Best Fighting Games Like Street Fighter 6 for New Players
If you’re new to fighting games and loved Street Fighter 6’s approachable World Tour mode and Modern controls, the best next pick is Guilty Gear Strive. It shares that same philosophy of making complex combos and special moves easy to execute, while still offering deep, rewarding gameplay. Its flashy anime style and rock soundtrack are a bonus, and the online rollback netcode is excellent for learning against real people.
What to Look For
When choosing a fighting game as a newcomer, focus on these criteria rather than just popularity:
- Input leniency: Does the game have simplified input options (like SF6’s Modern controls) or forgiving motion inputs? This drastically lowers the barrier to entry.
- Active player base and netcode: Rollback netcode is non-negotiable for online play. A healthy player base means you’ll find matches at your skill level quickly.
- Single-player content: A robust tutorial, arcade mode, or story mode helps you learn without the pressure of online matches.
- Clear game mechanics: Games with one or two core systems (like a universal parry or a single super meter) are easier to grasp than those with five different gauges to manage.
- Community and resources: Look for games with active Discord servers, subreddits, and YouTube tutorials aimed at beginners.
Guilty Gear Strive
Strengths: The most direct spiritual successor to SF6’s “easy to learn, hard to master” design. It has a built-in “Simple Input” mode that auto-completes special moves, and the game’s combo structure is very forgiving. The tutorial and mission modes are some of the best in the genre, teaching you not just the game but fighting game fundamentals. The netcode is flawless, and the player base is active and welcoming.
Trade-offs: The anime aesthetic and heavy metal soundtrack aren’t for everyone. The roster is smaller than SF6’s, and the gameplay is faster and more aggressive, with an emphasis on air-dashing and wall-breaks. Some characters have quirky mechanics that can be overwhelming at first.
Who it suits: Anyone who wants the closest experience to Street Fighter 6 but with a different visual style and a more rock-and-roll attitude. It’s perfect if you want a game where you can do cool stuff quickly without spending hours in training mode.
Tekken 8
Strengths: If you want to branch out from 2D fighters, Tekken 8 is the best 3D option. It has a fantastic “Special Style” control scheme that maps key moves to single buttons, making it playable for absolute beginners. The single-player “Arcade Quest” mode is a great on-rails introduction, and the game’s visual presentation is stunning. The netcode is also top-tier.
Trade-offs: 3D movement (sidestepping) adds a whole new layer of complexity. The move list for each character is enormous, and while Special Style helps, learning to play without it is a long-term project. The game is also more punishing on whiffed attacks than SF6.
Who it suits: Players who like the idea of martial arts and want a more realistic, grounded feel. It’s also great for those who enjoy juggling opponents and want a game that feels very different from Street Fighter.
Mortal Kombat 1
Strengths: Mortal Kombat 1 is extremely beginner-friendly in its pacing and input system. Special moves are simple quarter-circle or back-forward motions, and the game has a very clear tutorial. The single-player story mode is the best in the genre, and the Kameo fighter system adds a layer of strategy without being too complex. The online netcode is solid, and the player base is large.
Trade-offs: The game is gory and violent, which isn’t for everyone. The Kameo system, while fun, can feel overwhelming as you learn to integrate assists. The gameplay is slower and more methodical than SF6, and some players find the combo routes less creative.
Who it suits: Fans of the Mortal Kombat franchise, or anyone who wants a fighting game with a fantastic story mode and a more grounded, brutal combat system. It’s a great choice if you play mostly solo or with friends on the couch.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Strengths: This game is designed with newcomers in mind. It has a “Simple Mode” that gives you one-button specials and auto-combos, and the overall game is slower and more methodical than SF6, making it easier to read what’s happening. The tutorial is excellent, and the game features a unique “Grand Bruise” mode that is a fun party game to take a break from serious fighting.
Trade-offs: The roster is small (around 30 characters), and the game’s art style is very anime, which might not appeal to everyone. The player base is smaller than the other games on this list, though still active. The combat can feel a bit restrictive if you’re used to the freedom of SF6’s Drive System.
Who it suits: Players who want a more relaxed, slower-paced fighting game that still has real depth. It’s perfect for those who like the idea of Street Fighter but find it a bit too fast or stressful.
Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes
Strengths: This is a hidden gem for beginners. It has a comprehensive tutorial that teaches you not just the game but also general fighting game concepts like spacing and okizeme. The game’s “GRD” (Grid) system is a simple, single resource that rewards aggression and careful play, and the combat is very fluid and fun. The netcode is good, and the community is dedicated and helpful.
Trade-offs: The visual style is very anime and the UI is cluttered. The game is fast and has a lot of movement options, which can be intimidating at first. The player base is smaller than the big three, so matchmaking can take a bit longer.
Who it suits: Players who want a deep, technical fighting game that still holds your hand during the learning process. It’s ideal for those who like the idea of mastering a niche game with a passionate community.
DNF Duel
Strengths: DNF Duel is the simplest game on this list. Every character has a limited set of special moves, and the game uses a simple MP bar for everything. There are no complicated gatling chains or complex inputs—just press buttons and do cool stuff. It’s incredibly easy to pick up and play, and the character designs are wild and varied.
Trade-offs: The simplicity can be a double-edged sword. There’s less depth for long-term mastery, and the game’s balance can be questionable. The player base is quite small, so online matches may be hard to find at lower ranks. The netcode is acceptable but not the best.
Who it suits: Players who want a pure, no-frills fighting game to play casually with friends or for a quick online match. It’s not the game to sink hundreds of hours into, but it’s a great entry point to learn the basics of the genre.
How to Choose
First, decide your budget. All of these games are full-priced at launch, but they frequently go on sale. If you’re on a tight budget, wait for a discount on Guilty Gear Strive or Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising—they often drop to $20–30. Mortal Kombat 1 and Tekken 8 are newer and more expensive, but they have the most single-player content.
Next, consider your use case. Do you want to play mostly online? Then prioritize games with large player bases and good netcode—Guilty Gear Strive, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 1 are your best bets. If you play mostly offline or with friends on the couch, Mortal Kombat 1’s story mode and Granblue’s party mode are great. If you want a game to learn the genre deeply, Under Night In-Birth II has the best tutorial.
A common trade-off is complexity vs. depth. Simpler games like DNF Duel are easy to learn but may not keep you engaged long-term. More complex games like Tekken 8 offer a longer journey but can be frustrating at first. Think about how much time you’re willing to invest in learning. If you want to just have fun for a few hours a week, pick a simpler game. If you want to compete seriously, pick a more complex one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these games cross-platform?
A: Most modern fighting games support cross-play. Guilty Gear Strive, Mortal Kombat 1, and Tekken 8 all have cross-play between PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising also has cross-play. Under Night In-Birth II does not have cross-play.
Q: Do I need a fight stick to play these?
A: No. All of these games are fully playable on a standard gamepad. Many top players use pads. The simplified control schemes in Guilty Gear Strive, Tekken 8, and Granblue make pad play even easier.
Q: Can I play these games offline?
A: Yes, all of them have single-player modes. Mortal Kombat 1 has the best story mode, Guilty Gear Strive has a rich arcade mode, and Tekken 8 has a story and arcade quest. Granblue has a story mode and party modes.
Q: Which game has the best tutorial for a complete beginner?
A: Guilty Gear Strive and Under Night In-Birth II are tied for the best tutorials. They both teach you fighting game fundamentals, not just the game’s mechanics. Street Fighter 6’s World Tour mode is also excellent, but it’s not on this list since you already played it.
Q: Are these games as good as Street Fighter 6?
A: That’s subjective. Guilty Gear Strive is often considered on par with SF6 in terms of quality and accessibility. Tekken 8 is a different experience but equally polished. Mortal Kombat 1 is a solid choice if you like its style. The others are more niche but still great.
Q: Will I find online matches at my skill level?
A: For Guilty Gear Strive, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 1, yes, there are plenty of beginners. For Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising and Under Night In-Birth II, the player base is smaller, but you’ll still find matches, especially in ranked mode.
Bottom Line
If you want the closest experience to Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear Strive is the clear winner. It has the same ease of entry, excellent netcode, and a thriving community. If you want to try something different, Tekken 8 is a fantastic 3D alternative. For the best story mode, Mortal Kombat 1 is unmatched. And if you’re on a budget, wait for a sale on Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. No matter which you choose, you’ll find a welcoming community and hours of fun.
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