Top 20 best martial arts games you must play

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - December 18th 2024, 19:00 GMT+1

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For this list, we’re focusing on video games where martial arts take center stage as the main combat mechanic. Sure, plenty of these games toss in fantasy elements, crazy powers, and other supernatural twists, but at their core, they’re still must-plays for any fight fan who loves a good brawl.

As always, we’ve kept it to one game (or entire franchise) per spot – because let’s be real, we could’ve filled this list with nothing but "Street Fighter" if we didn’t. And hey, if you think we missed an essential martial arts masterpiece, don’t be shy – drop your picks in the comments and let the showdown begin!

20. Shaolin vs Wutang (2018)

"Shaolin vs Wutang" is a love letter to classic martial arts movies, and boy, does it deliver. This indie gem lets you pit iconic kung fu styles against each other in a gritty, one-on-one fighting game. Forget fireballs and flashy special moves – this game keeps it real with hand-to-hand combat and authentic martial arts techniques. You’ll feel like you’re stepping straight into an old-school kung fu flick, complete with dramatic music and sound effects that pack a punch. It may not have the polish of AAA fighters, but its raw charm and devotion to martial arts culture make it an unforgettable experience. | © Jae Lee Productions

19. EA Sports UFC 4 (2020)

Step into the Octagon with "EA Sports UFC 4," a game that brings the intensity of mixed martial arts right to your fingertips. Whether you’re going for a knockout or grinding out a submission victory, this game captures the blood, sweat, and tears of MMA like no other. The career mode lets you create your own fighter and climb the ranks, with the occasional trash-talking thrown in for good measure. The physics are top-notch, the roster is stacked with legends, and let’s not forget the hilariously awkward moments when your fighter celebrates a victory. Realism? Check. Adrenaline? Double-check. | © Electronic Arts

18. Virtua Fighter series (1993 - Present)

The "Virtua Fighter" series might be the grandmaster of 3D fighting games. Since its debut in arcades in 1993, this series has been delivering deep, technical combat for players who enjoy mastering every frame of animation. Sure, it doesn’t have the glitz and glam of its flashier rivals, but what it lacks in pizzazz, it makes up for in precision. With its iconic roster of fighters and straightforward yet challenging gameplay, "Virtua Fighter" is like the quiet kid in class who secretly has a black belt. It’s pure martial arts, no frills – just skill. | © SEGA

17. Dead or Alive series (1996 - Present)

The "Dead or Alive" series may be infamous for its… let’s say, “attention-grabbing” character designs, but don’t let that overshadow its superb fighting mechanics. Beneath the flashy visuals lies a fast-paced, counter-heavy combat system that rewards timing and strategy. The interactive stages add an extra layer of chaos, whether you’re knocking opponents off cliffs or into exploding cars. And let’s be real, the game knows exactly what it is and leans into it with unapologetic flair. Love it or meme it, "Dead or Alive" is undeniably fun. | © Koei Tecmo

THE KING OF FIGHTERS series — 16. The King of Fighters series (1994 - Present)

"The King of Fighters" series is the ultimate team-based brawler. Forget one-on-one fights – here, you assemble squads of three fighters to duke it out in an epic clash of styles and personalities. Known for its complex mechanics and deep roster of characters, this series is a favorite among fighting game purists. Plus, its slick animations and iconic supers are guaranteed to make your jaw drop. It’s challenging, it’s stylish, and it’s a whole lot of fun – just don’t blame us when you spend hours trying to perfect that combo. | © SNK

15. Absolver (2017)

"Absolver" is like a martial arts dojo hidden inside an open-world RPG. You don the mask of a Prospect, wandering a mystical land while learning and mastering various fighting styles. What sets this game apart is its unique combat deck system, which lets you customize your moves into a seamless flow of strikes, blocks, and counters. It’s all about experimentation and finding your rhythm – think of it as a choreographed dance where your partner happens to be trying to punch your face in. Throw in a gorgeous, minimalist art style, and "Absolver" is a must-play for martial arts fans with a strategic streak. | © Sloclap

Cropped Fist of the North Star Lost Paradise — 14. Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise (2018)

If over-the-top action and absurdly satisfying one-liners are your thing, "Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise" is your jam. Based on the legendary anime series, this game lets you step into the boots of Kenshiro, a martial artist who can literally make enemies explode with a single punch. The gameplay is pure chaos – in the best way – with bone-crushing special moves, open-world exploration, and a story so dramatic it might as well be shouted from a mountaintop. Add in minigames like bartending and baseball (with enemies as the balls, naturally), and you’ve got a recipe for madness. | © SEGA

Cropped God Hand — 13. God Hand (2006)

"God Hand" is the kind of game that reminds you why you love video games in the first place: it’s unapologetically ridiculous. You play as Gene, a cocky fighter blessed (or cursed) with the titular God Hand, capable of delivering cartoonishly devastating beatdowns. The game doesn’t take itself seriously, with enemies straight out of a bad action movie and gameplay that keeps you on your toes. It’s tough as nails, but the sheer joy of stringing together absurd combos while dodging like a pro is worth every retry. It’s a cult classic for a reason. | © Clover Studio/Capcom

12. 9 Monkeys of Shaolin (2020)

"9 Monkeys of Shaolin" takes the side-scrolling beat-’em-up formula and sprinkles it with a heavy dose of martial arts flavor. You play as Wei Cheng, a humble fisherman-turned-warrior out to avenge his village. The gameplay is easy to pick up but has surprising depth, with a variety of combat styles and upgrades to keep you experimenting. The art style is gorgeous, evoking a classic Chinese wuxia vibe, and the story keeps things moving without overstaying its welcome. It’s a short but sweet journey that’ll leave you itching to pick up a bo staff. | © Sobaka Studio

Clash Artifacts of Chaos — 11. Clash: Artifacts of Chaos (2023)

"Clash: Artifacts of Chaos" is one of those games that defies easy description – and that’s part of its charm. Set in a surreal world brimming with bizarre creatures, this game puts you in the shoes of Pseudo, a martial artist navigating a mysterious realm. The combat system is fluid and innovative, encouraging you to adapt your techniques to the situation. But what really sets it apart is the striking art style, which feels like a living painting. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s perfect for gamers who crave something out of the ordinary. | © ACE Team

Cropped Shenmue — 10. Shenmue series (1999 - Present)

The "Shenmue" series is like stepping into a martial arts drama mixed with a life simulator. Playing as Ryo Hazuki, you’re on a mission to avenge your father, but don’t expect a simple path. Between epic martial arts battles, you’ll be feeding stray cats, working odd jobs, and becoming a forklift racing champion. The series is a pioneer in open-world design, giving you a richly detailed world to explore at your own pace. And let’s not forget the iconic QTEs that have you frantically pressing buttons to land a punch or dodge a thug. Love it or laugh at it, "Shenmue" is one of a kind. | © SEGA

9. One Finger Death Punch (2013)

"One Finger Death Punch" might just be the most intense two-button game you’ll ever play. It’s a minimalist masterpiece that turns you into a stick-figure martial arts god, unleashing devastating combos and parries with simple taps. The game’s genius lies in its rhythm-like gameplay, where timing is everything. Every punch, kick, and sword swipe feels like a scene from a kung fu movie, complete with slow-motion flourishes. It’s fast, frantic, and endlessly satisfying – just don’t blame us when you lose track of time trying to beat your high score. | © Silver Dollar Games

8. Judgment (2018)

From the creators of the "Yakuza" series comes "Judgment," a detective drama that doesn’t pull any punches – literally. You play as Takayuki Yagami, a private investigator with serious martial arts chops, as he uncovers a web of crime in the neon-lit streets of Kamurocho. The combat is pure joy, blending fluid martial arts moves with environmental mayhem (think bicycles turned into weapons). The story is gripping, the side missions are quirky, and the action is stylishly over-the-top. It’s like a martial arts movie with a detective noir twist – and who wouldn’t want that? | © Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

Cropped Jade Empire — 7. Jade Empire (2005)

"Jade Empire" is BioWare’s take on martial arts RPGs, and it’s as epic as it sounds. Set in a fantastical world inspired by ancient China, you play as a martial arts prodigy tasked with saving the world from an ancient evil. The combat system blends real-time action with RPG mechanics, letting you switch between fighting styles on the fly. The story is full of memorable characters, tough choices, and unexpected twists – all delivered with BioWare’s signature flair. It’s the kind of game that makes you feel like a hero straight out of a wuxia epic. | © BioWare/EA

6. Sleeping Dogs (2012)

"Sleeping Dogs" is what happens when you mix open-world action with brutal martial arts combat. You play as Wei Shen, an undercover cop navigating the criminal underworld of Hong Kong, and the game pulls no punches (pun intended). The hand-to-hand combat is visceral, with bone-breaking counters and environmental takedowns that’ll make you wince. Add in high-speed chases, shootouts, and a gripping story about loyalty and betrayal, and you’ve got a game that’s impossible to put down. It’s like starring in your own martial arts action movie – and trust us, you’ll want to stick around for the credits. | © United Front Games/Square Enix

5. Tekken series (1994 - Present)

The "Tekken" series is the soap opera of martial arts games, and we mean that in the best way possible. From epic rivalries to absurd storylines involving bears and robots, this franchise is never short on drama. But let’s not forget the combat – it’s a finely tuned balance of accessibility and depth that keeps newcomers and pros alike coming back for more. Whether you’re mashing buttons as Eddy Gordo or mastering Kazuya’s devastating combos, every fight feels personal. Plus, who doesn’t love throwing someone off a cliff and watching them come back stronger in the sequel? | © Bandai Namco Entertainment

Street Fighter V — 4. Street Fighter series (1987 - Present)

The "Street Fighter" series is the grandmaster of fighting games, plain and simple. From Ryu’s iconic "Hadouken" to Chun-Li’s lightning-fast kicks, this franchise has defined the genre for decades. The simple yet deep gameplay mechanics, colorful cast of characters, and unforgettable stages have made "Street Fighter" a household name. And let’s not forget the rivalries – Ken vs. Ryu, anyone? Whether you’re reliving the arcade glory days or mastering the latest iteration, "Street Fighter" delivers a knockout every time. | © Capcom

3. Sifu (2022)

"Sifu" is a martial arts masterpiece that demands your respect – and your patience. You play as a vengeful fighter on a mission to take down a group of deadly assassins, and every punch, kick, and dodge is a lesson in precision. The catch? Every time you die, you age, becoming wiser but also more fragile. It’s a brutal but rewarding system that forces you to adapt and grow with each fight. With its stunning visuals, fluid combat, and a story that feels like a love letter to classic kung fu films, "Sifu" is a modern classic. | © Sloclap

The Matchless Kung Fu — 2. The Matchless KungFu (2023)

"The Matchless KungFu" is an open-world sandbox RPG that lets you live out your wildest martial arts fantasies. Set in a richly detailed Wuxia-inspired world, you can choose any path – be a wandering hero, a sect leader, or even a humble merchant with a knack for kung fu. The game offers a dynamic environment where every land block has its unique resources, creatures, and clans, allowing you to build and explore mini-worlds tailored to your desires. Combat is a stylish affair, featuring a customizable skill deck that lets you string together moves to defeat enemies in your own unique way. And if fists and kicks aren't enough, engage in the entertaining "verbal combat" system to outwit your foes. With its blend of action, strategy, and freedom, "The Matchless KungFu" is a martial arts playground where your story is truly your own. | © HuanMos Game

Cropped Yakuza series — 1. Yakuza series (2005 - Present)

The "Yakuza" series is the ultimate fusion of gritty crime drama and laugh-out-loud absurdity, with a heavy dose of martial arts thrown in. You play as Kazuma Kiryu, a stoic ex-yakuza with fists of fury, navigating the seedy streets of Kamurocho. The combat is gloriously over-the-top, with heat actions that let you bash enemies with bicycles, bowling balls, and pretty much anything you can pick up. But it’s not all punching and kicking – the series also delivers heartfelt stories, karaoke sessions, and some of the wackiest side quests you’ll ever encounter. It’s martial arts with heart, humor, and a whole lot of chaos. | © Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio/Sega

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Let’s face it – there’s something inherently satisfying about pulling off a spinning roundhouse kick in a video game. It’s like being a martial arts master, minus the years of grueling training, sore muscles, and the occasional accidental furniture destruction while practicing at home. From ancient dojos to futuristic arenas, martial arts games have been giving us the chance to channel our inner fighters without ever breaking a sweat (unless you’re one of those intense gamers, in which case, respect).

In this article, we’ve gathered the top 20 martial arts games you absolutely must play – and no, you don’t need a black belt to enjoy them. Whether you’re here for the over-the-top combos, jaw-dropping visuals, or just the sweet satisfaction of yelling “Hadouken!” at your screen, we’ve got something for everyone.