Today, I’ll present you with five games that will satisfy your craving for Capcom’s latest fighting game. However, I must be realistic; finding several 1v1 fighters with a healthy online mode was a challenge, so I had to get creative.
Also, keep in mind that I’m only recommending games I’ve personally played.
1. Mortal Kombat 11
With the newest Mortal Kombat installment on the horizon, now is the perfect time to dive into Mortal Kombat 11! Like Street Fighter, it’s a 1v1 fighter, making it a fantastic choice. This game boasts an iconic roster featuring characters like Scorpion, Raiden, Liu Kang, and special guests such as the Joker, Robocop, and even Rambo!
The story mode is one of the best I’ve experienced in a fighting game. The combat mechanics are straightforward, and after some labbing you’ll be rewarded with flashy combos and gruesome Fatalities. The online mode is well-populated, ensuring you won’t wait more than a minute to find an opponent. In my opinion, Mortal Kombat 11 is the best alternative to Street Fighter 6 until the sequel releases!
2. Fantasy Strike
For those on a budget, Fantasy Strike is the ideal choice since it’s completely free! If you’re new to fighting games, this one serves as a great entry point, since it’s less technical compared to Street Fighter 6.
The mechanics and inputs have been simplified, allowing anyone to jump in and have a blast without worrying about complex inputs. As a time-constrained father, I appreciate the ease of picking it up and immediately having fun with this game online. However, don’t be fooled by its accessibility; mastering it can still pose a challenge. And, despite being a couple of years old, I could easily find opponents in lower ranks, with wait times averaging about 1-2 minutes.
3. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dragon Ball FighterZ may differ from Street Fighter with its 3v3 format, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. While controlling three characters might seem daunting, there are simplified mechanics that make it more welcoming to newcomers like auto-combos.
You’ll have a blast building your dream team from a sizable roster of Dragon Ball’s most iconic characters and engaging in online battles.
The community is vibrant, even on the Switch, ensuring you’ll have no trouble finding matches. And, if you’re more of a casual gamer you can find enjoyment in the Story Mode. With all this said, I highly recommend this game!
4. Pokken Tournament DX
Now, let’s focus on Nintendo exclusives. Although Nintendo doesn’t offer a traditional fighting game, Pokken Tournament DX stands out as an excellent and challenging option.
It boasts a healthy online mode, a diverse roster of unique characters, stunning visuals, and engaging fighting mechanics. I won’t delve into it further, as I’ve written about it years ago, which you can find here.
5. Smash Ultimate
By now, we’ve gone way beyond your typical fighting games. But, if you’ve got a Nintendo Switch and you’re all about competitive brawls, you must give Super Smash Bros. Ultimate a shot. (You can even throw down as Ryu and Ken!)
Sure, the controls are simple like in Fantasy Strike, but trust me, this game has got even more depth. Even after five years, the die-hard community keeps unearthing new techs, constantly pushing the game’s limits.
Online play might have a few hiccups, but you’ll be matched up in a flash and are bound to find people with a stable connection. Also, let’s not forget the mind-blowing roster, where your favorite Nintendo heroes mix it up with characters from all sorts of gaming franchises.
Conclusion:
While these alternatives may not perfectly replicate the Street Fighter 6 experience, they offer their own unique gameplay styles, features, and communities to explore!
And remember that there are even more fighting games on the Nintendo Switch that I wasn’t able to play like Samurai Showdown or Blazblue Cross Battle Tag.
Also, if you want to experience Street Fighter 6, consider keeping an eye out for future console releases. In the meantime, I hope these game recommendations bring you many hours of fighting game fun!