Hold onto your controllers, fighting game fans, because the latest news about Dead or Alive 6: Last Round might just leave you scratching your head. While the announcement of a new installment and a separate project had fans buzzing, the details of what’s included—and more importantly, what’s not—are raising eyebrows. Let’s break it down in a way that even newcomers to the franchise can follow.
First off, Koei Tecmo recently unveiled Dead or Alive 6: Last Round alongside a mysterious new Dead or Alive project, sparking excitement among the community. But here’s where it gets controversial: the upgraded title isn’t shaping up to be the all-inclusive package fans were hoping for. According to updates on the official Dead or Alive 6 website, players can carry over DLC costumes, game progression, most save data, and unlocked in-game items like costumes, glasses, and hairstyles. Sounds good, right? But this is the part most people miss: several DLC items from DOA6, including Premium Tickets and hair color changes, won’t be compatible with Last Round. That’s right—they’re essentially useless in the new version.
And it doesn’t stop there. The product page confirms that crossplay between different systems is off the table, and the game will only be available as a digital release. But the biggest disappointment? There’s still no word on whether rollback netcode—a feature fans have been clamoring for—will be included. This omission feels like a missed opportunity, especially in a genre where smooth online play is critical.
Now, brace yourselves for the real kicker. An alleged email from Koei Tecmo support has shed more light on the situation, and it’s not pretty. According to this communication, Last Round won’t be offered as an update or discounted upgrade for existing Dead or Alive 6 owners. Instead, players will need to purchase the new version separately. Ouch. To add insult to injury, the email also confirms that SNK guest characters Mai Shiranui and Kula Diamond won’t be returning in Last Round. This is backed up by the content guide, which lists 29 characters for the standard edition of Last Round, compared to the original’s 31, which included Mai and Kula.
On a slightly brighter note, the new version will include all other DLC characters released prior to Last Round. And, like the original, a Core Fighters version will be available at launch, featuring Kasumi, Marie Rose, Honoka, and NiCO as free characters. Koei Tecmo has also promised post-launch updates with additional characters and costumes, along with new features to enhance the experience.
But here’s the burning question: Is Dead or Alive 6: Last Round worth the separate purchase, especially for loyal fans who already invested in the original? And what does the exclusion of Mai and Kula—two fan-favorite characters—say about the direction of the franchise? Is Koei Tecmo playing it safe, or are they risking alienating their fanbase? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some heated discussions.
Dead or Alive 6: Last Round is set to launch on June 25, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this release is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about—and divisive—entries in the series yet.
