[AnimeGamer]

6 Best 1v1 Esports Games 2024

The world of esports has grown rapidly over the years, and with the advent of 1v1 esports games, the competitive scene has become even more exciting. These games are all about one-on-one battles, where players can showcase their skills and outsmart their opponents in intense matches. As we move into 2024, there are some standout 1v1 esports games that are sure to capture the attention of fans and players alike. In this article, we'll take a look at the best 1v1 esports games that you should be playing or watching in 2024. From fast-paced action to strategic battles, these games offer something for everyone who loves the thrill of one-on-one competition in the esports world.


Table of Contents

1. Guilty Gear Strive
   
2. Shadowverse
   
3. Pokémon Violet (Pokémon VCG)
   
4. Yu Gi Oh Master Duel
   
5. Touhou Empires
   
6. DNF Duel
   

Guilty Gear Strive

Figure 1-1. Guilty Gear Strive

Guilty Gear Strive is the most recent entry in the fan-favorite Guilty Gear series and a finale for one of the biggest arc in the series. At its core, Guilty Gear Strive is a game that rewards skill and strategy above all else. The mechanics of the game are deep and complex, requiring players to master a range of different moves and combos in order to come out on top. But it's not just about raw power or quick reflexes - the game also requires a great deal of tactical thinking and careful planning. One of the key features that sets Guilty Gear Strive apart from other fighting games is its use of the "Roman Cancel" mechanic. This allows players to cancel out of a move mid-animation, giving them greater control over their attacks and allowing for more complex combos. It's a mechanic that requires precise timing and a deep understanding of the game's systems, but it also adds an incredible amount of depth to the gameplay.

Figure 1-2. Guilty Gear Strive Gameplay

Another standout feature of Guilty Gear Strive is its gorgeous graphics and art style. The game is absolutely stunning to look at, with vibrant colors and detailed character designs that make each fighter feel unique and memorable. This has helped the game stand out from the crowd and draw in a large number of fans who appreciate its aesthetic beauty. But perhaps the biggest reason for Guilty Gear Strive's success in the esports scene is its balance and accessibility. While the game has a high skill ceiling and rewards players who put in the time to master its mechanics, it's also designed to be accessible to newcomers. This has helped the game build a large and dedicated player base, and it's also made it a hit with tournament organizers who are always on the lookout for games that can draw in both veterans and newcomers alike. That is why it has become a mainstay in the EVO Championship lineup and also had a massive  $21,580 prize pool in 2022.

In the end, it's clear that Guilty Gear Strive's mechanics have played a major role in its success in the esports scene. But it's also a game that has captured the hearts and minds of fans thanks to its stunning graphics, accessible gameplay, and deep strategic depth. As we move into 2024 and beyond, it's safe to say that Guilty Gear Strive will continue to be a major player in the world of competitive gaming.

Figure 1-3. Guilty Gear Strive EVO

Shadowverse

Figure 2-1. Shadowverse

In the world of digital card games, Shadowverse has established itself as a true heavyweight. This 1v1 game features stunning artwork, deep gameplay mechanics, and a thriving esports scene that has captured the hearts and minds of fans around the world. At its core, Shadowverse is a game about building decks of powerful cards and using them to defeat your opponent. But what sets the game apart from other digital card games is its unique evolution mechanic. Each player starts with a set number of evolution points, which can be used to evolve certain cards and give them new abilities and increased stats. This adds a new layer of strategy to the game, as players must carefully manage their evolution points and decide when to use them for maximum impact. The game's artwork is also a major selling point. Each card features beautiful, detailed artwork that brings the world of Shadowverse to life. The characters and creatures depicted on the cards are all unique and memorable, and the game's aesthetics have helped it stand out from other digital card games on the market.

Figure 2-2. Shadowverse Gameplay

But perhaps the biggest reason for Shadowverse's success in the esports scene is its balance and depth. The game has a wide range of cards and strategies to choose from, and players must carefully craft their decks in order to compete at the highest level. This has helped the game build a dedicated player base of both casual and competitive players, and it's also made it a hit with tournament organizers who are always on the lookout for games that offer a deep and engaging competitive experience. Which is why a World Grand Prix is held each year, and last year it offered a massive cash prize of $2,293,296.

Overall, Shadowverse is a game that has it all - deep gameplay mechanics, stunning artwork, and a thriving esports scene. Whether you're a seasoned card game veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Shadowverse offers a unique and engaging experience that is sure to keep you coming back for more.

Figure 2-3. Shadowverse World Grand Prix

Pokémon Violet (Pokémon VCG)

Figure 3-1. Pokémon Violet

Pokémon Violet is one of the latest entries in the main line Pokémon games and it is by far the best the series has ever been. One of the standout features of Pokemon Violet is its custom-designed region. Unlike the traditional Pokemon games, which typically feature a linear progression through a set number of towns and cities, Pokemon Violet offers a vast open world that players can explore at their own pace. This encourages players to take their time, explore every nook and cranny of the region, and discover all of the secrets and surprises that it has to offer.

Figure 3-2. Pokémon Violet Gameplay

The game's story is also a major selling point. While many Pokemon games feature a relatively simple narrative that revolves around becoming the best trainer in the region, Pokemon Violet offers a more complex and engaging story that delves into the history and mythology of the world. Players will encounter a variety of characters with their own motivations and desires. Of course, no Pokemon game would be complete without a robust collection of creatures to catch and battle. Pokemon Violet offers a wide range of new and familiar Pokemon to collect and train, with new types, abilities, and move sets to discover. This ensures that players will always have something new to work towards, whether they're building the ultimate team of battle-ready monsters or simply collecting their favorite creatures. Teams that can then be used in the official Pokémon VCG tournament, which is an official Pokémon esports event with a massive $51,500 prize pool.

Figure 3-3. Pokémon VCG

Overall, Pokemon Violet is a game that is sure to delight fans of the series and newcomers alike. With its vast open world, engaging story, and deep roster of creatures to collect and battle, it offers a unique and exciting experience that captures the spirit of Pokemon while adding new twists and surprises along the way.

Yu Gi Oh Master Duel

Figure 4-1. Yu Gi Oh Master Duel Cover Art

Legend says to never play your cards all at once and Yu Gi Oh Master Duel lives up to it. It is a 2022 TCG by Konami and a hit successor to the critically acclaimed YGO Duel Links. As of today, the game is available to play for free on a large number of platforms: Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Android, and iOS.

To begin with, Yu Gi Oh Master Duel slams you with its gigantic collection of over 10000+ cards. Each card falls into one of the 3 types: Monster, Spell and Trap. Monster cards are your primary cards which you use to attack your opponent and defend yourself. Spell cards are your regular support cards while Trap cards are used to catch your opponent off guard.

In Yu Gi Oh Master Duel, the only limitation is your imagination. You have infinite room and space to pull off jaw-dropping strategy moves. It’s the perfect candidate for a 1v1 eSport game and that is why this TCG has regular tournaments almost every day.

Figure 4-2. YuGiOh Judeu WSC Tournament

On Master Duel Meta, you can find constant ongoing prized tournaments. Take the Judeu WSC Tournament for instance. With a decent $300 prize pool, this eSport tournament was held on August 27th 2024.

Touhou Empires

Figure 5-1. The Touhou Empires Cover Art

If patience is not your thing but you are still a fan of strategy games, then The Touhou Empires is for you. Currently in development by Neetpia, it is scheduled to be released for Windows in 2024. Since there are only a couple of months left to year-end, this RTS game is just around the corner!

Touhou Empires is just like any RTS game but with an exciting twist. In that, it features 40+ classic and popular characters from the Touhou universe, and you get to engage in battles the way YOU want!

Set in a fictional medieval universe, you get to control a vast array of different characters. From cavalry to soldiers to archers and even mages, you have it all! What’s more is that there are different factions in the game, each unique in their own right. For instance, Scarlet Devil Manor can summon powerful troops early in the match!

Figure 5-2. AEG War Strategy Championship Flyer

There is a strong emphasis on online PvP in Touhou Empires. This makes the RTS game an ideal contender for 1v1 eSport game. In fact, the game recently featured a $800 prize pool eSport tournament: AEG War Strategy Championship.

DNF Duel

Figure 6-1. DNF Duel Cover Art

We started with a fighting game and we now conclude with a fighting game. DNF Duel is a 2022 2.5D action fight video game by Arc System Works and is currently available to play on Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.

DNF Duel is where fighting knows no boundary. The game showcases a stellar cast of characters and the character roster is ever expanding periodically. Each game map is meticulously designed and every fighter has its own set of unique moves. This renders every fighter unique and suited to a different playstyle.

Since DNF Duel focused on simpler controls, it means that even if you are starting with the game the first time, you can pull off some flashy moves right off the bat! The game has successfully managed to attract a large number of players. So much so that it has practically become a 1v1 eSport game.

Figure 6-2. Frosty Faustings XVI Tournament Details

Frosty Faustings XVI: DNF Duel is merely one such example from a seemingly endless list of tournaments for this game. It featured a $550 prize pool back in January 2024.

[AnimeGamer]

Updated as of 2024 Oct 13

[Wojtec476]

Hi, for 1v1 games, I recommend **Guilty Gear Strive**. The mechanics are really deep, and the Roman Cancel gives huge tactical options during fights. It requires some practice, but mastering it feels incredibly rewarding.

For those looking for something simpler, try **Shadowverse** – a strategic card game, a bit easier to get into

[Jotaku]

Hi, for 1v1 games, I recommend **Guilty Gear Strive**. The mechanics are really deep, and the Roman Cancel gives huge tactical options during fights. It requires some practice, but mastering it feels incredibly rewarding.

For those looking for something simpler, try **Shadowverse** – a strategic card game, a bit easier to get into

Personally I sometimes play Master Duel xD
GGS yeah is highly fun 1v1 fighting game that I haven't seen anything better in anime fighting genre.