It’s not an understatement to say that2XKOis one of the most highly anticipated fighting games of 2025, as the title brought the world of Runeterra and many of its champions to the new genre in a way not even the most optimistic fans expected.
But as many might have realized during its tests, although welcoming, the game has a pretty steep learning curve, especially for those new to fighting games in general. To help you get ready for its official debut, here are the 10 best fighting games to play while waiting for2XKO.
Street Fighter 6
To start with the obvious picks we haveStreet Fighter 6, the game that injected new blood into the most decorated franchise in fighting games history through a new visual approach and the debut of way more dynamic mechanics, such as its Drive system.
That mix makes the game both one of the best titles in the market for those looking to fight to their heart’s content, as well as a premier pick for those looking to learn the fundamentals of what a fighting game is all about. After all, if you want to learn, who better to teach you than the franchise responsible for lighting the genre ablaze?
Guilty Gear Strive
The latest title in theGuilty Gearfranchise and its most successful release in decades,Guilty Gear Strivebrings to the table a reinvention of the franchise’s signature fast-paced combat style, all while keeping its hardcore DNA intact. That means that although considerably easier to approach when compared to previousGGtitles, courtesy of its straightforward universal mechanics and wide array of easy-to-perform but great-to-execute combos,Strivewill still demand a lot of precision and quick thinking if you wish to truly rock the battlefield.
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle
A 2v2 tag title that mixes characters from theBlazBlue,Persona Arena,Under Night In-Birth, and evenRWBYIPs,BlazBlue Cross Tag Battleshies away from the franchises’ known execution-heavy combat style in favor of a more casual friendly approach.
But don’t worry, as even if not as demanding as many would wish at the start,Cross Tag Battlestill shines as a technical beast, where performing optimal combos will demand just as much discipline and mastery as fans are right to expect.
The King Of Fighters XV
Featuring the latest iteration of KOF’s signature tag approach, where players pick an order at the start and can only swap between characters after the one in the field is defeated,King Of Fighters XVis both a great fighting game overall and one of the best for those looking to get the hang of mastering multiple mains at once. The game is also way more lenient execution-wise when compared to the old-schoolKOFtitles, thus making it a perfect entry point for those new to the franchise.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
A spin-off to the acclaimedGranblue Fantasyfranchise,Granblue Fantasy Versus: Risingbrings to the table the mix of unmatched presentation and high technical selling Arc System Works is known for. You will also find in the game’s simple input feature —which allows players to perform skills through one to two-input combinations—one of the best tools for those both new to the scene and intermediate fighters. Honestly, the way the game allows you to mix the simple and standard technical inputs makes the feature a godsend for those still learning the timing of their combos.
GFVRis also the only game here to have a free version. Currently available on all of its platforms, the version offers newcomers the ability to get a feel of the game, and take Gran and a few other characters to battle in select online and offline modes.
Marvel vs Capcom Infinite
Released in 2017,Marvel vs Capcom Infinitebrought fans the return of the franchises’ 2v2 style featured beforeMarvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroesin 2000, a feat that unfortunately was overshadowed by the game’s unremarkable presentation and half-baked state at launch. But if you manage to go past that,Infinitedoes bring to the table the quality one can expect of aCapcomtag-fighter, as we can see in its well-implemented new mechanics, improvements in overall gameplay, and now-well-balanced roster.
Right now can also be considered the best time to dive into the game, as theMarvel vs Capcom Infinite & Beyondmod project, which is spearheaded by content creator Maximilian Dood and is set to bring to it both a visual upgrade and some gameplay-related changes, is currently in production.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
A game that puts players in the shoes of many of the most powerful warriors of Akira Toriyama’s franchise,Dragon Ball FighterZmade a splash by fusing a never-seen-before fidelity to the source material with an action-packed spin on the tag-fighter genre.
A 3v3 fighter which, in a manner similar to theMarvel Vs. Capcomfranchise, works as a trial-by-fire for all looking to learn how to block efficiently and steadily open opponents for damage,Dragon Ball FighterZwill force you to either learn or watch your whole team get obliterated.
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 (2016)
The middle point between the more-grounded approach ofMVCIand the flashy style ofDragon Ball FighterZ,Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3brings to players a more refined version of the high-speed combat system seen inMvC2, all paired with a roster of 50+ members.
True to that and taking into account its high execution demand, the game can also be considered the ideal pick for those looking to learn how to actively use assists and carry long combos. Believe me, learning to carry your combos inUMvC3will make you fit to play any character you wish, no matter your fighting game of choice.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore
One of the most stylish fighting games to ever hit the market,Skullgirls 2nd Encoreis a safe bet for all looking for a tag-fighter, as the title brings a unique feel through its noir style and over-the-top animations, the latter which gives birth to just as engaging as they are out of pocket combos.
The game’s approach to team building is also a huge plus, as even if players can —like in most tag fighters— take the field with fewer characters than their opponents in up to 1v3 battles, doing so inSkullgirlswill offer stat boosts. That makes learning your mains less overwhelming, as you can steadily increase your team size while staying competitive.
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
Released in 2019, following the success of the Boom Studios’Shattered Gridevent,Power Rangers: Battle for the Gridcan be considered the best title within our list for those looking to get comfortable with2XKO, as the game showcases a straightforward approach to specials, while also being focused ground-based combat and revolving around similar combo structures. The only downside here lies in the game’s current player base, which is definitely on the low side, even when compared to more dated titles.
Now that you know what to play while waiting for2XKO, don’t forget to also check outall of the game’s confirmed champions.
