Hey there, fellow gamers! Are you looking for the best online fighting games for PC? You've come to the right place! In this guide, we're diving deep into the world of digital fisticuffs, exploring the top titles that will get your adrenaline pumping and your fingers flying across the keyboard or controller. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the genre, we've got something for everyone. So, grab your gear, warm up those combos, and let's get ready to rumble!

Why Online Fighting Games on PC?

Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why PC is such a great platform for fighting games. First off, the flexibility and customization options are unmatched. You can tweak graphics settings to get the perfect balance between visual fidelity and performance, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience. Plus, you've got the choice of using a keyboard, a fight stick, or a controller – whatever feels most comfortable for you. PC also boasts a thriving modding community, which means you can often find fan-made content, balance tweaks, and even entirely new characters to keep your favorite games fresh and exciting.

Another huge advantage is the online infrastructure. PC gaming platforms like Steam and Discord provide robust matchmaking systems, voice chat, and community features that make it easy to find opponents and connect with other players. And let's not forget about the regular sales and discounts that make PC gaming more affordable than ever. So, if you're serious about fighting games, PC is definitely the way to go.

Top Fighting Games to Play Online on PC

Now, let's get to the good stuff – the games themselves! Here's a curated list of some of the best online fighting games you can play on your PC right now, each with its unique strengths and appeal.

Street Fighter V: Champion Edition

Street Fighter V: Champion Edition is a flagship title in the fighting game community, and for good reason. It represents the culmination of years of updates and improvements, offering a massive roster of 40 characters, each with their own distinct fighting style and backstory. The gameplay is deep and rewarding, with a focus on footsies, spacing, and strategic decision-making. Whether you're a fan of classic characters like Ryu and Ken or prefer the newer additions like Luke and G, there's someone for everyone to master.

The Champion Edition includes all the content from the base game plus all characters, stages, and costumes released up to that point, making it the definitive Street Fighter V experience. The online modes are robust, with ranked and casual matches, as well as a training mode that lets you hone your skills against AI opponents. The netcode, which determines the quality of online play, has been significantly improved over the years, resulting in smoother and more responsive matches. This makes Street Fighter V a must-play for anyone serious about online fighting games.

Why it's great:

• Huge character roster with diverse playstyles.
• Deep and rewarding gameplay mechanics.
• Robust online modes with improved netcode.
• Regular updates and community events.

Tekken 7

Tekken 7 is another giant in the fighting game world, known for its intricate 3D movement, hard-hitting combos, and dramatic story. The game features a diverse cast of characters, including martial arts masters, cyborgs, and even guest characters like Akuma from Street Fighter and Noctis from Final Fantasy XV. Tekken 7's gameplay is all about mastering movement, punishing mistakes, and executing devastating combos.

One of the things that sets Tekken 7 apart is its emphasis on storytelling. The game features a lengthy and engaging story mode that explores the complex relationships between the Mishima family and their rivals. The online modes are also excellent, with ranked and player matches, as well as a tournament mode that lets you compete against other players for bragging rights. The netcode is generally solid, although it can be a bit more demanding than some other fighting games. Still, Tekken 7 is a must-play for anyone who loves 3D fighters.

Why it's great:

• Intricate 3D movement and hard-hitting combos.
• Diverse cast of characters with unique fighting styles.
• Engaging story mode with complex characters.
• Robust online modes with tournament support.

Mortal Kombat 11

Mortal Kombat 11 is the latest installment in the iconic fighting game franchise, and it's a brutal and beautiful masterpiece. The game features a deep and customizable fighting system, a cinematic story mode, and a huge roster of characters, including classic favorites like Scorpion and Sub-Zero, as well as newcomers like Geras and Kollector. Mortal Kombat 11 is known for its over-the-top violence, its intricate lore, and its surprisingly strategic gameplay.

One of the things that sets Mortal Kombat 11 apart is its Kustom Variation system, which allows you to create your own unique versions of each character, with different moves, abilities, and cosmetic options. The online modes are also excellent, with ranked and casual matches, as well as a King of the Hill mode that lets you compete against other players in a persistent lobby. The netcode is generally good, although it can be a bit inconsistent at times. Still, Mortal Kombat 11 is a must-play for anyone who loves fighting games with a dark and gritty edge.

Why it's great:

• Deep and customizable fighting system.
• Cinematic story mode with engaging characters.
• Huge roster of characters with unique abilities.
• Excellent online modes with a variety of options.

Guilty Gear Strive

Guilty Gear Strive is a visually stunning and mechanically deep fighting game that has taken the community by storm. With its beautiful anime-inspired graphics, its rock-solid gameplay, and its innovative online features, Guilty Gear Strive is a breath of fresh air in the fighting game genre. The game features a cast of unique and memorable characters, each with their own distinct fighting style and personality. Guilty Gear Strive is known for its fast-paced action, its complex combos, and its emphasis on aggressive play.

One of the things that sets Guilty Gear Strive apart is its rollback netcode, which is widely considered to be the best in the business. This ensures that online matches feel smooth and responsive, even when playing against opponents with high ping. The game also features a robust training mode, a stylish user interface, and a killer soundtrack. Guilty Gear Strive is a must-play for anyone who loves fighting games with a unique and stylish flair.

Why it's great:

• Visually stunning graphics and stylish presentation.
• Rock-solid gameplay with complex combos.
• Excellent rollback netcode for smooth online play.
• Unique and memorable cast of characters.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Dragon Ball FighterZ is a visually spectacular and incredibly fun fighting game that brings the world of Dragon Ball to life. With its stunning 3D graphics, its fast-paced action, and its faithful recreation of the Dragon Ball universe, Dragon Ball FighterZ is a dream come true for fans of the anime. The game features a 3v3 team-based fighting system, which allows you to create your own dream team of Dragon Ball characters and unleash devastating combos.

One of the things that sets Dragon Ball FighterZ apart is its accessibility. The game is easy to pick up and play, but it also has a lot of depth for more experienced players to explore. The online modes are also excellent, with ranked and casual matches, as well as a party match mode that lets you team up with friends and fight against other teams. The netcode is generally good, although it can be a bit inconsistent at times. Still, Dragon Ball FighterZ is a must-play for anyone who loves Dragon Ball or fighting games in general.

Why it's great:

• Visually spectacular graphics that bring the Dragon Ball universe to life.
• Fast-paced action and accessible gameplay.
• 3v3 team-based fighting system with strategic depth.
• Faithful recreation of the Dragon Ball characters and story.

Tips for Getting Good at Online Fighting Games

Okay, so you've picked your game and you're ready to jump into the online fray. But how do you actually get good at fighting games? Here are a few tips to help you improve your skills and climb the ranks:

• Start with the basics: Learn the fundamental mechanics of your chosen game, such as movement, blocking, and basic attacks. Practice these skills in training mode until they become second nature.
• Learn your character's moves: Every character has a unique set of moves and combos. Spend some time learning your character's moves and figuring out which ones are most effective in different situations.
• Watch replays: One of the best ways to improve is to watch replays of your matches, both wins and losses. Pay attention to your mistakes and try to figure out what you could have done differently.
• Practice your combos: Combos are an essential part of most fighting games. Practice your combos until you can execute them consistently in a match.
• Learn to read your opponent: Fighting games are all about reading your opponent and predicting their next move. Pay attention to their habits and try to anticipate what they're going to do.
• Don't get discouraged: Fighting games can be tough, and you're going to lose a lot of matches when you're starting out. Don't get discouraged – just keep practicing and learning, and you'll eventually start to see results.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to the best online fighting games for PC. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a complete newbie, there's a game out there for you. Just pick one that looks interesting, dive in, and start practicing. With a little bit of effort, you'll be landing those combos and climbing the ranks in no time. Good luck, and have fun!

Remember that finding the best online fighting games is a personal journey. What clicks for one player might not for another. Experiment, try different titles, and most importantly, enjoy the process of learning and improving. The fighting game community is vast and welcoming, so don't hesitate to reach out for tips, advice, or just to find someone to spar with. Now get out there and show them what you've got!