Introduction
For anime fans who crave high-octane combat, nothing beats the thrill of a well-crafted anime fighting game. Whether you’re looking to master complex combos in Dragon Ball FighterZ or outplay opponents in Guilty Gear Strive, 2024 offers incredible options for competitive players.
This guide breaks down the best anime fighting game right now, from technical 2D fighters to 3D arena brawlers. We’ll cover pro tips, tier lists, and upcoming tournaments—everything you need to level up your gameplay!
1. Dragon Ball FighterZ – The Ultimate 3v3 Tag Fighter
Platform: PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox, Switch
Developer: Arc System Works
Dragon Ball FighterZ remains the gold standard for anime fighters, blending fast-paced action with stunning visuals. The game’s 3v3 tag system lets you build dream teams like Goku, Vegeta, and Broly.
Why It’s Great for Competition:
✔ EVO Championship staple since 2018
✔ High skill ceiling with advanced tech (reflects, vanish combos)
✔ Rollback netcode for smooth online matches
Best Team for Beginners: Goku (SSJ), Vegeta (SSJ), Trunks (balanced and easy to learn).
2. Guilty Gear Strive – The Most Polished Anime Fighter
Platform: PC, PS4/PS5
Developer: Arc System Works
Guilty Gear Strive features gorgeous 2.5D visuals and aggressive, high-damage gameplay. Characters like Sol Badguy and May dominate the meta with explosive combos.
Key Competitive Features:
✔ Best-in-class netcode (near-lagless matches)
✔ Wall-break mechanic resets neutral play
✔ Regular balance patches and DLC characters
Pro Tip: Master Roman Cancels (RC) to extend combos and pressure opponents.
3. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 – Best Arena Fighter
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Developer: CyberConnect2
For fans of 3D anime battles, Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 delivers flashy, cinematic combat. Play as Naruto (Baryon Mode), Sasuke (Rinnegan), or Madara in fast-paced duels.
Why It’s Still Popular in 2024:
✔ Massive roster (over 100 characters)
✔ Jutsu clashes & ultimate awakenings
✔ Active online tournaments
Best Character for Ranked: Minato (Yellow Flash) – insane speed & teleportation.
4. Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising – A Beginner-Friendly Fighter
Platform: PC, PS4/PS5
Developer: Cygames
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising simplifies fighting game mechanics with easy-input special moves, making it perfect for newcomers. Yet, it still offers deep mechanics for pros.
Competitive Perks:
✔ Simplified controls (great for casuals)
✔ Rollback netcode for better online play
✔ Free version available (with rotating characters)
Top-Tier Pick: Narmaya – high mobility and mix-ups.
5. Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes] – The Underrated Gem
Platform: PC, PS4/PS5, Switch
Developer: French-Bread
This cult-classic anime fighter offers precise, footsies-based gameplay. With the 2024 sequel, UNI2 introduces new mechanics and balance changes.
Why Hardcore Players Love It:
✔ Unique GRD system (rewarding defensive play)
✔ Diverse roster (Hyde, Linne, and new characters)
✔ EVO 2024 side tournament confirmed
Advanced Tech: Learn Chain Shift cancels for explosive combos.
FAQ: Answering Your Fighting Game Questions
Q: Which anime fighter has the best online play?
A: Guilty Gear Strive and Granblue Versus: Rising have best-in-class rollback netcode.
Q: Is Dragon Ball FighterZ still worth playing in 2024?
A: Absolutely! It still has a strong competitive scene and rollback netcode is coming.
Q: What’s the easiest anime fighter for beginners?
A: Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising—its simple inputs help new players learn faster.
Q: Will Naruto Storm 4 get a sequel?
A: Yes! Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections releases late 2024.
Final Tier List: Best Anime Fighters for Ranked Play
| Game | Skill Floor | Competitive Scene | Best For |
| Dragon Ball FighterZ | Medium | Very Active | Team combos |
| Guilty Gear Strive | High | EVO Mainstay | Precision play |
| Naruto Storm 4 | Low | Casual & Tourneys | Flashy fights |
| Granblue Versus: Rising | Very Low | Growing | New players |
| Under Night In-Birth II | High | Niche but Dedicated | Footsies |
Conclusion: Which Anime Fighter Should You Play?
If you want high-level competition, go for Guilty Gear Strive or DBFZ. Prefer casual fun? Naruto Storm 4 or Granblue Rising are perfect.
Ready to jump into ranked? Pick your fighter and start training!
