Great Fighting Games with Roll Back Net Code
If you can't make it out to the locals check these great titles out
By Choysauce • March 19, 2020
The best way to play fighting games hands down is to meet in person and play together. The hype moments to have together and most importantly the lack of lag just make it the best way to play. But there are times when this just isn’t possible whether there isn’t a nearby local gathering, aren’t able to travel, or if you’re quarantined due to a pandemic.
This is where net play comes into the pictures as the next best option. Ideally, you’ll pick a title that has roll back netcode to make the experience as smooth as possible. The reasons for this is quite deep, but the short of it is that roll back tends to work better than its delay-based netcode counterpart.
If this sounds good to you, check out these following titles feature roll back net code.
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Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat is a klassic fighter that turns the brutality and violence up to 11. The netcode was completely overhauled since launch and is smooth like butter online as a result. The game features a bunch of classic characters like Sub-Zero and Sonya along with newcomers like Geras, plus fun guest characters like the Terminator and Spawn. The game play is really fast paced with tons of options to customize your play style. This title is great for those who like the over the top and gritty visuals with heaps of single player content along with the smooth multiplayer experience.
Street Fighter V: Champion Edition
Street Fighter hardly needs any introduction to most gamers. The latest iteration of this iconic franchise was built with Capcom’s own version of roll back net code called Kagemusha. The Champion Edition of the game has seen a lot of praise for its balance and the roster having multiple V-Skill and V-Trigger options. Although Capcom had a big controversy about its net code, it seems that they’re now actively working to improve the experience for all players. This title is great for those who want a bit of everything from footsies to crazy set ups with a large online player base.
Killer Instinct
Killer Instinct is a grounded 2.5D fighting game that was revived by Double Helix Games. The core mechanic of combo breaking is what sets this title apart from others having you pay attention to react to and read your opponent while getting hit. The team had a lot of FGC members who put a lot of love into this title and it shows from how tight the game play is and how amazing the online feels. This title is great for those who are looking to play the mind games with a big cast of super unique characters.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore
PS4 (Digital) – Switch (Digital) – PS Vita (Digital) – PC
Skullgirls is the indie darling fighting game created by Alex Aha with Mike Z and his team at Lab Zero Games. This game utilizes the famed GGPO roll back net code to create a smooth online experience. The game has an extremely unique cast of characters and has a ratio tag team system that allows you to pick 1 to 3 characters at varying strengths. This game is great for those looking to flex their creativity and look awesome while doing it.
Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite
PS4 (Digital) – XB1 (Digital) – PC
Marvel vs Capcom needs no introduction to those familiar at all with fighting games. Despite it’s stumblings at launch, Infinite does have a thriving community because of its roll back net code and fun game play. This game puts you into a 2v2 team scenario that allows you to swap partners at almost anytime. Versatility is the name of the game here combined with creativity makes for a fun fight. The cast features a lot of the MvC staples like Ryu and Iron Man but also has a lot of the new MCU movie characters like Captain Marvel and the Avengers. This title is great for anyone who is Marvel or Capcom fan that wants to go crazy with their creativity.
Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid
PS4 (Digital) – Switch (Digital) – PC
Power Rangers is another indie favorite developed with the help of legendary MvC players like ShadyK and Clockwork. This game is also powered by GGPO to allow great online playability. The game has you pick a team of 3 characters that can tag in to combo and assist their fellow rangers (or villains). This game is great for those who like the team style fighting and seeing huge Megazords tear up the battlefield.
Samurai Shodown V Special
Samurai Shodown V Special is a classic SNK title that takes the fight to Tenmei Era in Japan. The game is a bit more slow paced and mirrors the feel of an old samurai film. Each strike is meaningful and leaving yourself open at all is an invitation for death. The game features a huge variety of characters from the ninja with pet doggo, Galford, to the edge lord characters like Basara, there’ll definitely be a character that fits your style. This game is great for those who want the old school feel that has a thriving community that plays online.
Garou: Mark of the Wolves
Garou is a hidden gem of a fighter developed by SNK. This game had their netcode revamped to roll back after launch to create a smoother experience. This game features a unique mechanic called the Tactical Offense Position (aka T.O.P.) that allows a player to choose which part of their health bar gives them a damage boost, health recovery, and access to a special TOP move. This game is great for those who want a classic 2D fighter with a fun and simple twist to customization.
Them’s Fightin’ Herds
Them’s Fightin’ Herds was originally a My Little Pony fighting game developed by Mane6 that got hit by a cease and desist order. It has now transformed into this indie darling of a game that is being made with a lot of love and roll back. The game is currently under development but is available as an early access title. The game is slated to feature a fleshed out tutorial and an RPG style single player campaign. This is a great title for someone who wants to follow a dedicated development team to see their dream come to life (or to lay the smack down with a bunch of powered up ponies, your choice).
Fight of Animals
Fight of Animals is the ridiculous game brought to you by the developers of Fight of Gods, Digital Crafter. The game is based on a bunch of animal photo memes and pits them together to see who is the strongest animal. Despite its silly premise, it’s still a decently solid fighting game with solid roll back net code that this game was baked with. This game is great for those who want to just mess around with silly characters at a super affordable price.
Other Great Games w/ Roll Back
- Guilty Gear XX: Accent Core+R (Steam)
- Injustice 2
- Mortal Kombat XL
- Punch Planet
- Brawlhalla
- Melty Blood: Actress Again CC (w/ community patch)
- Fight of Gods
- Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Online Edition
- Darkstalkers Resurrection
- Divekick
- Lethal League Blaze
- King of Fighters ’97 – Global Match (Steam)
- King of Fighters 2002 – Unlimited Match (Steam)
- Pocket Rumble
- Fantasy Strike
- Rising Thunder: Community Edition
- Eternal Fighter Zero
- Omen of Sorrow
- Hisouten Soku
- Umineko GF (Ougon)
Let us know of any games we missed here below!