There are currently 11 main UFC games across various platforms, with additional spin-off titles.
Ever wondered how many UFC games there are? The world of mixed martial arts video games has evolved quite a bit since the early days. It’s easy to get lost in the array of titles available, from console classics to mobile adaptations. Let’s take a quick count and see what the fight game landscape looks like today.
We will pinpoint the main releases and some notable additions. This allows fans to see the complete picture. This will help you make informed decisions when selecting your next fighting game.
How Many UFC Games Are There?
Alright, fight fans! You’re probably here because you’re wondering just how many video games have let you step into the Octagon and feel like a real UFC fighter. It’s a good question, and the answer isn’t as simple as just one number. We need to talk about different kinds of games, different platforms, and even some older titles you might not know about. So, let’s get into it and break down the world of UFC video games!
The Main Line: EA Sports UFC Series
When most people think of UFC games, they immediately think of the EA Sports series. This is the most well-known and readily available collection of games that puts you inside the world of mixed martial arts. Let’s see what they’ve released:
- EA Sports UFC (2014): This was the first game of the EA series and introduced a lot of core gameplay mechanics that fans know today. It featured a solid roster of fighters and started the foundation of the modern UFC game.
- EA Sports UFC 2 (2016): The second installment came with many improvements to gameplay, including better submissions and ground fighting. It had a huge roster and a refined career mode.
- EA Sports UFC 3 (2018): This one introduced a new striking system with more realistic animations and movement. It also emphasized promoting your fighter outside the cage with things like social media and fight camps, which added a unique layer to career mode.
- EA Sports UFC 4 (2020): The latest entry in the main series, UFC 4, further improved the striking, submissions, and ground game while also updating the roster. This one focused more on making your custom fighter feel unique and improving player choice within career mode.
Why this matters
These four titles represent the main series of UFC games that have been made by Electronic Arts. They are the ones most people talk about and play, and each one added something new to the gameplay, making them all a little different from each other. If you are looking for the latest and greatest that has all the current fighters, EA Sports UFC 4 is the way to go. However, if you want to try a historical retrospective of the game series, all games in this series worth to try.
Beyond the Main Series: Older UFC Games
Before EA Sports took over, there were other companies making UFC games. These older games often had a different feel and gameplay style. Many of these are not available to purchase in the digital market anymore, but some may be accessible through used marketplaces or emulation.
UFC Games on PlayStation 2 and Xbox: The Early Days
- Ultimate Fighting Championship (2000): This title for PlayStation, Dreamcast, and Game Boy Color was made by Crave Entertainment. It was one of the earliest attempts to create a realistic UFC video game, though it wasn’t anywhere near the level of modern games.
- UFC: Throwdown (2002): This game, on PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube, aimed for a slightly more arcade-like experience, with exaggerated fighting moves. It had many fighters from the era.
- UFC: Tapout (2002): This was the first game on the Xbox, PlayStation 2 and GameCube with the “Tapout” branding. It focused more on realistic fighting techniques, although it still had its limits due to the hardware of that time.
- UFC: Sudden Impact (2004): A sequel to UFC: Tapout, it built upon the solid fighting system of the previous title. It also gave a bit of a graphical update.
UFC Games on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 Era
- UFC 2009 Undisputed (2009): This was a major step forward for UFC games, with vastly improved graphics and gameplay compared to the PlayStation 2/Xbox generation of games. The game was for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
- UFC Undisputed 2010 (2010): This title refined and expanded the gameplay of “2009”. This game is for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PSP.
- UFC Undisputed 3 (2012): Considered by many fans to be one of the best UFC games ever created, this was the last of the “Undisputed” series before EA acquired the license. It had a lot of improvements and additions, especially in the ground game. The game came to PS3 and Xbox 360.
Why explore these older games?
These games from the past offer a glimpse into how UFC games developed over time. While they might not have the visual fidelity of modern games, they still provide a fun and different gaming experience. They can also be interesting for players who want to experience the roster of older fighters.
Mobile UFC Games
The world of UFC games isn’t limited to consoles and PC. There are also a couple of games available for mobile devices that allow you to play on the go.
- EA Sports UFC Mobile (2015): This is a card-based fighting game, where you collect and upgrade fighters. It’s more strategic than other games, and the player taps on the screen instead of using buttons on a controller. This makes it suitable for playing on your phone or tablet.
- UFC Mobile 2 (2021): The second iteration of the mobile game, it introduced more realistic graphics and gameplay, while keeping the core card-based system intact. This is a free game that has all the current fighters, and new fighters are added regularly to the game.
Why Play UFC on Mobile?
Mobile games offer a more accessible way to play, especially for those who don’t own a console or gaming PC. They provide a simpler gaming experience while still allowing players to enjoy the world of UFC. They can be very fun if you are trying to spend time on commute or at the work break. The free to play model is also attractive to many casual users, who don’t want to invest in premium video game experience.
Other Related UFC Video Games
There are some games that are related to the UFC but do not exactly put you inside the octagon. These are usually more arcade-like or focus on management elements. Let’s explore these type of game.
- UFC Personal Trainer (2011): Not a fighting game, this was designed to be a workout program with UFC fighters as virtual trainers, for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, it allowed people to do physical exercises with the guidance of UFC professionals.
What’s the purpose of these games?
These games provide an entirely different experience than pure fighting games. It is an option for you if you prefer something outside of traditional video game experience. The UFC Personal Trainer game was created to help people get into better physical shape, which is very useful for people who want to have a great workout routine.
Counting the Total: How Many UFC Games?
So, let’s add it all up. We have:
- 4 main EA Sports UFC games
- 4 early console/PC UFC games (PS2, Xbox era)
- 3 mid-generation UFC Games (PS3/Xbox 360 era)
- 2 mobile UFC games
- 1 fitness-related game
That makes a grand total of 14 games that are centered around the UFC, and you can include the UFC personal trainer game, and if you do, it increases to 15 games.
This number can vary slightly depending on how you categorize some of the older or more obscure releases, but we have provided the list of all games. It shows the evolution of UFC video games from simple, arcade-like releases to the simulation games we have today. Each game has offered different things to the gamers, and some people love certain older versions as well.
Finding The Right UFC Game For You
With so many UFC games to choose from, deciding which one to play can be tough. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the right game:
- Want the latest and most realistic? Go for EA Sports UFC 4. It has the most up-to-date graphics, roster, and gameplay mechanics.
- Curious about older UFC gameplay? Check out UFC Undisputed 3. Many fans feel that it is the best in the series, and it provides a different experience than the EA series.
- Want something on the go? EA Sports UFC Mobile 2 is a solid choice for enjoying UFC fighting on your phone or tablet.
- Looking for a workout? UFC Personal Trainer provides a unique workout experience using UFC elements.
In general, the EA Sports games are the easiest to find and the best option if you want modern and up-to-date graphics and gameplay. All of the series is fun to play, and you will enjoy the game no matter what you choose. However, many gamers prefer the older titles for the nostalgia factor and for different game experiences that were available at that time.
In conclusion, the world of UFC video games is extensive and has a great selection of games to enjoy. There have been many great games made for the console, PC, and mobile platform. The UFC video game series continues to give the players a great experience of this sport, and we will always be looking forward to the new iterations of these games.
The Evolution of UFC Games (2000-2020)
Final Thoughts
Currently, there are roughly 20 official UFC video games spanning various consoles and platforms. This includes main numbered titles, spin-offs, and mobile games. The exact number can fluctuate slightly depending on how you categorize releases.
Therefore, if you’re curious about how many ufc games are there, you’ll find approximately twenty to choose from. These games offer different gameplay styles and cover various eras of the UFC.
