The 2024 fighting games schedule seems to be eclipsed by 2023’s Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1. However, this year does have some knockouts to be aware of, especially Tekken 8.
2024 bound releases:
Under Night In-Birth 2
The last chapter of the Hollow Night storyline Under Night In-Birth 2 begins on January 24. With it brings rollback netcode, three new intriguing characters, and intense 2D anime action. Unfortunately, it seems like there’s no cross-play. However, there are new battle mechanics to figure out, including Creeping Edge and Celestial Vorpal that should spice up the sequel’s gameplay. Those who haven’t played the game may be happy to know there are simple combos in the game that only require taps of one button.
Tekken 8
Publisher Bandai Namco is starting off with a bang with Tekken 8 on January 26. Each punch, kick, and eye laser looks stunning in Unreal Engine 5. It also introduces new characters such as the stylish French fighter Victor and the coffee-obsessed Azucena. Leo‘s looking stylish too, and will be my main! A new mode called Arcade Quest hopefully keeps us entertained for many hours after we finish the main storyline as well, which has Kazuya and Jin fighting for supremacy. Read more in our hands-on impressions for the game.
MultiVersus
The platform fighter MultiVersus is supposedly making its grand return in 2024. It’s a Warner Bros-themed fighting game that was in open beta in 2023 before closing down temporarily. The concept’s so wild that you can have Shaggy turn into a Super Saiyan-like being and pummel The Iron Giant. He definitely doesn’t need a Scooby Snack after that.
The game regularly stills sees discussion to this day, despite the servers getting shut off months ago. There seems to be genuine interest in the title returning. Hopefully, Player First Games can nail the landing and have MultiVersus becoming a great free-to-play alternative to the Super Smash Bros. series. Fingers crossed it can make a comeback in 2024 after taking a break. We think it has a bright future if done right.
Rivals 2
Another platform fighter emerges in 2024: the sequel to Rivals of Aether. The 2D pixel-style of the first game is transformed into a 3D glow-up. The game’s Steam page says it will be part of “the next generation of platform fighters.” The sequel seems to be an improvement with the addition of shields, ledges, grabs, and throws. It also has three new special moves for each character.
At the time of writing, Rivals 2 is seeking funding via KickStarter with fans more than tripling the initial pledge goal. Thanks to this, we’ll be getting at least nine characters in the initial roster. It’s also going to have rollback netcode from day one.
Die by the Blade
The last 2024 fighting game we know of is Die by the Blade. Pushed back to an Early 2024 release, this tense 3D fighter makes every strike count. Similar to the intensity of the It brings in a unique blend of samurai and cyberpunk inspirations into one title.
The hook is that your opponent can fall in just one strike. You have to be strategic as you get closer to your foe slowly as each second passes. It’s going to get intense, and I’m here for it.
Possible releases:
Project L
The League of Legends series is getting a 2v2 fighting game currently named Project L. The colorful visuals from Runeterra pop on screen, and the action looks intense. For example, you’ll be using Yasuo’s huge katana for impressive ground and air combos.
Project L also has a neat Duo Play feature that lets you tag in your online friend in battle. I’m not a League of Legends fan, but I can’t wait to get a hold of the action this game has in store for us.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Fatal Fury will be making its return in City of the Wolves. SNK briefly teased gameplay with an August 2023 trailer. However, we know very few details about the title. It does look pretty though. Hopefully it can make an appearance in 2024, and doesn’t get pushed to 2025 or beyond.
A new Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi?
A new Dragon Ball Budokai Tenkaichi was teased back in March 2023, but very few details have been shared by Bandai Namco at this point in time. Hopefully we hear more in 2024. Let’s make a wish to Shenron for this game to come out soon.
