Best Fighting Games To Play With A Keyboard

by

Summary

  • Keyboard controls can work well for fighting games like Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3, BlazBlue, and Street Fighter 6.
  • Players can benefit from the precision of keyboard controls to execute complex moves and combos in games like Mortal Kombat and The King of Fighters series.
  • Keyboard setups can enhance gameplay in newer titles like Guilty Gear Strive and Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O., providing players with an edge in competitive play.

As someone who has spent countless hours hunched over keyboards, fighting virtual adversaries across multiple decades, I can confidently say that keyboards have proven to be a reliable companion in the world of fighting games. From the early days of Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat to modern classics like Tekken and Virtua Fighter, keyboards have consistently provided a level of precision and adaptability that controllers simply can’t match.

Some games live and die based on their peripherals. Lightgun games went from being a system seller in the NES days, to being left in the arcades. Racing games came with all sorts of wheel-based controllers in the past, though they could be played just fine with a regular controller. Then there are fighting games. There are all sorts of different ways to play them, whether it’s specialist gamepads, arcade sticks, hitbox and mixbox controllers.

For those who can’t afford expensive special controllers or find it difficult to set up gamepads on their PC, what options do they have for playing fighters on Steam or other platforms? Indeed, keyboards can be used, leading to the popularity of leverless controls. However, not all games perform equally well with keyboards, and fighting games are particularly suited for keyboard players due to their compatibility.

1. Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3

Tagging Out The Classics For The Real X-Factor

It appears that the Marvel Vs Capcom series (such as its predecessors like X-Men, Marvel Super Heroes, etc.) might seem less complex when played with a keyboard due to their simpler inputs compared to the primary Street Fighter games. For instance, Marvel Vs Capcom 2, Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3, and Marvel Vs Capcom: Infinite use only four attack buttons instead of six, which leaves more opportunities for Assist attacks. However, the level of difficulty can change depending on the specific version of each game that is being played.

Players find it easier to execute UMvC3’s advanced moves, such as plinking, with less strain when using the right layout, compared to controllers like pads. Marvel Vs Capcom: Infinite, which stands out in the series, offers various keyboard configurations. However, users have faced difficulties mapping keyboard controls for the Marvel Vs Capcom Fighting Collection, and the game sometimes struggles to read certain inputs. As a result, keyboard players are either forced to use emulators until the issue is resolved or revert to UMvC3 for their tag-fighting gaming needs.

2. BlazBlue: Central Fiction

Taking Keyboard Controls Into Overdrive

Players often appreciate the precision that comes with using keyboard controls, as complex movements like 360° rotations and pretzel motions are made easier compared to manipulating a joystick or D-pad. The familiarity of using keys such as WASD or ASD-Space for movement can make these actions feel more intuitive in fighting games, even though it may require some time to learn the corresponding directions for each key.

BlazBlue Central Fiction serves as an excellent beginning point for honing skills, since it offers the flexibility for players to customize their key setup according to their preference. For those seeking a departure from practice mode, there are additional modes available. The narrative and arcade modes provide a direct immersion into the game, while Grim of Abyss Mode enables the use of power-enhancing items, allowing players to gain an edge. This way, they can endure longer and execute the intricate Astral Finishes more smoothly with minimal complications.

3. Mortal Kombat Series

Fight To The Death By Typing Combos

In the bygone era of personal computer and microcomputer gaming, it was a common practice to assign directional inputs to the Arrow keys. However, this wasn’t the case for those who played the classic Mortal Kombat games on the Commodore Amiga, as pressing Left and Right, or Up and Down simultaneously would cause the game to malfunction. Nowadays, modern keyboard gamers often encounter ghosting, a problem where the keyboard fails to register multiple inputs in favor of others instead.

It’s fortunate that there are numerous keyboards designed to prevent ghosting in gaming, such as the Redragon K552 and the Razer Cynosa V2. Once connected, playing classic games like Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 becomes less of a hassle since its dial-a-combo and Run Button functions can be easily accessed with just a few presses. Gamers can also use keyboard controls in newer games like Mortal Kombat 1, but since these were primarily designed for consoles, the combos work better with a controller rather than a keyboard.

4. King Of Fighters Series

Mastering The Art Of Fighting With A Fatal Fury

The King of Fighters series has a reputation for its intricate directional and input commands that can be quite challenging for gamers to execute smoothly. Players often need quick reflexes to make their combos (also known as “rushes”) successful, with the earlier games being particularly demanding compared to newer ones like King of Fighters 15. And if a player attempts the combo trials in the otherwise impressive King of Fighters 13, they’ll find that even expert players struggle with these notoriously difficult sequences.

However, keyboard controls can take the edge off them, as setting directional inputs to buttons makes them more exact. With some practice, players will be getting the hang of the game’s curious pretzel motions and double-half motions in no time. Even the stiffer controls of the older games can feel more fluid if players can adjust to the keyboard controls’ quirks and perks.

5. Guilty Gear Strive

Where A Keyboard Can Lead A Player To Heaven Or Hell

In simpler terms, the latest KOF games function well using a keyboard, even the recently enhanced MvC. However, what about popular titles such as Guilty Gear Strive? If it works with its predecessor BlazBlue, there’s a good chance it could work for characters like Sol-Badguy and others. The effectiveness can vary based on individual setups, with some players suggesting the space bar for jumps instead of W. Nevertheless, keyboard controls generally work well for Strive.

Due to the added precision, many individuals are now successfully executing moves that were previously challenging for them. In fact, some have even brought low-level characters such as Faust up to high online rankings with their skills. Nevertheless, mastering top-tier characters like May still demands practice, as keyboards don’t guarantee victory. If players aspire to participate in tournaments, they may need to find a tournament-compatible keyboard build or invest in a hitbox/mixbox controller to apply their knowledge at an advanced level.

6. Street Fighter 6

Climb To The Top Of The Mountain With A Few Button Presses

As a die-hard Street Fighter fan, I’ve always found the idea of using a keyboard for the series intriguing, given the six buttons dedicated solely to punches and kicks in the games. This concept proved particularly appealing during Street Fighter 5, where many players, including myself, discovered comfortable setups with their keyboards, making it easier to master the game’s complex fighter. With the rise of leverless controllers and a growing community of keyboard players, I can’t help but wonder if this trend will continue in the next installment, Street Fighter 6. It seems just as straightforward as its predecessor, if not more so, making it an exciting prospect for those who prefer using a keyboard to navigate the battlefield.

This game offers flexible configuration options to accommodate various keyboard layouts, even allowing mouse usage during the character selection screen. However, it does have some drawbacks. The World Tour mode will initially use standard keyboard settings for Chapter 1 because it serves as a tutorial. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support Arrow Key rebindings, which might be a disappointment to players accustomed to using arrow keys. This could be challenging for those who prefer Arrow Key-based controls compared to more common WASD or ASD-Space layouts.

7. Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O.

Helping People Prepare For The Series’ Revolution

Setting up controls for the Virtua Fighter games is far simpler than Street Fighter, given that it requires only three buttons: Kick, Punch, and Guard (similar to Mortal Kombat). This allows ample flexibility for players to assign additional key bindings to combined button commands, such as Kick+Punch or Punch+Guard for throws. With these moves being heavily utilized in the latest version of the game, this added complexity proves beneficial.

As a passionate gamer eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Virtua Fighter saga, I’m thrilled to share that we’re finally getting a PC version of our favorite fighting series since Virtua Fighter Remix back in 1996! The upcoming release is called Virtua Fighter 5: R.E.V.O., which seems like a fresh take on Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown. Interestingly, this game comes before the yet-to-be-titled Virtua Fighter sequel that’s currently in the works. The release date is set for January 2025, leaving us all wondering if it will be keyboard compatible. However, some fortunate souls have already had a taste during the beta tests, and from what I’ve heard, they managed just fine with the controls.

8. Tekken 8

The King Of Iron Keyboards

It’s not surprising that the original Tekken, created by former VF team members, doesn’t offer a dramatically distinct gameplay experience. Instead of three attack inputs, players have four main ones, with no blocking required. The control scheme and additional features are slightly altered compared to VF. In contrast, the Rage mechanics and Heat system in Tekken 8 are significantly different from the straightforward combat style of VF.

Still, KB’s precise inputs can help with nailing its just-frame moves like the Mishimas’ Electric Wind Godfist. The option to set different keybinds can make King, Dragunov, and Nina’s multipart throw commands less taxing too, as doing them with a pad’s face buttons alone can be a task. It even allows people to use the Arrow keys if they’re more used to them, though most players stick to the standard WASD or hitbox-style layouts.

Read More

2024-12-20 03:37