Fighting games can be entertaining ways to pass the time and vent the frustrations of the day. The Windows Store has plenty of options to choose from that range from RPG-style to arcade-style action.
These fast-paced games often involve one-on-one rumbles or challenge you to fight your way through waves of enemies. Most have upgradeable gear that increases your odds of survival as you progress through the games.
For this roundup, we are considering fighting games in which success rests with an individual character. You may control a team of warriors, but gameplay hinges on the actions of one combatant. They offer more of a you-against-the-world gaming experience, while combat games often rely on multiple players or units to face off against the enemy. A perhaps best of all, they're all free.
Updated May 16, 2017: We made a few changes to this article based on new releases, reader input or staff discussion. There are some new titles in the mix, as well as those that we continue to view as the best from the Windows Store.
Gods of Rome
Gods of Rome is a fighting game from Gameloft that is of mythical proportions. Available for Windows 10 PC and Mobile, this free game has you controlling a team of mythical warriors that includes Zeus, Atlas, Spartacus, and more, in a series of one-on-one fights. You also have access to Egyptian gods and other historical figures to duke it out with.
Gods of Rome has several fighting modes that include a storyline mode, player versus player events, daily and weekly challenges, and if you build alliances with other gamers, you can partake in alliance events. Gold and gems are earned during fights that can be used to unlock new characters or upgrade your existing team members.
Graphics are stunning, with bone-crushing animations, the controls are simple and gesture-based, and the one-on-one fights can be rather intense. Matches only take a few seconds to complete, making Gods of Rome a great choice when you only have a few minutes to spare.
If you are into fighting games or just looking for a sharp looking action game, Gods of Rome should be on your short list. Just be careful, this Windows 10 game has an addictive pull that may be hard to resist.
Download Gods of Rome from the Windows Store
Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct is a popular fighting game that is available for Windows 10 PC and Xbox One. The game offers a cinematic story mode, single player battles and multiplayer battles. The free Xbox gaming title has more than 20 opponents to battle, with extensive Dojo tutorials available to teach you all the core fighting moves.
Graphics are top-notch and gameplay can be intense during the best-of-three-style matches. There is support for saving game progress to the cloud, enabling you to synchronize between devices. Killer Instinct requires a data connection for many of the features (story mode, multiplayer fights, and cloud saves) but if you cannot go online, you can still enjoy the single player battles.
You can play Killer Instinct using keyboard controls, but a game controller is much more comfortable. On the plus side, you have the ability to custom map the keyboard commands.
All in all, Killer Instinct is a fantastic fighting game for Windows 10 and Xbox One. After giving Killer Instinct a try, it is easy to see why it was the overwhelming recommendation from our readers.
Download Killer Instinct from the Windows Store
Shadow Fight 2
Shadow Fight 2 is an addictive fighting game for Window 10 PC and Mobile that has stunning graphics, easy to use controls and plenty of jaw smashing action. Fighters are silhouetted, providing fluid, eye-catching animations during the fight sequences.
Role-playing features with Shadow Fight 2 allows you to upgrade skills and customize your fighter with swords, nunchaku, armor and more. Gameplay sends you traveling to six different worlds to face off against a collection of menacing demons and powerful bosses.
As you complete in the best-of-three matches, you earn game currency that can be used to unlock and upgrade equipment and skills. There are also tournaments to compete in that provide opportunities to increase your fighting skills and earn more cash for gear.
Shadow Fight 2 is a free game for Windows 10 and includes a few in-app purchase opportunities. All in all, it is a sharp looking, action-packed fight game that is hard to put down.
Download Shadow Fight 2 from the Windows Store (for PC)
Download Shadow Fight 2 from the Windows Store (for Mobile)
Dark Lands
Dark Lands could easily qualify as an oldie but goodie in the Windows Store. The free game was introduced years ago and remains a popular fighting game that is available for Windows 10 Mobile.
Dark Lands is an addictive mix of an endless runner game and an energetic fighting game. The dark graphics present the game in a mood that would make the folks from Mordor jealous, and challenging gameplay offers an intense experience.
The game includes a survivor mode that plays out as a gritty endless runner and an adventure mode that contains 40 missions to tackle. Enemies include minotaurs, goblins, orcs and skeletons, and there are traps such as spike pits and deadly saw blades.
Dark Lands has a role-playing element as well that allows you to upgrade the hero's weapons and armor as he gains experience. If all the hacking and slashing weren't enough to keep you busy, Dark Lands has more than 50 achievements to pursue and an online leaderboard for bragging rights.
While this Windows 10 game may be dated, it is a solid option for the times you feel the need to destroy skeleton armies, giant scorpions and other mythical creatures.
Download Dark Lands from the Windows Store
Your thoughts
If you have tried any of these Windows 10 games, let us know what you think in the comments. Also, if you have recommendations on any other fighting games in the Windows Store, toss them out in the comments.