and fast movement, offering a high skill ceiling for dedicated players. The streamlined character designs make it more accessible than previous entries, and the game's roster includes unique characters. Its emphasis on quick, precise execution and aerial combat offers a stark contrast to Mortal Kombat's grounded, brutal style.
Blazblue: Cross Tag Battle
Blazblue: Cross Tag Battle is a crossover tag fighter that brings together characters from Blazblue, Persona 4 Arena, RWBY, and other franchises. It features simplified controls that make it easy to pick up, but the team-based mechanics and flashy combos provide plenty of depth. The game's 2v2 battles are fast-paced and visually chaotic, with characters clashing in a colorful spectacle. While it may not have the gore of Mortal Kombat, its energetic gameplay and diverse roster make it a fun and accessible alternative.
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
If you want Capcom-style combat with a Power Rangers skin, Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid is a solid choice. It features a 3v3 tag team system that is easy to learn but hard to master, with a focus on combos and assists. The game has rollback netcode for smooth online play, and its roster includes iconic characters from the Power Rangers universe. It's a great option for fans of the franchise or anyone looking for a fast-paced, combo-focused fighter that is more accessible than some of the more complex titles on this list. For context on the studio that shaped this style, read from arcade roots to global gaming power.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
For a completely different take on fighting games, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a platform fighter with a massive crossover roster. The game's accessible yet surprisingly deep gameplay makes it a favorite for both casual and competitive players. Its giant roster means there's always someone for everyone in terms of gameplay, from fast rushdown characters to heavy hitters. While it lacks the visceral gore of Mortal Kombat, its chaotic, party-style combat and competitive depth offer a unique and equally thrilling experience.
Rivals of Aether
For PC players looking for a Smash-like experience, Rivals of Aether is an excellent indie alternative. This platform fighter features no shields, only parries, and each character has unique elemental mechanics that create interesting matchups. The PC Edition has a Workshop with several mod characters added by the game's fans, providing endless replayability. Its focus on competitive depth and movement makes it a great choice for players who want a technical challenge in a platform fighter setting.
Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown
For players who value technical mastery over flashy moves, Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown is a remastered classic that focuses on pure martial arts. The game has no projectiles, no weapons, and no super moves, just precise inputs and fundamental fighting game principles. It's a test of skill, patience, and execution, appealing to players who want a pure, unadulterated fighting experience. This is a stark contrast to Mortal Kombat's over-the-top presentation, but it offers a different kind of satisfaction for dedicated fans.
Under Night In-Birth
For a deep, underrated anime fighter, Under Night In-Birth is a fantastic choice. The game features a unique GRD (Grid) system that rewards aggressive play and punishes passivity, creating a unique flow to matches. Its grounded footsies and technical combat offer a high skill ceiling, making it a favorite among hardcore fighting game enthusiasts. The latest version includes balance changes and new characters, ensuring the game remains fresh. It's a great pick for players who want a complex and rewarding fighter that flies under the radar.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle
For fans of over-the-top style and character design, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle is a must-play. This fighter is a love letter to the manga, featuring a roster of characters from across all parts of the series. Each character has unique gimmicks and special moves that faithfully recreate their abilities from the source material. The game's stylish presentation and flashy attacks make it a joy to watch and play, appealing to fans of the series and fighting game players who appreciate unique character mechanics.
Try out these fighting games today
These titles represent the best of what the fighting game genre has to offer, each providing a unique experience that can satisfy a Mortal Kombat fan's craving for competition and intensity. Whether you're drawn to the 3D movement of Tekken, the anime spectacle of Dragon Ball FighterZ, or the pure technicality of Virtua Fighter, there's something here for everyone. For those looking to revisit a classic, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks offers a different take on the franchise, and you can play mortal kombat shaolin monks on PC with enhanced resolution and smoother performance. So, pick a game that catches your eye, jump in, and discover your next favorite fighter.
For the wider topic, see how to get Mortal Kombat 9 on PC.
