When it comes to fighting games, sometimes all you need to improve is a bit of time in training mode. Over the years, training modes have been as simple as empty rooms where you can practice combos with little input from the game, but now, the best training modes flood you with data.
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Showing hit and hurt boxes, calculating frame data on moves, determining what moves leave which player in an advantaged state — all of these key pieces of data are just some of the seriously useful things you may find in the best training modes. If you want to be the very best, pick one of these training modes.
10Soul Calibur 6
At a glance,Soul Calibur 6’straining mode options can seem pretty limited. The mode mimics a standard fight with fairly minimal information available on screen, though controller inputs are included.
The more you dig into the mode, the more specific you can get. There are individual lessons available to read through, thoughyou won’t learn any new lingo. You can also toy around with settings like frame delay, and you can additionally customize the actions of your training dummy, allowing you to practice anything you need as much as you need.
9BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle
The training mode for BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle probably goes ignored by a lot of players, but it can be so useful if you’re willing to put in the work. The sheer amount of options and customization you have at both beginner and advanced levels is incredible.
With a bit of practice, you’ll have any relevant information you need on screen while you reset your position around the screen to practice combo strings on your chosen opponent. One of the best options for practice is all the ways you can have the opponent block, helping you learn workarounds.
8Dragon Ball FighterZ
While it’s not necessarily the most amazing training mode in existence mechanically,Dragon Ball FighterZ’s training mode might be one of the most important. This mode will help you break those bad habits that are really easy to pick up in this incredibly accessible game.
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With tons of damage and frame data available on screen, you’ll have tons of information to pour over with each strike. You can also use the mode to practice game-specific mechanicsif you aren’t into the great story, something that will help you understand why your super dashes are getting punished online.
7Killer Instinct
Pretty much every fighting game fan was thrilled when Killer Instinct clawed it’s way back onto consoles, and luckily, the game has an awesome training mode. While plenty of games provide information on vital frame data, Killer Instinct is happy to show you character hitboxes.
Fighting game fans love this mode purely for hitbox display because it allows you to look at characters and their moves in entirely new ways. This one simple option gives so much new insight into characters and moves that it’s begged for by most players in new games.
6Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
If you’re someone who’s interested in pushing fighting games to their limits, you might not think much ofSuper Smash Bros Ultimate’straining mode. When it comes to beginners, this mode is an absolute must-try regardless of competitive hopefulness,and it can even help with bosses.
You can experiment with different moves at different damage percentages and adjust the computer behavior to match your unique needs. You can also make use of items, so if you’re looking to get better for casual play, the mode is key to understanding how items work.
5Mortal Kombat 11
With how technicalMortal Kombat 11can be, it only made sense that the developers would ensure the training mode would be an in-depth experience. You have a lot of control over the customization of your enemy’s options so you can perfect that tricky combo.
There is a great combo recording system in place so you can practice against specific characters and their trickiest moves. This will let you figure out what’s safe, what will get you punished, and allow you to find all the openings for you to punish particularly lengthy moves.
4Injustice 2
While most games offer you a little sandbox to fight in your leisure,Injustice 2provides something crucial for beginners — a series of training challenges that take you through most of the game’s major mechanics and combos.
This game’s practice mode is going to be a lot better suited to people who are newer to fighting games, but even pros can benefit from some of the tips and tricks that are unique to Injustice 2. Never be afraid to dig into all the tools a game provides for you to learn it.
3Punch Planet
The sheer level of information available to you when you decide to do some training in Punch Planet is astounding. It can be overwhelming to see nearly the entire screen flooded with information, but all of it is to your benefit.
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With hitboxes available for viewing along with all of the other technical information, you can gain an impressive amount of information on characters with just a few hours of practice. Like some other great games, there is an enemy record option for move practice.
2Skullgirls
A lot of people are fine callingSkullgirlsthe best indie fighting gamefor training options, and they might be right. With tons of great basic information available, this game puts many others to shame with the highly detailed hitboxes that can be viewed as characters dash around.
It will take you a bit of time to understand all the information, but the training options provided mean that pretty much anyone willing to put in the time and effort can become a pro at Skullgirls eventually.
1Street Fighter 6
While people were floored by how much funStreet Fighter 6is, most probably weren’t prepared for how excellent the training mode would be. You can customize plenty of options, but you can also access very simple training drillsthat will improve your game immediately.
There aren’t that many games that can provide you with a dedicated option to practice things like whiff punishes and anti-airs, but Street Fighter 6 does. This mode is just another aspect of the game that makes it feel like a love letter to fighting game fans.
