4 Upcoming Fighting Games That Could Change the Genre in 2026

by

The fighting game scene is about to have a really exciting year. For decades, the genre has been shaped by classic arcade games and popular esports titles, with trends coming and going. But now, developers are really innovating with better graphics, making games easier to learn, and adding more strategic gameplay. Recent releases like Street Fighter 6, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rivals of Aether 2, and Fatal Fury: City of Wolves have breathed new life into the genre and attracted a wider audience, thanks to features like improved online play, smoother animations, and helpful tutorials.

Both new and longtime fans are getting excited about the future of fighting games. 2026 looks like it will be a huge year, with a lot of creative and innovative titles planned. Four upcoming games, in particular, seem set to really change the direction of the genre, creating one of the most promising lineups the fighting game community has seen in years.

4) Spine

Spine is an upcoming action fighter that looks amazing, combining smooth, movie-like animations with precise, timing-based battles. It’s not a typical head-to-head arena fighter, but it takes inspiration from games like Sifu and character-action titles, adding unique elements that could change how these kinds of fighting games are made. With a cool cyberpunk style, Spine is different from other fighting games because it focuses on ‘gun fu’ – combining martial arts with gunplay – through its main character, a defiant street artist named Redline.

Unlike typical fighting games limited to 2D or 3D spaces, Spine offers a cinematic, blockbuster-style experience with its innovative camera work. This makes the combat feel particularly intense and visceral. Players can seamlessly blend powerful martial arts with quick gunplay, creating a dynamic fighting style reminiscent of Sifu. The game’s immersive story and atmosphere perfectly complement the fast-paced action, promising an exciting and adrenaline-pumping experience.

The way characters move, dodge, and attack in Spine feels more like an action movie than a typical fighting game. This is important because Spine could change what players expect from combat in games. If it succeeds, it might encourage developers to create martial arts gameplay that combines strong stories, impressive animations, and challenging skill-based combat – going beyond the usual fighting game formula. Don’t think of Spine as trying to compete with Street Fighter (though adding multiplayer would be great). Instead, see it as a model for new types of fighting games – something the fighting game community needs to stay fresh and exciting.

3) Invicible VS

Fighting games featuring superheroes are common, but Invincible VS stands out thanks to its connection to the hugely popular Invincible animated series. The world of Invincible is known for being intense, visually dynamic, and focused on compelling characters – making it ideal for a fighting game packed with spectacular special moves, environments that take a beating, and impressive visuals. Like the comics and show, the game doesn’t shy away from violence, delivering 3v3 superhero battles reminiscent of Injustice 2.

Invincible VS brings beloved characters from the Invincible universe – like Omni-Man, Invincible, Atom Eve, and Battle Beast – to life in a fast-paced 2D fighting game. It delivers everything fans expect from the genre: quick action, powerful combos, and spectacular special moves. What really sets this game apart is its use of a popular license, which can attract new players to the fighting game community. This is particularly important as fighting games can be difficult to get into, and Invincible VS also helps to highlight the growing popularity of team-based fighting games.

Invincible VS is the first game from Quarter Up, a new studio created by experienced fighting game developers, including members of the Killer Instinct team. Early looks at the game have been promising, and the developers are actively sharing updates and taking player feedback into account. If they can get the core gameplay right and ensure a smooth online experience with an easy-to-learn system, Invincible VS has the potential to be a major success in 2026.

2) Virtua Fighter 6

Many believe Virtua Fighter 6 will significantly change 3D fighting games and the fighting game world. While details are limited, the developers, Ryu Ga Gotoku – famous for the Yakuza/Like a Dragon series – have previewed gameplay and graphics that look very impressive. Virtua Fighter is considered the original 3D fighter and has always focused on skillful play, rewarding players who master core techniques like positioning, distance control, and precise timing.

It’s been over ten years since a new installment in the series, not counting updated versions, and a new game would be a huge deal. Sega has often hinted at bringing back older franchises, and recent leaks, documents, and comments from developers suggest that Virtua Fighter 6 could be announced soon. The game could have a big impact on the fighting game scene. While Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6 focus on fast-paced, visually impressive gameplay and making the genre more accessible, Virtua Fighter 6 could offer a more realistic and traditional 3D fighting experience, providing a different style for players.

The upcoming installment boasts cutting-edge online technology that could set a new standard for complex and competitive fighting games. The Virtua Fighter series has long been praised for truly rewarding player skill, and the next game looks to continue that tradition. Confirmed returning favorites like Akira will be joined by new characters such as Stella, and developers have hinted at a story mode. If Virtua Fighter 6 lives up to its potential, it could be a landmark release for the fighting game community.

1) Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls

Currently, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls looks like the most exciting fighting game scheduled for release in 2026. Combining Marvel’s popular characters, the skill of Arc System Works, and support from Sony, this PlayStation 5 game has the potential to be a major hit – not just for fighting game fans, but for gamers in general. With a huge number of characters it could feature and a massive existing fanbase, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls could broaden the appeal of the fighting game genre, much like Marvel Rivals has done.

The revealed characters and gameplay show this fighting game has something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros. Like Street Fighter 6’s simplified controls, the game’s autocombo system makes it easy to pick up and play, even if you’re new to fighting games or struggle with complex button combinations. It aims to strike a perfect balance between accessibility, exciting visuals, and smooth gameplay, potentially setting a new standard for the fighting game community. If Marvel Tokon succeeds, it could become incredibly popular, attracting both dedicated fans and those who’ve never played a fighting game before.

A clever design choice in Marvel Tokon avoids the difficult task of forcing players to pick a single character. Instead, the game allows teams of four, even if some members focus on support. This lets players build their ideal superhero squad and discover powerful combinations. While Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls is accessible to new players, mastering the game’s full potential will likely require significant skill and strategy.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

Read More

2025-11-29 20:13