Boxing may be a brutal, demanding sport, but there’s something captivating about the combination of strategy and raw power it demands. The same appeal translates well into the virtual world of boxing games.
So, for those of you looking to step into the virtual ring without the fear of a real-life black eye, Microsoft Xbox offers a robust selection of boxing video games that provide just as many thrills and spills. From realistic simulations to over-the-top arcade experiences, let’s lace up the gloves and explore the seven best boxing games you can play on Xbox One or Xbox Series X and S. Note, that we have not included any Xbox 360 games (such as Fight Night Round 3) in this list.
1. Fight Night Champion (2010)
Fight Night Champion represents the pinnacle of EA Sports’ boxing titles. Released in 2010, its unique narrative-driven story mode is a standout feature. Following the trials and tribulations of Andre Bishop, the game explores themes of struggle and redemption, both inside and outside the ring. From a technical standpoint, the game’s systems offer unparalleled finesse, allowing players to employ an array of jabs, hooks, and uppercuts with fluid ease.
To this day, the graphical prowess holds its own, with lifelike fighters and atmospheric arenas that put you right in the center of the action. It’s hard to believe this game came out more than thirteen years ago, and it’s still very much worth your time.
2. Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions (2021)
The Rocky and Creed franchises have defined boxing cinema for generations. Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions capitalizes on that legacy by offering a roster of familiar faces like Rocky Balboa and Adonis Creed. This game prioritizes cinematic flair over simulation, boasting dramatic knockout sequences and thrilling fight-cinematics.
But it’s not all flash; the control scheme is accessible for newcomers while providing enough depth to satisfy seasoned players. The local multiplayer mode is a hit, allowing friends to square off in epic duels reminiscent of the films’ most iconic matchups.
3. Pato Box (2019)
If Salvador Dali designed a boxing game, it might look something like Pato Box. This indie title is a unique fusion of boxing and adventure gaming wrapped up in a surreal, comic book-inspired aesthetic.
It features a duck as the protagonist, which might sound gimmicky, but it lends a level of uniqueness that sets the game apart. The fighting mechanics are more than solid; they provide a strategic depth that belies the game’s quirky exterior. Between bouts, you’ll explore the game world, solve puzzles, and navigate challenges that enrich the overall narrative.
4. EA Sports UFC 3 (2018)
EA Sports UFC 3 may be an MMA game, but it earns a spot on this list due to its excellent boxing mechanics. The game is a visual marvel, capturing the likenesses of UFC fighters with startling accuracy. Gameplay-wise, the stand-up combat is a highlight, allowing boxing fans to focus exclusively on punches if they choose. A diverse array of modes ensures that the game has longevity. You can opt for a career mode, build a champion from scratch, or jump into knockout mode for fast-paced, stand-up only action.
5. Punch Club (2017)
For those intrigued by the strategy and business side of boxing, Punch Club is a boxing tycoon management game with multiple branching storylines. This indie game is more than a mere simulator; it offers an engaging narrative where your decisions have a real impact. Your goal is to train the perfect fighter, find your father’s killer, and unravel the mystery behind his death.
Unlike the more traditional boxing games that put you in direct control of the action in the ring, Punch Club takes a managerial perspective. You’ll spend time training your fighters, selecting their fights, and managing their life outside the ring. The game’s 1980s aesthetics and pop culture references add charm, making the strategy elements more engaging.
What sets Punch Club apart is the sheer depth it offers. Each fighter can be trained in various disciplines, including boxing, Muay Thai, and street fighting tactics. Your gym choices and fight strategy define your path, making the game immensely replayable. Whether you aim to climb the ranks, avenge your father, or simply revel in the game’s strategic depth, Punch Club offers a unique and addictive take on the world of boxing.
6. Punch Club 2: Fast Forward (2020)
If you thought the original Punch Club offered an engaging blend of storytelling, strategy, and nostalgia, buckle up—its sequel, Punch Club 2: Fast Forward, kicks it up several notches. You’re no longer confined to a basement gym in this twisted cyberpunk future. Instead, you start in your overprotective mother’s garage.
Your father is gone—vanished mysteriously before your birth. But don’t despair; this grim starting point motivates you to rise up, search for your father, and perhaps become the whispered-about “dark fist.” The dystopian world is teeming with corrupt forces, and people eat slime (yes, slime), but it’s all part of the dark charm.
The game maintains its core “choose-your-own-adventure” mechanics, but the stakes are even higher this time. It’s been 20 years since some nameless hero punched out the villain, found his dad, and seemingly made everything right. Fast forward to this chaotic future: corruption is rampant, toilet paper has been replaced with seashells, and the streets are awash in neon lights.
Despite the dire circumstances, your journey promises a colorful mix of humor, ’80s nostalgia, and—most importantly—more punching action than ever. Yes, everything is cyberpunk now, but that just means you get to navigate a world that’s as visually stimulating as it is challenging.
Honorable Mention: (Undisputed 2023)
As you can tell from this list, boxing isn’t exactly a gaming genre that’s red hot, with most of these video games being a little older. It’s definitely a niche game type with a smaller dedicated audience. This is why the promise of a new and innovative boxing game on Xbox is so exciting.
Undisputed, formerly known as “eSports Boxing Club,” has entered early access on PC via Steam as of this writing, with the game set to head to other platforms when it’s done, including Xbox.
While we can’t say whether the game will actually be any good once it comes out, the developers are talking a big game, promising the most authentic boxing experience to date.
The game introduces groundbreaking footwork mechanics to elevate your in-ring mobility. With features like a Loose Movement modifier, navigating around the ring becomes a fluid dance rather than a clunky chore. On top of that, you have access to a staggering repertoire of over 60 distinct punches. You can execute punches from multiple angles, use feints to lure your opponent into a trap and deliver devastating counters that would make even the pros proud.
But it’s not just the mechanics that dazzle; the game’s promised depth is equally impressive. At launch in Early Access, there are already over 50 licensed fighters, including a dedicated Women’s Division. The boxer models boast impeccable detail thanks to state-of-the-art scanning technology. They’ve even got official partnerships with real-life boxing organizations like the WBC and the British Boxing Board of Control and endorsements from renowned boxing equipment and apparel brands such as Empire Pro Tape, Rival, Cleto Reyes, and Adams.
As of this writing, there’s no official release date for Undisputed, but we’re waiting with anticipation for what promises to be a very special sports game.
Boxing Clever
While the Xbox doesn’t have the most varied range of boxing games like the PlayStation or Nintendo Switch, there’s still more than enough boxing goodness that takes things beyond merely watching boxing on TV.
Many of these games are available as part of EA Play, and if you have the right Xbox Game Pass subscription (e.g. Game Pass Ultimate) gamers can pick up these fighting games at no additional cost right now. They might not have the mainstream appeal of tentpole titles like Starfield, but they’ve got it where it counts!