Street Fighter 6 vs Beginner-Friendly Fighters

This guide compares Street Fighter 6 with other fighting games often recommended to newcomers, like Guilty Gear Strive, Tekken 8, Mortal Kombat 1, and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. You’ll learn what makes each game approachable or challenging, and how SF6 stacks up in terms of input complexity, single-player content, and online play. By the end, you’ll know which game fits your preferred style and how to ease into whichever you choose.

What You’ll Need

• A basic understanding of fighting game terms (e.g., special moves, supers, frame data).
• Access to the games you want to compare (or at least watch gameplay videos).
• An interest in learning one or more of these games—no prior skill required.

Step-by-Step

1. Look at the control schemes. Street Fighter 6 offers a “Modern� control scheme that simplifies inputs to one-button specials and auto-combos. Guilty Gear Strive has a simpler gatling system (light to heavy chains) but still relies on traditional quarter-circle motions. Tekken 8 uses a four-button layout with no special move shortcuts (except for a few character-specific stances). Mortal Kombat 1 uses a classic six-button layout with block on a dedicated button, making it easier for newcomers to block. Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising has a “Simple� input mode that is even more lenient than SF6’s Modern.
2. Check the single-player content. SF6 has a full World Tour mode—an open-world RPG that teaches mechanics through quests. Mortal Kombat 1 has a story mode and the Krypt (though the latter is less tutorial-heavy). Tekken 8 has a story mode and Arcade Quest, but it’s not as deep as World Tour. Guilty Gear Strive has a story mode that is mostly a movie, and Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising has a short RPG mode. If you learn best solo, SF6 is the strongest.
3. Evaluate the tutorial and training tools. SF6 has a comprehensive tutorial with character guides and a “Combo Trials� mode. Guilty Gear Strive has a mission mode that explains advanced concepts. Mortal Kombat 1 has a tutorial but it’s more basic. Tekken 8’s practice mode is deep but lacks a step-by-step tutorial. Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising has a good tutorial but is lighter on advanced guidance. SF6’s training mode also includes a frame meter and a “replay takeover� feature that lets you control your character during replays to test answers.
4. Consider the input execution difficulty. SF6’s Modern controls reduce special move inputs to a single button plus a direction. Guilty Gear Strive has a few charge characters and some complex inputs (like Potemkin Buster) but overall is easier than older anime fighters. Tekken 8 requires precise movement (e.g., backdash cancels) and long combo strings, which can be daunting. Mortal Kombat 1 has simple special inputs (mostly quarter-circle) and a block button that removes the need to hold back. Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising’s Simple inputs are even easier than SF6’s Modern, but the game still has a high skill ceiling.
5. Look at the online experience. All four games have rollback netcode, but SF6 is widely praised for its stable online and crossplay. Guilty Gear Strive also has crossplay and good netcode. Tekken 8 has crossplay and solid netcode. Mortal Kombat 1 has crossplay and decent netcode, but some players report occasional lag. Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising has crossplay and good netcode. If you plan to play online, SF6 and Strive are the safest bets.
6. Assess the roster and character variety. SF6 has a diverse roster with different archetypes, but most characters are grounded. Guilty Gear Strive has more eccentric characters with unique mechanics (e.g., Happy Chaos’s gunplay). Tekken 8 has a huge roster with many fighting styles, but each character has dozens of moves. Mortal Kombat 1 has a mix of classic and new characters, with a cameo system that adds variety. Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising has a smaller roster but each character is distinct. If you like a wide range, Tekken 8 or MK1 might appeal.
7. Try the demos or free versions. SF6 has a demo with World Tour and a few characters. Guilty Gear Strive has a free edition with a rotating character. Tekken 8 has a demo with a limited roster. Mortal Kombat 1 has a free trial on some platforms. Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising has a free version with a few characters. Play these to see which control scheme feels most natural to you.
8. Watch beginner guides and high-level play. Look for videos that explain the core systems of each game. For SF6, focus on the Drive Gauge. For Strive, learn about the Roman Cancel. For Tekken, understand the movement and punishment. For MK1, learn about the Kameo system. For Granblue, understand the skill cooldowns. Seeing how the game is played helps you decide if the mechanics appeal to you.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming “beginner-friendly� means “easy to master.� Even SF6 with Modern controls has a deep neutral game and complex combos. You’ll still need to practice.
• Ignoring the tutorial. Many players jump straight into online matches and get discouraged. Spend time in training mode and do the tutorials.
• Choosing a game based only on graphics or popularity. The best game for you is the one whose mechanics you enjoy, not the one with the most players.
• Switching games too quickly. If you lose a lot, it’s tempting to try a different game. But learning one game’s fundamentals will help you in any fighting game.
• Neglecting to learn defensive options. Blocking, crouching, and escaping pressure are more important than flashy combos.

Tips

• Start with a character that has a simple game plan (e.g., Ryu in SF6, Sol in Strive, Kazuya in Tekken, Scorpion in MK1, Gran in Granblue).
• Use the in-game combo trials to learn basic combos, then practice them until you can do them consistently.
• Set a goal for each session, like “land this anti-air� or “block this mix-up.�
• Play against friends or bots first, then gradually move to online matches.
• Watch your replays to see where you get hit and why.

Troubleshooting

• If you can’t do the special move inputs: Use the Modern/Simple controls if available. In SF6, set your controller to Modern and practice in training mode. For other games, try using a fight stick or better controller—sometimes the pad is the issue.
• If you’re losing constantly online: Play against the CPU on a medium difficulty first. Then, use the “ranked� mode—it will match you with players of similar skill. Also, learn one basic combo and one anti-air.
• If the game feels too fast: Slow down your gameplay. Focus on blocking and observing your opponent. You don’t need to press many buttons—just one good punish is enough.
• If you’re overwhelmed by the mechanics: Ignore advanced systems for now. In SF6, just use normal attacks and specials. In Strive, don’t worry about Roman Cancels until you’re comfortable. In Tekken, just use basic punches and kicks.
• If you can’t find players: Check if the game has crossplay enabled. Also, join a Discord community for the game—you’ll find beginners to practice with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Street Fighter 6 the best fighting game for beginners? It’s one of the best because of its Modern controls, robust tutorial, and World Tour mode. However, “best� depends on your taste—Guilty Gear Strive is also very accessible, and Mortal Kombat 1 has simpler inputs.

Can I play Street Fighter 6 with a regular controller? Yes, the game is fully playable on a standard gamepad. Many players use the DualSense or Xbox controller. You can also use a fight stick if you prefer.

Do I need to learn combos to enjoy these games? No, you can have fun just doing special moves and basic attacks. Combos become important as you improve, but you can start without them.

Which game has the most active online community? Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8 currently have large player bases. Guilty Gear Strive is also active, but smaller. Mortal Kombat 1 has a decent community, especially on console.

Are these games cross-platform? Yes, all five games support crossplay between PC, PlayStation, and Xbox (and some include Switch for Granblue).

How long does it take to become decent at one of these games? With consistent practice (a few hours a week), you can see improvement in a month. Reaching a high level takes years, but you’ll have fun along the way.

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