Beginner Guide

Fighting games can be intimidating for newcomers. This guide is here to help you navigate the terminology and concepts without feeling overwhelmed.

You can return whenever something is confusing. Additional links to helpful resources are provided at the bottom. Take your time, explore, and enjoy your journey into fighting games!

Getting Started

Fighting games may seem harder than other genres at first. Watching or playing against experienced players can look impossible, but everyone starts somewhere.

Start by experimenting with buttons and moves. Focus on small goals and practice consistently.

• Pick one character that looks fun to you.
• Try basic moves and combos before learning advanced mechanics.
• Learn from mistakes instead of stressing about rank.
• Enjoy discovering new techniques for your character.

For unfamiliar terms marked with an *, consult the Fighting Game Glossary.

Mentality

The mental aspect is just as important as execution. Here’s how to develop the right mindset:

• Focus on improvement: Train to be better than your past self, not a pro player.
• Keep perspective: Ranks are arbitrary; focus on enjoying the game and learning.
• Small wins: Celebrate landing combos or mastering a move rather than just winning matches.
• Learn from losses: Analyze mistakes and adjust next time.

Think of fighting games like a sport: start simple, learn fundamentals, and progressively add advanced techniques. The most important thing is to have fun while learning!

"To be a champion, compete; to be a great champion, compete with the best; but to be the greatest champion, compete with yourself." ~ Matshona Dhliwayo

What To Play

Finding the right game is key to enjoying the genre and improving. Core fundamentals carry across games, so once you learn the basics, you can easily jump into new titles.

Here’s a quick overview of major fighting game subgenres:

Traditional 2D

Methodical fighters with an emphasis on spacing, poking, and reading your opponent. Movement is mostly linear.

• Street Fighter 6
• Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

3D Fighters

Games with sidestepping and full-range movement. Focus on throws, positioning, and martial arts-style combat.

• Tekken 8
• Soul Calibur 6

Platform Fighters

Stages have multiple platforms. KO conditions often involve knocking opponents off-screen rather than health bars.

• Super Smash Bros Ultimate
• Brawlhalla

Tag Team

Control multiple characters in one match, switching or calling assists. Team synergy is important.

• 2XKO
• Dragon Ball FighterZ
• Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection

Arena

3D open arenas with cinematic attacks and flying movement. Less focus on character balancing.

• Dragon Ball Sparking Zero
• Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections

Anime 2D

Fast-paced, high-mobility gameplay with air dashes, complex combos, and flashy supers.

• Guilty Gear Strive
• BlazBlue CentralFiction
• Dragon Ball FighterZ

Watch gameplay videos to see which game looks fun, then dive in!

Who To Play

Different character archetypes suit different playstyles. Your main should feel fun and motivating. Common archetypes include:

Rushdown

• Aggressive, in-your-face style.
• Examples: Chipp (Guilty Gear), Lancelot (Granblue), Bardock (DBFZ)

Zoner

• Focuses on controlling space and poking from a distance.
• Examples: Dhalsim (SF), Axl Low (Guilty Gear), Metera (Granblue)

Shoto

• Well-rounded fundamentals, usually easier to learn.
• Typical moves: fireball*, anti-air uppercut*, fast close-range attack.
• Examples: Ryu/Ken (SF), Ky (Guilty Gear), Gran/Djeeta (Granblue)

Grappler

• Wrestler-like characters, slow but powerful grabs.
• Examples: Zangief (SF), King (Tekken), Potemkin (Guilty Gear)

Puppet

• Controls two characters at once, challenging but rewarding.
• Examples: Zato (Guilty Gear), Nier (Granblue), Carl Clover (BlazBlue)

Stance

• Switches between different "modes" that have different movesets.
• Example: Yuel (Granblue), Chun-Li (SF6)

Mix-up

• Use moves to deceive opponents, high-low or left-right mix-ups.
• Example: Lancelot (Granblue)

What Are All These Numbers and Letters?

Additional Links

Content Creators

• Diaphone: Beginner guides and gameplay across multiple games.
• Sajam: Commentary and guides for improving in fighting games.
• DotoDoya: Fun and entertaining videos while still learning mechanics.
• Rooflemonger: Detailed character explanations, patch notes, and FGC history.
• Maximillian Dood: Reactions, tier lists, and fun FGC content.

These creators helped me fall in love with fighting games. Explore their content and find what works for your learning style!

Go have fun, click buttons, and watch cool stuff happen. This guide will always be here to come back to if you need a refresher.