Ethan Crossfield 
If you’ve been waiting for a new DC fighting game since the long silence around Injustice 3, you finally have something official to track. DCKO—an officially licensed DC fighter from Drop Fake—is set for a 2027 release on iOS and Android, with 2-on-2 tag combat and real-time PvP as its headline features.
What’s changed: DC gets a brand-new fighter in 2027
DC’s long-running fighting-game presence has been defined by NetherRealm’s Injustice series, which built a following through story-focused presentation, large rosters, and satisfying combat. But nearly a decade after Injustice 2, fans have repeatedly asked the same question: where is Injustice 3? NetherRealm’s attention shifted toward Mortal Kombat instead, leaving DC fans to speculate for years with no official third Injustice title.
That uncertainty ends with today’s confirmation: DC is returning to its “bread-and-butter” fighting game space with DCKO. Rather than being another console-style entry in the Injustice mold, DCKO is positioned as a mobile fighter with a different structure—tag-based 2v2 battles, ongoing character progression, and a PvE mode built around missions and upgrades.
Who’s affected: Injustice fans and mobile players both have new targets
DCKO is aimed at two groups at once: longtime DC fighting-game followers who want more superhero brawling, and mobile players looking for a real-time PvP experience that goes beyond casual match formats.
The game’s core combat revolves around fast-paced 2-on-2 tag battles featuring DC heroes and villains. The confirmed roster includes Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Robin, Constantine, Nightwing, and more. Importantly for competitive-minded players, DCKO includes real-time PvP multiplayer—described as a first for a DC mobile fighting game.
For players who prefer progression before queueing up against others, DCKO also offers single-player PvE content with missions and character development. Completing PvE challenges earns currency and experience that can be used to strengthen characters ahead of online matches.
What comes next: PvE threats, live PvP, and a long-term progression loop
DCKO’s PvE mode is built around recognizable threats from DC lore. The source confirms battles against the League of Assassins associated with Ra’s al Ghul, Amazo’s robotic forces, and Trigon’s demonic power. Those runs are meant to feed into the game’s upgrade system.
Character advancement is a key part of how DCKO is expected to keep players engaged. The game includes upgrades through new abilities, stat boosts, and team customization—so your squad choices matter over time. The tag emphasis also encourages strategic pairing: for example, pairing a heavy hitter like Superman with a faster, combo-focused character can support different play styles.
Visually, DCKO is described as featuring a Neo-Comic look inspired by DC comic books, with iconic arenas such as the Batcave, Themyscira, and the Lazarus Pits. It also includes unlockable costumes drawn from DC’s comic history.
Finally, the rollout appears to be in motion: pre-registration is already live ahead of an upcoming beta, with a full launch planned for 2027.
Why it matters (What players should know)
- DCKO is an officially licensed DC fighting game coming to iOS and Android in 2027.
- Combat is built around 2-on-2 tag battles, with confirmed characters including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Robin, Constantine, and Nightwing.
- Real-time PvP multiplayer is included, described as the first of its kind for a DC mobile fighting game.
- Single-player PvE missions reward currency and experience to strengthen characters before online play.
- Teams can be customized through upgrades like new abilities and stat boosts, not just cosmetic changes.
Expert View
DCKO won’t replace the specific expectations many fans have for Injustice 3, especially given how long that franchise question has lingered. But as a new, officially confirmed DC fighter for mobile, it addresses the biggest gap: a serious progression loop plus real-time PvP. If the beta and launch deliver on the tag-team identity and long-term upgrades described here, DCKO has a clear chance to become the DC fighting-game alternative players can actually play—starting in 2027.
