The best fighting games with RPG mechanics

Key things

• The combination of fighting games and RPG elements can lead to a unique gaming experience for players.
• Character customization and use of RPG mechanics add depth and creativity to the game.
• Games like Injustice 2 and Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 expertly integrate fighting games with RPG elements.

Many things combine well. Bacon and eggs. Sunshine and reading. JRPG and urban fantasy. Game sub-genres often form from an ongoing “Eureka” moment where players and developers realize that two distant genres actually work quite well together. Survival games are about fighting for existence against impending threats from the natural world and horror games are about fighting for existence against impending threats from the unnatural world. Combine them and you have the survival horror genre and many instant classics.

Fighting games and RPGs are not, at first glance, a similar kind of thematic match made in heaven. RPGs tend to put a lot more emphasis on character than fighting games – but the ComboFiend of Capcom USA fame once infamously described fighting game characters as “mere functions” and everyone really hated it – so it's clear that fighting game players can relate to their characters as players RPG. And it is here, in this love of character building, that some fighting games have made a seamless and brilliant transition into the territory of RPG mechanics.

6 Injustice 2

Character customization and alternate endings make for a great fighting game

Injustice 2 greatly expanded the scale and scope of this iconic DC fighting game. DC superheroes were the perfect choice for an intense fighting game full of environmental attacks, powerful finishers and incredibly overpowered fighters. One way this title expands on its predecessor is the inclusion of character customization, which allows players to change the moves and stats of their favorite superheroes and villains.

This element of customization allows players to cast heroes into different niches in terms of their overall purpose for each fight, whether it's to become a hard-hitting combo breaker or a nimble mid-range fighter. The story itself allows some freedom for the benefit of the players as well, with the ending depending on the player's specific choice.

5 Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot

Live in the World Of Dragon Ball Z: From Arcs to Filler Episodes

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot is a celebration Dragon Ball Z anime, manga, and a long line of video games that help define what the series means to many people. It is a game that primarily allows players to participate in battles across the entire animated series in a dynamic, beautifully rendered style, but also allows players to engage in many RPG elements as they create their favorite characters throughout the story.

A sprawling game like this can leave players wondering which direction to take, but elements of life like cooking and training are just as important and lovingly detailed as the colossal boss fights that define most of the game's time.

4 Super Smash Bros 4

Character customization brings with it many RPG elements

Super Smash Bros 4including both a 3DS and Wii U variant, took the monolithic platform fighter series in many interesting new directions. Today, the game unfortunately exists in the shadows of the incredibly popular Super Smash Bros Ultimatebut there were many mechanics in this game that are completely unique to it, or at least completely unique to older games in the series before final decided to streamline it a bit.

One of these features is a character creation component that allows players to take Miis and turn them into fighters. This RPG-style character creator lets characters choose a class for their fighter, as well as gear and clothing, and with special amiibo compatibility, players can have their Miis constantly gain experience and power up in a similar RPG style.

3 Soulcalibur 6

Libra Of Souls is an excellent RPG experience

Soulcalibur has a huge variety of game modes across all of its titles, but what shines in each of them is the incredibly satisfying and dynamic combat gameplay with a heavy emphasis on swordsmanship. The combat has enough depth to please veterans of the genre, but is simple enough that newer players won't be intimidated.

Enticing new and old players alike, Libra of Souls game mode provides an RPG experience where players travel the world with their own character, acquiring equipment and skills and slowly building their avatar's power.

2 Street Fighter 6

World Tour mode is the ultimate Street Fighter RPG experience

World Tour mode is a sprawling love letter Street Fighter genre that allows players to train under the most iconic characters in Street Fighter series as their own uniquely created characters. This allows their character to grow and gain experience and engage in an RPG experience unique to this game.

Gaining experience through battles that can be used in increasingly intense battles, using new skills gained by reaching higher levels, there are plenty of RPG mechanics in the world tour mode that make players feel that their character is an integral part of the game. Street Fighter world.

1 Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2

It doesn't get much better for RPG fighting games

Few games provide such a dazzling experience Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. Players will be able to join the pantheon of legendaries Dragon Ball heroes with their own unique designs, stats and of course powerful ki moves.

Whether players want to transform into a Super Saiyan or fight as a Namekian or even a Majin, there is so much amazing creativity in this game and its main focus: a story mode and missions that give players more experience to use with their character.