Arcades were once the home of classic fighter games, with friends and foes gathered around the animated cabinets to hone their skills performed by diverse characters. While pixel-art franchises like Double Dragon and The King of Fighters remain nostalgic experiences to return to, bigger IPs like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter have evolved through the ages to supply current generations with the same fighting spirit as old-school gamers.
To honor the release of the anticipated Tekken 8, we've compiled a list of fighting games to keep the competitive spirit alive, and since everyone wants the best experience for the lowest price, we've kept the price tag of these titles to an eye-widening minimum. Here are the 10 best fighting games for under $5.
10 Best Souls-Like Games For Under $20
If you want the torment to continue after Elden Ring, these 10 Souls-like games for under $20 should prolong the agony.10. I Am The Hero
Are you the hero?
The pixel art, beat 'em up, fighting game has you become the titular "Hero" with a story dipped in nostalgia as you discover the past of the protagonist while fighting street-level thugs and peculiar monsters. The PlayStation Store is currently selling I Am The Hero with an 80% discount, reducing the price tag down to just $1.99.
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , PC
- Released
- January 16, 2017
- Developer
- Crazyant
Designed as a “love note to retro gaming," the developers packed their childhood and passion for gaming into this title to bring classic fighting games into the modern day. You can enjoy the beautiful pixel art in a single-player campaign, local co-op, or online co-op in Survival Mode, with enough fluid combat, free-style combos, and the unique Critical Blink attacks to keep gameplay adrenaline-fueled.
9. Art Of Fighting Anthology
Three fighting games in one purchase!
The Art of Fighting Anthology includes the classic trilogy made up of Art of Fighting 1, Art of Fighting 2, and Art of Fighting 3. Taunts, character-specific intros, and Super Moves are all part of the franchise's blueprint, and you can own three games in one purchase for only $3.74 through the PlayStation Store.
- Platform(s)
- Wii , PlayStation 2
- Released
- May 15, 2007
- Developer(s)
- SNK Corporation
The Art of Fighting franchise is certainly a staple series in the fighting genre, and you’ll get to dive into the Sakazaki family and their South Town challenges within the first two games that focus on the rescuing of Yuri Sakazaki from a corrupt police commissioner. The third game focuses on Robert Garcia, a family friend of the Sakazaki family, who travels to Mexico. All three games are open to multiplayer, meaning a friend can jump in at any time to help you on your escapade.
8. The King Of Fighters 2000
Exterminate the Nests
This 2000 edition of KOF brings the secret society, Nests, to light and their corruption of the world. Gameplay returns favorable elements from KOF '99 and the roster is stacked with KOF hero characters to fight with. Grab your copy of this classic game for just $2.49 from the PlayStation Store to relive the nostalgia.
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4 , PlayStation 2 , Dreamcast
- Released
- 2000-00-00
- Developer(s)
- SNK Corporation
The KOF characters featured on the game’s cover art are the epitome of noughties fashion and the nostalgia continues in the game with retro pixel art to enhance the classic arcade fighting. KOF 2002 allows you to summon SNK characters from other franchises to assist the team through the new Active Striker gameplay feature, and you can also try out several other KOF titles on the PlayStation Store for under $5 if you’ve had a blast with this one, including The King of Fighters Collection: The Orochi Saga and The King of Fighters ‘98 Ultimate Match.
7. Double Dragon 4
A new legend begins...
This modern-day entry in the classic side-scrolling fighting series offers a story that begins after the elimination of the Black Warriors in Double Dragon 2, featuring new enemies including ninjas, karate masters, and sumo wrestlers. Reduced from $6.99 on Steam to just $3.49, experience the magic of this iconic franchise through a modern release.
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4 , PC , Nintendo Switch
- Released
- January 31, 2017
- Developer(s)
- Arc System Works
Super Double Dragon was technically the series’ fourth main entry that was released for the Super NES in 1992, but this recent title still harnesses the iconic 8-bit art style the franchise is known for. Playable enemy characters, VS Mode, Tower Mode, and more were added to rejuvenate the series for a new generation, and this time around, players are tasked with rescuing Marian by way of the art of Sou-Setsu-Ken - trust us, it’s Kenough to complete the mission and a bargain price to experience.
6. Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R
Get in the fighting rhythm with bonus soundtracks
The Guilty Gear series has evolved steadily over the years to deliver the fifth updated version of Guilty Gear X2, which reworked the balance and recalibrated Kliff and Justice for regular play. Steam is offering the best version of this updated game for only $3.44, where you can enjoy the returning Online TeamVS Mode.
- Platform(s)
- PC , PlayStation Vita
- Released
- September 20, 2012
- Developer(s)
- Arc System Works
This game may have the most long-winded title in video game history, but the content on offer is worth overlooking the packaging. Boasting a 25-character roster, multiple game modes, including Survival Mode, M.O.M. Mode, Training Mode, and Mission Mode, and refined skills for the fighters, this Guilty Gear title is one of the best fighting games in the genre that you can purchase for cheap, and it gives players the freedom to customize their offensive and defensive strategies.
5. BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle
The collision is inevitable!
Cross Tag Battle combines popular characters from the BlazBlue, Persona, Under Night In-Birth, and RWBY series in this 2D fighter offering 2v2 team battles with striking graphics. In addition to purchasing the basic edition for only $4.59, you can also spend a little more to pick up the Special Edition for $12.99 on Steam.
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4 , Nintendo Switch , PC
- Released
- June 22, 2018
- Developer(s)
- Arc System Works
The third Arc System Works title on this list is the gift that keeps on giving after downloading the base game for under $5, as there are four character packs you can download for under $5 together that get you Platinum, Aegis, Hakumen, Mitsuru, and many more. Fans of the genre and the BlazBlue series believe this is the closest experience to a RWBY fighting game, and it’s extremely satisfying when there are a lot of assists and cross combos on offer to bring these characters to life.
4. Stick Fight: The Game
Straight from the internet's golden age
This physics-based couch/online fighting game brings stick figures to life in a chaotic battle against friends or random stick players from around the world. Enjoy 100 high-octane levels, an arsenal of weapons, and your very own level editor for only $4.99 on Steam.
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , PC , Xbox One
- Released
- September 28, 2017
- Developer
- Landfall West
Who knew stick figures could bleed so much? This fighting game is a refreshing entry on this list that removes the sometimes garish graphics of anime-based fighters and provides a break from the classic pixel art games with Stick Fight’s simplistic style. Mindless chaos makes great banter among friends, so grab your copy for under $5 and rally your rivals for a session of over-the-top fun.
3. Killer Instinct
C-C-C-COMBO BREAKERS!
This update of Killer Instinct, celebrating over 10 years of the franchise's longevity, boasts improved matchmaking, balance updates, a 29-character roster, and more. In addition to playing the base game for free, you can also purchase the Anniversary Edition for $29.99 on Steam, which comes with online multiplayer and Steam achievements.
- Released
- September 27, 2017
- Developer(s)
- Iron Galaxy Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Xbox Game Studios
Killer Instinct is the first of two games on this list that are free to play, providing more than enough content to get you started on this killer experience that will leave you wanting more. A host of game modes, 20 stages, and Dojo tutorials are on offer within the base game, and you’ll even unlock Jago as a free Shadow Lords bonus. Killer Instinct has stood the test of time and continues to impress in the fighting genre, and at no cost, you can experience the enthralling fighter for yourself.
2. Brawlhalla
Fight alongside the pineapple under the sea
This free-to-play platform fighter offers contests between up to 8 players online or local, where you can play ranked matches or brawl in a private room with over 50 characters to choose from. Fight as characters from Adventuretime, The Walking Dead, Castlevania, and much more, available to play on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.
With new content releasing every 2–3 weeks, including updated features, bug fixes, balance changes, and new playable Legends like Mordex the werewolf and Bodvar the half-bear Viking, Brawlhalla has a lot to offer free of charge. Acclaimed for being an energetic and entertaining fighter with punchy combat and vibrant, modern visuals, it’s 100% worth giving this easy-to-master fighter a chance, especially when it doesn’t cost you anything. You can also pick up several additional packs from your chosen platform for a small price, including the Collector’s Pack, the Autumn Championship Pack, and the BCX 2023 Pack.
1. Chicken Assassin: Reloaded
Button-smashing Mean Mcallister
The meanest chicken in town is trigger-happy and ready to obliterate hordes of enemies to save his girlfriend. This 2D clicker is a hilarious, strategic brawl that you can own for only $4.99, and for an extra few bucks, you can pick up the Deluxe Edition for $8.98 on Steam.
- Platform(s)
- PC , Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4
- Released
- June 28, 2016
- Developer
- OneShark
Hear me out. This fighting game may sound like it belongs in the cheap section because of its B-movie-styled approach, but it’s a fun time hidden in disguise. Embark on 11 epic missions with over 450 unique loot items to find and a Black Market with just about everything a bullet-fiend chicken needs. This addictive fighter mixes a light-hearted, comical premise with inspired gameplay to keep you hooked for hours, but be prepared to give your trigger finger a rest now and then.
