- Free Version: The free-to-play edition of the game is called Core Fighters.
- Roster Differences: The standard free roster varies significantly between the original 2019 game and the 2026 Last Round edition.
- Unlocking Method: Additional characters require purchasing individual Character Unlock Keys or upgrading to the full game.
- Quest Mode Benefits: DOA Quest allows players to test locked characters for free while earning in-game rewards.
- Guest Characters: SNK guest characters Mai Shiranui and Kula Diamond are always handled as separate paid DLC.
Dead or Alive 6 Free Characters: Core Fighters Roster
To experience the fast-paced 3D combat of Team NINJA's premier fighting game without spending any money, players can download the free-to-play version. Knowing which dead or alive 6 free characters are available is crucial before downloading, as the roster differs significantly depending on whether you play the original release or the newly launched Dead or Alive 6 Last Round edition.
Video Highlights:
- Core Fighters introduction: Showcases the high-speed action and mechanics of the free-to-play edition.
- Free roster preview: Highlights the starting fighters and their unique martial arts styles.
- Triangle System demonstration: Explains how strikes, throws, and holds interact in real matches.
The free-to-play edition, known as Core Fighters, provides an excellent entry point. However, KOEI TECMO has structured the free roster differently across game versions. If you are playing the original 2019 version of Dead or Alive 6, your starting characters are different from those in the 2026 Dead or Alive 6 Last Round edition.
| Version | Starting Roster | Playable Modes | Save Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Core Fighters | Kasumi, Hitomi, Diego, Bass | Online, Training, Quest | Yes, to Last Round |
| Last Round Core Fighters | Kasumi, Marie Rose, Honoka, NiCO | Online, Training, Quest, Photo | N/A (Current Version) |
Do not confuse the original Core Fighters roster with the Last Round Core Fighters roster. Downloading the 2026 Last Round free version grants access to Kasumi, Marie Rose, Honoka, and NiCO, whereas the older version featured Hitomi, Diego, and Bass instead.
Unlocking and Purchasing Additional Fighters
While the free version provides a solid foundation, you will eventually want to expand your roster. Unlocking characters in the free-to-play version requires purchasing individual Character Unlock Keys or upgrading to the full game.
Evaluate Your Playstyle
Play with the default free characters in Free Training and Tutorial modes to understand their mechanics before spending money on individual licenses.
Purchase Individual Character Keys
If you only want one or two specific fighters, buy their individual Character Unlock Keys directly from the Steam, PlayStation, or Xbox store.
Consider Roster Bundles
For players wanting multiple fighters, KOEI TECMO offers character sets, such as the 20-character or female-fighter bundles, which are more cost-effective than buying keys individually.
Upgrade to the Full Edition
Upgrading to the full paid edition of Dead or Alive 6 Last Round is the most efficient route, immediately unlocking the 29-character standard roster and Story Mode.
Purchasing individual licenses is ideal for specialists who only plan to play one character. However, if you want to experience the full competitive landscape, upgrading to the full edition is highly recommended.
| Unlock Option | Content Included | Best For | Platform Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual License | 1 Character Unlock Key | Single-character specialists | Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X|S |
| Female Fighters Set | 11 Female Character Keys | Players focusing on female roster | Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X|S |
| Male Fighters Set | 9 Male Character Keys | Players focusing on male roster | Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X|S |
| Last Round Standard | 29 Characters + Story Key | Players wanting the complete experience | Steam, PS5, Xbox Series X|S |
Mai Shiranui and Kula Diamond are guest characters from King of Fighters and are not included in any standard roster bundles. They must always be purchased as separate guest character unlocks.
Core Fighters vs Paid Edition Comparison
To help you decide whether to stick with the free version or upgrade to the full game, it is important to compare what is included in each package.
Last Round Core Fighters
- 4 Free Characters (Kasumi, Marie Rose, Honoka, NiCO)
- Full online Ranked and Lobby matches
- Free Training and Tutorial modes
Last Round Paid Edition
- 29 Characters unlocked immediately
- Complete Story Mode included
- All base DOA Quest missions and rewards
KOF Guest Add-ons
- Mai Shiranui and Kula Diamond
- Requires separate purchases
- Not included in Standard or Deluxe editions
The free version does not restrict your access to online play or training tools, meaning you can fully participate in the competitive community using only the free roster.
| Feature | Core Fighters (Free) | Last Round Paid Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Characters | 4 Characters | 29 Characters |
| Story Mode | Introductory Access Only | Full Access Included |
| DOA Quest | Fully Playable | Fully Playable |
| Training Modes | Fully Playable | Fully Playable |
| Online Multiplayer | Ranked & Lobby Matches | Ranked & Lobby Matches |
| Photo Mode | Fully Playable | Fully Playable |
| DLC Costumes | Separate Purchase | Separate Purchase / Carry-over |
If you previously purchased DLC costumes on the original Dead or Alive 6, they can carry over to Last Round on the same platform account. However, you must own the corresponding character license to use them.
DOA Quest and Progression Checklist
One of the best features of Core Fighters is that certain game modes allow you to play as locked characters for free. This is perfect for testing out the roster and earning rewards before committing to a purchase.
Recommended Free Progression Goals:
- Complete the basic Tutorial to master the strike-throw-hold triangle system
- Play DOA Quest missions to earn Owner Points and unlock costumes
- Use locked characters in Tutorial and Command Training to test their movesets
- Spend earned Owner Points in DOA Central to unlock hairstyles and music tracks
- Participate in online Lobby Matches to practice against real opponents
By completing DOA Quest missions, you can earn Costume Patterns and Owner Points. These points can be spent in DOA Central to customize your unlocked characters.
| Reward Type | How to Earn | Usage | Core Fighters Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costume Patterns | Complete DOA Quest missions | Unlocks specific costumes in Wardrobe | Fully Available |
| Owner Points | Clear quests and online matches | Currency to purchase unlocked items | Fully Available |
| Player Titles | Complete character-specific challenges | Customization for online profile | Fully Available |
| BGM Tracks | Level up Player Account | Customizes background music | Fully Available |
Take advantage of the Tutorial and DOA Quest modes. These modes allow you to control locked characters without purchasing their licenses, making it the perfect way to try before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Review these common questions regarding the free-to-play version of the game and its roster limits.
Q: Who are the dead or alive 6 free characters in the current version?
In the current Dead or Alive 6 Last Round Core Fighters edition, the free playable characters are Kasumi, Marie Rose, Honoka, and NiCO. The original 2019 Core Fighters version featured Kasumi, Hitomi, Diego, and Bass.
Q: Can I play online multiplayer using only the free characters?
Yes, online Ranked Matches and Lobby Matches are fully functional in the free Core Fighters version. You can compete against all players, including those using paid characters.
Q: Do my purchased characters transfer from the original game to Last Round?
Yes, most purchased characters and costumes carry over to Dead or Alive 6 Last Round, provided you are using the same platform account. Note that guest characters like Mai Shiranui and Kula Diamond require separate licenses.
Q: Is there crossplay between the free and paid versions?
Yes, players using the free Core Fighters version can play online matches against players who own the full paid edition. However, there is no crossplay between different platforms or between the original game and Last Round.
Join the official Koei Tecmo Discord community to find match partners, discuss character strategies, and stay updated on the latest game announcements.