At Summer Game Fest we were able to go hands-on with the upcoming Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game, and while I will admit I never got into the series all that much myself, I’m always down for a good fighting game. If you weren’t aware Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game is a 1v1 fighter, so no tag teams where you’ll be swapping or calling in help during combos. That being said, it does have a character support system that I will talk about a bit later. There will be twelve fighters at launch: Aang, Korra, Zuko, Katara, Toph, Sokka, Azula, Kyoshi, Ozai, and Zaheer. Year one DLC will include five additional characters as well.

Since Kyoshi was recently showcased, this is where my demo focus was. I was guided through by my rep who played a few rounds with me, and absolutely demolished me as I struggled to figure out the moves and combos. Yes, it id result in some button mashing. Once he showed me a bit of the ropes, he left me on my own to fight AI and practice the combos and check out more of the game.

The art style is fantastic.

The first thing I noticed was how beautiful the art is in the game. The hand-drawn visuals look crisp and clean, and really are true to the show. Character designs are accurate and even the attacks and special abilities are as close to the show as they could make them for a fighter. While there is no stage evolution during fights, the special moves, especially for Kyoshi will alter a bit. For example, during her True Chakra Attack (Ultimate Attack), she will split the earth open blasting a geyser of magma up, and then when you fall into the pit she will slam it closed. It’s a cool looking effect that fits her abilities from the show.

While there isn’t more than 1v1, you can choose up to three different support characters for each fighter. The support characters will influence their fighting style and provide special moves, which adds a bit of depth to your fighting style. For example, Aang can use Gyatso, Appa, and Momo and each will change how he plays. Gyatso improves Aang’s Air Scooter specials, letting him have greater movement control and speed, and allowing you to slow down or speed up depending on what the situation needs. Appa allows him to flow cancel any normal attack which opens up new combo routes and pressure. Momo enhances Aang’s Glider flow influencing his Glider attack speed and allowing him to cancel into attacks.

Accurate character banter adds to the faithful adaption of the show.

Kyoshi is who I mostly played since that is who they were focusing on for the demo. Her supports are Rangi, which enhances her Flow attacks. Kelsang allows her to utilize a double jump and steer her gliding move. Yun lets her steer her Avatar’s Wrath air attack as well as let her feint them. Supports won’t take over a fight, but used wisely and with a specific style, you can really get an advantage.

You’re probably wondering what is the Flow Stance I keep mentioning, and this is what sets Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game apart from other fighters. Flow Stance is used as an active defense stance and enhances the movement-centric combat. Instead of holding back to block, Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game wants you to get used to active defense. When in Flow Stance your character will automatically defend, and using directional input will utilize unique movements for that character, but it uses your Chi Gauge. You can tap it to defend against quick attacks or to do a dodge, or hold it to withstand full combos. However, being in Flow Stance will leave you open to a critical throw attack. Using the Flow stance in multiple ways, and having supports that enhance it is another way to really make your style stand out.

While I didn’t get to play it, there will be a full story mode included.

My time with Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game was enjoyable, even if I couldn’t really get too deep in it. I also wasn’t able to check out any of the story mode stuff, but there will be a full story mode included. The combat is fast than I was expecting, but it really fits the vision they had with their active defense focus. I can see this becoming really popular with the folks who love to perfect movement and combos. That being said, hopefully the post launch support is solid with plenty of content and quick patches and balances as it goes live to the public.

Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game is set to release July 23rd, 2026 for Nintendo Switch/2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam.

*All assets were provided by the publisher