Guide: The Best Pinball FX2 Tables Money Can Buy

Are you interested in buying Pinball FX2 but aren’t sure which tables to download first? Well, considering some of us at pX are massive pinball junkies, we’ve compiled a little guide of sorts to help you get started. These are the tables that we find the most enjoyable to play, and ones we believe would be great jumping-off points for those new to digital pinball.

Spider-Man (part of Marvel Pinball Pack)

The Spider-Man table seems to have a lot going on when first swinging in – almost too much. But, after getting webbed into a few matches, it quickly becomes apparent how this one should be played. Performing certain actions listed on the board will trigger battles against some of Spidey’s greatest foes – like Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, and Mysterio – and winning will lead to big points. It’s a high-scoring table with great fan service and plenty to explore.

Captain America (standalone Marvel table)

Keeping the proceedings fairly streamlined, Captain America is about participating in missions to work toward high scores, instead of overwhelming players with ramps and hard-to-get-to areas. Successfully completing these missions will result in major pointage, and it’s easy to go from low score to high score in a matter of minutes. There’s even a fun mini-game where Cap must be turned left and right with the triggers to block incoming projectiles with his mighty shield.

Plants vs. Zombies (standalone table)

Plants VS Zombies is a table with winding ramps and pathways, and therefore it’s one that allows you to keep the ball in play for quite a while. It’s quick-moving and fun, and there’s no shortage of interactive elements; which, let’s be honest, is part of what makes some of the best tables so entertaining. Our love for this table continues to grow with each play session, and it’s easily one of the highest recommendations of the Pinball FX2 lot.

Paranormal (standalone table)

For all the Coast to Coast AM fans out there, Paranormal is the table for you. As an investigator of all things bizarre, you’ll snap photographs of the Loch Ness Monster, eyeball the legendary Chupacabra, bounce around in a haunted house, and even chase a giant crocodile through sewers. It’s a table with a lot of personality, and one we’re not afraid to pronounce our love for.

Starfighter Assault (part of Star Wars: Balance of the Force)

There are many Star Wars tables to choose from, but we think Starfighter Assault is easily one of the best. Thematically, it might not be as diverse as some of the others, but it’s a satisfying design that’s very accessible. And, if you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll be smitten with the sights and sounds of X-Wings and TIE Fighters shooting it out during play.

Infinity Gauntlet (part of Marvel Pinball: Avengers Chronicles)

Infinity Gauntlet is a great table for those excited to see where the Marvel movie franchise is headed. This is one of the tables that perfectly balances accessibility and skill-based play to make for truly out-of-this-world pinball action. Just wait until the cosmic forces that be invert your view of the playfield. It may be effortless to lose a couple balls in these situations, which can be a bummer, but at least Thanos will be there to enjoy witnessing your downfall.

The Walking Dead (standalone table)

The latest entry in the Pinball FX2 catalog is easily one of the best. Based on Telltale's The Walking Dead: Season One, this table meticulously recreates the look, atmosphere, and plot beats of its source material. It's an ideal purchase for anyone looking for a table with the kind of complexities that force players to better their game. But don't worry, it's still pinball — which means skill or no skills, there's still a flippin' good time to be had. Just be prepared to relive the same gut-wrenching decisions you had to make in Season One.

Epic Quest (standalone table)

When it comes to appearances, Epic Quest shares many similarities to Plants vs. Zombies. It's a table that's largely colored in yellows and greens, with cartoon-y personalities and silly dialog. When it comes to gameplay, however, it has a very different feel. It's a symmetrically designed table, with an open middle area and ramps pushed toward the back of the field. That means, it's a lot easier to track the ball as it comes barreling toward the flippers and the drain. If you want an energetic and accessible table, this medieval mockery is a good place to start.

Other staff-favorite Pinball FX2 tables:

Guardians of the Galaxy, World War Hulk, Darth Vader, Thor, Rome

Pinball FX2 is available for Xbox One and Xbox 360. To get started, you’ll need to download the game free of charge from either marketplace, boot it up, and from there you’ll be able to purchase the individual tables that you’re attracted to. The tables that come in a pack generally run around $9.99 and the standalone tables fetch an asking price of either $2.49 or $2.99. There are plenty of other wonderful FX2 tables that didn't make our list, so feel free to inquire away in the comments, and we'll do our best to help provide any opinions that might be needed.

Let us know which of these Pinball FX2 tables appeal to you the most and if you’re planning to get paddling anytime soon. If you’re already a fan of this fantastic series of tables, share your recommendations with other users in the comments below.