8 Best 1v1 PvP Games 2025

**AnimeGamer** · (This post was last modified: 01-23-2024, 03:01 AM by AnimeGamer.)

Fighting with AI is no fun. They are programmed, and their attacks are predictable. The real fun resides in battling online with human counterparts who can go from zero to hero and from predictable to unpredictable anytime. The thrill of constant mind games and ever-changing battle tactics ensures that combats with online players never get old. So if you are a seeker of thrills, check out this list of the eight best 1V1 PvP games in 2025 where you can break hell loose on your fellow humans!

Table of Contents

The Alchemist Code (1v1 SRPG)
Guilty Gear Strive (1v1 Fighting)
Shadowverse CCG (1v1 Card Battle)
Pokémon Scarlet (1v1 RPG)
OSU! (1v1 Rhythm)
The Touhou Empires (1v1 RTS)
Trianga's Project: Battle Splash 2.0 (1v1 FPS)
Onmyoji Arena (1v1 MOBA)

The Alchemist Code (1v1 SRPG)

Figure 1-1. The Alchemist Code

Platforms: Android, iOS

Developed by Gumi in 2017, The Alchemist Code is a top-notch visually aesthetic turn-based tactical RPG video game. It is available to download for free on both the Android PlayStore and iOS AppStore. Apart from its captivating main storyline, The Alchemist Code also supports PvP matches. In the game, you can fight against your fellow players in a stunning clash of turn-based tactical battles! The Alchemist Code employs a grid-based combat movement system. The game makes this further strategic by taking into account the map’s terrain. While battling against other players, areas having different heights and planes significantly influence fighting outcomes. Even the direction from which a character receives damage is crucial. For example, your character will take more damage than usual if hit from the back.

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Figure 1-2. The Alchemist Code Gameplay

The Alchemist Code allows you to form a party of 4 different players in its co-op mode. The game offers a rich collection of 50+ unique characters, all possessing various sets of attributes. Moreover, the RPG video game also offers a next-level character development feature. Trying out different combinations of Elements, Jobs, and Abilities can help you form your very own customized team! In PvP matches, The Alchemist Code is one of the best 1v1 PvP games out there, where you can deploy some of the most cunning battle strategies in the game’s PvP League, providing ranked matches and VS friends.

Guilty Gear Strive (1v1 Fighting)

Figure 2-1. Guilty Gear Strive

Platforms: Arcade, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S & One, Microsoft Windows

Arc System Works redefined its popular Guilty Gear Series with its latest installment, Guilty Gear Strive. It is a 2021 fighting game available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Arcades. In addition to its majestic storyline, Guilty Gear Strive also supports 1V1 PvP matches online. If you are looking for over-the-top action fighting game that delivers jaw-dropping cinematic visuals, Guilty Gear Strive is for you then!

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Figure 2-2. Guilty Gear Stive Gameplay

Although it has removed its infamous Instant Kill feature, it has been replaced by an equally charming “Wall Break” element. Keeping beating the hell out of your opponents while they are at the end of the screen results in a stunning cinematic transition that takes you both to another combat ground. Apart from this, Psyche Break, Roman Cancel, and Overdrives elements add strategic depth to traditional Guilty Gear fighting mechanics. The fighting PvP game incorporates a compelling, strong roster of 20 legendary characters with an additional 5 in the season 2 Pass. Among the characters, Giovanna, Nagoriyuki, Happy Chaos, and Goldlewis Dickinson are new to the game.

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Figure 2-3. Guilty Gear Strive EVO Banner

Guilty Gear Strive has managed to create a healthy esports community in a short time, and while much of this support is from the previous entries, it is safe to say that due to the increase in coverage, it has become the first game in the series to enter the mainstream. This has also led it to be featured in one of the most significant esports events ever EVO championship, where in 2022, it was played for the first time with a prize pool of $21,580.

Shadowverse CCG (1v1 Card Battle)

Figure 3-1. Shadowverse CCG

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac

Shadowverse is a love letter from Cygames to their fans. Shadowverse is a card duel game that appeals most to those not fans of first-person shooters or traditional fighting games. This state-of-the-art game is available for free to download on both the Android PlayStore and iOS AppStore. The card duel in Shadowverse employs turn-based combat mechanics and supports PvP matches online. Cygames has done its best to make Shadowverse the most epic digital collectible card game.

At your disposal, hundreds and hundreds of cards await your attention. Each of the cards belongs to one of the eight unique classes in Shadowverse, which further have their own set of special cards. The eight classes are Swordcraft, Forestcraft, Runecraft, Dragoncraft, Shadowcraft, Bloodcraft, Havencraft, and Portalcraft. Standard in all cards is the following sub-types: Followers, Spells, and Amulets. You will often use Follower cards in dealing damage to online players in the game. Spells are one-time cards and are used to grant effects in card duels. Amulets, on the other hand, provide assistive attributes.

Figure 3-2. Shadowverse Gameplay

Shadowverse is also one of the few card battlers with an active esports community and is also listed among the games with the largest tournament prize pools. This is due to the versatility of the cards and the way Cygames promotes player experimentation. It also leads to some of the most exciting moments in tournaments, such as the World Grand Prix, and the $2,293,296 prize pool is sure to provide ample motivation.

Figure 3-3. Shadowverse World Grand Prix

It is never too late to join the universe of Shadowverse. Cygames adds new expansion cards after every three months to the game. With an ever-incoming barrage of new cards, can you be the first to pull some of the most iconic moves in epic card duels?

Pokémon Scarlet (1v1 RPG)

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Figure 4-1. Pokémon Scarlet

Platforms: Nintendo Switch

Pokémon Scarlet is a highly anticipated addition to the Pokémon franchise. This new game promises to bring back the classic Pokémon feel with a few new twists and turns. With its unique storyline, new Pokémon species, and improved graphics, Pokémon Scarlet is set to become one of the biggest hits in the Pokémon world. One of the most exciting aspects of Pokémon Scarlet is its new and improved storyline. The game will take players on a journey through the Scarlet Region, where they will encounter new and familiar Pokémon species and battle with other trainers. With its fresh and engaging storyline, Pokémon Scarlet is set to captivate players of all ages.

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Figure 4-2. Pokémon Scarlet Gameplay

Another exciting feature of Pokémon Scarlet is the introduction of new Pokémon species. The game will feature a variety of new Pokémon, each with unique abilities and characteristics. This will add excitement to the game as players discover and capture new Pokémon on their journey through the Scarlet Region. In addition to its new and improved storyline and Pokémon species, Pokémon Scarlet will also feature enhanced graphics. The game's graphics will be even more realistic and immersive, providing players with an even more exciting and engaging gaming experience.

The Pokémon franchise has always been at the forefront of the gaming world, and Pokémon Scarlet is set to continue this legacy. With its unique storyline, new Pokémon species, and improved graphics, Pokémon Scarlet is poised to be a huge success and a must-play for all Pokémon fans. But Pokémon Scarlet isn't just a great game; it's also an excellent opportunity for esports players. The Pokémon Company has announced plans to host a significant Pokémon Scarlet VCG tournament, where players worldwide compete for a cash prize of $51,500 and bragging rights. This tournament will surely be a major gaming event, providing a platform for the best Pokémon players to showcase their skills.

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Figure 4-3. Pokémon VCG

OSU! (1v1 Rhythm)

Figure 5-1. OSU!

Platforms: Android, Microsoft Windows, Linux, iOS, Classic Mac OS, Windows Phone

OSU! is a rhythm game that has taken the gaming world by storm. With its simple but addictive gameplay, OSU! has quickly become one of the most popular games among gamers of all ages. The game is based on tapping, sliding, and spinning circles to the beat of the music and keeps players entertained for hours. One of the things that set OSU! Apart from other rhythm games is its vast and constantly growing music library. The game features various music genres, from classic rock and pop to electronic and hip-hop. With its enormous music library, OSU! We will indeed have something for everyone.

Figure 5-2. OSU! Gameplay

Another thing that sets OSU! Apart from other rhythm games is its community. The OSU! community is incredibly active and friendly, with players from all over the world sharing their best scores and tips. This community aspect of the game adds a new level of excitement and competition as players strive to beat each other's scores and become the best OSU! But OSU! isn't just a great game; it's also an excellent opportunity for esports players.

The OSU! community has been hosting various esports tournaments, where players worldwide can compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. These tournaments have been incredibly popular and helped establish OSU! as a major player in the gaming world. Such as the OSU! World Cup, which had a massive prize pool of $6,085.

Figure 5-3. OSU! World CUP

The Touhou Empires (1v1 RTS)

Figure 6-1. The Touhou Empires

Platforms: Microsoft Windows.

To say the times have changed since the early 90s would be an understatement, as with the internet and mobile phones society has evolved to a new level. But despite this evolution, it seems we are still shackled by nostalgia as some genres refuse to die. One such genre is the RTS genre which continues to fight long after its golden age, such as with the latest release The Touhou Empires. A game that does not hide its inspiration from the classics of old such as the Korean sensation StarCraft, the magnificent Age of Empires, and the true classic of the 90s Warcraft 3. The developers are also focused on adapting the insane and wacky premise of the Touhou franchise to fit the tactical nature of the RTS genre. Battle mechanics won't be the only thing the developers plan on being inspired by as they have expressed their intent to make the game have a well-optimized and balanced 1v1 game mode. So that the older players can relive their childhood memories of having all their villagers stolen by a single monk.

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Figure 6-2. The Touhou Empires Gameplay

The reason why RTS is a genre that inevitably focuses on 1v1 lies in the history of video games. During the most popular period in RTS history, in the 1990s and 2000s, almost all RTS game tournaments that offered prize money were a form of 1v1 tournament such as WCG 2003 (World Cyber Games), StarCraft II World Championship Series, and so on. Of course, The Touhou Empires will also focus on such 1v1 factor and is the newest RTS game of all games in this genre by Jan 2024. So, what are you waiting for to pre-order the game now on Steam?

For The Touhou Empires, You can visit the AEG Esports Tournaments to find out an esports tournament opportunity with a cash prize, or join the Discord to connect with multiplayer friends.

Trianga's Project: Battle Splash 2.0 (1v1 FPS)

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Figure 7-1. Trianga's Project: Battle Splash 2.0

Platforms: Microsoft Windows, and Linux.

Next, we have one of the most unique games on the list, and Steam, as its premise in the FPS genre is something that has never been done before. It is none other than Trianga's Project: Battle Splash 2.0. A game that poses the question of what would happen if beautiful girls were given water weapons to fight. Well, a friendly reminder from its developer is that this game was initially created so that audiences can enjoy shooting games without worry about violence, and that is why the game utilizes Water Gun instead of real gun.

And well the results turned out to be far more favorable than imagined. Speaking of the game being a FPS, the variety of weapons in the game is truly astonishing as the game also allows you to alter weapons to optimize them to their playstyle. Alongside all this, the game features some fantastic art styles and a highly stylized aesthetic that permeates the whole vibe of the game. But all of these are side-dressing as the main drawing point of the game is the multiple modes the player can play. After playing the game I can assure you all the modes hold up decently but the shining star amongst them is the 1v1 mode (basically you limit the room to 2 people and set each match to last 5 minutes with the auto-respawn option) which is the most polished and fleshed out game mode by a long shot.

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Figure 7-2. Trianga's Project: Battle Splash 2.0 Gameplay

Anyone who played FPS games in the late 1990s probably remembers playing the famous game titled “Quake 3 Arena”. It was a 1v1-focused FPS game that was so popular that so many 1v1 tournaments were held during its heyday. And here is the point, Trianga's Project: Battle Splash 2.0 uses a variety of techniques seen in Quake 3 Arena, such as launching a rocket launcher into the ground near your legs and flying using elasticity, so it has a great sense of speed, making it great for 1v1 FPS game. So, what are you waiting for? get the game now on Steam and Linux.

Onmyoji Arena (1v1 MOBA)

Figure 8-1. Onmyoji Arena

Platforms: Android, and iOS.

Last on the list we have what is arguably the best MOBA on Android and Apple devices right now. It is none other than Onmyoji Arena, which is based on the popular mobile game Onmyoji, and unlike other MOBAs on the platform, it refuses to dumb down the mechanics of the game. It also lacks any sort of rune system, meaning that it is not just some random League of Legends clone either. Alongside that, the game also features level design and map complexity one would expect from a PC MOBA game. But despite all these praises the main attraction of the game is the multitude of different game modes and levels it offers. Speaking of said game modes, one of the most popular gamemodes as of late is the Duel Grounds (1v1 arena). A place where players of different skills can face off against each other in glorious combat and decide who is the best player. While the default setting of the mode requires teams, with just a few changes in settings players can easily change it into a 1v1. So, what are you waiting for the world of competitive MOBA is at your fingertips.