It has been nearly seven years since the last mainline entry in the Dead or Alive series, making the franchise long overdue for a comeback. During today’s State of Play broadcast, Team Ninja confirmed that a revival is officially underway. The studio announced Dead or Alive 6 Last Round, an enhanced remaster for the PlayStation 5, and offered a tantalizing glimpse at the next generation of the series.
Positioned as the “definitive version” of the sixth installment, Last Round brings the fast-paced fighter to current-gen hardware with significant upgrades. Beyond the technical leap to PS5, this edition integrates several DLC characters directly into the base roster and promises a roadmap of future updates featuring new costumes and additional fighters. For those who want to sample the action before committing, a free-to-play version will launch alongside the full game on June 25.
The excitement didn’t end with a remaster. Series producer Yosuke Hayashi concluded the segment by revealing that a brand-new Dead or Alive title is currently in active development. While it hasn’t been officially dubbed Dead or Alive 7 yet—it is currently referred to simply as the “Dead or Alive New Project”—the timing is significant. The teaser highlighted that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the franchise, suggesting this upcoming sequel will serve as the centerpiece for the studio’s milestone celebration.
As Team Ninja prepares for a busy few years, fighting game enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to. Between the refined combat of Last Round and the mystery of the next major sequel, the stage is set for a massive resurgence of one of gaming’s most iconic martial arts series.
