Although fighting games may not be the most popular genre, they have a dedicated fanbase due to their deep roots in arcade history. At their core, fighting games are built around a simple but thrilling objective: use your character's moves to deplete your opponent's health bar and win the round.
The Steam Deck extends the battle to friends and other players worldwide. Fighting games are a major genre on Steam, with over 1,400 titles. And while the selection is huge, not all games are optimized for the Steam Deck. This guide highlights some of the best fighting games that run smoothly on the device.
Tekken 8
Tekken 8 marks a significant evolution for the franchise, known for its seamless 3D fighting mechanics and intense gameplay. What sets Tekken 8 apart is the ability to move around opponents in a fully realized 3D space, allowing players to dodge and execute surprise counterstrikes strategically.
The Story Mode features thrilling narrative-based battles, while the game’s online Ranked Mode allows players to adjust to new fighting styles. Whether it is story mode or taking on your friends online, the Steam Deck-optimized performance of Tekken 8 means you can enjoy immersive gameplay on the go.
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 brings the classic fighting franchise a new look, a much more extensive roster, and a handful of engaging game modes to enjoy. With the new single-player World Tour mode, players can explore dynamic cities full of NPCs to fight by creating custom characters, traveling to locations, and fighting those in charge.
For casual and competitive players, Street Fighter 6 on Steam Deck offers a seamless experience, with easy controls and smooth gameplay that makes every punch, kick, and combo satisfying. The game’s performance on the Deck lets you get into battles no matter where you are.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is an upgraded re-release of the beloved Persona series. It blends iconic characters with fast-paced fighting game action. Originally launched on PS3 and Xbox 360, this version became an ideal choice for fighting game enthusiasts and Persona fans.
With its dynamic gameplay and cross-platform appeal, Ultimax is perfect for players looking for a character-driven fighting game on the go. While the game requires a specific Proton version (7.0-6) to run optimally on the Steam Deck, it performs well online and offline once configured, making it a rewarding experience for dedicated players.
Guilty Gear Strive
Guilty Gear Strive is a fast-paced fighting game with stunning anime-style visuals and a heavy metal soundtrack that sets the tone for intense battles. The game includes a story mode that plays like a movie, in which players get to know unique characters, each with a background and special moves.
Guilty Gear Strive runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, with sharp graphics that look great on a handheld screen. It's ideal for portable gaming, letting fans play quick matches or story mode anytime, anywhere.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising combines fantasy elements with fighting, enabling players to cast spells and perform big moves with easy-to-use controls. The game has a free version, so new players can try it out before buying the full game.
On the Steam Deck, the game looks and plays well, making it easy to enjoy a fantasy world combined with fighting. The controls are simple enough for quick matches, and the fantasy theme is perfect for players who like role-playing and fighting games. It is ideal for fans of both genres who want an enjoyable, portable experience.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
Get into the Dragon Ball Z universe with Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, an RPG that allows fans to relive the iconic story of Goku and the Z fighters. Instead of being limited to combat, the game features a massive world stuffed with side quests, exploration, and character advancement so that fans can experience key events from the anime in rich detail.
The game’s story and RPG mechanics set it apart from traditional fighting games. It's been a big hit on the Steam Deck and boasts a high player rating and ranking as one of the top-rated fighting games. Verified by Valve, it runs seamlessly on the console, delivering the thrill of DBZ battles to handheld play.
Yakuza Kiwami 2
Yakuza Kiwami 2 lets players step into the role of Kazuma Kiryu, a powerful yakuza who faces a fierce rival in a dangerous battle between crime clans. This remake brings the game to life with high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay, making every fight and story scene feel real. It is more than just a fighting game, as players can explore a deep story with lots of characters and side missions.
On the Steam Deck, Yakuza Kiwami 2 runs smoothly and looks great. Its intense action and story can be enjoyed on the go, and Valve has verified that it plays perfectly, making it a reliable option for portable gaming.
One Finger Death Punch
One Finger Death Punch is a simple yet addictive kung-fu fighting game where players use just two buttons to take down waves of enemies. Despite its basic mechanics, the game is fun and engaging, perfect for quick play sessions.
The game’s simple controls make it a great fit for the Steam Deck, where players can enjoy short bursts of action without needing complex controls. It is also low-cost and easy to learn, making it a solid choice for anyone who loves a straightforward, intense combat game.
Multiversus
Multiversus is a free-to-play fighting game where players choose popular Warner Bros. characters for wild, over-the-top battles. With characters from different series, each matchup is unpredictable and fun. The game uses a platform-fighting style so players can jump, punch, and knock opponents off the screen.
On the Steam Deck, Multiversus plays smoothly, with great graphics and controls that make every fight enjoyable. Being able to take these characters anywhere makes it a fun choice for quick and chaotic battles on the go, especially for fans of crossover games.
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Special Edition
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle combines characters from anime-inspired games like BlazBlue, Persona, and RWBY into one big fighting game. The combat is smooth and colorful, with unique character matchups that make each fight interesting. It’s great for anime fans who enjoy seeing their favorite characters in action together.
This game runs well on the Steam Deck and offers solid performance and smooth online play. It is a fun and lively option for anime and fighting game fans, bringing beloved characters together for exciting battles.